Ride Aquazero Skull Cap

The Ride Aquazero Skull Cap is different from most in that it has a water-repellent band around the forehead to provide extra protection from the elements. That band is also wind-resistant.

The rest of the skull cap – the red stuff – is a Super Roubaix fabric so it provides loads of warmth. The black fabric is AcquaZero (there's a 'c' in there, although Ride don't use it), a material that used to be exclusive to Santini but no longer is.

AcquaZero feels like a normal brush-backed fabric, stretchy and breathable like Super Roubaix. The difference is that AcquaZero is highly water-repellent and it doesn't absorb much moisture. Rather than soaking in, raindrops tend to roll off. It isn't fully waterproof but you'll be surprised at how much water it keeps out. 'Ooh,' you'll say, 'that's highly water repellent, that is.'

This AcquaZero is far more wind-resistant than other versions we've tried. It keeps out much more cold air than the Super Roubaix fabric.

It makes a lot of sense to use AcquaZero for tights, for example, because there it can stop road spray soaking in – or, at least, less of it soaking in. Here, it only comes in useful when it's actually raining and you're only going to wear a skullcap when it's very cold. In those circumstances, it does mean your forehead stays drier.

To me, it's more useful that the AcquaZero panel is wind-resistant, keeping the cold air off your forehead. Other manufacturers do something similar with other wind-blocking fabrics.

So, whack this on underneath your helmet and it'll keep your head really warm, providing most insulation for the exposed section at the front. Most rides I do are training rides and it had to go down close to 0°C before I used this. If you're riding at a lower intensity or you have a stop-start journey through town, it'll come in handy when the temperature is a few degrees warmer.

Verdict

Skull cap with a water and wind resistant band to keep your forehead warm and dry; a bargain price