Another Castelli :o

[VeloVT]

Greg, hope you check back in and see this...
I actually love Castelli. That's why I was so sad about this season's lineup, which is not my taste at all (and I know, there are lots of other sensibilities out there besides mine ). But I find Castelli fits me better than just about anything, and the fabrics are great too. And a few very comfortable models of chamois. It's pretty good up and down the line actually, and I think you are priced competitively (though if you wanted to drop the prices I wouldn't argue).

--I'm not crazy about using the Sofflex fabric for shorts (a few of the less expensive 2007 models did). It's fine for jerseys (although I actually like the fabric in the cheaper 2007 jerseys, like the Partenza, better (is it called Prosecco?)-- I think it's lighter and wicks better), but the Sofflex is not compressive enough for shorts. The Lycra29 fabric is much better.

--I have a few pairs of the 2007 Vizio short and, although I have big quads (objectively, it's a problem when I try to buy suiting), the non-elastic grippers are really big -- and this is not a problem I've ever had with any other short (often I have the opposite problem ). Overall it's a very comfortable design though.

--The 08 women's line is fussy! That 's what I don't like about it. It doesn't look like cycling clothing, it looks like technical lifestyle clothing. It doesn't look fast. From the men's line, I'd wear the Vuelta jersey, the Superleggera jersey, the Partenza jersey (I like the men's version a bit better than the women's actually -- though I have the 2007 women's Partenza jersey in three colors), even the Stanley jersey (fun & retro). Most of the others are fine too, I just don't like them quite as much. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I secretly covet the Logo jersey with the giant scorpion (normally I DO NOT LIKE logos on anything). It's graphically strong though, that's my excuse (I was half attracted to the women's tribal jersey last season). Sadly I think a men's small may be too big for me? Haven't tried it but the women's small (2007) fits me perfectly.

--Last year, I really liked the Curl jersey (have in more than one color) and the Carezza jersey. I really liked the Preziosa jersey this winter and the Momento jersey (have both -- ordered the grey Preziosa late in the season and it's gorgeous & beautifully cut, I wanted the red/white but by the time I got around to ordering it was out everywhere) but I thought the Diamante jersey was ugly, fussy. I also have a winter jersey from a few years ago that is very pretty on, I think it's called "Calipso".

--For what it's worth, while I **probably** would not have worn the Cuore kit myself, I didn't hate it . Now, the 2007 outfit with a handprint over the breast and rear... that's another story !

Anyway, I will continue to look forward to new styles from Castelli... as I said, the fabrics and the cut just work really well for me. But I wish this season looked faster and less fussy...