Similar to those nice orange covers: Dog Earz.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4ef9be3763.jpg

Wow, this forum is a storehouse of knowledge ! Thanks everyone for the different ear cover options.

Sure he can.. You just said above that the OP needs a hat. This isn't a hat.

+1 on the headband ... with a twist. I have an old Nike Drifit headband. Being black it got lost in the pile of bike stuff I only wear seasonly, at least in SoCal. I went looking for a new one, and could only find fleecy types, which are a little hot for my hot head. I wear it once in awhile, but I prefer the old Nike Drifit, now that its found again. It's almost 3" wide, and I pull it down over my ears. I also have an REI gaitor that is fleecy with a wind stop front, that is usually too hot too, but I got it as a gift. It gets used maybe 2 or 3 times a year.

Chuey Brand (R.I.P?)
 

Chuey himself used to bring his caps (made from up-cycled thrift shop wool coats and such, I believe) into the Missing Link in Berkeley. I have three that have the extra pulldown jersey/knit to cover your ears. They fit nicely under helmets, give you a visor for winter rides when the sun is low, and the knit section takes the chill (and the whistle) off your ears. I'd buy more if I could. On the minus side, the sizing tended to vary like crazy from cap to cap, so I don't think it would have been safe to buy outside of a store where you could try 'em on for fit first.

Do an image search for Chuey Brand cycling caps and you'll find them (my Bike Forums account doesn't let me post images or URLs).

Chuey's website looks like it's been inactive since 2015, but it's still there.

Cold ears
 

Cat Ears
 

Those Cat-Ears look very interesting! One of the benefits of a thread that shares the group's knowledge.

If you run hot, a full skull cap may be too much for you, so a headband may be best. This one is made in Grover Beach, California, and for the price, makes a great stocking stuffer too! i just received one and it has micro fiber/fleece inside. https://www.voler.com/browse/product/li/1240281

they offer a thermal neck gaiter as well for $19
https://www.voler.com/browse/product/li/1240396

eric/fresno, ca.

Cold ears
 

The Ambient headband is very stylish.

LOL.. indeed

Skora hoodie, thin wicking jersey material. Good enough for our weather down into the 30s. I hardly notice I'm wearing the hood under my helmet -- doesn't muffle sound or add thickness/bulk. I'd be wearing a long sleeve wicking baselayer anyway. The hoodie is convenient.

Into the 20s I have neoprene ear muffs, very thin, coiled spring, fits under the helmet or a pocket without bulk. Less than $10 from Walgreen's, which occasionally has surprisingly good winter apparel at very reasonable prices.

And a Nike Dri Fit thermal hoodie for casual rides. A bit thicker under the helmet, nothing a few strap adjustments can't handle.

Portland has a military surplus store and an outdoor adventure store (2 blocks apart). Between them you can find all sorts of neat outdoor wear, often both excellent and cheap. The OP ought to see if there is similar near him.

Ben

There are several companies that make headbands that can be worn over the ears. Some are quite thin but still warm and wind-blocking. They have the added bonus of keeping your forehead warm while still allowing ventilation through the top and back of the helmet. For slightly colder weather, consider a skull cap that extends over the ears (look for ski or winter running supplies). For colder yet, you can get lightweight stretch balaklavas, sometimes sold as helmet liners, that also cover your nose and neck but are still light enough not to get overly hot and sweaty. I've seen a couple of people wearing the modern ear muffs (not the Princess Leia look, but the ones that lie close to the head, behind the neck and under the helmet straps, but I haven't tried it myself.

I find that between a headband and a lightweight balaklava, I'm good for anything above freezing and the two items can be easily stored in a single pocket if the weather warms up (or after I warm up). If it's quite cold and windy, I have worn the headband over the balaklava. I personally don't like a rain cover on my helmet, I find that it traps too much moisture leaving my head clammy rather than cool and dry, like breathable fabric does.

I like hoods but we've leap frogged past fall weather here now

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9fb118b719.jpg

The simple earband/headband works for me, I have them from Craft and Pearl-Izumi; most bike clothing manufacturers have them. I don't seem to have a problem with the rest of my head getting cold. I do have to fully open the helmet adjuster, then tighten over the headband.

Ear Warmers
 

I used helmuffs from Performance for years. They were getting ragged around the edges so I replaced them with Polartec 200 ear warmers available from amazon. Excellent warmth without anything under the helmet and they don't impede hearing.

I also live in Norcal and have a set of these. They are great for mornings down into the low 40's or so. One grip I have is that the velcro strips is put on with some adhesive that doesn't hold up well. I wash mine in dilute Ox-clean and after a few washes, the strips fell off. I was able to re-attach them with some 3M spray fabric adhesive which seems to be holding up better.

When it gets colder, I go with the balaclava.

I agree. TimothyH was right the first time- a hat.

I've worn a Giro merino cap for years, & just recently got the skullcap one that he lists, which I am liking.

The key advantage is that you can fold the earflaps up or down as you ride for temperature control.

You can pull a Headband, buff, etc. down, but back up requires removing the helmet, fussing around- stopping for many of us.

I live in the same region as the OP- uniform cold temps are rare.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a6fce5b7df.jpg

Windblock on the front panel, thin- easily fits under helmet, not super warm- maybe not enough for sub freezing but

good in the wet. The little brim works great. The large size fits a little tight on me- not optimal for warmth.

Or, make your own. These are a cotton acrylic blend yarn that's comfortable to around 50F. Being cone-shaped, you can also stuff them with an extra layer. Or use wool, thick or thin.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a9ec11c0f0.jpg

Those look very well thought out, have you considered patenting them?

I've run with Hel-Muffs for almost three decades, and I can say that it's tough taking them off in warmer weather because of how well that they arrest wind noise!

But I notice that your design seems to hold itself up with a tether, while I have to use my glasses to pinch in the top over my ears if I want to keep my ears fully covered.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a10ba44a9f.jpg

Thanks, dddd, I made them from this free pattern, with a little adaptation. Yes, cutting the wind is a HUGE reason I love wearing mine. Doesn't matter how hard the headwind is blowing, I can still hear everything.

I suppose some woven fabric in this shape might serve well as ear fairings, i.e. to block wind noise without providing warmth. Wind noise is huge for me. I wonder if different people have more whistle-y ears than others. If so, mine are very whistle-y.

I can hardly wait for one of my cycling tees to wear out.