Originally Posted by ken cummings
They do not cut down on hearing that much. In sub zero weather I put a second balaclava over the first one and could hear just fine. Consider those motorcyclists that use full head helmets and be thankful.
+1 on the balaclava. I'll even wear one in 40 deg F weather. They make me look official, and they block the wind from whistling in the ears. I have trouble with stiff knees if I cycle in shorts in cold weather, even 50 deg F, so I wear long cycling pants.