Rule #22 is perhaps the most complicated Rule amongst the (currently) 85. Part of the complexity springs from the fact that we are all very attached to this small cotton cap. Off the bike, it was once a badge used to recognize one of our own; now it has been taken over by the hipster crowd which subsequently ruined it for those of us who wore this hallowed garment with pride. Our response has been to refrain from wearing this garment off the bike and resort to other badges – such as Rule #33 compliance – to identify our own. That said, some of us, in the spirit of Rage Against the Machine, refuse to lay down arms and are fighting to take the power back and callously wear our caps regardless. (Guilty.)
Further complexity is due to its provisioning one to wear a cap during any activity directly related to cycling; maintaining your machine, while kitting up, placed jauntily askew while consuming a post-ride recovery beverage at your favorite watering hole. We’ve deliberately refrained from laying out a clear definition as to what constitutes a cycling-related activity, but the verbose description should give you a feel of the spirit within which to govern this Rule.
What The Rules don’t touch on at all is what type of cap is acceptable and precisely how it may be worn. This small, simple garment is at least as complex as a pair of bib shorts or a jersey, and just as with those items, there is a Pro way to wear them, and a noob way to wear them. Especially in light of a recent rash of non-compliant caps coming onto the market, I thought it as good a time as any to outline the definition of a proper cap and how to wear it.
The material. A proper cycling cap is made of cotton, and is as cheaply made as possible. They used to cost a few dollars. That’s like a nickel in dollOZ. Now they are upwards of $15 or $20. A small strip of elastic should be somewhat carelessly sewn together at the back. A good cap should have almost no quality-control in its making, leading to each cap having its own size or positioning of panels. Each cap has its unique character and should be carefully chosen based on it. There has been a recent slew of new caps (made by both Pearl Izumi and some by our beloved Castelli) that have a sweatband sewn into the cap. This is strictly forbidden.
The visor. This is the most important part. Visors should be short. This is because the purpose of a cap is to be worn while riding, and when the head is tipped down as you move to the V-Locus, you need to be able to see up the road to where the guns will detonate without tilting your head up in order to see past the visor. As with the above, a new wave of caps (again by Pearl Izumi and Castelli) have been made with a too-long visor. These visors are also strictly forbidden in general and for wearing under the helmet in particular.
The Three-Point System always applies. Especially when worn without a helmet in pre or post-ride activities. No exceptions here; forward or backward, just always, always, always follow this system.
Worn under the helmet, the helmet and cap must form a cohesive unit. Start with the cap, and slide it down over the back of the head to the nape of the neck. Then pull the visor down towards the eyes until the bottom edge of the visor is just above the eyebrows. Smooth out the wrinkles in the cap, as those will feel weird under the helmet. Next, the helmet goes on with the front of the helmet pushed down snug towards the visor of the cap. If part of the visor disappears under the helmet, you’ve gone too far, and if any part of the front of the cap shows, you haven’t gone far enough.
Visors can be flipped up, especially when worn backwards. Worn forward, it is better to keep the visor down, especially under a helmet. If for some reason it must be flipped up, keep the bottom line of the cap low to the eyebrows. If it is being flipped up under a helmet, it helps an awful lot if you’re also in the midst of riding to a win in a Monument, your name starts with Phillipe and ends with Gilbert, or both.
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.
Interesting timing from my point of view, this article, which has thrown me some confusion regarding my commitment to the sacred testament of the V-Rules
As I be a greenhorn, I have no caps, but have oft thought the interminable drip of sweat onto my specs would be swiftly ammended by wearing one of these little chappies under my helmet
Thus I went to my LBS, only today, and as well as re-arming myself with a new tube of Chamois cream (is it really £15 anywhere else?), I asked, might the kind and jolly proprietor avail me of said chapeau to keep the sweat and rain out of mes yeux - he looked at me as if I was spastic (sorry, blessed with spasticity) and, probably coming on the back of my purchase of aforementioned ludicrously priced Chamois cream, told me they didn't keep them and that I should harden the fuck up
My instant thought was that this was a correct suggestion, and I was indeed openly violating Rule 5 - indeed, was he a secret Velominatus?
This reassured me after a previous very upsetting visit there yesterday, when I enquired as to the possibility of acquiring a new bike, in due respect of Rule 12, only to be told rather patronisingly, that I didn't need another bike, calm my jets and leave it for a while....ggrrrrr!!!
So here I have a situation where, not only will my LBS not allow me to lust after an unnecessary (ITHO) extra velo, but they won't sell me a fuckin cap now either!!
How am I meant to abide by Rule 58 in this climate
I was about to declare that his staff were to cool for school and I was going online, when he started chatting about trips to Belgium, getting wankered on 2 glasses of trippel, and how much fun the Belgians were at cyclocross events, upon which change of tack, we became best mates again and I left with nothing other than my tube of scroteglide, and a gawmless grin on my bake, feeling a bit shit
Not easy the life of a V-newbie
:o(
Great pic. I'm trying to identify the rider. Lammerts? Lubberding? It's not Joop, Bert, Gerrie, Jan or Ad. The cap he's wearing though is a special one. Back in the day, before helmets, riders on the tour teams that were leading the team (time) and team (points) competitions wore yellow and green caps respectively. I suspect this cap is yellow. Between 1976 and 1983 Raleigh won an incredible 56 stages, including a magnificent 11 in 1980. Speaking of Team Raleigh, from 1982 to 1984 I has a Raleigh frame in team colors. It met it's demise when it/we hit a car door in a time trial. It was replaced by a lovely red Colnago. As for caps, I used to have a bunch including a couple of great rain ones with Peugeot team colors. I'd wear two - Sean Kelly style - one forwards, one backwards.
@mcsqueak
I'm sure The V Cap will be perfect when its available...Plus, I tend to look like I was hit in the forehead with a shovel when donning a three-panel cap.
I have no doubts about the perfection of the V-Cap. But until then, it's still vaporwear.
That link has a 4-panel cap as well. My VMH is pretty good with that sort of thing and has told me she'd make me some caps if I were to pick out the materials. We'll see if it ever happens.
I can recommend the A'qto (http://www.aqto.com.au) cap. It does not have a sweatband - just pure heat-sapping cotton.
Originally bought solely because the celeste/black version matched my Bianchi, it has accompanied me on almost every ride through this (Wellington, NZ) winter. No stink, no loss of shape, still pure white. It's an enigma!
Another benefit is that you can ride into driving rain, and the peak/visor deflects it away from your eyes (works best in V-Locus, trying to get home faster!). I've actually found this more effective than clear glasses, as there is no fogging.
Inspired by the rider in the picture at the start of the article, I searched for retro jerseys but found this site with a good range of caps.
@Dr C
He wouldn't sell you a new bike??!!?? Where in the name of Merckx's ball sack do you live? The LBS that is the sponsor of my team has staff that they must have picked up when all the GM and Chrysler dealerships went out of business. Meet you at the front door, and follow you around trying to sell you stuff, wether you need it (according to them I do), or not. Annoying to be sure, but cost +%10 is hard to pass up. And there shit is nice. And it's not the internet. And I've just typed myself into understanding your dilemma. Fuck.............
And I postulate that this is the one piece of kit where it is acceptable to don a bit of team kit without actually riding for the team. Additionally, flashing W.C. stripes and race leader colors of any kind is suspect unless you're the W.C. or race leader, but showing alliance/appreciation for a team is acceptable.
My BMC Hincapie cap is too small. It makes my scalp fall asleep as it cuts off the circulation (you all may be able to tell as I wear that cap mostly while posting and writing article here). My Garmin cap is nice and meets all the above requirements.
And I hereby pledge my undying allegiance to any PRO who wears a proper cycling cap on the podium or post race interview as opposed to a wanker baseball/NASCAR hat. Yes, HAT not cap.
I can recommend the A'qto (http://www.aqto.com.au) cap. It does not have a sweatband - just pure heat-sapping cotton.
Originally bought solely because the celeste/black version matched my Bianchi, it has accompanied me on almost every ride through this (Wellington, NZ) winter. No stink, no loss of shape, still pure white. It's an enigma!
I can second this. I got one free with a couple of their Ts, and it's become my go-to cap. Excellent fit and very comfortable. Next step: get a Bianchi.
Although, Frank, I was rather hoping that this post was coinciding with the announcement of a V-cap. WTF? Someone in the V-Marketing dept. should be shot for this timing breech.
Interesting timing from my point of view, this article, which has thrown me some confusion regarding my commitment to the sacred testament of the V-Rules
As I be a greenhorn, I have no caps, but have oft thought the interminable drip of sweat onto my specs would be swiftly ammended by wearing one of these little chappies under my helmet
Thus I went to my LBS, only today, and as well as re-arming myself with a new tube of Chamois cream (is it really £15 anywhere else?), I asked, might the kind and jolly proprietor avail me of said chapeau to keep the sweat and rain out of mes yeux - he looked at me as if I was spastic (sorry, blessed with spasticity) and, probably coming on the back of my purchase of aforementioned ludicrously priced Chamois cream, told me they didn't keep them and that I should harden the fuck up
My instant thought was that this was a correct suggestion, and I was indeed openly violating Rule #5 - indeed, was he a secret Velominatus?
This reassured me after a previous very upsetting visit there yesterday, when I enquired as to the possibility of acquiring a new bike, in due respect of Rule #12, only to be told rather patronisingly, that I didn't need another bike, calm my jets and leave it for a while....ggrrrrr!!!
So here I have a situation where, not only will my LBS not allow me to lust after an unnecessary (ITHO) extra velo, but they won't sell me a fuckin cap now either!!
How am I meant to abide by Rule #58 in this climate
I was about to declare that his staff were to cool for school and I was going online, when he started chatting about trips to Belgium, getting wankered on 2 glasses of trippel, and how much fun the Belgians were at cyclocross events, upon which change of tack, we became best mates again and I left with nothing other than my tube of scroteglide, and a gawmless grin on my bake, feeling a bit shit
Not easy the life of a V-newbie
:o(
Chamois cream isn't 15 pounds where we live. Nappy cream from the chemist is about 8 bucks. Same stuf but a bit thicker without the meditteranean alpineflower breath of 19 virgins menthol fragrance. That you rub on your taint.
Having said that, I like that guy already. Every Cyclist needs a healthy sense of introspection. Every Punter (notice the distinction) needs a new bike.
@Dr C @minion
Is anyone else thinking "bike nazi", a la Seinfeld?
"So you want a cap to go with your new bike, ah? Well, I tell you what. No bike for you! Come back in 2 weeks and we talk then."
View Comments
Interesting timing from my point of view, this article, which has thrown me some confusion regarding my commitment to the sacred testament of the V-Rules
As I be a greenhorn, I have no caps, but have oft thought the interminable drip of sweat onto my specs would be swiftly ammended by wearing one of these little chappies under my helmet
Thus I went to my LBS, only today, and as well as re-arming myself with a new tube of Chamois cream (is it really £15 anywhere else?), I asked, might the kind and jolly proprietor avail me of said chapeau to keep the sweat and rain out of mes yeux - he looked at me as if I was spastic (sorry, blessed with spasticity) and, probably coming on the back of my purchase of aforementioned ludicrously priced Chamois cream, told me they didn't keep them and that I should harden the fuck up
My instant thought was that this was a correct suggestion, and I was indeed openly violating Rule 5 - indeed, was he a secret Velominatus?
This reassured me after a previous very upsetting visit there yesterday, when I enquired as to the possibility of acquiring a new bike, in due respect of Rule 12, only to be told rather patronisingly, that I didn't need another bike, calm my jets and leave it for a while....ggrrrrr!!!
So here I have a situation where, not only will my LBS not allow me to lust after an unnecessary (ITHO) extra velo, but they won't sell me a fuckin cap now either!!
How am I meant to abide by Rule 58 in this climate
I was about to declare that his staff were to cool for school and I was going online, when he started chatting about trips to Belgium, getting wankered on 2 glasses of trippel, and how much fun the Belgians were at cyclocross events, upon which change of tack, we became best mates again and I left with nothing other than my tube of scroteglide, and a gawmless grin on my bake, feeling a bit shit
Not easy the life of a V-newbie
:o(
Great pic. I'm trying to identify the rider. Lammerts? Lubberding? It's not Joop, Bert, Gerrie, Jan or Ad. The cap he's wearing though is a special one. Back in the day, before helmets, riders on the tour teams that were leading the team (time) and team (points) competitions wore yellow and green caps respectively. I suspect this cap is yellow. Between 1976 and 1983 Raleigh won an incredible 56 stages, including a magnificent 11 in 1980. Speaking of Team Raleigh, from 1982 to 1984 I has a Raleigh frame in team colors. It met it's demise when it/we hit a car door in a time trial. It was replaced by a lovely red Colnago. As for caps, I used to have a bunch including a couple of great rain ones with Peugeot team colors. I'd wear two - Sean Kelly style - one forwards, one backwards.
@VeloVita
I have no doubts about the perfection of the V-Cap. But until then, it's still vaporwear.
That link has a 4-panel cap as well. My VMH is pretty good with that sort of thing and has told me she'd make me some caps if I were to pick out the materials. We'll see if it ever happens.
I can recommend the A'qto (http://www.aqto.com.au) cap. It does not have a sweatband - just pure heat-sapping cotton.
Originally bought solely because the celeste/black version matched my Bianchi, it has accompanied me on almost every ride through this (Wellington, NZ) winter. No stink, no loss of shape, still pure white. It's an enigma!
Another benefit is that you can ride into driving rain, and the peak/visor deflects it away from your eyes (works best in V-Locus, trying to get home faster!). I've actually found this more effective than clear glasses, as there is no fogging.
Inspired by the rider in the picture at the start of the article, I searched for retro jerseys but found this site with a good range of caps.
@Dr C
He wouldn't sell you a new bike??!!?? Where in the name of Merckx's ball sack do you live? The LBS that is the sponsor of my team has staff that they must have picked up when all the GM and Chrysler dealerships went out of business. Meet you at the front door, and follow you around trying to sell you stuff, wether you need it (according to them I do), or not. Annoying to be sure, but cost +%10 is hard to pass up. And there shit is nice. And it's not the internet. And I've just typed myself into understanding your dilemma. Fuck.............
And I postulate that this is the one piece of kit where it is acceptable to don a bit of team kit without actually riding for the team. Additionally, flashing W.C. stripes and race leader colors of any kind is suspect unless you're the W.C. or race leader, but showing alliance/appreciation for a team is acceptable.
My BMC Hincapie cap is too small. It makes my scalp fall asleep as it cuts off the circulation (you all may be able to tell as I wear that cap mostly while posting and writing article here). My Garmin cap is nice and meets all the above requirements.
And I hereby pledge my undying allegiance to any PRO who wears a proper cycling cap on the podium or post race interview as opposed to a wanker baseball/NASCAR hat. Yes, HAT not cap.
@Bianchi Denti
I can second this. I got one free with a couple of their Ts, and it's become my go-to cap. Excellent fit and very comfortable. Next step: get a Bianchi.
Although, Frank, I was rather hoping that this post was coinciding with the announcement of a V-cap. WTF? Someone in the V-Marketing dept. should be shot for this timing breech.
Is that young Gianni in the photo at the top?
@Dr C
Chamois cream isn't 15 pounds where we live. Nappy cream from the chemist is about 8 bucks. Same stuf but a bit thicker without the meditteranean alpineflower breath of 19 virgins menthol fragrance. That you rub on your taint.
Having said that, I like that guy already. Every Cyclist needs a healthy sense of introspection. Every Punter (notice the distinction) needs a new bike.
@Dr C @minion
Is anyone else thinking "bike nazi", a la Seinfeld?
"So you want a cap to go with your new bike, ah? Well, I tell you what. No bike for you! Come back in 2 weeks and we talk then."