By Brandon Bilyeu
Tabula
Rasa Jersey: 
Tabula Rasa Bibshort: 
Cost:
Tabula Rasa Jersey FZ: $100
Tabula Rasa Bibshort: $130
How obtained: review sample from company
Available: online, retail, Castelli website
Colors:
Tabula Rasa Jersey FZ: Dark Gray/Yellow, Blue/Orange
Tabula Rasa Bibshort: Dark Gray/Yellow, Blue/Orange
Website:
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 20+ hours
Sizing: All kit available in S – XXXL
Reviewer Measurements and Fit Comments: 5’10” (178cm), 150 lbs (68 kgs), 33″ (84cm) waist, 38” (96.5cm) hips, 33″ (84cm) inseam, 37″ (94cm) chest. I choose size large for all pieces, please see below for specific fit comments.
Tabula Rasa – Optimized for Art
Jersey
Hot!
- Ability to customize graphics in Castelli Servizio Course (different pricing and minimum order quantity of course)
- Fun and eye-catching designs available off-the-shelf
- Long sleeves reach down to elbows, fit snug to arms
- Good fit and breathability
- Female version available
Not!
- Drop Tail design may not appeal to everyone
The Tabula Rasa Jersey and Bibshort combo stands out as the least conservative styling in Castelli’s lineup. This is not by accident as the pieces have been optimized for custom graphics. Reduced seams via a simplified cut make for an obstruction free canvas for the best graphics results in Castelli’s Servizio Corse custom clothing program. But if you don’t want to go custom you still get to pick from two eye-catching off-the-shelf designs.
The Tabula Rasa Jersey is constructed from a medium weight micromesh fabric that I found very breathable on rides up to 90 F (32 C) and the mesh is small enough to make the fabric look solid which is a good base for crisp graphics. There are no side open-mesh panels for added cooling, instead the body of the jersey is made of just three pieces of micromesh (a back and two front panels) allowing 360-degree graphics. The sleeves are a super light-weight Velocity fabric that fits skin tight and has a raw-cut opening for a very sleek look. Going with the current trend the sleeves reach all the way to the elbow.
As with most Castelli kit the overall cut of the jersey is racer oriented, not club fit. But the wide range of sizes available and generous stretch to the fabric should accommodate most body types. It felt perfect on the bike in low positions with a little tightness across the chest when upright. The (long) short sleeves stay in place well and don’t bunch up like shorter sleeves tend to do.
Out back are three pockets as expected, but they are incorporated into what Castelli calls its Drop Tail design. The pockets actually extend roughly one inch (2.5 cm) below the natural waist of the jersey creating a wide ‘tail’ at the rear. Per Castelli, this helps the jersey sit correctly at the waist and allows for bigger pockets set lower for easier access. I can confirm the pockets are extra deep and a little lower on the back so require a little bit less contortion to get into. And the pockets can expand without pulling up the silicone gripper waist band. About the only drawback is that the Drop Tail look is probably not for everyone.
On Castelli’s size chart I am a medium, but based on previous experiences I sized up to large. The jersey fit was a little loose and long. I would not size up for this jersey.
Bottom line – quality modern style race jersey with the necessary basic features and snazzy styling
Bibshort
Hot!
- Ability to customize graphics in Castelli Servizio Course (different pricing and minimum order quantity of course)
- Fun and eye-catching designs available off-the-shelf
- Excellent compression, tight fit
- KISS Air 2 chamois almost as good as the X2
- Female version available
Not!
- Limited stretch fabric means the correct size is critical
The Tabula Rasa Bibshorts come in off-the-shelf versions that match the design of the jerseys and are also fully customizable, including the bibstraps. The only portion of the bibs that can’t take custom graphics is the saddle contact area. For durability a tougher nylon is used under the chamois and won’t take custom graphics.
The heart of the bibs is the KISS Air 2 chamois. This updated version has a new, softer top fabric to reduce abrasion, though it is not quite as soft as the new X2 chamois cover. The more noticeable change is the use of higher density foam for better support and comfort. The old KISS Air was a very good chamois, but support fell a bit short for long days in the saddle. The higher density foam has greatly improved the comfort after many hours in the saddle. I think the new X2 still wins in the comfort department, but I have no problem saying you can’t go wrong with either.
The ProFit Lycra used in the bibs does not have as much stretch as the Free Aero Race 4 bibs and therefore compression is higher. Where the size large FAR4 bibs were comfortably snug, the size large Tabula Rasa bibs are borderline bearhug. While a tight fit they don’t restrict leg movement during the pedal stroke and after hours in the saddle the compressive support is nice. It did have me wishing for the Doppio V construction though.
Leg length is three-quarters of the way to the knee and the two inch (5 cm) long raw-cut leg openings have a high-density silicone dot gripper pattern that holds tight without being intrusive. The mesh bibstraps are fully hemmed on all edges and tend to bunch up on the top of the shoulders as is typical with this style of strap. All these elements combine to make a good fit on the bike that has proven durable and comfortable.
On Castelli’s size chart I am a medium, but based on previous experiences I sized up to large. These bibshorts fit very tight. One size up worked for me, but I suspect I could go up another size and still have an acceptable fit.
Bottom line – Chamois almost as good as the top of the line version, solid pair of bibs that aren’t just boring black. High compression fit could make finding the right size difficult.
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