Castelli

Excellent bib shorts from Castelli! Chamois is good for longer rides. Material is thin for my hot climate, and seems to breathe pretty well. I'm 6'0" 157#, slender & typical (skinny!) cyclist's build, this short fits snugly - not quite compressive, but definitely "race fit" and form-fitting. I've seen product descriptions from others stating that muscular "support" is important, and I'd venture that these seem to do that, I guess from the mild compression. I have two other bib shorts from Castelli, they're all excellent, and several jerseys: Castelli quality is unparalleled.

I use this cap on the nice days in the spring and fall. It is perfect in weight and feel and works great until it gets too hot and the sweat really flows. It is too thin and cannot hold much sweat. When it comes to summer I switch to something more substantial -- kind of a drag given these are very light. Still looking for the perfect blend of sweat absorption from the brow and thing and airy while still offering sun protection for the summer.

As pointed out in other reviews, this vest runs small, very small. I am 5'9" tall, 161 pounds, wear 34/32 pants in casual clothing and medium in the Pearl Izumi and Louis Garneau apparel I own. I ordered the large and can just barely zip it while sucking it in and holding my breath - no way could I ride with this on. Besides, I'd blow out a seam or the zipper in no time. I cannot imagine one size up, an XL, would be much improvement so I'd be in an XXL? How long would that vest be? The material is quite thin but the vest seems to very well made and is designed for packing and light weight. I understand the vest is designed to be form fitting to avoid billowing in the wind but I cannot imagine who this is sized to fit. The L marking is prominent on the garment so I spent some time trying to discern if this was a child's L. WesternBikeWorks return policy seems fair EXCEPT for shipping costs - I paid $3.68 to have it sent to me but returning the item will cost me $9.95 -??- Bad form, WBW!

P.S. I was required to submit a star rating. I have no idea how the vest would perform but I don't want to be unfair to Castelli - seems well made and likely works well for someone who can fit in it.

Here in hilly East Tennessee we are lucky to be riding 12 months of the year. I love how this "thingy" extends the comfort of cycling during the late-fall to spring seasons. I probably get this thingy out starting around mid October and use it all the way till April. It keeps your neck warm when it is worn low and your face from chills and winds when it is up like a balaclava. I actually stopped using my balaclava because it is easier to use the thingy to regulate your temp. And it you get too hot I take it off and it fits into my pocket like nothing.