Caps not Hats – the Prendas Countdown

The cycling cap has been popular around the world, not just with cyclists, and has always be part of the fabric of the sport over the decades – Prendas Ciclismo are counting down the top 10 sellers!

Caps not Hats – the Prendas Countdown

The cycling cap has been popular around the world not just with cyclists and has always be part of the fabric of the sport over the decades – Prendas Ciclismo are counting down the top 10 sellers!

We’re currently waiting for the number 1 seller to be revaled on the Prendas twitter feed but read on to get a jump start on the twitterati.

For those visiting the Rouleur Classic, Prendas will also have a display of caps plus some of John Pierce’s photos from over the years.

Unsurprisingly for me, the number 1 is the Molteni one. As a big fan of that team and that era when Eddy Merckx was head and shoulders above his rivals, I am sure there are many many others who are just as big a fans if not more so … here’s the top 10. Thanks to Andy at Prendas…

1) Molteni/Arcore Retro Cotton Cap. This Molteni Arcore retro cotton cap is an accurate reproduction of the original team cap – it’s absolutely identical to the cycling cap worn by the great Eddy Merckx! No wonder why it’s number 1!

2) Mapei Retro Cotton Cap. In the runner up spot is the colourful MAPEI team cotton cap that features those fabulous and all-important mapei cubes. If you are every “lucky” enough to be down your local B&Q, look out for the tubs of tile grout and adhesive, as you’ll see the cubes printed on those too!

3) Molteni Retro Cotton Cap. We’ve used a bit of artist licence on this one. It’s influenced by the wool training tops that were issued to the riders in late 60’s. We love the Molteni logos, the Italian Scudetto printed on each side and that central stripe!

4) San Pellegrino Retro Cotton Cap. Whilst the vivid San Pellegrino jersey finished at the top of Prendas’ best selling jerseys of 2017, the matching cotton cap will have to settle for fourth, agonizingly close to the podium!

5) Rocket Espresso Milano Cotton Cap. This is the original design of the Rocket Espresso Milano cycling cap. With the caps and luxurious espresso machines both made in Italy, the tricolore runs through the centre of the cap symbolising the Made in Italy ethos of the brand.

6) Peugeot Retro Cotton Cap. The iconic Peugeot retro team cap features the very same ribbon that was actually used when our Italian factory made the team cotton caps in the 1980’s – so the look of it is pretty authentic!

7) La Vie Claire/Wonder/Radar Retro White Cotton Cap. The La Vie Claire team cap has a wide central ribbon that features the iconic artwork of Piet Mondrian, giving the team a unique appearance at the head of in the peloton during the 1980s.

8) St Raphael Retro Cotton Cap. Our delightful St Raphael retro team cap as worn by Jacques Anquetil, Tom Simpson, Brian Robinson et al during the golden age of cycling is inside our top ten best selling cycling caps of the year.

9) Brooklyn Retro Black Cotton Cap. Unlike the blue version, this black version of the Brooklyn cotton cap was never worn by the team riders back in the 1970’s. It’s creation/popularity can be traced back to it being worn by Mars Blackmon played by Spike Lee in the 80’s film She’s Gotta Have It.

10) Prendas Reflective Stripe Cotton Cap. It still brings a smile to our face when we spot a Prendas cap out on a ride. This practical and popular black cap that features a brilliant white reflective stripe that runs across the centre, continuing down the peak.