Doubtful whether a helmet will suffice when you’re out on your bike? Indeed, it’s a common question to ask.
Wearing a helmet might initially seem safe and comfortable — I thought so too. However, in the years that I’ve been into biking, I realized that you don’t always feel at ease by just wearing a helmet.
But why is that so, and what to wear under a bike helmet to ensure the perfect ride? I’ll talk about it all in my detailed guide.
So, without further ado, let’s get going!
What To Wear Under a Bike Helmet?
I’d suggest wearing a head wrap, bandana, or cycling cap underneath a bike helmet whenever you’re riding — be it under the snow, scorching sun, hail, or rain.
Remember that it should fit properly under the helmet, but you must also loosen the helmet straps to ensure that it doesn’t create uncomfortable pressure points. On a side note, the rules for cycling state that you shouldn’t wear caps when you’re not riding.
Why Wear a Cycling Cap Or Bandana Under the Helmet?
There are several reasons why most bikers prefer wearing bandanas or cycling caps beneath their helmets. So, let’s take a brief look at each:
Prepared For The Bad Weather
By wearing a bandana or cycling cap, you can stay protected from harsh weather elements throughout the ride. Most of these caps are designed to prevent rain and hail from reaching the eyes so that you are adequately protected from inclement weather elements. Moreover, they keep you shielded from the intense UV exposure while riding throughout the year.
Help You In Comfort
In addition to protecting against harsh weather, a cycling cap can also provide you with the ideal comfort for all seasons.
On the one hand, your head stays warm during the winter months as the cap retains warmth. At the same time, its breathability and moisture-wicking features keep the head cool in hot weather. And with the comfort level on point, the rider can focus on the sport, and the biking sessions can unquestionably become more enjoyable too.
Wick Away The Sweat
While riding on hot days, a major challenge is sweat dripping in the eyes, thereby creating discomfort and impacting your vision. But a bandana can effectively soak up the sweat forming on your eyebrows and keep the eyes clear and protected during the ride.
Keep Your Hair In Place
If you have long hair, it’s another inconvenience when the hair continues to flow back in the wind and “whip” your face. However, simply tying your hair up in a bandana can help you get rid of this hassle once and for all as the hair stays put in the helmet.
Adds Personality To Your Look
With modern bandanas doubling up as fashion accessories, the designs of these cycling caps have become just as essential as their application. Bandanas let you express your style and a particular affiliation. While you’re taking a breather in between your ride and have opened the helmet, the bandana might be a way of knowing your identity, style, and much more.
Can I Wear a Normal Hat Under My Bike Helmet?
Wearing a hat or similar headgear under a bike helmet isn’t a safe idea, because visors and hats might compromise its safety and fitting. Any additional layer between the helmet lining and the head may cause shifting of the helmet, increasing the chance of a dangerous outcome in case there’s an accident.
How To Wear A Cycling Cap?
You can wear cycling caps either with their peak up or down. Note that both these styles are suitable for bike riders, though they have certain implications, which we’ll be discussing in the next section.
Peak Up Or Peak Down?
Many bikers tend to ponder over which style will be more beneficial— wearing the cap with the peak up or peak down. But actually, it’s a matter of choice based on how one finds the cap comfortable.
As for me, I feel wearing the cap while it is vented and with the peak down can protect the eye better from exposure to sunlight and wind. It’s also helpful at night for blocking the headlights from the opposite direction that is at times blinding. But an occasion where I use the cap with the peak up is while wearing it too low so that it’s easier to see ahead.
How to Wear a Biker Bandana?
Here’s my simplified five-step guide on the right way to wear a biker bandana:
Step 1
Hold the bandana flat and then fold it in a diamond shape with a corner facing downwards.
Step 2
Now, fold down the top corner of the bandana so that the point touches the center. However, those with bigger heads must not bring the point to the center as that will tighten the bandana.
Step 3
Now, place it on your head by putting its folded side low across the forehead.
Step 4
Complete the process by tying the two ends of the bandana at the back of your head. Make sure the knot sits above the nape of the neck.
Step 5
Finally, tie a second knot to secure the bandana and pick up the slacks so that the tail of the bandana flows over the neck for adequate sun protection.
Final Words
To round it up, wearing bandanas or cycling caps under bike helmets will provide you with the right balance of protection and comfort for your biking sessions. At the end of the day, a safe, energizing, and fulfilling ride is what everybody wants.
That’s why I’d advise you to order a suitable cap or bandana and start using it right from your next ride. And make sure to get the best fit and invest in high-quality material.
On that note, I’ll wrap things up for now. But watch this space as I’ll be back soon with more guides. Take care!
