Do any of you wear a hanky/other under your helmet? [Archive]

skywalkerbeth

08-09-2011, 04:46 AM

I see some people do this - what are the advantages? Other than being able to take the helmet off at the end of the ride without scaring other riders... :)

TxDoc

08-09-2011, 05:36 AM

Well, I confess to opening this thread hoping that someone would explain what in the world is a hanky... :confused: yep, I know, I could google it, I'm being lazy...

jessmarimba

08-09-2011, 05:41 AM

hanky = handkerchief. (Bandanna)

I wear a Buff when my hair is at the awkward length that I like it best (long enough to create a rats nest, but too short for a ponytail with a helmet). I also have long bangs and it helps to keep those in check.

It also can help absorb the sweat that would drip into my eyes, if I position it so it's across the top of my forehead.

pll

08-09-2011, 05:43 AM

Well, I confess to opening this thread hoping that someone would explain what in the world is a hanky... :confused: yep, I know, I could google it, I'm being lazy...

Slang for handkerchief... I guess a bandana in this specific context. To the OP: to catch sweat? I use a headband instead, sometimes a cycling skull cap. Other riders never get scared. Non cyclists, on the other hand...

Chile Pepper

08-09-2011, 06:29 AM

I started using a buff after I got my hair cut last year. It keeps my bangs off of my face. (I actually use half a buff, per recommendations from other TE peeps.)

Biciclista

08-09-2011, 07:08 AM

in the winter i wear a little wool cap. in the summer yes, a bandanna. it helps with sweat, flying around hair, and protects me from bee stings!

zoom-zoom

08-09-2011, 07:18 AM

I wear a Buff or Headsweats cover under my helmet for EVERY ride (or something heavier that covers my ears when it's colder). Because I sweat like a horse and even with the wicking headwear I end up with sweat in my eyes.

Susan

08-09-2011, 08:25 AM

I do this for various reasons - keeping my hair from sticking out on the sides of the helmet (which looks stupid with my hair), being able to put the helmet on easier when my hair isn't in the way, and looking not as terrible when I take the helmet of. Also I wear warmer Buffs when it's colder to keep my ears from freezing. And the Bandanas/Hankies can be washed easily and keep my sweat from running into the helmet as much.

zoom-zoom

08-09-2011, 08:33 AM

Also, if a bug flies into one of your vents it won't actually be in your hair or as close to your scalp (assuming it's a stinging kind of bug).

Jo-n-NY

08-09-2011, 09:56 AM

Buff for me also. It matches my Amici Veloci jersey. I cut it in half and each half is folded in half. It keeps the hair out of my face and keeps from getting helmet head. In the colder temps I wear it over my ears to them warm. It is one of the best cycling accessory I ever bought.

nscrbug

08-09-2011, 12:27 PM

I wear a Halo skullcap on really hot days, only because it keeps the sun from beating down on my head AND it has a thin rubber strip underneath that keeps the sweat from rolling into my eyes. On mild days, I generally wear nothing under my helmet. On cooler days, I wear either a full cap or ear band.

OakLeaf

08-09-2011, 12:52 PM

Someone here just mentioned sticking a pantiliner to the forehead of their helmet to absorb sweat. :p

That used to be popular among (male) motorcycle racers. Honestly I don't know whether they still do it - whether helmet liners are more absorbent now than they used to be - or whether they just got embarrassed after people started to notice. :D

GLC1968

08-09-2011, 01:19 PM

Another buff wearer here. Besides the advantages posted by others, it helps me to get my helmet ON. I have a ton of hair that if unruly, ends up getting all wound up in my helmet and actually hurting me. I've even had cases where the helmet didn't sit right due to my hair configuration and it hurt my forehead after a few minutes. A buff will tame all that for me.

It's also deliciously cool if soaked with water before putting it on in the summer.

LivetoRide

08-09-2011, 01:37 PM

I always wear a bandana under my helmet, too. It keeps my bangs from flying around and it keeps the sweat out of my eyes.

Crankin

08-09-2011, 02:40 PM

In the cooler weather, I have several thicknesses of skull caps and buffs to wear under my helmet. I do this usually in temps up to 53 or so. Otherwise, I sweat, and need the vents to cool me. I don't sweat enough to have it run down my face, and if it does, I wipe it with my hand.

skywalkerbeth

08-09-2011, 04:00 PM

How do you wear the buff? I have one...

roadie gal

08-09-2011, 04:43 PM

Another one here for bandanas. I sweat like a fiend, so I need something to keep at least some of the sweat out of my eyes.

ny biker

08-09-2011, 05:00 PM

I can't wear anything under my helmet when it's hot, I don't care what my hair looks like, it's too uncomfortable.

I started putting lip balm over my eyebrows and that works to keep the sweat out of my eyes. I find it's best to apply it down past the outside of my eyes, otherwise sometimes the sweat will run into the sides of my eyes when I stop riding.

surgtech1956

08-09-2011, 05:42 PM

Whats a buff?????

zoom-zoom

08-09-2011, 07:48 PM

Whats a buff?????

Here is one of the sites that sells them (http://www.buffusa.com/). The way I typically wear mine is hard to explain and I've not seen a video example of it.

What I do is turn it inside out, then place my hand in one end of the tube, with the bottom of the buff at about my wrist. I then place my hand on my forehead, fingers towards the back of my head. With my free hand I grab the part of the tube opposite my forehead hand and pull it back over my head.

I will also double it up to wear as a hat for Winter. I also have one of the merino wool buffs, which works great as a hat or scarf or balaclava.

smilingcat

08-10-2011, 09:02 AM

I wear a skull cap or bandana underneath for two reasons. Keep sweat off my glasses and out of my eyes and to keep my hair from tangling in the helmet strap. My hair is super straight but somehow under a helmet over 4 hour ride and it manages to tangle into the strap. Not fun.

limewave

08-10-2011, 09:27 AM

GLC1968

08-10-2011, 09:33 AM

What I do is turn it inside out, then place my hand in one end of the tube, with the bottom of the buff at about my wrist. I then place my hand on my forehead, fingers towards the back of my head. With my free hand I grab the part of the tube opposite my forehead hand and pull it back over my head.

OK, I need more coffee before I can grasp this! :p

I just wear my buff as a really wide headband. As someone else mentioned, I also cut mine in half because except for when it's really cold in the winter, I don't need quite that much fabric on my head. Half of one is just fine and they then last twice as long! (not that buffs wear out or anything - I think I still have every one I've ever purchased and they still look almost new).

zoom-zoom

08-10-2011, 09:47 AM

OK, I need more coffee before I can grasp this! :p

Hah, yeah...it's hard to explain. Like trying to explain how to tie shoes...easier to show than tell. :p

TsPoet

08-10-2011, 10:11 AM

TsPoet

08-10-2011, 10:13 AM

OK, I need more coffee before I can grasp this! :p

I just wear my buff as a really wide headband. As someone else mentioned, I also cut mine in half because except for when it's really cold in the winter, I don't need quite that much fabric on my head. Half of one is just fine and they then last twice as long! (not that buffs wear out or anything - I think I still have every one I've ever purchased and they still look almost new).

There are several how to videos on YouTube. This my favorite, i think I'm in love with this guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yydanA59X0U
(driving Miss Daisy look :rolleyes: )

TsPoet

08-10-2011, 10:16 AM

I am addicted to the bondibands. They are really light and don't give me headaches--like most headbands. I wear them all the time now, not just under my helmet. But it does keep my helmet from jostling around on rough singletrack. And it keeps the sweat out of my eyes.

You posted this on a previous thread, and I bought myself a headband and one for the SO. He hates it, which is great for me, now I have 2. These are nice. I think I don't look too terrible in them when I take my helmet off - I have the type of hair that once I put anything on it, like a helmet or a hat, I have continue to keep it covered or I scare small children.
Lots of patterns and sayings, too.

goride

08-10-2011, 05:38 PM

I like the bondibands, too. I first started wearing them for running, and wore one under my helmet in spring when it was still kind of cool outside. Haven't worn one over the summer because I didn't want to trap more heat. But, several of you mentioned that something under the helmet helps prevent stings and keeps "things" out of your hair. I like that idea. I'm getting tired of picking things out of my hair after every ride.

katluvr

08-11-2011, 02:33 PM

To answer the post:
I do wear a bandana, 1st it was to keep the hair from looking horrible after, but it also helps my helmet be more comfortabe, especially over my forehead, a little more padding.

As for the posted by Oakleaf:

Someone here just mentioned sticking a pantiliner to the forehead of their helmet to absorb sweat. :p

That used to be popular among (male) motorcycle racers. Honestly I don't know whether they still do it - whether helmet liners are more absorbent now than they used to be - or whether they just got embarrassed after people started to notice. :D

2nd time in 2 days I have heard about the panty liner thing! My dad (retired and working as a golf course) told me about a bald guy he works with that puts one in his hat because he sweats to much...OMG, I laughed so hard. I could not believe a man would do this. But I guess it is more common than I thought!

K

buffybike

08-13-2011, 04:11 PM

I have a Buff, but actually prefer those rubber bands that "gutter" sweat away from your forehead. They're ugly as hell, but they really work!! No more sweat/sunscreen in the eyes when I stop. In the winter, I use a flannel headband that keeps sweat at bay but also keeps my ears warm.

malkin

08-14-2011, 05:12 PM

Cycling cap under helmet.

My current one has world champion bands on it and I like to think of myself as the world champion of this here commute.

It hides my hair too, but I really do need a haircut.

KatzPajamas

08-14-2011, 07:12 PM

Never heard of this Buff thingy. Checked out the websites and a few YouTube demos of them. Might have to invest in one for the fall! My hair is very thin and fine and use the little kid flat hair clips to keep it up and out of the way while riding. Needless to say, I am a little scary looking if we stop anywhere to eat or just take a break. The buff might help out:cool:

marni

08-14-2011, 07:55 PM

even when my hair as short as it is (#6 buzz) I still get helmet head. At this point I ust don't care- because I shower and wash it when I get off the ride, if I were commuting it might be different.
In the cooler weather I do love my buffs, either around my neck or up over my head. I have several fun ones which I alternate through. the videos are fun though aren't they?

KatzPajamas

08-14-2011, 08:15 PM

Yes, the videos are fun...but talk about fun, I just noticed your quote- "I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride on my bicycle" I love it! Saw Arlo last fall in Ann Arbor and listen to his music alot. Bicycle is the PERFECT subsitute also.:D