In the last few Winters I've stuck loyally to wearing my cycle helmet in the cold. Last year I invested in a cycle-cap accessory which fitted just under my helmet for warmth, but I still found myself getting ever such a cold face/ears on those icy sub zero winter mornings.
I've seen other cyclists just wearing a nice thick hat in Winter so I'm considering doing the same myself in the coming Winter. Of course, its not as safe and I've always worn a cycle helmet so it's a bit of a tricky decision between warmth and safety in case of a crash.
below 0° F? Really? That's cross country skiing weather! Or more accurately, sitting in front of a fire and drinking rum weather.
What do people on this forum do in Winter?
I'm in Ohio and I ride down to about 25°...maybe 20° once in a great while. My head stays warm under one light balaclava, two light balaclavas or one heavier balaclava depending on just how cold it is. Those setups fit under my helmet with only a few clicks of loosening the rear suspension strap.
If you are not wanting to give up a helmet over heavier head gear, why not go to Walmart and buy a larger size for $20?
Unfortunately I have a gigantic noggin and one size fits all apparently does not fit me. Even the Assos LG cut deep lines on my head. I currently have a Craft skull cap with a windproof front panel that covers my ears except for the very bottom of the lobe, and which is good down to about 30F - basically my threshold for outdoor rides.
Edit: Even with gloves on my fingers used to get a bit chilly on the tail end of longer rides. Adding a glove liner not only helped with that but my head and the rest of my body started feeling warmer as well. I'm guessing it freed up more blood supply from the extremities. It's making me think twice about that ridiculously expensive heated handlebar wrap.
If you are not wanting to give up a helmet over heavier head gear, why not go to Walmart and buy a larger size for $20?
+1
Yep! I bought a cheap mountain bike helmet with the little "bill" that helps deflect wind, at the LBS for about that price. The helmet is a large size that gives me room for my balaclava.... and also has fewer and smaller vents. Because the winter months here (also Ohio) seem less bright around here... I bought clear safety glasses (Home Depot) that look alot like cycling glasses but do a much better job of blocking the wind from my eyes. I wash glasses in soapy water to prevent the lens from fogging-up but you can also buy lens cleaners that do that too.
I also bought tights (without chamois) that I can wear over my cycling shorts, although sometimes I wear more conventional windproof jogging pants (with a reflector strap on the right leg opening) instead.
My upper body I dress in layers. I like the body armor (type) skin tight under-shirts. Followed by a tee shirt made of technical fabric. These two layers wick the sweat away from my skin. Then I layer on a cycling jersey, and a cycling jacket. The last two layers allow me to raise and/or lower the zippers to vent away moisture. I try to avoid getting warm.
Because few cyclist use the roads in cold weather I stick a flasher on the back of my bike even during the daylight... just to add a layer of safety. Lastly.... I wash any road salt off my bicycle as soon as I arrive home. Then I ether hang my bicycle off the garage floor or I place the bikes wheels on 2x4 pine boards to keep the tires off the cold dry concrete.
I wear a helmet beanie with the ear flaps and balaclava under my helmet and this combo equals total comfort. Now, I just need to figure out a work around for the watery eyes syndrome as my glasses can only do so much.
Now, I just need to figure out a work around for the watery eyes syndrome as my glasses can only do so much.
During boring and freezing winter months.... I have considered using my ski mask/ski goggles. I've never used them cycling... but I know they work on the slopes.
Beanie hats are the brimless hats knitted in wool worn during winter. The beanie hat's origin dates back to the early 20th century slang term bean meaning head. These hats were popular amongst school boys between the periods of 1920 to 1940.
