Does everyone in cold climates wear balaclava when biking?
01-05-11, 11:02 PM
#51
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ear band and neck warmer. If it's really cold I put packing tape over the helmet vents.
I do wear a balaclava deer hunting and ice fishing though.
I do wear a balaclava deer hunting and ice fishing though.
01-05-11, 11:52 PM
#52
Goathead Magnet
Wow, this thread has really reinforced that there are many, many areas of the world where I don't want to live. :-)
That said, I use a neoprene face mask below about 20 degrees F, although until it's in the single digits I usually take it off once I get moving and warmed up. 4 degrees F is the coldest I've ridden in (and even that's rare for Albuquerque), so I don't know about colder stuff - if I rode regularly in temps that are that cold I'd probably invest in a nice balaclava, as the neoprene mask gets a bit clammy after a while.
That said, I use a neoprene face mask below about 20 degrees F, although until it's in the single digits I usually take it off once I get moving and warmed up. 4 degrees F is the coldest I've ridden in (and even that's rare for Albuquerque), so I don't know about colder stuff - if I rode regularly in temps that are that cold I'd probably invest in a nice balaclava, as the neoprene mask gets a bit clammy after a while.
01-06-11, 01:58 AM
#53
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01-07-11, 06:58 AM
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I just the Talus Outdoor Technologies ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava one, and it seems promising, but I haven't had a change to try it yet.
01-07-11, 07:00 AM
#55
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I like the pain from the cold on my face. Plus it's dry here in the desert so it's more tolerable than more humid climates (sorry).
01-09-11, 04:28 PM
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Absolutely one of the best purchases I have made- and I do wear glasses. Keeps the ears warm but not too hot, and the versatility to wear under chin, under lips, over mouth, or even over nose allows one piece of clothing in various temp's and winds (and ride lengths). I have a Pearl Izumi, thin that acts as a wind barrier. I have ridden as low as low teens, and I doubt I will get to single digits before I reach my cold threshold.
Balaclava is essential cool/cold weather riding equipment in my book.
Balaclava is essential cool/cold weather riding equipment in my book.
01-09-11, 06:16 PM
#57
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Wish I could have gone out and suffered in some heat this weekend. I prefer hot to cold.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
01-10-11, 03:27 AM
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I recently got this thing called a Buff. Skullcap, mask, balaclava, scarf, pirate hat all in one. Watch this, saw it and had to have one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yydanA59X0U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yydanA59X0U
01-10-11, 12:57 PM
#61
Two H's!!! TWO!!!!!
I live in Toronto, which is warmer than the previous place I used to live, but it definitely does get cold -- AND DAMP! -- in winter. I've never owned a balaclava or face mask or goggles. I appreciate warm gloves, boots and hat, but my face doesn't seem to mind the weather most of the time (sometimes it gets mildly uncomfortable, but not enough to consider any kind of face cover). The vast majority of cyclists I see around don't wear those either.
01-11-11, 04:00 PM
#62
Senior Member
I needed the balaclava this morning (-24C/-11F). But I don't like wearing it over my nose or mouth because of the perennial eyewear-fogging problem.
Last edited by CharlieFree; 01-11-11 at 04:01 PM. Reason: forgot something
01-11-11, 08:53 PM
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Yes, I wear one. I bought a cheap $5 at a sporting goods store to see if I would like it. I didn't wear one before, but after trying it, it made my ride that much more enjoyable.
The only aspect that troubles me is having it cover over my mouth. It restricts my breathing, so I typically leave my mouth exposed.
The only aspect that troubles me is having it cover over my mouth. It restricts my breathing, so I typically leave my mouth exposed.
01-11-11, 09:44 PM
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I actually don't wear one. I like a thin hat under the helmet that covers my ears. The coldest it gets on my rides is about 15F, and my ride is 45min-1hr each way. Everybody's different--I don't use goggles or a balaclava, but I have trouble keeping my hands and feet warm.
01-12-11, 12:31 PM
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I keep reading on here about which balaclava to wear, which is the best, how to wear it, how to prevent glasses from fogging up while wearing, and all sorts of other questions.
Well, it got me thinking. Does everyone in a cold area wear one of these?
I've never worn one, or even thought I needed one, and I've been riding all winter long so far, in temps as low as 11F.
Is this out of the ordinary?
Well, it got me thinking. Does everyone in a cold area wear one of these?
I've never worn one, or even thought I needed one, and I've been riding all winter long so far, in temps as low as 11F.
Is this out of the ordinary?
01-13-11, 02:27 AM
#67
Senior Member
Clearly not everyone wears one; it depends on how long your commute is, how cold it gets and as noted really normal people don't ride bicycles when it's below freezing.
Having made that comment, I've never felt the need to try a baclave -
Compared to Boston, Pennsyvlvania and Delaware don't get cold very much.
It's is rarely below 20F and almost never below 12-14F
My winter utility rides are typically less than 10 miles, and almost never more than 16
I now have a beard.
Having made that comment, I've never felt the need to try a baclave -
Compared to Boston, Pennsyvlvania and Delaware don't get cold very much.
It's is rarely below 20F and almost never below 12-14F
My winter utility rides are typically less than 10 miles, and almost never more than 16
I now have a beard.
01-13-11, 04:20 AM
#68
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I use one on my rides, and yes they do fog up my glasses. If i leave my nose uncovered then there is not a problem with the fogging issue. However, I wonder if it would fog some skiing goggles. Skiing goggles seem to be made for maximum ventilation this could be an answer. Does anyone have any experience with this?
01-13-11, 06:24 AM
#70
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i wear a cheap "neck warmer" from walmart pulled up over my nose and ears. I have a Balaclava and i have tried it a couple times, but my head always gets too hot. Its like the top of my head needs to be able to vent or i get too sweaty. Of course, i dont like to go out on my bike when it gets below 30 or so.
the neckwarmer and matching ear warmer (which i dont use) came as a set for $5. I have about 5 sets so far. It really blocks the wind amazing, its a fleece material.
andy
the neckwarmer and matching ear warmer (which i dont use) came as a set for $5. I have about 5 sets so far. It really blocks the wind amazing, its a fleece material.
andy
01-13-11, 06:45 AM
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It's rarely bitter cold in the DC area, so I don't use one, much less own one. If it's between 20*F (-7*C) and freezing, I'm fine just wearing a fleece band as an ear cover, if that, plus full-finger gloves if I feel I need them, and I'm usually plenty warm and starting to sweat a little by the end of my 7.5 mile commute. If it's colder than that, I just suck it up and suffer a little for 30-40 minutes on my commute or wrap a scarf around my face.
I have a beard, and though it's not particularly thick or long I'm sure that helps a lot. I also wear a fleece jacket that when zipped all the way up covers my neck. Guess I'm a freak, but I think it's overkill when I see people with ski goggles, balaclavas, ski gloves, etc., when it's right at freezing outside, like this morning (and yes, I saw someone wearing that get up). Of course, they probably look at me and think I must be terribly cold and uncomfortable w/ my lack of special apparel.
I'm riding my bike. It's exercise. Blood flows. I stay warm. I like the winter cold because I'm not getting real sweaty like I do in the summer.
I have a beard, and though it's not particularly thick or long I'm sure that helps a lot. I also wear a fleece jacket that when zipped all the way up covers my neck. Guess I'm a freak, but I think it's overkill when I see people with ski goggles, balaclavas, ski gloves, etc., when it's right at freezing outside, like this morning (and yes, I saw someone wearing that get up). Of course, they probably look at me and think I must be terribly cold and uncomfortable w/ my lack of special apparel.
I'm riding my bike. It's exercise. Blood flows. I stay warm. I like the winter cold because I'm not getting real sweaty like I do in the summer.
01-13-11, 08:20 AM
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Dude that buff looks awesome.
I just made my first ever winter commute this morning and did alright. 25 degrees out. Really wish I had somethng over my ears, but the rest of my face was fine. I like feeling the wind on my cheeks. Even with two pair of gloves my hands were cold, but one pair was kind of tight, so that may have been a source of discomfort. Toes also got cold in two pair of socks, but I could live with it. Now I know I can do it. No excuses...
I just made my first ever winter commute this morning and did alright. 25 degrees out. Really wish I had somethng over my ears, but the rest of my face was fine. I like feeling the wind on my cheeks. Even with two pair of gloves my hands were cold, but one pair was kind of tight, so that may have been a source of discomfort. Toes also got cold in two pair of socks, but I could live with it. Now I know I can do it. No excuses...
01-13-11, 11:03 AM
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I bought a face mask in college (~ 1998) and it was perfect. I just looked online and found it at REI. They have it listed as a Woman's product, but it's unisex, very comfortable and I loved it until it was stolen. If it's really cold (or raining), I just add a thin skull cap.
Seirus Neofleece Combo Scarf
(Note: get the fleece one rather than the all neoprene. It feels so much better on your ears.)
https://www.rei.com/product/725711
Also, that Buff product looks great. I think I'll pick one up.
Seirus Neofleece Combo Scarf
(Note: get the fleece one rather than the all neoprene. It feels so much better on your ears.)
https://www.rei.com/product/725711
Also, that Buff product looks great. I think I'll pick one up.
Last edited by sr105; 01-13-11 at 11:12 AM.
01-13-11, 02:19 PM
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01-13-11, 02:31 PM
#75
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