HOW TO BUY A CYCLING CAP

The Lead Out

Whether you ride on the road, on the trails, or on your way to work, a cycling cap is a great addition to your wardrobe of cycling clothing. Given the variety of weather conditions you are riding in, you’ll probably collect a few different caps to suit your rides.

However I would direct your attention to Rule 22 of the velominati –
http://www.velominati.com/nostalgia/in-memoriam-the-cycling-cap-and-the-origin-of-rule-22/

The Breakaway

Most cycling caps follow a similar formula. They have a short, 2–3 inch brim and a low profile top that fits nicely under a helmet. The brim is just long enough to keep the sun and rain out of your eyes, without blocking your vision. One major difference: earflaps or no earflaps. When the temperature drops, nothing beats some extra material to fold down over your frozen earlobes. Many cycling caps come in a couple of sizes, so find the one that fits comfortably under your helmet without being ice-cream-headache tight.

The Peloton

Cycling caps are made with a range of materials to suit the weather and your personal sense of style. If nothing you find is quite your speed, many companies offer custom cycling caps with infinite options for materials, colors, patterns and embroidery. No matter what cap you choose, you always have the choice of how to wear it. Backwards? Forwards? Bill up or bill down? It’s up to you.

COTTON	The time-tested option, worn since the earliest days of the Tour de France. If it was good enough for legendary riders, it will work for you. Bonus points if it bears the logo of a classic European road racing team or cycling company. Having bought a few of these caps, I can attest to the durability and quality of the Rapha cap. You can find it here – http://www.rapha.cc/au/en_AU/shop/rapha-cap/product/RCP03
WOOL	The best option for winter riding and staying warm when wet. Many wool caps have earflaps. This is also a great choice for commuting and off the bike beer drinking while proclaiming your allegiance to the two-wheeled tribe.  I can recommend the – http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Coppi-Merino-Cycling-Cap_5 – on windy days I tend to wear another woollen skull cap underneath it.
SYNTHETIC	When the sun beats down, a synthetic blend cap is the way to go. These will wick away sweat and keep it out of your eyes. There are even some waterproof and breathable synthetic caps that are great in the rain. Pro tip: a cycling cap is better than fogged up sunglasses when the rain is really beating down.   The one I recommend for those warm late spring or summer day rides is the Pearl Izumi Cap as shown here – http://www.ivanhoecycles.com.au/clothing/warmers/pearl-izumi-transfer-cycling-cap/prod_3203.php