Assos

I use this and all other cycling caps to protect my bald head from the sun, from the cold and, in the hottest months, to keep the sweat from coming into my eyes. This one is probably the best quality cap I've ever had, but the "one size fits all" doesn't really work here. The cap really is equivalent to S and M sizes. So, if you use L (or bigger) for your head stuff, you'll feel this cap is quite tight. Maybe it'll give out a bit with use, but right now (I've used it a couple of times and I've washed it as many times) I feel as if someone were putting pressure around my skull. Again, this has nothing to do with the top-notch quality of both materials and craftsmanship. Just wanted to warn anyone with a big melon like mine.

I have been using the Assos cycling caps for a number of years - the older style with 6 cotton panels and 2 mesh panels in the rear, with "ASSOS" on each side of the cap, and with their logo on both faces of the bill/brim. These always were very comfortable caps, with no ventilation issues and a reasonable amount of UV screening on the tops and sides under the helmet vent holes. (without a cycling cap under the helmet, my forehead would resemble a Star Trek Romulan!) The only reason they needed replacing after 3-4 years use was because they would fade and the lettering would wear away - hand washed after each ride,~5000 miles/year.

This new style cap is a much tighter fit, enough so that it feels a bit constricting - unlike the old style ASSOS cap. And when I flipped the bill up after removing the helmet it made a sound like several stitches popping! I also noted that unlike the older caps, the logo is not printed on both sides of the brim/bill.

I am not sure how well it will last, or how much UV protection it will offer. I haven't tried any other post-covid manufactured caps, so don't know how this cap construction and quality compares to other current caps. But after my last 2 ASSOS caps, this one is a bit disappointing on first inspection.

Overall these a pretty good short and a decent value when on sale. The legs fit well and stay in place. Chamois is pretty good for long distance rides so long as you have a decently cushioned saddle, on a spartan one you'll get discomfort. The chamois could be a bit better in the perineum area.

Where I find these fall a little short is the upper portion above the waistline. I like the concept of the quasi-bib design, but I find that it doesn't stay in place well at all and rolls down even more than traditional-waist shorts in the front when bent at the waist, and the backside portion slips a bit too. I think they could make this have more cinch around the stomach/mid-section with some judiciously placed elastic panels without being constrictive and the concept would work much better.

I love one piece kits or speedsuits. I don't care much for straps digging in or feeling crossed on my back and shoulders. I've been brutalizing a Castelli San Remo suit(excellent/snug) and a Giordana suit (not Castelli/little looser). So I used the size/fit guide on this site. I'm a medium in most garments so I stuck with medium. It's snug by design, I needed validation and went to Assos site and plugged in my measurements. Still a medium. Indoor rides are wet regardless , however, outdoors is where this garment shines. Very comfortable and very cool. Zipper opens in two directions I'm guessing to vent or for relieving yourself. The pad is quite good too. The fit will grow on you.