A soggy, cold, miserably wet day here in Vancouver spurred your author to stay indoors and think about winter cycling caps. I'm trying to find out the origin of the humble winter cycling cap. And as far as I can determine, through my research, is that it's probably from wind swept Belgium. It more than makes sense from the land of wet, rain harshness as an important way for a cyclist to stay warm in inclement conditions. Covering the head is important since 40-45% of body heat is loss from the head. Belgian cyclists can't be wrong.
Galstudio's handmade Presta Winter Cycling Cap...
It started with the basic wool brimless cap. Just put on a tuque and ride. And, most likely proceeded with a brim to guard against freezing rain and the cutting wind. Add ear flaps as a perfect, practical way to keep the back of the neck warm.
My first winter cycling cap is from the early eighties. In bright red with the bold, COLNAGO in white felt, tastefully on the brim. Well made, in wool with a inside liner, it's certainly does the trick out in the cold.
My first winter cycling cap...
Winter still has it's cold grip on us, and what better way to ward it off by keeping your head comfy warm with Galstudio's Winter Cycling Caps!
They're all on sale at a 'cool' price; $ 25.00 USD each, that's $10.00 off the regular price! An excellent time to beat off the cold with our attractive, handmade, comfy winter cycling caps. I wouldn't leave home, for a winter ride, without it!
More imaginative winter headwear....
Belgian, Ferdinand Bracke
fighting against the elements...
fighting against the elements...
Paul Sherwen & Laurent Fignon...
on the Koppenberg, 1985...
Ti-Raleigh rider(far left) wearing a tuque, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, 1980.
Comments
http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?ID=2795
Yes, nothing like good ole headwear for that cool ride!
Steve,
The Raleigh is a nice one. Missed out on the Campy one!
Jim,
That's a heck of good cap story, you're tough as nails!
Interesting article. I wrote a few articles on my blog upon the Belgian winter caps. Have you noticed how close those caps are to the US WWII Jeep caps of the soldiers?
Here is on of my articles (in French): https://levelomanevintage.blogspot.fr/2014/01/eddy-merckx-portait-la-casquette-dhiver.html
Sincerely,