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Experts Only: The Winter Cycling Cap

Not for the faint hearted: the Winter Cycling Cap.

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.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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View Comments

teleguy57 says:

Nov 24 2014 at 8:19 pm

@frank

@wiscot

@Buck Rogers

@wiscot

PS I'm going to add Raul Acala to my list of articles to write on over the winter. There's a guy who should be remembered more widely and affectionately.

Just today I was having a discussion with a West Point Cadet who is on the cycling team and from the El Paso area. Even though he's from El Paso he is a HELL of a climber and very small. I asked him if he knew of Raul Alcala and he said that he met him one time. Too cool.

And what the fuck IS Shelley trying to do there? Tuck the earpiece behind the ear?

I would have no objections to Shelley fiddling with me in any way, shape or form.

Those red Oakleys sure look good with the clear lens and the 7-Eleven kit.

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.

I think in other photos of Andy on the Gavia you'll see that he's wearing a ski hat, not a winter cycling cap.... Och and crew bought up all sorts of skiwear for the 7-Eleven boys so they were the best prepared/equipped for the weather.
frank says:

Nov 24 2014 at 8:25 pm

@teleguy57

@frank

@wiscot

@Buck Rogers

@wiscot

PS I'm going to add Raul Acala to my list of articles to write on over the winter. There's a guy who should be remembered more widely and affectionately.

Just today I was having a discussion with a West Point Cadet who is on the cycling team and from the El Paso area. Even though he's from El Paso he is a HELL of a climber and very small. I asked him if he knew of Raul Alcala and he said that he met him one time. Too cool.

And what the fuck IS Shelley trying to do there? Tuck the earpiece behind the ear?

I would have no objections to Shelley fiddling with me in any way, shape or form.

Those red Oakleys sure look good with the clear lens and the 7-Eleven kit.

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.

I think in other photos of Andy on the Gavia you'll see that he's wearing a ski hat, not a winter cycling cap.... Och and crew bought up all sorts of skiwear for the 7-Eleven boys so they were the best prepared/equipped for the weather.

In fact, for most of it he's not wearing anything; but in that one photo he's definitely got a winter cap on.
ChrisO says:

Nov 24 2014 at 9:24 pm

This is a favourite photo of my Rapha winter cap, which introduced me to the concept.

Not modelled by me, but my daughter Lillian. She must have been about 5 years old.

I think it was a Christmas present not long after I started working in Abu Dhabi. Fair to say I didn't expect to still be here working full time seven years later. But I am even more grateful for it on the few occasions I get to wear it.
brett says:

Nov 24 2014 at 9:49 pm

@frank

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.

You loaned it to me? I still have it! That saved my ass (well, my head) on KT13 after my luggage never turned up. I'm forever indebted to you. (Although you're not getting it back!)

Also in that photo, loaner glasses (Frank), loaner helmet and jacket (William). Holy shit that was a cold week, which only added to the awesomeness.
Haldy says:

Nov 24 2014 at 9:56 pm

I'm genuinely stunned that no one has busted out this pic yet given the other Assos monstrosity that's being passed around-
Haldy says:

Nov 24 2014 at 9:57 pm

Or since we have the brimless Andy H. pic....I feel obliged to add-
brett says:

Nov 24 2014 at 9:59 pm

@littledove

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 ?

I think you nailed it with the last sentence mate!

We leave no-one behind, the groups previously have contained riders of all levels and abilities, and everyone was just awesome... the cobbles are hard as fuck, no doubt, but something about them brings out the best in you.

Age range has typically been 30-55ish (I'm 50, Gianni 55?), but we had two mid-20s hammers from Aussie last time and they managed not to smash us too much. You'll find on some secteurs you're untouchable, and others where you struggle a lot. There is a sag wagon if you really need it, but no-one has so far (except The Cub of Flanders, Johan's 16yo son after the Carrefour last time.)

Group size I think will be capped around 15-16 this time, and if it's obvious there is a gulf between speeds, we can split the groups and Gianni will guide the not-as-quick riders.

If you turn up with a good endurance base you'll be sweet. It's gonna hurt, but you won't really feel it after a few Maltenis and a sacred shower in the Velodrome... you'll be in heaven.
Nate says:

Nov 24 2014 at 10:24 pm

@Gianni

@GogglesPizano

Due to the fact that I am wearing a winter cap 5 months of the year up here I just went and bought a second helmet that fits a winter cap under it. I can wear a skull cap or a cotton cap under my normal helmet but the winter hat needs the bigger helmet. I will also add in a plug for the Rapha deep winter cap, it does a good job on the ears and head but wouldn't wear it above about 20degF or you will be way to warm

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.

Wits that you say about cold weather kit, haole.
ChrisO says:

Nov 24 2014 at 11:05 pm

@frank

In fact, for most of it he's not wearing anything;

That's definitely Rule 9. And if he's hard as well, then double chapeau.

On the skull caps, Gianni has it right. On the same principle that caps under helmets are wrong, winter caps under helmets are even wronger. A skull cap at least does the same job without interfering.
tessar says:

Nov 25 2014 at 3:56 am

@kixsand I have a Robocap, for the coldest of days. It's does the job very well and with less bulk than most winter gear, and features the usual Assos overthinking - see the two loops? They've for your glasses after the cap went all Vincent Van Gogh on your ears. However, if I'm wearing it, I take care to get dressed in the dark and leave the house with the helmet already on. The "Sperm Cap", as it's known, earns the wearer plenty of ridicule.