yallgotfakepoo

I'm looking for a new wool winter cycling cap. I used to have a Swobo 6-panel merino beanie and loved it, but I seem to have lost it and it doesn't appear they make them anymore. I really want the Rapha winter hat, but it's pretty pricey. Can anyone either give me a less expensive alternative or talk me into ordering the Rapha?

Gluteus

Nike Sphere Dry Thermal Skullcap Hat

B. Carfree

https://www.rei.com/product/835325/ibex-meru-hat

seymour1910

Nashbar has a nice selection
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/SubCate..._202329_202360

seajaye

walz caps: www.walzcaps.com

rothera cycling caps: www.rotheracycling.com

$40ish? i've been looking to get one myself, have a walz wool cap but not an ear-flap version, might check out rothera because they're made in philly.

JohnDThompson 

I've found a silk balaclava works well, and even provides face protection. Not too pricey, and thin enough to fit under my helmet:

bikerjp

I've thought about that one. Have you used it? How does it fit? Without ear drops it looks like it might not cover the ears well or if it does will also cover the eyes or something.

A wool buff also works well. Wore mine yesterday.

Gordy748

Sorry to say that the very best hat I can recommend is another Rapha. https://www.rapha.cc/merino-hat-1 It is far more svelte than the winter cap (I have both), so is more flexible for going under helmets, etc. And when it gets really cold, I wear both of them for a toasty head.

5 bucks more but it's the one I'd recommend.

Seattle Forrest

It's 100 % merino, very soft, and has no seams. $30 at REI.

No, that's not me in the pic!

bikerjp

It's $30 more than the Ibex and looks nearly the same. Although it's not 100% merino. Not sure if that's a + or - but what besides the name makes it worth double? Also, as they don't make a point of telling you where it's made have to assume it's imported (like from Asia). I like that most of the Ibex stuff is not made in China although I think the meru hat is.

socalrider

Not wool - but I like using this one.. Cut so it goes over ears very easily

https://www.rei.com/product/834850/no...tech-skull-cap

smartwool has nice items so would give this one a look too

https://www.amazon.com/Smartwool-Trai.../dp/B004Z0RCEI

Cookiemonsta

I prefer thermal skullies that are long enough to cover the ears. They do well up to very low temperatures, fit under any helmet, and you forget you are wearing them. There are a bunch of different brands that make them.

JCNeumann

How have you found breathing through that when biking? I've used them skiing, but wasn't really pushing that hard. This is the first winter I am biking on a daily basis, so I suspect there will be a lot of "lessons learned"!

And that looks like a very good price.

Commodus

My Rapha winter cap is the best piece of clothing I've ever owned.

I like having a brim on my caps personally. Not feeling the skull cap thing