Winter Cycling - Balaclava + Glasses = Wind Noise -- HELP!!
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bikerpilot
10-23-08, 11:13 AM
I just wore a balaclava for the first time (this is the first season that I've decided to ride past the beginning of October, so I bought a bunch of stuff to keep me warm), and had quite an unexpected problem. The temple bars of my glasses hold the balaclava open on the sides, acting as wind scoops. Not enough to actually let air in and make me cold, but enough that it gets REALLY LOUD! Riding without glasses is not an option for me, but I'd like to do something about the noise. Also, I'd prefer to wear my glasses on the outside of my helmet straps, but that doesn't seem possible with the balaclava.
I THINK the solution is to cut holes in the balaclava just in front of my ears, and insert the temple bars of the glasses through said holes, but I wanted to see what advice I get here / what others in my situation have done before I permanently alter my balaclava.
Recumbomatic
10-23-08, 11:42 AM
Get goggles to go over your glasses.
jonestr
10-23-08, 11:59 AM
put a strap between your ear pieces so that you can wear them outside of the balclava
cachehiker
10-23-08, 01:54 PM
I THINK the solution is to cut holes in the balaclava just in front of my ears, and insert the temple bars of the glasses through said holes, but I wanted to see what advice I get here / what others in my situation have done before I permanently alter my balaclava.
Alterations shop here will do it and then finish it with a buttonhole stitch for about $10. I'd have to practice with the buttonhole stitch on my old Necchi before doing it myself.
vger285
10-23-08, 03:52 PM
The buttonhole stitch sounds like a great way to go,thanks, i think i'll try that! joe
vger285
10-23-08, 07:40 PM
My mother in law is a seamstress ,so i had her put a button hole on both sides for me, about 1/4 inch long up and down, tried it and it works great..thanks for the idea!!!!!!joe
bikerpilot
10-23-08, 08:07 PM
I agree. So far, it sounds like the buttonhole idea is the one I'll go with, unless somebody comes up with anything better.
ski or motorcycle goggles...
Another option is to ditch the balaclava and use a thin scull cap with ear flaps under your helmet and a neck gator. This leaves an area more open for the glasses to go on your ear and the neck gator can be pulled up over your face if necessary. You can get about the same coverage but it is more adjustable.
Weasel9
10-29-08, 11:20 PM
Depending on what the balaclava is made of, you probably don't even need a buttonhole stitch. If it's woven of something (which would be odd) then yes, stitch it. If it's fleece, I wouldn't even worry about it. But the holes sound like a great idea, let us know if they work!