Headwear for road biking
Which headwear is suitable under a road helmet?
Under a road helmet, thin under-helmet caps and lightweight headbands that absorb sweat without blocking the helmet's vents are particularly suitable – thicker hats, like those worn in everyday life or for hiking, usually do not fit under close-fitting road helmets.
A thin under-helmet cap made of moisture-wicking material stops sweat from running into your eyes during intense efforts and adds hardly any bulk, so the helmet still fits precisely. For sunny days, lightweight cycling caps with a short peak complete the range; they are worn under the helmet and protect your eyes from a low sun.
At cooler temperatures, thin but windproof versions are also used; despite the extra insulation, they add hardly any bulk and still fit under the tight helmet rim. Multifunctional scarves can also be used flexibly as neck protection or ear warmers, depending on which part of your body needs extra protection at the moment, and thanks to their tubular shape, they fit into almost any jersey pocket.
For riders with little hair or a bald head, thin under-helmet caps also provide light sun protection for the scalp, which can make a noticeable difference on longer rides in blazing sun.
Tip: Before buying headwear, test whether your own helmet still sits comfortably and without pressure points with the cap on – not every helmet shape copes equally well with extra volume under the inner padding.
