Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Headwear

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Headwear

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-01-14 | 02:22 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 878
Likes: 139
Headwear

Now that it's getting colder, what type of headwear are you using under your helmet?
Colorado Kid is offline  
Reply
Old 11-01-14 | 02:34 PM
  #2  
Motolegs's Avatar
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

Originally Posted by Colorado Kid
Now that it's getting colder, what type of headwear are you using under your helmet?
Lucky enough here to have friends that knit me a skullcap..

Best advice? Check E Bay if you don't know someone that knits.
Motolegs is offline  
Reply
Old 11-01-14 | 02:36 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
10 Anniversary
 
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.
WarrenR is offline  
Reply
Old 11-01-14 | 03:10 PM
  #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.
wolfchild is offline  
Reply
Old 11-01-14 | 03:10 PM
  #5  
MRT2's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
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
MRT2 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-01-14 | 08:52 PM
  #6  
BobbyG's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
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.
BobbyG is offline  
Reply
Old 11-01-14 | 09:33 PM
  #7  
gregjones's Avatar
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.
gregjones is offline  
Reply
Old 11-01-14 | 10:18 PM
  #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.
WDH74 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-01-14 | 11:45 PM
  #9  
jyl's Avatar
jyl
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
jyl is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-14 | 12:06 AM
  #10  
GeneO's Avatar
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,528
Likes: 152
From: midwest

Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1

Originally Posted by Colorado Kid
Now that it's getting colder, what type of headwear are you using under your helmet?
Balaclava
GeneO is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-14 | 07:18 AM
  #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.
fotooutdoors is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-14 | 07:42 AM
  #12  
Medic Zero's Avatar
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.
Medic Zero is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-14 | 09:16 AM
  #13  
kingston's Avatar
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
kingston is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-14 | 09:18 AM
  #14  
RaleighSport's Avatar
Hogosha Sekai
10 Anniversary
 
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.
RaleighSport is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-14 | 09:24 AM
  #15  
JanMM's Avatar
rebmeM roineS
20 Anniversary
 
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.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
JanMM is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-14 | 11:21 AM
  #16  
old's'cool's Avatar
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.
old's'cool is offline  
Reply
Old 11-02-14 | 11:44 AM
  #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 .
SlowJoeCrow is offline  
Reply
Old 11-03-14 | 10:20 AM
  #18  
RidingMatthew's Avatar
Let's Ride!
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA

Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B

Originally Posted by JanMM
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.
I want to get a skullcap that seems like a winning solution. I just like to keep my ears warm.


Originally Posted by GeneO
Balaclava
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.
RidingMatthew is offline  
Reply
Old 11-03-14 | 10:31 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
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.
pdlamb is offline  
Reply
Old 11-03-14 | 10:32 AM
  #20  
PatrickGSR94's Avatar
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.
PatrickGSR94 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-03-14 | 10:33 AM
  #21  
bmthom.gis's Avatar
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
bmthom.gis is offline  
Reply
Old 11-03-14 | 10:56 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 22
From: Mooresville, NC (Charlotte suburb)

Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Trek 5000 TCT, Giant OCR

Nike running headband for forehead and ear warmth.
mgw4jc is offline  
Reply
Old 11-03-14 | 11:20 AM
  #23  
icepick_trotsky's Avatar
Aspiring curmudgeon
Titanium Club Membership
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 26
From: Saint Louis

Bikes: Guerciotti, Serotta, Gaulzetti

I have a Bern helmet, so I use the winter insert with the built-in earmuffs.
__________________
"Party on comrades" -- Lenin, probably
icepick_trotsky is offline  
Reply
Old 11-03-14 | 01:09 PM
  #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,

Originally Posted by RaleighSport
Beanies and face masks do the trick for me.. I've still yet to completely solve the pesky fogging glasses problem yet.
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.
Leebo is offline  
Reply
Old 11-03-14 | 01:16 PM
  #25  
PatrickGSR94's Avatar
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.
PatrickGSR94 is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.