I usually ride with a generic version of what my Jewish grandma would call schmattas on my head. Basically any cheap handkerchief, do-rag or quick-dry covering that keeps my bald scalp protected from the sun and sweat out of my eyes. When I saw this on sale I thought I'd spend a few more bucks to see if the Castelli brand and just-for-cycling design had any benefits.
I can't say I'm impressed. The fabric is very sheer - to the point where I'd worry about not getting enough protection from the sun, and the rim was very pointy and scratchy against my neck. After one ride the pure white color is sweat/road-stained and I doubt it will ever look particularly good again.
Used in daily cycling. The close fit keeps it from sliding under the helmet, and the visor helps block glare. The mesh is nice in warm weather, but when it's cold, I wear a beanie over the cap for extra warmth.
After a bit of playing around with where it fits best, I figured out that it is best snugged down on my crown and then it catches sweat when I start to really perspire. I occasionally wear it backwards to keep the sun off my neck on hot days.
I have an average sized human head and I found the fit of this cap to be pretty bad. As others have mentioned, the elastic is tight and did indeed give me a headache on a ride. At the same time I found the overall volume of the cap to be too large. I can actually pull it down to completely cover my ears. I thought the brim was also pretty big and view obstructing. The mesh material is nice and cool so that's good at least. Guess I'll go back to my Giro.
I was looking for a billed cap that a fellow rider says is good for sweat management for the hot and humid SE Texas summer. This cap has a mesh cover for improved cooling but keeps the sun off my balding scalp. The bill allows sweat to mostly drip away from my cycling glasses depending on exact weather conditions and the tilt of my head. I just rinse in plain tap water and air dry after such rides to reduce wear and tear from heavy laundering. Might be considered a bit pricey if bought at regular price.
This cycling helps keep your head cool on those hot days on the bike. I will pour water over my helmet and the mesh will keep my head cool when it gets really hot. This is the second generation, I was disappointed I could not find the 1st gen, but this is a good alternative.
Hey - it fits my monster melon, what more can I say? It's still slightly snug, but at least it comes down to just above my ears. Some cycling caps are near yarmulkes on my head - so anything that reaches near my ears is great. Its very much a summer jersey fabric on these hats so very good for allowing the head to breathe and not requiring much helmet adjustment to fit under when wearing it.
Bottom line - yep, its a cycling cap.
It was way too small - a big disappointment. I previously owned and used another simiar cap; one I presumed to be identical. The old cap fit great. I hoped it would stretch after a few uses but eventually stopped using altogether.
While I am usually a Castelli fan, this cap is too tight on my head. FYI: My head is relatively large, about 22.5 inches. I wore it twice and got a headache both times. Had to take it off. If you have a smaller head, it might work for you.
I always wear a cycling cap under my helmet to keep my head cool. and to keep sweat, sun, & rain out of my eyes
As all Castelli products, this cap is nice!
Good cap for mild days. The mess top won't do anything for rain and definitely not a cold weather cap.
