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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I've got a Vermarc mutt Windtex cap that that tends to breathe and insulate pretty well, but I agree with Frank that wool is the way to go if you want the best. I've always liked the look of the Giro merino wool cap as it has a smaller brim than many of the other wool varieties.
@VeloVita Red Dots Cycling are making great all rounder, classic caps. They also have winter wool.
@unversio
They make nice stuff. A custom V-kit would be classy from them. They're custom stuff is where it's at.
I have 2 of their team jerseys and they're awesome. Although in wet conditions they get a little... heavy. If you buy a jersey I'd get a size down (if you're in between). Race fit is key for wool so that it doesn't bunch in the front when you're riding. I'm usually a medium, but I fit their small jersey.
@frank
But really if you think about it this way - when out in Rule#9 conditions that warrant wearing winter caps, people are going to be so focused on how badass you are in general to be out riding that one might be able to pull-off get away with a few minor infractions. The situation where the discussion will bypass the extreme weather/riding conditions and focus immediately for 30-40 minutes on the skull-cap you are wearing really would only happen at something like a Keepers Tour or a Cogal. That being said having someone fully rule compliant roll up beside me and call me out for wearing a skull cap in a heavy cold downpour would be pretty enlightening and probably have me throwing the said cap in the ditch. Actually after having Frank set me straight in the above post I do not expect to ever put my skull cap on again anyway
@extra special and bitter Oh I will commit to plans to get extra custom with them as soon as we connect.
I give you the Assos Ninja. The Man with the Hammer dispatches him for certain dirty jobs - fashion violations, pros who won't accept that it's time to retire, difficult middle of the bunch work. Many an "inexplicable" crash is actually the doing of this fiend. He's also been known to sabotage equipment leading to snapped handlebars/forks/frames/brake cables or front wheels dropping out. If you're regularly violating the rules, be sure to give your machine a careful check before each ride lest you become the Assos Ninja's next victim.
@frank
Yeah. Me and the skull cap in the winter? Equals this.
@dyalander
Beauty! He is probably following Michael Barry et al. as they ride sans helmet on icy roads. That seems crazy.
@wiscot
@Nate
Yes, I do live very happily in Hawaii where, at best, a thin vest is deployed in darkest winter descending. But I have spent the majority of my cycling life in New England, freezing my ears and crank off whilst commuting or attempting the much hated winter training. Baaah!
@littledove
@littledove, cobbles are like clip ins, fixed gear and sex the first time. It is a head trip about what you think they are and they aren't anything like you think. So the best way to tackle the stones the first time is just friggin go for it and you'll be fine.
And yes, Rule #5 and you'll also be fine, I mean I have not been on the Keepers tour, my guess is that it's a no drop ride where of course you'll be dropped - but so what?
it seems you have the right attitude so sign up and have the best 10 days of your life! Garrenteed!
P.S. Dig in the archives and find the article and study the films about the last Keepers tour, then watch old Paris-Roubaix films and snap! your there!