cold weather and ears question

[Koronin]

If it starts getting chilly at all I have to wear something over my ears to keep them from hurting. Issue I've had for years with cold weather and wind. I grew up in Ohio and as soon as it started getting chilly and there was any wind I had to get out either earmuffs or winter type hats to protect my ears. I'm thinking earmuffs aren't going to work to well riding a bike, so I'm looking for suggestions on what I can wear. I did buy one of the headband type things to help protect my ears, but am looking for other ideas, esp for when it's like yesterday was (temps in the 30s to 40s and wind). Of course it was raining yesterday, so I didn't ride.

[crazycanuck]

Seek out a buff as they're great for keeping ears warm on coolish days

www.buff.com.au

[Koronin]

Thanks for the suggestion. Now to find out if they'll ship to the US.

[crazycanuck]

Whoops...I remembered that site from memory but Buffs are sold round the world .

http://www.buff.es/

[Koronin]

It's alright. Thank you for the 2nd link, that definitely helps. I may get a couple, so I can have one just for riding and have a 2nd for wearing other times.

[OakLeaf]

I've never worn a Buff.

If you can't find one at your LBS, they (or your local/chain outdoor outfitter) will definitely have balaclavas. That's my choice under a helmet - one that's stretchy enough that I can pull the eye hole under my chin when it warms up a little.

I think Buffs may be more versatile - they're so popular here - but balaclavas are easier to find.

[redrhodie]

I wear this cap under my helmet, and over a buff (which covers my ears neck, and chin).

https://www.ibexwear.com/shop/produc...ns-bo-peep-cap

[soprano]

If you know anyone who knits and owes you a favor, there are a couple of bike helmet earmuff patterns floating around.

[lph]

I have a vast array of headgear

I wear half a Buff all summer as a hairband, to keep my hair in place and absorb sweat. Once it starts getting a little nippy I'll switch to a regular Buff folded in two, pulled down over my ears. A bit colder than that and I'll add another Buff around my neck. Next step is an under-helmet cap. My favourite is thin wool, from Endura, but I also have a windproof and waterresistant one from gore which is better when it rains BUT I CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING AND END UP TALKING REALLY LOUD.

Colder than that and I'm on to a thin wool balaclava, plus underhelmet cap. I don't use a balaclava before it gets quite cold because I overheat easily uphill and get a bit desperate if I can't pull it away from my face.

Let me know if you can't find a Buff, I can probably find a spare I can ship to you.

[Becky]

I have a Buff and a really nice wool balaclava, and I find myself using the Buff more. I like the flexibility that it provides, and how snugly it fits. The balaclava never wants to stay where I put it.

FWIW, if you're like me, and have a tiny head/face, there are women's Buffs out there that are junior-sized, but more grown-up looking. Not many places carry them, and I always end up getting them here.

[OakLeaf]

I also have a windproof and waterresistant one from gore which is better when it rains BUT I CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING AND END UP TALKING REALLY LOUD.

That's funny... even my lightest weight cap and balaclava each generate a LOT of wind noise. I can hardly hear anything over the wind when I wear them, and I was thinking that heavier/waterproofed headgear might slide through the wind and/or isolate my ears a little better than the lightweight ones. I guess not.

[Eden]

I just got a Walz "ear flap" cycling cap - absolutely love it. It keeps my ears toasty, with the added bonus that I seem to be able to hear better than when I was wearing a thin fleece beanie cap. One of my teammates (I did a team order) who also got an earflap cap noticed the same thing - so I don't think its my imagination.

[hebe]

Interesting to see the Buff suggestions, I've asked for one for Christmas

[Roadtrip]

I didn't know about the Buff, but it does look really cool, so it may have to go on my xmas list too. This is what I'm wearing right now...

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cf...s/-/Hats/2501/

Light enough go under the helmet and comes down far enough to cover my ears.

Shannon

[TsPoet]

I love my buffs - but for the answer to this question, I'd specifically recommend the wool buff.
The wool buff is 2x as long as their summer buffs and is even more versatile while being even warmer.