FEATURES

• Windproof/Waterproof, breathable, 4-way stretch Alpe softshell center and side panels are fleece lined for extra warmth
• Plush, elastic SuperRoubaix fleece headband provides excellent insulation and breathability
• Ergonomic shaping designed to cover the ears and fit comfortably under a helmet for cold and wet riding conditions
• Integrated nylon brim provides protection from wind and rain
• Reflective heat transfer logo for excellent low light visibility

FROM THE MANUFACTURER
Maximum winter protection for cold conditions.

INITIAL THOUGHTS
Unpackaging the Alpe was nearly as exciting as gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. Excited about keeping my bald head warm in the crisp mornings, I tore into the bag and immediately pulled the cap on, nearly forgetting to take it all in. At first blush, and what one would expect from Hincapie Sports, the cap felt well made and durable. Solidly put together, there were no seam problems and no stray threads .

LOOK
After all of these years, I still have thin Florida blood coursing through my veins. So you can imagine I wasn’t overly concerned with the look of the Alpe. Adding to that fact, its hard to look PRO while staying warm during the frosty months. Bundled up In the interest of self preservation, we all tend to look like casting rejects from A Christmas Story. That being said, the cap looks quite smart underneath my helmet. The SuperRoubaix fleece keeps my dome toasty, and the brim provides just enough foul weather protection while allowing my PRO daydreams to thrive.

FEEL
A nice snug fit. The back of the cap falls nicely on the neck, and adjusts easily with a tug of the ear flaps. Where covered, the Alpe does a good job of the task at hand: warmth. The cap isn’t cumbersome under the helmet, and on warmer days, the ear flaps flip up easily on the road. If I had one concern, I would advise the Classic Cycling readers to pay attention to the sizing chart when ordering. My hat size is 7 3/8, and the Alpe feels like it might run a tad on the small size.

ECONOMIC IMPACT
Considering the price point on a lot of cycling gear, the Alpe Brim Cap is by no means too hard on the wallet. Besides, can you really put a price on warm ears? I know I certainly can’t.

FINAL THOUGHTS
In a perfect world, I would be logging my mileage along the coast of Monaco, stopping occasionally for a high priced espresso served in a coffee mug made from gold plated Gossamer wings. Meanwhile, back in reality-land, the Alpe Brim Cap will oddly remain a piece of kit that I wish I didn’t have to use. A sad, toasty, highly recommended reminder that I have no hair. As mentioned before, do pay attention to the sizing chart.

RATING
Cat 1/PRO

~Shawn M

*NOTE: THIS PRODUCT WAS GIVEN TO ME AT NO CHARGE FOR REVIEWING. I WAS NOT PAID OR OTHERWISE COMPENSATED TO GIVE THIS REVIEW AND IT WILL HAVE MY HONEST OPINION OR THOUGHTS THROUGH OUT. I DO NOT RECEIVE A SALARY OR WAGE FOR THESE REVIEWS, BUT I F THAT SHOULD CHANGE I PROMISE YOU’LL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW.

You can purchase the Hincapie Alpe Brim Hat here.