Castelli Difesa 2 Cap and Difesa Thermal Cap Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

www.castelli-cycling.com

Difesa 2 Cap

Hot

• Snug fit, ideal for under helmet
• Gore® Windstopper® fabric provides windproofing
• Ear flaps are warm, but still can hear surroundings
• Reflective elements on side and back
• Can use for other activities besides cycling

Not

• Moisture management

Difesa Thermal Cap

Hot

• Snug fit, ideal for under helmet
• Warm, yet wicks moisture away
• Ear flaps are warm, but still can hear surroundings
• Can use for other activities besides cycling

Not

• No reflective elements

Price: $39.99 (Difesa Thermal); $49.99 (Difesa 2)
How obtained: Company sample
Available: Online or Retail
RBR advertiser: No
Sizes: On size fits most
Colors:
Difesa Thermal – Black with red lining or blue lining
Difesa 2 – Black with red trim, Black with blue trim, Fluorescent Yellow

Keeping with the Vintage Theme

Last week I reviewed Pearl Izumi’s Tour/Sugar road shoes which was a throwback to the classic lace up kicks. Sticking with throwback Thursday’s, this week I’m reviewing two of Castelli’s new Difesa cycling caps that have that vintage flair.

Difesa is Italian for Defense, which is the perfect name for Castelli’s Difesa 2 and Difesa Thermal, as they provide warmth and protection from the elements. Both caps feature:

• Small traditional cycling bill that can help keep rain or snow off your face.
• Earflaps for warmth without affecting hearing
• Thin, snug fit for use under a helmet
• Soft material feels nice against your head/ears (especially for those without hair)
• Reasonably priced
• Ideal for use off the bike…running or hiking

The Difesa 2 cap was introduced right before cyclocross season. It incorporates GORE® Windstopper® fabric to protect your head from the elements and a Thermoflex earflap provides added warmth. There are reflective elements on the side and back of the cap. I’m not sure how beneficial the reflective strips are under a helmet, but if you use the cap for running, it will help provide added visibility. This cap is ideal for cooler temps and/or rain, but not necessarily a very cold winter day.

The Difesa Thermal takes the same design as the Difesa 2 cap but removes the windproofing. By removing that layer, and replacing it with Thermoflex Core2 fabric, it improves warmth and moisture management. Keeping your head/hair dry is so important in high-intensity sports like cycling.

The rib-knit wool earflap provides superior warmth but does not impair hearing like some headbands. The cap fits snug against your head and is thin enough to fit easily under a helmet. This cap is ideal for cold conditions and I tested it down to 18 degrees F in perfect comfort.

The Difesa Thermal does not have any reflective elements. This isn’t a big deal when it is under a helmet (and not visible), but if you use it for running be sure to have other reflective clothing.

Bottom Line

These vintage inspired caps may look retro, but they incorporate modern fabrics for superior comfort. Both the Castelli Difesa 2 and Difesa Thermal caps are unisex, smartly designed and perfect for fall or winter riding. The snug fit, yet warm fabrics let you wear it under your helmet. As any piece of gear, it’s great to be able to use it for multiple activities besides cycling. That way you get your monies worth.

Sheri Rosenbaum

Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women's cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri's full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.