Winter Cycling - Helmet and Balaclava

I've just used a great cap I got at Target and a bandanna in the past, I finally just bought a real nice balaclava.

Then I got it home and tried it with my helmet, now here is dumb question...what's the best way to buckle the helmet and not take away from the effectiveness of the balaclava??

The only way I can figure is to push the neck part up and get the buckle underneath, but that seems to create space along the side...just want to make sure I'm not being stupid on this.

I alway just fit the balaclava comfortably -- making sure it covers my neck down to the collar. Then fit the helmet as best as possible. That usually includes having to adjust the strap and maybe the little adjuster inside the helmet to make it wider.

Mine is a light fleece balaclava, however. I did have a heavier one that I never succeeded in either fitting or wearing.

I use a balaclava designed for use with helmets. I just do up the strap under my chin on the outside of the balaclava.

what works at keeping the incoming air warm , yet allows for easy removal ; when its time to rid yourself of the inevitable snot rockets.

I already answered this question in another thread, but here it is again ...

Get a larger helmet.

I've got my summer helmet which fits quite snuggly with nothing underneath, and my winter helmet which fits too loosely to wear with nothing underneath. It works well with headbands, balaclavas, etc.

Hah, you know they have buckles for adjustment, right? lol

I already answered this question in another thread, but here it is again ...

Get a larger helmet.

I've got my summer helmet which fits quite snuggly with nothing underneath, and my winter helmet which fits too loosely to wear with nothing underneath. It works well with headbands, balaclavas, etc.

This is the best answer I've come up with as well. You look like a mushroom since the helmet is so large, but who cares. Get yourself a MTB helmet with the visor. It'll help for keeping rain and snow out of your eyes.

I usually take the pads off the helmet and adjust the straps to accommodate my thicker balaclava.

I second [third?] the second helmet. I have a helmet whose supplemental strap adjuster thingy broke. It flops all over the place unless I have a balaclava on, so that's what I use on the extra cold days.

This is the best answer I've come up with as well. You look like a mushroom since the helmet is so large, but who cares. Get yourself a MTB helmet with the visor. It'll help for keeping rain and snow out of your eyes.

It is mushroom-like ... but that's OK. :D My winter helmet doesn't have a visor because I put a helmet cover with a visor over it. The cover blocks the vents to make it warmer, and the visor does exactly what you say.

I usually take the pads off the helmet and adjust the straps to accommodate my thicker balaclava.

I never thought of this. Good idea. My Foxwear balaclava should provide all the padding that I need.

I have two helmets. One regular summer bike helmet, with all the vents and visor parts.
The winter one is actually a snowboard helmet with only 4 small vents and ear flaps.
The balaclava is a thin ninja/swat team style mask that can be pulled down should I need a drink or to wipe my nose.
The snowboard helmet is actually a little warm to tell the truth.
I have more than 1 bike so why not have more than 1 helmet?
I have a second balaclava that I got at Cabela's it is the "Cabela's Face-Form Full Mask".
It is made of mesh and is very breathable. It allows air flow but not severe wind chill.