• Specification

• Price: £74.99
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Size tested: M
• Website: Evans Cycles

We’ve seen windproof jerseys crop up from almost every clothing brand since the Castelli Gabba first made waves, but the Transition is lighter than most – it’s not a softshell. It’s certainly lighter than the Gabba, but also more svelte than the Castelli Perfetto launched last year (as a lightweight version of the Gabba).

Still, the windproof front does an excellent job at keeping the breeze at bay, while the water resistant treatment is effective at providing some protection against road spray and light rain or short showers. Needless to say, it’s no substitute for a waterproof jacket (the polyester fabric doesn’t have any kind of water resistance, for starters), but it’s capable of providing some protection in those uncertain conditions when there could be a little rain on the horizon. It also means you don’t have to reach for a rain jacket quite so quickly.

Attention to detail is excellent, too. There are six pockets in total, with the usual arrangement of three rear pockets, as well as a well-sized, central zipped pocket. On top of that you’ll find two more hip pockets, one on either side of the jersey. These are ideal for carrying small things like keys or, more handily, energy gels or bars, because they’re really easy to access. This isn’t the first jersey we’ve seen side pockets on, but it’s a smart move nonetheless.

Otherwise, there’s a generous amount of reflectivity on the rear, with a large Kalf logo and detailing around the zipped pocket. We’d like some on the front as well, though. Meanwhile, the rear of the jersey has a large and sticky gripper that holds the jersey in place well. The sleeves are slim and so don’t need any kind of gripper. As for style, that’s subjective, but we think the ‘merlot’ and black combination is very smart, though it’d be nice to see a couple more options.

And the price? £74.99. Compared to more established brands on the market, and given the performance and fit of the piece, that’s a steal.

Conclusion

The Kalf Flux Transition jersey is a rare piece of kit indeed. As a windproof jersey, it’s naturally a more niche product than a typical short-sleeve jersey, but it’s a piece that will find a lot of fans among UK riders in spring and autumn. Throw in the smart styling, excellent fit and attention to detail, and this is a top piece of kit from the new brand. Very impressive.

Pros

• Lightweight windproof protection ideal for spring and autumn
• Maintains fairly good breathability
• Excellent race-cut fit
• Six pockets provide plenty of storage
• Stylish design and high attention to detail

Cons

• More reflectivity on the front would be welcome
• Riders wanting a more relaxed fit may need to size up