We just finished a thorough examination of the Cyclist’s marquee accoutrement, the Cycling Cap. Today’s lesson is about the Cycling Cap’s red-headed step brother, the Winter Cycling Cap.
This is a toque born of necessity; the thin cotton cap is nowhere near warm enough for the demands of the Flemish winter training season. Form should follow function, but when form is ignored altogether, we wind up with these sorts of creations, which is why I like to make sure form always gets a seat at the table during the design process. The cap’s main body is generally constructed of 6 or 8 wooly panels, the front section of which is often covered in a slightly windproof material. Added to this is the typical stubby visor found on a traditional Cycling Cap. Also covered in wool. Finally – and this is the real clincher, a third flap is added to the cap, which is intended to cover the ears but can also be flipped up if conditions do not warrant ear covering.
The Winter Cycling Cap is the most difficult article of cold-weather gear to pull off. The construction of the main cap presents the first challenge as the wool panels lack the finesse of its cotton sibling and tends to collect in a peak that resembles a reservoir tip. Which is very bad. The ear flaps present the second challenge in that their deployment is an automatic violation of the Three-Point System. Flipped up and stowed away for takeoff and landing, it is possible to adhere to the 3PS, but in that case the cap generally takes on the appearance of a derby crossed with a condom. I don’t have to tell you that’s also bad. The cap flies under the radar when worn under a helmet, although you’ll be thankful for a helmet locking system that makes it easy to adjust for a cap that adds two centimeters to your skull’s girth.
I found an orange one of these little monsters and it is a very welcome addition to my winter wardrobe, keeping all the heat that escapes out of my big brain from leaving the body. But it is far and away the most challenging bit of kit to pull off. You will have to spend some quality time in front of the mirror experimenting with what works for your goofy head if you want to have any chance of wearing it with dignity sans helmet. Skinny-faced people will have a better time of it than grapefruit-shaped head people like me. Popping your shades over the top helps to give it some shape, but be prepared to throw all the cap-wearing principles out the window in pursuit of finding a way to Look Fantastic wearing it.
I recommend you buy one and put it in your jersey pocket. Wear your cotton cap until the very last moment prior to hitting the road and only at that point deploy the little monster. If convenient, put it on in the dark where no one can see you. Under no circumstances attempt what Raul is managing here with expert help from Shelley Verses, unless you also have a Shelley Verses handy.
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@Buck Rogers
I think the rider behind The Badger is wearing the real deal. M. Hinault is sporting a balaclava over a cotton cap. Far be it from me to bring this fashion faux pas to his attention however as he is about to crush the opposition by almost 10 minutes in L-B-L 1980. Notice the almost imperceptible smile of this knowledge and the satisfaction of doing so.
Very keen on the keepers tour, but having never riddden cobbles before I am concerned that I will be left behind. It's not that I object to cycling on my own, it's just that I do object to having less drinking time than others.
Can you give me an idea of group size, age ranges, speed ranges etc?
Or shall I just turn up and Rule # 5 ?
@Buck Rogers
@GogglesPizano
The Rapha stuff is warm. I have the country version (Norge) of their Winter Cycling cap, and it too has a fairly low upper limit -- I sweat in in above 25F. I can just image the deep winter cap!
Assos makes some really great cycling gear.
Assos also makes this...
The Robocap
I bought the Castelli Risvolto at the back end of last winter and only ever wore it under a helmet even though the inside of the peak left a red scar like line across my forehead. Yesterday I wore it sans helmet for the first time. Guess what? A red scar like line which I had to cover with a beanie hat post ride so that I didn't look like I had just had some head operation and scare children.
On reflection, though I wanted to look cool in it and carry it off, I don't and I can't. Shame.
@GogglesPizano
You are wise. A winter helmet with room for such a thing is a good idea.
My ears have been what needs protection when it gets cold. To that end, usually a thin skull cap that includes the ears works. I've used the balaclava's for winter commuting and there is no way not to look like a tool in one, unless you are Der Badger.
@kixsand
Good to see Assos promoting their water polo line, or is that for syncro swimming.
@Buck Rogers
It's true, one does look psychotic in a balaclava (Vampire Weekend reference for the hip kids).
Regarding winter hats, I wear three different hats, all Belgian style (I would show pictures BUT I CAN'T POST A EFFING PHOTO ANYMORE) when I am at my place in Michigan in winter. Very much like Alcala's, even have a Castorama team issue one. I never wear a helmet with the winter hat, though. The way I rationalize it thus: the helmet just sits atop the hat and in the unlikely event of a crash it would offer little or no protection anyway. The odds are far greater that I would contract pneumonia from not wearing the hat in frigid conditions and die of infection in hospital. Therefore, it's much safer to wear the Belgian hat than a helmet. Works for me.
Rapha do a very nice very thin merino beanie, fits well under a helmet and is toasty. I've worn it with cap in freezing rain under the lid too.
@Buck Rogers that is epic Hampsten Buck, fucking love that pic on the Gavia.
Although this one is my favourite shot of Hampsten, maybe my favourite cycling pic. Cool
as fuck