Cycling Caps and Hats

A cycling cap or racing cap is the small garment that makes the difference between a comfortable ride and a ride where you suffer from sweat in your eyes, cold ears or the sun on your head. A cycling cap is a thin close-fitting cap that covers the head and the ears for warmth on cold rides and is worn under the cycling helmet. A racing cap, also called a cycling cap or bike cap, has a short peak that you can fold up and protects the forehead against sun, light rain and sweat. Both are compact, lightweight and fit easily in a back pocket of a cycling jersey.

In this range you will find cycling caps from thin summer variants to thicker thermal winter caps, and racing caps in classic and modern versions. The choice depends on the season and the use: a cycling cap you wear primarily for warmth and protection at cold temperatures, a racing cap for sweat absorption and light protection in warmer weather. For changeable spring or autumn weather there are also thin lightweight caps that take up little space and can be quickly put on or taken off.

Which cycling cap or racing cap suits you?

The right choice depends on when you cycle and what you want to protect. The scenarios below quickly help you in the right direction.

You want to keep sweat drops out of your eyes while your helmet stays in place properly: choose a racing cap or thin summer cycling cap. The racing cap catches sweat with the peak in front of the forehead and stays in place thanks to the elastic back. A thin summer cycling cap absorbs sweat over the whole head and lets the helmet sit in place normally. Both fit effortlessly in a back pocket of your cycling jersey when you do not need them on the way.

You want to keep your head and ears warm at temperatures below 10 degrees: choose a thermal cycling cap for under the helmet. A thermal cycling cap covers the head and the ears fully and retains the warmth through the use of fleece or thermal material on the inside. Combine it with cycling gloves for a complete winter kit from head to hands.

You want to take something compact along in changeable spring or autumn weather: both a racing cap and a thin cycling cap fit in a back pocket of your cycling jersey. In a light shower or gust of wind you have something at hand without it costing extra weight or space. Choose a thin cycling cap if the temperature cools down sooner, or a racing cap if you wear cycling glasses and need less protection for the ears.

You want to wear the classic cycling look of a racing cap on training rides and coffee rides: the racing cap is the iconic headwear of cycling. It is worn on the head without a helmet, or combined with a helmet by folding the peak up. For those who appreciate the retro look and the feeling of classic cycling, the racing cap is a natural choice.

What to look for when purchasing?

Fit under the helmet

The most critical requirement for a cycling cap that you wear under the helmet: it must not disrupt the fit of the helmet. A cap that is too thick pushes the helmet up or disrupts the retention system, so that the helmet no longer sits correctly. Choose a cycling cap that is specifically made for use under a cycling helmet: those models are deliberately thin and elastic enough not to affect the helmet fit.

Material and thickness

Summer cycling caps and racing caps are made of lightweight, moisture-wicking material that dries quickly and wicks sweat away from the skin. Winter cycling caps are made of thermal material such as fleece or a wind-repellent membrane that blocks the wind and retains the warmth. Choose the thickness based on the temperature in which you ride the most: a thin multifunctional cap for 5 to 15 degrees, a thicker thermal cap for temperatures below 5 degrees.

Racing cap or cycling cap

A racing cap has a short stiff peak and fits largely around the forehead. It is versatile but offers no warmth around the ears and is not suitable for use in real cold. A cycling cap covers the head and the ears fully and is intended for temperatures below 12 degrees. Many cyclists have both: a racing cap for spring, summer and autumn, and a thermal cycling cap for winter.

Our advice: buy both a racing cap and a thin cycling cap. They are compact, relatively cheap and each fill a clearly distinct seasonal gap. Together you have a suitable option for every cycling weather without taking up extra space in your bike bag.

Who are cycling caps and racing caps suitable for?

• Road cyclists and cyclists who ride outdoors in winter and want to keep their head and ears warm under the helmet at temperatures below 10 degrees.
• Cyclists who suffer from sweat in the eyes in summer and want to catch this with a racing cap or thin cap without affecting the helmet fit.
• Athletes who, in changeable spring or autumn weather, want to take something compact along that can be quickly put on and taken off without extra weight or space.
• Road cyclists who love the classic look and wear a racing cap on training rides, coffee rides and rest moments as a characteristic piece of cycling clothing.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a cycling cap or racing cap but are you not quite sure which model best suits your needs? Then we are happy to help you further. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon shop in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about cycling caps and racing caps

What is the difference between a cycling cap and a racing cap?

A cycling cap is a thin close-fitting cap that covers the head and the ears for warmth on cold rides and is worn under the cycling helmet. A racing cap is a flat cap with a short peak that protects the forehead against sun and sweat and can be worn both under and without a helmet. For winter rides you choose a cycling cap; for summery or dry rides a racing cap is the lighter and more versatile option.

Does a cycling cap always fit under a helmet?

Not automatically: choose a cycling cap that is specifically made for use under a cycling helmet. Those models are deliberately thin and elastic enough not to disrupt the helmet fit. A winter cap that is too thick or regular can push the helmet up or disrupt the retention system, so that the safety of the helmet decreases.

Is a racing cap also usable in winter?

A racing cap offers little warmth and is too thin at temperatures below 8 degrees to keep your head comfortably warm. For winter, a thermal cycling cap is the better choice. A racing cap is, however, handy as an extra layer on a cold but dry day when you already wear gloves and a cycling jacket and only want to catch the sweat from the forehead.

How do I wear a racing cap: peak in front or behind?

Both ways occur. Peak forward gives protection against the sun on your face and eyes. Peak folded backwards is the classic look during intensive rides. Many cyclists fold the peak up or backwards when they wear the racing cap under a helmet and choose peak forward on quieter rides or coffee rides without a helmet.

Which cycling cap thickness do I need?

That depends on the temperature. A thin cap of moisture-wicking material is sufficient at 8 to 15 degrees. A medium-thick cap of fleece suits 3 to 8 degrees. A thick thermal cap with a wind-repellent membrane is suitable for temperatures below 3 degrees or in strong wind. When in doubt, choose the thinner variant: a cap that is too warm causes overheating and excessive sweating, which disrupts riding comfort more than slightly cold ears.