Headwear
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
From: Southern Colorado
Bikes: General 80's MTB "Icebreaker", Motobecane Grand Jubilee (vintage mint), Trek 1.1, 2014 Motobecane Mirage (steel) Trek 3500 MTB
#3
Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 193
Likes: 20
From: Halifax, NS
Bikes: 2005 Peugeot Evasion 2019 Trek Verve
Got a pair of those wrap around earmuffs that the helmet straps keep in place. Wear a dickie for the neck and a rain helmet cover for when it really gets cold. Don't like having anything on my head as it sweats to much.
#4
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
I own few different hoodies. I love wearing hoodies on cool days, no need to carry extra headwear... I also use balaclavas and wool hats for very winter cold days.
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,320
Likes: 218
From: Wisconsin
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
I wear one of these.
Thermal Reversible Beanie - Headsweats
Thermal Reversible Beanie - Headsweats
#6
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,643
Likes: 2,369
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Thin belaclava, down to 23F. Used to add a thin tuc on top of that when I used to do 15F.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: West Georgia
Bikes: K2 Mod 5.0 Roadie, Fuji Commuter
I am happy with these:
For Cool
Mid-Range
Cold
I got them in a "20% off, free ship over $49" sale that Nashbar frequently runs.
My helmet sucks in air that gets quite cool on the forehead, even on a 60 degree/humid day. The headband works perfectly to completely eliminate any cool feelings. They are all thin enough that my helmet easily adjusts enough to accommodate any two of them in combination.
YMMV.......I live in Georgia. The coldest temps that I have used them in was the low twenties.
For Cool
Mid-Range
Cold
I got them in a "20% off, free ship over $49" sale that Nashbar frequently runs.
My helmet sucks in air that gets quite cool on the forehead, even on a 60 degree/humid day. The headband works perfectly to completely eliminate any cool feelings. They are all thin enough that my helmet easily adjusts enough to accommodate any two of them in combination.
YMMV.......I live in Georgia. The coldest temps that I have used them in was the low twenties.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Diamondback Wildwood Classic, Trek FX 7.3
I recently got a fleece lined stretchy cap at Target that fits under my helmet and covers my ears. So far it's been good on 50°F and cooler days, as it eliminates the cold spot where the helmet vent is. We'll see if it works as it gets colder, as I plan on the occasional winter ride.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,643
Likes: 68
From: Portland OR
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Summer - cotton cycling cap under helmet
Winter - wool cycling cap under . . .
Winter, especially cold days - thin balaclava under . . . Pulled up over my mouth/nose if needed
Winter - wool cycling cap under . . .
Winter, especially cold days - thin balaclava under . . . Pulled up over my mouth/nose if needed
#11
Full Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Bikes: Salsa Fargo, One-One Inbred 29er, Blue Norcross
Unless it is really cold and windy (like 0F and calm or 10F and really windy), I just wear a fleece earband. I tend to sweat too much (which in winter is your enemy) if I wear anything more. The band keeps my forehead and ears warm which are the areas that get cold on my head before anything else. FWIW, I have long hair, which acts as a windbreak under the helmet (just a standard "summer" helmet, btw).
When it starts heading into single digits and below, I may throw on my ski helmet (less venting), add a silkweight balaclava, or a neck gaiter. It is all a balance of temperature, wind, and heat production. I tend towards high in the last department, so my system may not work for you. But, if you think of the balance between wind blocking and insulation (they are different), then you should be able to arrive at a good solution.
When it starts heading into single digits and below, I may throw on my ski helmet (less venting), add a silkweight balaclava, or a neck gaiter. It is all a balance of temperature, wind, and heat production. I tend towards high in the last department, so my system may not work for you. But, if you think of the balance between wind blocking and insulation (they are different), then you should be able to arrive at a good solution.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 1
From: Kherson, Ukraine
Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting
.
Thin balaclava starting from a few days ago until we get near freezing weather when I'll add a second balaclava some days. Forgot it today and missed it, we're definitely now down to the temps here where I want it (below 50). Sometimes I'll wear the headband I usually wear the rest of the year to keep sweat out of my eyes as an additional wind shield if I find my forehead getting cold and I'm already wearing a thin balaclava.
Thin balaclava starting from a few days ago until we get near freezing weather when I'll add a second balaclava some days. Forgot it today and missed it, we're definitely now down to the temps here where I want it (below 50). Sometimes I'll wear the headband I usually wear the rest of the year to keep sweat out of my eyes as an additional wind shield if I find my forehead getting cold and I'm already wearing a thin balaclava.
#13
Jedi Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 501
From: Lake Forest, IL
Bikes: https://stinkston.blogspot.com/p/my-bikes.html
I wear a lightweight lycra balaclava starting at around 40 F
Below ~25 F I wear a ski helmet and goggles
Below ~15 F I switch to the PI Barrier balaclava
Below ~25 F I wear a ski helmet and goggles
Below ~15 F I switch to the PI Barrier balaclava
#14
Hogosha Sekai

Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
Beanies and face masks do the trick for me.. I've still yet to completely solve the pesky fogging glasses problem yet.
#15
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,230
Likes: 363
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Have been wearing a Pearl Izumi skullcap that covers the ears for several years. Good for pretty cool to moderately cold temps.
Pedal Pushers Online | Pearl Izumi Microsensor Skullcap
PI skullcap plus fleece gator for neck and lower face for moderately cold and lower temps. Balaclava and gator for quite cold.
Pedal Pushers Online | Pearl Izumi Microsensor Skullcap
PI skullcap plus fleece gator for neck and lower face for moderately cold and lower temps. Balaclava and gator for quite cold.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#16
curmudgineer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
Earbags
My head gets too sweaty with a headband or knit cap. I use a different helmet when the temp is close to freezing or lower, an old school Bell helmet with less ventilation than current helmets. I have a thin balaclava for use with motorsports helmets, e.g., in reserve if needed to block wind, but so far I've never had occasion to use it.
My head gets too sweaty with a headband or knit cap. I use a different helmet when the temp is close to freezing or lower, an old school Bell helmet with less ventilation than current helmets. I have a thin balaclava for use with motorsports helmets, e.g., in reserve if needed to block wind, but so far I've never had occasion to use it.
#17
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 10
From: Central Oregon
Bikes: Redline Conquest Pro, Kona Cinder Cone, Trek Fuel EX8(RIP) Pivot Mach 5 frankenbike
For wet but not super cold, I use a helmet cover since it keeps out the water and allows more air circulation. When it gets colder I have a runner's skullcap made out out arm warmer type fabric and worst case I have a hood for my Showers Pass jacket. If it's cold enough to need a balaclava, I'll wimp out and telecommute
.
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#18
Let's Ride!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Have been wearing a Pearl Izumi skullcap that covers the ears for several years. Good for pretty cool to moderately cold temps.
Pedal Pushers Online | Pearl Izumi Microsensor Skullcap
PI skullcap plus fleece gator for neck and lower face for moderately cold and lower temps. Balaclava and gator for quite cold.
Pedal Pushers Online | Pearl Izumi Microsensor Skullcap
PI skullcap plus fleece gator for neck and lower face for moderately cold and lower temps. Balaclava and gator for quite cold.
i mostly wear a balaclava in colder temps. 50s and down. When it is the 40s I usually switch to my 661 dirt lid. it has less vents and works really well for cooler weather commuting. if it is warm in afternoon i will wear my halo and dirt lid and the vents do pretty cool up to low 70s.
#19
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,685
Likes: 2,603
From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Ear warmers down to about 35F (thicker, warmer below 40 or when windy or wet).
Skull cap down to 25F.
Balaclava below that.
Add a neck gaiter if required.
Skull cap down to 25F.
Balaclava below that.
Add a neck gaiter if required.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
I've been wearing a Halo skullcap since late Spring for sweat control, and let me tell you it works AWESOME!! I wear it down to the low 50's. Below that I use either a lined headband that covers the ears, or a lined skull cap that covers the ears. Once it gets down to the 30's and below I'll go to the balaclava. The one I got from a local outdoor Sportman's store is thin up top, with a thicker fleece area starting at the upper neck and going on down.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 5
From: Columbia, SC
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
I have a cold weather cycling cap that goes under my helmet and covers my ears. I am seriously considering buying a Buff (Buff®Sports | Cold Weather | Cycling) for the different ways one can wear it and it looks easy to pull off your face if you get too warm
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 111
From: North of Boston
Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,
Don't have your mouth covered. My face mask tends to direct steam upward. Try a headband over your nose and use a neck gator to cover neck/chin. Nose is covered and warm breath can escape.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
The local sportsman's store has balaclavas that have an opening underneath the nose nostrils and vent holes in front of the mouth. I may give that one a try this year.





