Cycling caps: useful or merely decorative?

[Patrick Moore]

Eric's reach-out for a Riv stubby cap makes me think of cycling caps and their uses. In warm weather I always ride in them because they work better as sweat catchers and also block sun (mile-high sun can overpower sunglasses) and help block the wind -- ours carries a lot of dust. In cold weather I use brimmed insulated caps, wool or synthetic that cover the ears.

I like the retro team caps I stocked up on years ago when Nashbar was blowing them out for single digits for their ironic roadie team kit style -- Peugeot, Legnano, BP, Bianchi, and especially Molteni, but these are cheaply made with brittle and breakable plastic in the brims, so I'm down to just a couple of Moltenis, a Bianchi, and a much loved Legnano.

I'm also down to the very last 2 out of at least half a dozen customs, and gradually bringing into use a stash of Rivendell cycling-proper caps, with a Rivendell and a Cheviot now in rotation and about 3-4 in reserve. I'm glad the the Riv caps are far better made and more durable than the retro team caps.

Who on list uses cycling caps for cycling?

Patrick Moore, whose beloved ancient bright yellow Campy cap blew off in a headwind, in ABQ, NM.

--

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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[Brian Turner]

I like having a cap under my helmet, and I prefer using different weights of wool (depending on the season), and when it's really hot out, I like a mesh cap similar to the Patagonia Duckbill cap because it's basically a cycling cap with a more substantial brim.

Which brings me to my only major critique of cycling caps - the brim. I have always found the short, stubby brims to be completely useless. Never understood why they are so small and insignificant. Over a decade ago, I purchased an Ibex wool cycling cap that remains the very best cycling cap I've ever owned. The crown is a bit roomier, and the brim is the absolute perfect width and length for me. It adequately shields my eyes, but doesn't stick out so far as to interfere with a helmet. In fact, I've been ordering custom caps from Randi Jo and I've requested custom brims that match the dimensions of this old Ibex cap.

Brian

Lex KY

[Steven Sweedler]

Got a pic of the Ibex hat

Steven Sweedler
Plymouth, New Hampshire

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[Patrick Moore]

+1: please post photo of Ibex hat.

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[Brian Turner]

Here you go. It’s long been out of production, but there may be some floating around out there on the 2nd hand market.

Brim is 2” deep and 7.25” wide

On Oct 1, 2024, at 2:46 PM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Patrick Moore]

I have to laugh, not at Brian's desire for wider cycling cap brims, but because my experience is in perfect diametrical opposition to his.

I recall talking to a woman who made custom caps -- I ordered a dozen or so between summer cotton and winter wool over the years -- and very earnestly urging her to make the brims very, very short; she balked at 3 cm but agreed to -- I forget, perhaps 3.5 or 4 cm. 

[When my daughter was in high school she enjoyed my visits, always on a bike, but she asked me not to wear my custom caps because they looked weird. I did so anyway and recall a cluster of teenage girls walking past with the leader snarking, "I like your hat!"] Apparently just a cm or so in bill length can make or break your reputation.

For off-shelf cycling caps I always bend the 2 outermost cm's of bill up and back; below a photo of an extreme job on a now sun-and-sweat-faded Rivendell cycling cap where I used a pop rivet on the admirably stiff and durable brim. Flip-up just shy of 2 cm.

Reason, I want just enough brim to keep sun and wind from my upper face but not so much that it blocks my vision when in the drops. I'd rather pull the brim down when in the drops than have to push it up.

[Brian Turner]

Here’s the Patagonia mesh cap I also use. You can find other similar mesh cycling caps from different sources, but I really like the brim, mesh coverage, and slim adjustment buckle on these:

On Oct 1, 2024, at 2:55 PM, Brian Turner <brok...@gmail.com> wrote:



Here you go. It’s long been out of production, but there may be some floating around out there on the 2nd hand market.

Brim is 2” deep and 7.25” wide

<image0.jpeg>

<image1.jpeg>

[Eric Norris]

I guess I would reply that a cycling cap is not a baseball cap. If you wear one under a helmet, the short brim makes it possible to see where you’re going; a longer brim would block you view unless you ride in a very upright position. 

--Eric Norris
campyo...@me.com
Insta: @CampyOnlyGuy
YouTube: YouTube.com/CampyOnlyGuy 

[Garth]

I've worn the Headsweats cycle caps for along time. Keeps the sun off my head and out of my eyes, and can deflect bugs. Plus the built in sweat band ! The short brims are because at high speed/wind they can and will flip the hat off, depending on brim size and firmness, overall fit, crown depth, etc. Of course, no one style/cut of hat is going to suit or fit everyone, that's why there's a zillion different styles !  Headsweats used to have a longer brim than the later ones. When I rode more casually/higher I liked the longer brim, but now riding fast and a long/low riding position in the drops, I like the shorter style. I prefer polyester because it can take the rigors of frequent washing. Daily in summer. Dries fast.

[Patrick Moore]

Caroline, DBA Little Package, Portland OR, but apparently no longer in the cycling cap business.

On Tue, Oct 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

... I recall talking to a woman who made custom caps -- I ordered a dozen or so between summer cotton and winter wool over the years -- and very earnestly urging her to make the brims very, very short; she balked at 3 cm but agreed to -- I forget, perhaps 3.5 or 4 cm. 

[Patrick Moore]

Just saw this; FWIW. Perhaps of interest: https://www.little-package.com/about

"Little Package" is English for her last name, Paquette.

She made good cycling caps.

[Patrick Moore]

One more, and then I'll shut up: the proper term apparently is casquette. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casquette

Etiquette: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/how-to-wear-a-cycling-cap-296969

Patrick "No, I'm not serious" Moore, who wears them for reasons of practicality and not of style -- not much, anyway.

[Piaw Na]

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 11:28:24 AM UTC-7 Patrick Moore wrote:

Who on list uses cycling caps for cycling?

I use cycling caps for cycling, but only in Europe, where the long climbs I visit and generally competent and polite drivers mean that I'm willing to ride without a helmet but still need a hat to keep sun off my face and wick sweat away. I have a decent collection of UV-faded cotton caps, but most recently have switched to the Walsh technical caps which don't fade, are lighter, and fit better. (before you ask, yes, I do carry a helmet and switch to wearing one for the big descents that come with the big climbs, and my accompanying stokers frequently also do without helmets on climbs and I don't give them a hard time about imitating me)

In the USA, where I don't trust the drivers, I ride with a sweat band under my helmet. I've tried the caps but in general they don't fit too good when stuffed inside a helmet.

[Dave Grossman]

I always wear a cap under my helmet.  Aside from the many stubby caps I have, including the famed Randi Jo Riv cap and a nice Walz Surly wool cap, I wear either a Ciele or OR running hat.  They have a larger brim, are quick drying, and I can wear it when I'm off the bike with better coverage where ever I end up.  

[David Ross]

My Randi Jo caps are my single favorite piece of cycling kit. I’ve never used anything that serves its purpose any better. I have linen for summer and wool for winter. 

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[John Dewey]

Patrick, my tresses thinned out quite some

time ago and my hard shell is well ventilated so hats are required gear. Along the way I’ve scorched my head and beak over and over so now I take care. 

I prefer a shorter brim on account of vanity, one of the seven deadly as you know. So I have a collection of black Rapha hats. They provide just the shade I need and are properly fashionable. 

Of course, fashion comes and goes, so if any of y’all BOBs out there have a pile of early Rapha bike caps (S) cluttering your closet send to me and I’ll swap you for $$. 

Jock

--

[Chris Halasz]

I'm with Jock: I wear head coverage, always, and primarily for sun protection. 

We go for all-around brims: 

Jock - PM sent about some Rapha caps. 

- Chris 

[Ted Durant]

I use regular old cycling caps with a helmet on top for 1) sun shade over my glasses (reduces glare), 2) a bit of sun shade for my face (not much), and 3) soaking up sweat so I don't have a river running salt and sunscreen into my eyes. Current rotation is 2 from Cub House (Team Dream) and 1 from RBW. The RBW one has a bit larger brim.

Ted Durant

Milwaukee WI USA

[Bob]

Useful and decorative. I have just returned from a small grocery run, on my AR, during which I wore my RBW cap (like your green one, but in a Homer-ish blue). I have a wide selection of cycling caps, including four Randi Jo Fabs, four Walz, and an odd one from SALT (an apparently defunct Boulder CO maker). For utility, the best fit and brims on my head are Randi Jo's, no question. For decoration, my current favorites are the afore-mentioned RBW cap and two from Ponderosa Cyclery in Omaha. The latter have wildlife prints on the front of the crown; one is bison, one sandhill cranes.

Some of the caps don't play well with a helmet. When I know I'll be riding relatively fast or in the vicinity of automobiles, I wear a helmet. My two Randi Jo chambray caps fit nicely under my helmet, as does a synthetic wicking Walz that I wear especially in hot weather.

Brim utility varies from cap to cap, but I think my head shape (narrow from ear to ear, long from forehead back) helps the brims curve to make a useful sun shade over my eyes. I recall the Ibex cap Brian posted, and have always regretted not ordering one. Brian, how does it feel under a helmet?

--

Bob

[Patrick Moore]

I have a full head of hair but generally cut it to about 1/2" or shorter (started cutting my own during COVID and find it easier; would like 1" or 1.5" on top but my kit doesn't have the right guard) so head protection against the sun is welcome tho' not necessary. I do now know why people wear hats in winter; not only ears. Also, was amazed and pleased at how caps now stay on my head; with pony tail I needed chin straps, embarrassed to say.

I looked up the Rapha hats; they look to be the right shape and are -- surprise! -- reasonably priced. But I've got a backup stash of Rivendell hats courtesy of Bill L.

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[Patrick Moore]

I recall looking hard for the best sweatband back when I did not wear caps but did wear helmets. I was a sweatband connoisseur. I even tried "The Gutt'r," a rubber channel device advertised along with Xray specs and Sea Monkeys and other weird trash in the classifieds at the back of Bicycling. It did not work.

Caps have much greater absorbent volume despite their thin material, area trumping thickness, and in fact, I think that when sweat is soaked up across a bigger area across bill and crown it evaporates more efficiently so that you don't get sodden sweatbands dripping salt water into your eyes. I used to carry backup sweatbands and thoroughly saturate 2 during a hard 20-mile ride.

I keep at least half a dozen caps in rotation to match with my outfits. Kidding; I never wore my Bianchi cap with my Bianchi jersey and I even avoid wearing it with my no-logo white and blue jersey because I'm afraid of being laughed at. Wore my green Rivendell cap with rivet just now with the blue and white ss jersey.

[Brian Turner]

Bob- the Ibex cap fits very well under my helmet. It’s like any other wool cycling cap except with a wider, longer brim. It’s especially good when riding in the rain and keeping the drops off my eyes and sunglasses.

Brian
Lex KY

[Patrick Moore]

Will others -- some have done so -- please post photos of their favorite cycling caps? My Riv cap is a fave, but so is my Molteni, Legnano, and Cheviot. These are the other 5 of the current 6 hanging in my garage. The no-logo one is 1 of 2 customs remaining; this bill is about 4 cm and is about 5-10 mm longer than the funny ones that caused my daughter to wince.

[RichS]

Okay Patrick, my contribution. Three caps from Red Dots Cycling in Canada. https://www.etsy.com/shop/reddotscycling 

The gray ones are cotton & linen. Houndstooth pattern is a medium weight wool with ear flaps. I'm in the functional camp, primarily to block the sun and for warmth in winter. 

Eric, I hope you find a Riv wool stubby cap. My all time favorite. Brian's Ibex cap is pretty nice too.

Best,

Rich in ATL

[John]

I always wear a cap under my helmet! I’ve discovered that my ears sit quite high on my head, making it difficult to find hats that fit me. I’m always looking at women’s and sometimes even children’s hats! Because cycling caps seem to run shallow they've become a favorite (I guess sort of by default, because they actually fit), although I don’t wear them off the bike.

Things I like about them:
- Keeping some sun out of my eyes if I forget sunglasses
- Keeping precip off my regular glasses
- Soaking up sweat
- Preventing my helmet from digging into my head
- Striking up conversation with other cyclists
- I’ll be honest, I think they can look pretty cool!

I do wish the brims were a bit bigger, though. Maybe not a full blown baseball hat brim, but something in between (I don’t ride with drops and tend to sit pretty upright). I do like the look of that Patagonia Duckbill! I’ve also discovered running hats and am on the hunt to try one.

My favorites cycling caps have typically been wool. I’ve had a bunch of Walz over the years, particularly the one they made for Surly – I’ve had about five of those. I’ve got a couple linen and synthetic mesh caps for the hottest days but generally I’m happy in a mid/lightweight wool all summer long. For winter I’ve got a 45 Nrth cap (it might be called Greazy?) that I really like.

I got really excited to have Randi Jo make a couple custom caps for me but my inquiries seemed to be lost in the void. I should probably try again since everyone seems to love these.

John in Minnesota

[Patrick Moore]

Very nice; must look into Red Dot for a couple new earflap wool caps for winter. I have a Walz and a Pearl Izumi winter cap (as well as a Highway Patrol cap from the movie Fargo for really cold weather) but none as stylish -- or, I daresay, fit as well --as your Red Dot.

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[Brian McDermott]

I always wear one under my helmet. Catches sweat, gives shade, makes helmet fit better, and in the winter I wear one with ear flaps. Randi Jo Fab is my preference. 

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 2:28:24 PM UTC-4 Patrick Moore wrote:

Eric's reach-out for a Riv stubby cap makes me think of cycling caps and their uses. In warm weather I always ride in them because they work better as sweat catchers and also block sun (mile-high sun can overpower sunglasses) and help block the wind -- ours carries a lot of dust. In cold weather I use brimmed insulated caps, wool or synthetic that cover the ears.

I like the retro team caps I stocked up on years ago when Nashbar was blowing them out for single digits for their ironic roadie team kit style -- Peugeot, Legnano, BP, Bianchi, and especially Molteni, but these are cheaply made with brittle and breakable plastic in the brims, so I'm down to just a couple of Moltenis, a Bianchi, and a much loved Legnano.

I'm also down to the very last 2 out of at least half a dozen customs, and gradually bringing into use a stash of Rivendell cycling-proper caps, with a Rivendell and a Cheviot now in rotation and about 3-4 in reserve. I'm glad the the Riv caps are far better made and more durable than the retro team caps.

Who on list uses cycling caps for cycling?

Patrick Moore, whose beloved ancient bright yellow Campy cap blew off in a headwind, in ABQ, NM.

[R. Scott Lake]

Walz caps makes great ones- a variety of materials.

https://www.walzcaps.com/

The mesh caps (like Patagonia) not great for us bald guys- would be a funny sunburn.

[velomann]

I'm firmly pro cycling cap. To the point where I'm ridiculed for it by my wife. So many caps. I wear one always - for sweat and eye shading. But also, I suppose, to Respect The Lore. I have, shall we say, an extensive collection, including all the brands mentioned here (but I've never been able to score a Riv cap) I've got several Randi Jo caps in linen and wool (the wool with ear band is the preferred cross-country ski cap for my wife and I) including the special run of cotton caps she did for Rich Lesnik (Hands on Wheels) and the Shibori tie-die cap she did for Camp and Go Slow. I also have a Little Package cap (local), wool Deller cap (local) a couple Walz caps, the classic Ibex cap, and a few by our other local cap maker, Misia of Double Darn https://www.doubledarn.com/

I also love the Simworks caps (also local) designed by Adam Bell of Munich and made in Italy https://www.sim.works/collections/hats-apparel-accessories

Mike M

[Mike Rossi]

For usefulness, I wear a buff. I wish I could wear a cycling cap, but they look dorky on me.

[rlti...@gmail.com]

Cycling caps look dorky on everybody. The trick is to own the dorkiness. I’m still working on that which is why I have a drawer full of mostly unworn cycling caps…

I have had lots of skin cancers removed so a cycling cap really does not provide enough sun coverage for me. I wear broad brim hats when riding which brings the dorkiness to a whole new level. But it’s dorkiness with a purpose.

Robert Tilley

San Diego, CA

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 5, 2024, at 11:21 PM, Mike Rossi <mwill...@gmail.com> wrote:

For usefulness, I wear a buff. I wish I could wear a cycling cap, but they look dorky on me.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/6c76a5d1-5517-48a9-a350-9e690f73901an%40googlegroups.com.

[Corwin Zechar]

I have a few of the old caps - a Bianchi, two Cinellis, a Clement, and a couple made by a young woman under the moniker "alloneword". I also have a stubby Rivendell cap. The Riv cap is way too small for me. Gives me headaches. Will be posting it soon for sale.

Regards,

Corwin

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 11:28:24 AM UTC-7 Patrick Moore wrote:

Eric's reach-out for a Riv stubby cap makes me think of cycling caps and their uses. In warm weather I always ride in them because they work better as sweat catchers and also block sun (mile-high sun can overpower sunglasses) and help block the wind -- ours carries a lot of dust. In cold weather I use brimmed insulated caps, wool or synthetic that cover the ears.

I like the retro team caps I stocked up on years ago when Nashbar was blowing them out for single digits for their ironic roadie team kit style -- Peugeot, Legnano, BP, Bianchi, and especially Molteni, but these are cheaply made with brittle and breakable plastic in the brims, so I'm down to just a couple of Moltenis, a Bianchi, and a much loved Legnano.

I'm also down to the very last 2 out of at least half a dozen customs, and gradually bringing into use a stash of Rivendell cycling-proper caps, with a Rivendell and a Cheviot now in rotation and about 3-4 in reserve. I'm glad the the Riv caps are far better made and more durable than the retro team caps.

Who on list uses cycling caps for cycling?

Patrick Moore, whose beloved ancient bright yellow Campy cap blew off in a headwind, in ABQ, NM.

[Thomas Lawn]

I have had a number of encounters with bees and wasps finding their way through the large helmet vents and into my hair that I try to ride with a cap all the time. All the other features like keeping the sun out of my eyes and collecting sweat and rain are a nice bonus, but riding along and realizing your hair has trapped an angry wasp is an experience I never want to repeat. Ditto for discovering dead gnats that wash out of my hair during a post-ride shower.

I wear a cap at work to keep my hair from getting dirty, so I go through caps fairly quickly. Whatever retails for $20 or less and doesn't look awful ends up in rotation, but I have received the most compliments on a gingham tablecloth patterned Cinelli hat that has "CIAO!" printed under the bill.

-Thomas in Portland

On Tue, Oct 1, 2024 at 11:28 AM Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:

Eric's reach-out for a Riv stubby cap makes me think of cycling caps and their uses. In warm weather I always ride in them because they work better as sweat catchers and also block sun (mile-high sun can overpower sunglasses) and help block the wind -- ours carries a lot of dust. In cold weather I use brimmed insulated caps, wool or synthetic that cover the ears.

I like the retro team caps I stocked up on years ago when Nashbar was blowing them out for single digits for their ironic roadie team kit style -- Peugeot, Legnano, BP, Bianchi, and especially Molteni, but these are cheaply made with brittle and breakable plastic in the brims, so I'm down to just a couple of Moltenis, a Bianchi, and a much loved Legnano.

I'm also down to the very last 2 out of at least half a dozen customs, and gradually bringing into use a stash of Rivendell cycling-proper caps, with a Rivendell and a Cheviot now in rotation and about 3-4 in reserve. I'm glad the the Riv caps are far better made and more durable than the retro team caps.

Who on list uses cycling caps for cycling?

Patrick Moore, whose beloved ancient bright yellow Campy cap blew off in a headwind, in ABQ, NM.

--

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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[Tom Wyland]

I wear cycling hats under my helmet every time I ride. I have no hair on my head, so it helps catch the sweat and protect me from sunburn. I also found that wearing a fresh hat every day (I commute to work) keeps my helmet from getting the "perma stink."

In the winter I have earflap hats: (RockBros -Amazon), one from Walz, Patagonia, etc.  Mostly I wear thin wool beanies.

Saddest hat story?  I sometimes buy them from Rothera (sadly it looks like they are no longer around). They're pricey, but often have cool fabric. I wore my new Seinfeld - Kramer hat to work, promptly dropped it on the way in the front door.  It was never recovered. One ride!

Tom

Reston, VA

[Patrick Moore]

Was your Kramer hat the one below?

I just lost a brand new Rivendell cycling cap: on Tuesday met a new acquaintance for lunch at a nearby restaurant and wore a new, unworn Riv cap, part of my stash, to identify myself. I placed the hat on a sill during our meal and of course forgot to retrieve it when we left. I called the restaurant, only 1/2 mile from my house that evening and was told that they’d found it, but when I went by yesterday the manager could not find it. Must keep trying since these are no longer offered by Rivendell. Have said a prayer to St. Anthony of Padua.

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[Tom Wyland]

Alas it was made with this fabric:

On Friday, October 11, 2024 at 2:28:02 PM UTC-4 Patrick Moore wrote:

Was your Kramer hat the one below?

I just lost a brand new Rivendell cycling cap: on Tuesday met a new acquaintance for lunch at a nearby restaurant and wore a new, unworn Riv cap, part of my stash, to identify myself. I placed the hat on a sill during our meal and of course forgot to retrieve it when we left. I called the restaurant, only 1/2 mile from my house that evening and was told that they’d found it, but when I went by yesterday the manager could not find it. Must keep trying since these are no longer offered by Rivendell. Have said a prayer to St. Anthony of Padua.

On Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 6:59 AM Tom W

I wear cycling hats under my helmet every time I ride. I have no hair on my head, so it helps catch the sweat and protect me from sunburn. I also found that wearing a fresh hat every day (I commute to work) keeps my helmet from getting the "perma stink."

In the winter I have earflap hats: (RockBros -Amazon), one from Walz, Patagonia, etc.  Mostly I wear thin wool beanies.

Saddest hat story?  I sometimes buy them from Rothera (sadly it looks like they are no longer around). They're pricey, but often have cool fabric. I wore my new Seinfeld - Kramer hat to work, promptly dropped it on the way in the front door.  It was never recovered. One ride!

Tom

Reston, VA

[Patrick Smith]

I love cycling caps. I wear one every ride. Regular caps in warmer months and wool with ear flaps in the cold months. My problem is that one size does NOT FIT ALL! I'm sick and tired of buying caps too small for my head (which I didn't think was all that big to begin with).

I've got a half dozen or so in the rotation and another dozen that don't really fit and are just collecting dust until either of my kids grow into them. Heck, several already fit my 4yo pretty well.

If anyone has any too big caps to unload or a line on brands that fit large please let me know. 

Smitty in DC

[Andrew Turner]

I'm not sure where I heard this, but someone claimed that ball caps were designed to fly off the head when chasing a fly ball. In contrast, cycling caps stay on even in windy conditions. This distinction was likely more relevant before helmets became standard, but I like to think there's some truth to the brim-lore. 

With long hair, I don't bother with one. It's just too much, especially in the heat. But with a buzz cut, holy smokes do I want the protection of a cap from the sun. Plus it's something else to dunk in the creek! As it get's colder, the more they make sense to wear, especially with some ear covers.  

Andrew

[Patrick Moore]

When I wore long hair I could never get caps to stay on my head — lost a good bright yellow Campy cap in a strong wind, and I had to resort to under-chin elastic. Also, I never needed hats in winter to keep my scalp warm, tho’ I did wear various head coverings to keep my ears and face warm.

But when I started wearing my hair very short — quite a different story. Caps actually stay on securely — this surprised me when I made the change — and yes, my scalp gets cold.

Patrick Moore, whose warm-weather end-of-ride routine includes rinsing sweat-soaked cycling caps and hanging them to dry.

On Sat, Oct 12, 2024 at 9:31 PM Andrew Turner <andyree...@gmail.com> wrote:

… With long hair, I don’t bother with one. It's just too much, especially in the heat. But with a buzz cut, holy smokes do I want the protection of a cap from the sun. Plus it's something else to dunk in the creek! As it get's colder, the more they make sense to wear, especially with some ear covers.  

[Piaw Na]

Here's my Rivendell Cycling Cap with plenty of beusage from multiple years of touring.  I've stopped using it because the Walz caps are more comfortable and wick more moisture even though the brim of the Walz caps aren't as broad as the Rivendell cap. You can see that with sufficient UV at altitude the color eventually gets leached out of the cap.

[chocotaco]

I wear cycling caps when I go running, for a little sun protection and to keep the sweat from dripping in my eyes. On the bike I mainly use them under the helmet when it is raining, to protect my glasses somewhat from the rain but mostly so that the rain doesn't make salty dirty helmet-pad water drip into my eyes.

I'll share my best tip, at the risk that you might make them harder for me to find in the future as they are now rare - the team-kit style cycling caps made by Kucharik were a cut above. It is cool that they were made locally in Gardena, but I love them because they were cut a bit bigger and looser than the standard little made-in-Italy caps, and they look and feel a lot better accordingly, in my opinion.

James Black

Los Angeles, CA