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review
Headwear
Sugoi RS capSugoi RS cap

Sugoi RS cap

9
by VecchioJo
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Aug 20, 2009

1
£13.50

VERDICT:

9
10
Light, comfortable and elegant alternative to the usual
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.sugoi.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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This Sugoi RS cycling cap looks to be the answer for the stylish amongst us that want all the benefits of a cycling cap but don't want (or aren't being paid) to advertise laminate flooring or liquified gas products via some garish sponsor's logo. The only logo that does appear is the Sugoi one, subtly branded on the peak, forehead and left-hand side, in Scotchlite for dainty safety points. The white band detailing provides an air of sophistication, and a small amount of on-road visibility.

The tag says it's "one size", but the cap comes up on the large side and is a bit baggy on the petite of tête; it's only going to be comfortable and secure on board medium sized heads and bigger. The polyester/spandex mix fabric is a lot softer and downright floppy compared to the more common cotton used in most other caps making it contour perfectly over the head, with the elastic rear keeping things not too tight nor too loose.

In use the RS does what a cap should do; it keeps the sun (and more likely, rain) and sweat out your eyes, and if you're follically challenged, or are taking your Marco Pantani fetish too far, it protects your shining pate from the burning rays.

With a helmet on over the top the flat-stitched seams don't cause any rub-points and leave no amusing red marks in the forehead when headwear is removed for the tea-stop, while helmet free (gasp) the cap is secure to at least 40mph and there's no peak flex or vibration in heavy sidewinds.

The Sugoi RS is also available in a rakish white with black detailing

Verdict

It's not just a cycling cap, it's a Sugoi black and white cycling cap. A light comfortable and elegant alternative to the usual.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Sugoi RS cap

Size tested: M

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Sugoi say - “The RS Cycling Cap takes SUGOI's technical excellence and comfort to the next level. Offering both safety and style, the caps come in one size. The RS Cycling Cap is available in two basic color combinations.”

We say - "It's a cap. And it's 'colour'."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

88% polyester, 12% spandex

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

Flat-stitched seams, stiff peak, no loose threads yet.

Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

It did everything a cap should. And was head and shoulders above the usual.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Seems to be bearing up okay so far, but can we get back to you in 5 years?

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Soft, skull-hugging slightly stretchy material with no tight spots.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Dearer than the more traditional cycling cap, but considerably more comfortable, and arguably better looking, whilst being cheaper and more technical than 'fashion' caps.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Spot on.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfortable and dashing.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I'd have preferred the white one.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes, it complimented my sporty good looks

Would you consider buying the product? yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 180cm   Weight: 74Kg

I usually ride: a variety   My best bike is: My best bike is: Enigma steel road bike

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: As much as I can  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road, cyclo-cross and mountainbike just riding around, sometimes fast, sometimes with lots of stops for cake. Mountainbike and cyclo-cross racing, the odd evening road crit. Far too much singlespeed for my own good

 

Sugoi RS cap
Headwear
Cycling cap
VecchioJo

Jo Burt has spent the majority of his life riding bikes, drawing bikes and writing about bikes. When he's not scribbling pictures for the whole gamut of cycling media he writes words about them for road.cc and when he's not doing either of those he's pedaling. Then in whatever spare minutes there are in between he's agonizing over getting his socks, cycling cap and bar-tape to coordinate just so. And is quietly disappointed that yours don't He rides and races road bikes a bit, cyclo-cross bikes a lot and mountainbikes a fair bit too. Would rather be up a mountain.

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1 comments

Avatar
mooseman | 15 years ago
0 likes

Ah, a great way to avoid that 'Darth Maul' tan. Off to find a white one....

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