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Winter riding isn't for fair weather cyclists, and those who do brave the challenging mix of rain, wind, and cold temperatures brought on by the winter months know that to actually get out the door, they need a jacket that functions well and fits the right way. Castelli agrees, and it's brought back the Women's Elemento 2 7xAIR Jacket to serve that purpose: offering the adaptable construction of the Alpha jacket combined with the lightweight, incredibly versatile 7xAIR fabric, the Elemento will block out winter's worst while feeling more like a lightweight knit than a full water and windproof winter jacket. As we mentioned, Castelli starts with its 7xAIR fabric when constructing the Elemento, which is what sets the jacket apart from other offerings. The quilted fabric is able to block out wind and water while remaining permeable to air, unlike the Windstopper fabrics Castelli uses in other jackets which helps it transfer moisture faster and facilitate ventilation. While the outside of the fabric resembles a cable knit sweater, the inner layer is a soft, insulating microfleece, and WindShear panels on the arms and shoulders add protection to the areas of your body that are most vulnerable to wind. Like the Alpha jacket, Castelli's lighter winter option, the front of the Elemento features a zipper closure that allows you to separate the windproof outer layer from the thermal inner layer. Take advantage of this feature on a long, tough climb to stay cool and dry without exposing your skin to icy air, and when you reach the top, zip back up for a warm and dry on the descent. In typical Castelli fashion, the jacket includes a few extra finishing touches to further enhance ride quality, like an articulated fleece collar that stays in place as you ride, and raw edge wrist cuffs that easily fit under gloves and block out the cold. Three rear pockets as well as a zippered security pocket allow you to carry a range of essentials out on your rides, and reflective t...
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