Old Soul, New Tech: Castelli’s Blend of History and Innovation With Steve Smith

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Nov 20, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Steve Smith, Global Brand Manager at Castelli, dives into the evolving landscape of cycling apparel. With insights into the hurdles new brands face and the booming market trends fueled by COVID, he shares the story behind their iconic Gabba jacket and its impact on pro cycling. Steve also touches on the emotional weight of rider safety, the growing popularity of gravel riding, and exciting new products like the Gabba Race and Profetto Rossa, engineered for unparalleled performance and breathability.

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ANECDOTE

How GABBA Was Born

Castelli's GABBA began as Gabriel’s improvised race vest and aimed to keep riders warm without overheating or heavy waterproofing.
It exploded in pro pelotons after 2013 when riders blacked out logos and adopted it for wet-but-not-cold racing.

INSIGHT

Apparel Is Easy To Start, Hard To Scale

Apparel looks easy to start but scaling requires large minimum orders, cash up front, and financing because wholesale terms and retail margins compress profits.
Successful brands either have capital or accept slow growth and equity dilution to reach profitable scale.

ADVICE

Make Product The Core Strategy

Focus product-led innovation and control production to offer good value while preserving margins for marketing and R&D.
Keep product quality central so you can sustain marketing spend and long-term brand investment.

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Today Anthony is joined by Steve Smith who is the Global Brand Manager for Castelli, one of the most innovative cycling clothing companies but one also with a deep history. Steve is really open and honest about the current state of the cycling apparel industry, the real hurdles that new brands face and where performance apparel is heading in the next decade. They chat about the future if gravel and Steve lifts the lid on an exciting new product they have just launched to market.

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