Behold, all those who adhere to Rule No. 22—there's a new crop of cycling caps ready to add swag to your bike style. These underrated accessories are ready to keep you warm in the winter, dry in the rain and protected from the sun, but please remember: Cycling caps can be worn under helmets, but never when not riding, no matter how hip you think you look (detailed guidelines here).
These 10 are worth adding to your wardrobe.
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10 Awesome Cycling Caps
Written by
Marc Lindsay
The Athletic Team Wooly Mammoth
$35
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Portland-based company The Athletic has discovered something we've known for quite some time—the wooly mammoth is a print that is severely underutilized. The flip-up blue bill provides a nice contrast when you're off the bike, but it's always better (read: cooler) to keep the visor down when worn under a helmet. As with all The Athletic's apparel, it is made entirely in the U.S.
Handlebar Mustache Amy Dombroski- Walz Cap
$30
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If you're looking to add a bit of cool to your cycling game, you can't go wrong with Handlebar Mustache. The company's latest design includes the Amy D. logo and features a bill that's perfect for flipping. The cap is durable, breathes extremely well in hotter temps and is the perfect choice to up your swag on the bike. Plus, all proceeds are donated to the Amy D. Foundation, which was created in honor of Dombroski who died on a training ride in Belgium in 2013.
POC Raceday Cap
$25
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A reflective stripe and logo on the underside of the bill give the Raceday Cap from POC a clean look that's functional out on the road. You can also choose from the Fondo collection for a variety of colors and stripes to match your favorite kit—including hot pink and neon green options.
Castelli Performance
$20
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You won't find an option better suited for race day on this list—particularly in hot and humid conditions. It's the perfect cap when you're using a helmet with a lot of vents on really hot, bright days, where getting a sunburn on your noggin is a very real possibility. Like a base layer for your head, it wicks away moisture while letting any excess heat evaporate through the mesh panels along the sides.
Rapha Winter Hat
$70
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When things get really cold, this Belgian-style cap from Rapha will be the one you go for. It's comfortable, well-insulated and stays down over the ears nicely when beneath a helmet. While it should be suitable for use into the high 30s or low 40s, Rapha also offers a Deep Winter hat with a similar design that you can wear into the teens.
Bontrager Classique
$39.99
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Though it might look like a pretty plain cycling cap at first glance, the Classique is a reminder that the little things are what matter most. The Merino wool fabric and overall construction are both of the highest quality, and once it's on your head you'll realize the fit is really good, too. The Classique is ideal for fall use when you want extra protection for slightly colder temps.
Rapha Canyon/SRAM
$25
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This limited edition cap in the team colors of Canyon/SRAM is one of our favorites. The distinct print matches most jerseys, and the shower-resistant outer fabric works surprisingly well while still providing a high level of breathability. Rapha also sells the matching women's jersey/short combo on its site along with a few other unique pieces from the Canyon/SRAM team.
Assos S7 Rain Cap
$48
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Sure, you could opt for a helmet cover in a downpour, but instead we recommend this waterproof cap from Assos. It looks better, plus it's extremely lightweight and has a short brim that does a good job of keeping falling rain out of your eyes.
Giordana NYC
$13.95
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Designed in the traditional Italian style with an urban vibe, the NYC caps from Giordana are hard to miss. Like all of the Italian company's apparel lineup, the NYC is comfortable, stylish and made for durability. There are four color options, but the bright green gets our vote for standing out on city streets.
Biemme Sports Vintage
$25
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Your kit can never go wrong when combined with a vintage pro cycling cap. This collection from Biemme features teams from the pro peloton of the 1990s, including Mapei, Mercatone Uno, Telekom and others. If you're willing to take things a step further to impress your friends on the weekend group ride, you can opt for the jersey and shorts to match.
About the Author
Marc Lindsay
Marc writes gear reviews, training, and injury prevention articles for Active.com. He is also a contributor to LAVA Magazine, Competitor Magazine, and Gear Patrol.com. He is a certified Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and earned his M.A. in Writing from Portland State University. Marc resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.