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 still have a beautiful red Denti winter cycling cap. It was obtained before helmets became ubiquitous. Frankly, it's too big to go under a helmet and modern windproof materials are thinner and better for that purpose. The old school cap could/can be worn, like it's cotton sibling, both forwards and backwards. I might wear it riding the gravel trail sans helmet, but not on the road.
Should everyone have one? Yes, but as a pre- or post ride accoutrement that says "I'm a cyclist" and I ride in the cold.
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.
@wiscot
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?
Jesus, on second look, Raul looks like he is trying to be an extra for Will Ferrell's ELF movie.
@frank. Clearly the reason for Raul's expression is that he's just caught his reflection in the team bus window. It's tough for a pro to not look pro but Alc's doing a fine job here. While I can defo see the logic in the winter cap, I know it's a look I will never be able to carry off, a bit like the Rapha cap from a coulple of articles back. the best look I've seen is when they're worn back to front under the helmet, but my balls just ain't big enough to rock that!
@Buck Rogers
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.
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
By the way, this thread needs some pictures.