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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@frank And how can you post a pic of Leai without at least showing to the waist
@zeitzmar
Ha! Fuck! That made me laugh out loud!
Posted this in the gear the other day, my solution for the ~5 days a year I actually ride in temps that require anything more than a cap. Thin beanie under standard cap = toastie warm.
@wiscot
With a noggin as big as mine, they fit under the helmet just fine, but it requires a helmet with a good locking system. The synthetic materials don't compare when it gets wet; there is nothing like wool because it keeps its insulative properties.
I had a winter cycling cap made of newer materials and I either cooked in it or I froze, depending on if it was wet or not. New materials just don't regulate the heat like the old stuff did.
Bretto's wearing a nice Rapha one here that I loaned him, and I'm wearing the synthetic one. They're fine deployed but there's a reason we're not photographed without helmets.
@Mikael Liddy
OH NO YOU DI-INT.
@wiscot
I agree, he looks about as good as anyone can in a winter cap, apart from Andy in the photo @Buck posted, and his case is helped in no small measure by Shelley.
@Buck Rogers
That's a classic right there. I love that he's still all, "Fuck tights, we're not savages."
@wiscot
I have to say, as a Nordic skier by trade, the balaclava is a no-no, much like the tights. I deployed it in northern Minnesota Winter Extremes but never with a faint heart. The BC is as hard to pull off as the Winter Cycling cap, which means its almost impossible. The closest you can get is to wear swix ear muffs over your ears and a ski cap per the 3PS as usual and shades over the lot. You have no other choice.
But its still better than not skiing or not riding.
@teleguy57
LIkewise, I use mine on all long wet winter training rides, though, as I always wind up bonking on those and freezing my ass off. Eventually, I'm grateful I have the little beastie.
@JohnB
Today's lesson isn't that you can't pull it off; its that you have to be willing to spend hours - HOURS - in front of the mirror if you want to be able to pull it off.
Maybe we're saying the same thing.
@Gianni
That skull cap talk just got you two demerits, my man. As a Keeper you have a V demerit credit, but I'm assuming (as my dad taught me) that I missed at least 1 if not 2 along the way, which means you're on your last demerit.
Settle down and meditate on the masturbation principle.
Skull cap! BAH!
@gilly
What's so cool about this picture is how anti-Hampsten it is. He looks so arrogant and confident. Like he fucking owned that race. And its the farthest from what a kind, modest person he is.
Photography at it's best. Thats, like, Pedale quality.
@frank
The copious amounts of amphetamines running through his system probably didn't hurt in keeping him warm...
@wilburrox
Yeah, Fignons barber, you get the +1 badge for that. Excellent work.
@Buck Rogers Me too. Strong work on both. Hard to pick a winner but Figgles Coiffeur was first.
@pistard
Ibex is pretty cool that way. Love that company. Favorite winter wool gloves by far.