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fueledbymetal
 
I was looking for something that had good wind blocking and easily converted from covering the mouth and/or nose to just covering the chin and decided to give the Cannondale L. E. a try. So far I've only used it down to 34F (with 25mph wind) and it's worked great. I'm certain it will keep me warm for at least another 10F colder (if not more).

I have no affiliation with c'dale, I just wanted to share my findings since I did a search on this particular balaclava before buying it but couldn't find any user reviews.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23581&subcategory_ID=1343
http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/10-9500-BLK-FRONT.jpg

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seafoamer
 
No mouth or nose holes??? I find that balaclavas without nose or mouth holes constrict my breathing too much.

sumguy
 
Material looks cool. Started using the performance windproof brand and it is very warm. Upper 20s with 20+mph winds and still very toasty. Should've bought L instead of XL. Does that black band pull up to cover the nose?

kninetik
 
I took my C'dale balaclava out in the same weather conditions as the OP. I have the same opinion about it. It kept my face toasty and yes, that little band can be pulled up to cover the nose/mouth. Those ear holes however tend to make high pitch whistling sounds in windy conditions.

cyclezealot
 
I like to filter the cold air as it enters my nose by using a balaclave that covers the nose area. But the nose droppings. Messy.

mulchie
 
silk.
old-fashioned.
nature tech.
love it.
cheaper.

fueledbymetal
 
Does that black band pull up to cover the nose?

Yep - it hasn't been cold enough yet for me to use it though.

Mazaev
 
How wide is that band? Can it cover from chin to nose?

tjayk
 
silk.
old-fashioned.
nature tech.
love it.
cheaper.

silk balaclava or bandana? i also love silk and have a huge bandana that i've been using but i find it makes breathing difficult when pulled over my mouth/nose (it kinda sucks in when i inhale, like a plastic bag b/c the fabric is lightweight and it is huge so i have it folded like 4 times).

SCREEM
 
looks cool, this one is awesome http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/87060

fueledbymetal
 
How wide is that band? Can it cover from chin to nose?

The balaclava covers your chin up to you lower lip and the band can cover your nose & mouth, overlapping the balaclava opening above your chin, but the can't quite cover your entire nose & chin at the same time.

I also want to add that I rode 32 miles @24F Thursday morning and it still kept me plenty warm. I still haven't needed to use the band yet, so this balaclava is definitely a winner for me.

scotch
 
The balaclava covers your chin up to you lower lip and the band can cover your nose & mouth, overlapping the balaclava opening above your chin, but the can't quite cover your entire nose & chin at the same time.

I also want to add that I rode 32 miles @24F Thursday morning and it still kept me plenty warm. I still haven't needed to use the band yet, so this balaclava is definitely a winner for me.

i have a thin balaclava that doesn't quite keep the top of my head warm (i'm a chrome dome) on minus +30F rides, so i have to put a poly skull cap on over it. does the CDale LE keep the top of your head warm, too? if so, are you using a helmet cover? i could cover my vents but prefer not to.

thanks for the info.

BearSquirrel
 
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23581&subcategory_ID=1343
http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/500/10-9500-BLK-FRONT.jpg

Holy schnikes. I had to take a thin silk balaclava off the other day in 24F and windy conditions. How can you take the heat???

dekindy
 
I like to filter the cold air as it enters my nose by using a balaclave that covers the nose area. But the nose droppings. Messy.

http://psolar.com/id5.html

I have received mine but have only used it to walk, the roads have been to slick to ride. It worked great while walking. In addition to not getting a runny nose I felt warmer. I got the ex version but unless you have your helmet and it's straps to hold it on it does not stay over the ears very well. I recommend the balaclava if you want to use it off the bike, but the ex works great with the helmet and gives you balaclava, helmet cover options, etc.

mrbubbles
 
Holy schnikes. I had to take a thin silk balaclava off the other day in 24F and windy conditions. How can you take the heat???

I'm on the same boat, I don't touch balaclavas unless I go skiing below 25F. Hell, I don't touch headbands until 40F.

fueledbymetal
 
i have a thin balaclava that doesn't quite keep the top of my head warm (i'm a chrome dome) on minus +30F rides, so i have to put a poly skull cap on over it. does the CDale LE keep the top of your head warm, too? if so, are you using a helmet cover? i could cover my vents but prefer not to.

thanks for the info.

Blocks the wind on my head perfectly without any helmet cover, although I still have some hair up top that might be helping. FWIW I took my bike to visit the in-laws in central PA and this kept my head warm during a 1000ft decent at 25F (as well as for the rest of the ride). I was only going 35-40mph due to ice patces, but I was pretty much coasting the entire way down.

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