The Castelli Pro Mesh 2.0 Base Layer is designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, making it a versatile piece for your cycling wardrobe. I found it very comfortable and it did its job well, though the short sleeves can bunch up – and it’s not the cheapest option.
Castelli says the Pro Mesh 2.0 is designed to keep you dry in ‘cool to mild’ temperatures, but lists the range as 14-28°C – which is getting on for pretty warm in my book…
The company also suggests wearing it under a long-sleeved baselayer on colder days, though I haven’t been able to test that given the sustained warmth we’ve had recently. However, it performs admirably within its designed temperature range: whether you’re riding with your jersey fully zipped or flapping in the wind, it provides enough wicking to help keep you cool, but also gives a welcome extra layer to fend off a bit of a chilly morning breeze.
I found the fit excellent, with the medium on test coming up true to size and hugging in all the right places.
My only real gripe is with the short sleeves, which have a slight tendency to roll up when I’m pulling my jersey on, which means I have to do some rearranging to make sure they aren’t bunched up. It’s a small bit of extra faff, but obviously something you don’t get with sleeveless options.
At £54, this is quite an expensive mesh baselayer. While it performs well, I’m not entirely convinced it adds much more than cheaper base layers I’ve used. There are no aero benefits promised, and it’s not a thermal layer, which tend to command a higher price.
Galibier offers a similar short sleeved base layer, the Echelon, which Paul found comfy, with a good fit, and it’s a bunch cheaper than the Castelli at £23.
Altura’s Tempo is another cheaper short sleeve option at £40, and Stu thought it felt great against the skin, as well as being impressed with its breathability and wicking performance.
You can check out more options in our guide to the best cycling baselayers.
Ultimately, if you’re a big fan of Castelli or are in the market for a high-quality baselayer, the Pro Mesh 2.0 is a good option, but there are more cost-effective ways to get the same benefits.
Verdict
Nicely made, comfortable and does its job well, but quite expensive, and the sleeves can bunch up
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Castelli Pro Mesh 2.0 Base Layer
Size tested: M
Tell us what the product is for
Castelli says: “WorldTour winning base layer with a graphic print that shows your style on the inside.
“The pro cyclists we work with know the importance of the right base layer for the conditions. The Pro Mesh is made for the widest range of conditions and is designed to keep you dry in cool to mild temperatures. We’ll even put it under a Flanders Warm base layer in the coldest conditions. We’ve given it a graphic print so you can show off that you have something special when you open your jersey zip.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Castelli lists:
Weight:107 g
Temperature:15°C – 28°C / 59°F – 82°F
Fit: Regular
3D mesh fabric for excellent moisture management
Sublimated print graphic
Waist hem stays flat under shorts
As is generally the case with Castelli, the construction here is really good.
It performs well, helping to regulate your temperature.
The seams and material are high quality and show no signs of damage.
The fit is great, it’s comfy and snug where you want it to be.
The medium fits as I’d expect and is true to size.
Once you get the sleeves in the right place, it’s a comfy baselayer.
It’s quite expensive for a mesh layer, especially when there aren’t any additional features, like aero claims.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
It washes well and is easy to look after.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It wicks sweat well and does a good job of regulating your temperature.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The wicking.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The sleeves can bunch up.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
It’s quite expensive for a mesh layer, but there are more expensive options still.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? If it was discounted.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe, if they have the cash to spare.
Use this box to explain your overall score
It’s good: well made and does the job, helping to get rid of sweat and regulate your temperature.
About the tester
Age: 25 Height: 174 Weight: 78
I usually ride: Storck Aerfast My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, touring, club rides, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
