The cycling cap is a staple in a PRO cyclist's wardrobe; fashion and function go hand-in-hand when discussing its merits. Like the sun, the position of the cap differs throughout the season, sitting high in peak summer and low in the spring. The cap is so versitile that it can provide shade from the sun and rain, catch sweat on hot days, and provide a thin layer for the top of your head when the Mutt is just too hot. Back in the day there was a local rider named Phil who sat on the bike like a PRO, wore his glasses like a PRO, and could even sport the cap like the utter PROfessional. Phil could wear the cap with the best of them. But not everyone can pull it off. This simple accessory can very easily separate riders into the PRO or NO catagory. For example, Matt White: PRO category. Although often overlooked by the photogs, Matt has come to epitomize the spring cap style. Matt is ever-present in the Classics and quietly does his job, working his ass off for bigger name riders. Matt goes for the low, over-the-ears style to help keep his ears warm.
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11 comments:
He also has a set of ears! Great aussie rider! never gets much attention
Wear it high or don't wear it at all. That is Pro.
Hats under helmets? That is Fred.
Strongly disagree, anon. Cycling caps under helmets when done right looks are not only PRO, but essential. Essential for when it's raining and essential for when it's not quite cold enough for a winter cap.
Now baseball hats under helmets...
Or, hat under helmets are essential when you suffer from constant glare issues, even with sunglasses....
I love cycling caps. Tell us more about good/bad/indifferent ways to wear them! It won't influence me in the slightest, of course, since I continue to think that flashy caps are acceptable pub attire.
Hats are the pro accessory most people have forgotten. Helmet or no, for hot or cold, dry or wet, a hat is one of the most flexible PRO accessories you can have in your arsenal.
You could even wear one with a wet cabbage leaf under your hairnet helmet to keep yourself cool like the Cafe de Columbia riders!
On the bike... PRO!
Off the bike... no PRO!
The classic style is eternal - Pro Pozzato: http://tinyurl.com/2lty3m
But cap OVER helmet is lost forever I fear - Pro Kiefel:
http://tinyurl.com/yphmhs
And only a select few Pro's with supererogatory panache could ever pull off this look - Pro Hinault:
http://tinyurl.com/yp9fo4
But cycling caps OFF the bike?
Not pro.
Soooooo not pro.
Like the Anonymous guy said above, wear it high or don't wear it at all.
PRO in the 60's and 70's was all about the appropriate amount of puff:
http://www.vintagevelos.com/images/molteni_hat.jpg
That shit just levitated yet somehow stuck to their heads. Uber-style.
I always liked how Andrea Tafi cut his hat and had his hair sticking out. Eros Poli had also done the same except that he had just left very little fabric. It was like a hat-a-thong.
In worst case scenarios hats have been used to get that grease off your hands after a messy on the road repair or that emergency pit stop in the bushes. Hats are also good for riding at night to fend off drivers who insist on the high beam setting for their lights.
ari
Think Bartoli, Spring Classics,
late 90's, great glossy's in
Cycle Sport.
I distinctly recall a photo in Velonews of Lemond riding in the rain in a spring classic. I think it was 1990 or 1991 because he was on Z. He had his hat under his helmet and he had on Oakley Factory Pilots with clear lenses. He was looking totally PRO, despite the fact he was about 20 pounds overweight. I immediately adopted the look. I might just dig out my Factory Pilots when I get home tonight.
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