A tube of material, open at both ends. Mine is very thin polypro. Single or double around the head or ears. Single and just a opening for your face.

Well.. if the OP is really just looking for ear protection...

I'm a fan of either an headband/earband sort of thing, or the '180s'-style earmuffs that are worn below a normal cycling helmet. Not under the helmet, but below the helmet line on the head/neck that wrap around the back of the neck...

I wear a running skull cap that is designed to cover the ears, no issues hearing things around me.

came across these HotMocs Men's Fleece Headband w pockets for chem warmers unexpectedly last light

I like! Not for me but cool. I love seeing custom modifications that suit the job perfectly. (I make custom mounts that fit on my helmet visor and match 3rd Eye mirror clamps,)

I am a fan of hats and headbands. I always wear a Pace skull cap to keep my helmet and hats clean and just because they are very comfortable, keep sweat out of my eyes and make my life cycling better. Over that go the hat for warmth when needed. As I wrote on the previous page, I go to the local outdoor surplus store for my hats so the brand changes.

Ben

I wonder if even 50% of what's been suggested in this thread has actually been tried by those suggesting it.

Many of the photos showing products purported to keep ears warm actually show parts of the ears exposed. Other show products which cover the outside of the ear but don't seal around the ear. Other's are just silly.

I'm sure there is some benefit to many of these products and I have a drawer full of hats, beanies and headbands which are pretty good but not good enough when it counts. A Smartwool PhD beanie which doesn't cover the ear lobes. A Pearl Izumi Barrier balaclava that blocks wind but is provides zero insulation. A gorgeous Belgian style cycling "Mutt" with ear flaps that blow off my ears with the slightest breeze.

The only thing I've found which covers the ears completely and doesn't droop, creep up or blow off the ears is an aviator style cap. The Giro Ambient and Assos Fugu_S7 are examples.

A bit of a rant.

But yeah, if anyone has actually used a product that works, actually covers the entire ear, blocks wind, insulates and stays put then I'm all ears. <-- see what I did there?


-Tim-

As a matter of fact, I DO wear my 180s when doing things outdoors in the dead of winter -- I had initially gotten them when I was carrying mail, but also use them now that I retired when using the snowblower or skiing... I gave up riding my bikes in the snow years ago...

See Ear coversWorks just fine, covers the entire ear, blocks wind, insulates and stays put, but may not have the stylin' points or brand name status desired by some cycling aficionados.

Another stubborn and sarcastic reply, how befitting of you. A hoodie might be practical for a couple mile commute down the road, groceries, or a relaxed path ride; such a loose fitting top creates significant extra drag and is often made from cotton, so, likely heavier than my the entire rest of my cycling clothes combined.


I may not get on well with I-Like-To-Bike, but you did somewhat earn his shortness here. This thread is filled with ideas for ear covers, the majority of which are in use. You own a nice selection, yet are not satisfied; maybe there's a limit to ideals.


I have a thin, stretchy, athletic-purposed balaclava, but I find it too warm for anything much above freezing (I'm surprised, Tim, that you find yours to be not-insulating). I also have a Pearl Izumi headband that widens at the ears; it can 'roll up' the ears once in awhile, exposing the lobes, but it is also easy to adjust with a simple tug back into place. With the headband, I can pair it with a regular summer cycling cap to 'seal' the top of my head, which adds a few degrees of cold tolerance. Both the balaclava and headband have snug elastic bands at all edge-seams, keeping them snug to my head and face --- I can even adjust the temp a little bit just by putting the arms of my sunglasses either under the bands (to open up a 'vent'), or snug 'em back down with the sunglasses-arms over and outside the fabrics.

I have been curious about Cat-Ears and like products for awhile now. Originally, in the summer months there appeal is the wind-noise reductions. Now approaching winter, the appeal to stop the wind and add a bit of insulation sounds delightful (and seems like could be used with headbands, balaclavas and caps too!)

These are lovely! I can whip a simple stitch, but cannot read crochet(?) patterns; luckily I have some older relatives that can --- might make for an enjoyable evening over the holidays to sit down and learn a bit from them!

Some cycling aficionados just might place a high priority on an alleged issue of "significant extra drag" and weight of apparel when choosing clothes for cold weather riding, other cyclists probably place a higher priority on products that work at keeping the cyclist warm enough, actually cover the entire ear, blocks wind, insulates and stay put. I am one of the latter.

We were talking about weather conditions in California though, not Iowa. If it's cold enough to need those extra additional layers, I might suggest starting with a thermal base layer, then work outward from there. And yes, if we're talking snow-biking or other extreme cold conditions, drag is irrelevant, I'll concede here.

Having done my share of miles below freezing, when I need a hoodie or coat, I also need a heavy beanie over my balaclava. I still try and get my helmet over this mess -- still protects the crown, though I do worry about how much of my forehead is exposed at that point; luckily, speeds are slow and falling in the snow on the trails can usually be laughed off. I still avoid 'hoods', even with drawstrings, they seem to either be too loose, or if tightened down, begins to interfere with peripheral vision.

Luckily, 'athletic' wear like Thinsulate skullcaps, balaclavas and headbands are increasingly popular which has made them relatively affordable. You can still pay out the nose for Under Armor, but Starter brands make excellent alternatives at the same price as cotton casual wear; the only exception is thrift stores, where the hoodies are plentiful, and the Thinsulate is not..

Thanks for the inspiration! I just found two crochet patterns for these, one pointed like elf ears.

Try it, you might like it! I mean, it's just yarn; if (when) you make a mistake, just rip it out and try again. Heck, I do that all the time!