Undershirts & Caps for Cycling

For probably the first year of road cycling, I would deal with all sorts of weird issues. For example my bibs (you need these if you road cycle, I don't care how uncool they feel or look) would sometimes irritate my. It felt like I had a tag poking me. I'd also have issues with temperature control. Some days I'd be too hot, others I couldn't stay warm enough. I wasn't cold enough for a vest or more clothing, but wanted just a bit more. I'd ask some guys about this, and get a strange look. Turns out you need another layer, which is the same problem I had on my head.

Since I'm horribly lacking in the follicle growth area, I decided to shave my head 10+ years ago. It's really hard for a 22 year old to come to terms with a drastically receding hairline. Nevertheless, one day I shaved it all off, and haven't paid a barber since. Though I really do miss the guy, some choices are just beyond your control and you have to go with the flow. Regardless, this leaves me with a ton of sweat pouring off my head while cycling. Usually directly into my eyes. Talk about irritating, it's seriously not cool to be busting your legs up a mountain side and have a constant flow of salt into your eyes.

I talked to everyone I could find, some recommended Vaseline across the eyebrows, others recommended this device called a Sweat GUTR (which I do use sometimes, mostly on the trainer in the garage), still others told me I needed to man up. While I would never consider myself weak, I needed a better solution. It turns out all you need is a simple cap for your shaved head. My favorite is the Assos Robo Foil Cap which has no bill. I still don't understand why it works so well, but you stay cooler, sweat goes anywhere but your eyes and it makes the helmet fit even more comfortable.

I also prefer the Assos Summer SkinFoil for an undershirt as well. I wear it on every ride, no matter how hot. It really keeps me cooler on the hot days and just warm enough on the slightly cooler starts. I'm not sure why more people don't wear these things, likely because nobody passed on the minor details that bring a lot of comfort on a bike. Share the details, undershirts and caps make your cycling day a lot more enjoyable.