need to keep the coooold wind out of my ears! and giro helmet ?

[southtxrider]

should I go with a hoody or one of those headband things?

I rode today and the wind was pretty nippy (and I am getting sick-blech-so that didn't help), so I wore one of my "street" (i.e. regular everyday clothes) hoodie jackets to keep the wind out of my ears. Well, it saved my ears BUT, of course I didn't look as "cool" and I started to get really hot. Was wondering if a hoody made of the right material (wicking, drying, etc) would be a lot better. Or maybe one of those earband things?

Sidenote: This was a LBS group ride (first one) and I managed to make it out of the shop without spending a dime after we returned. First time I've EVER gone in there and walked out empty handed! But I did try on a Giro atmos helmet (was admiring the other riders who ALL had one - my trek helmet looked very bulky compared to theirs) and loved it, so I resisted the temptation and am now shopping around looking for a good deal on one! Is this a good helmet? It felt so light. I know there are lots of different Giro helmest...

So far $139 at performance with a $20 off coupon is the best I've found.

[SouthernBelle]

I go with one of those beanie type hats that pull over your head and ears, usually made from fleece or wool. I also have a neck gaiter for coldest days.

[SadieKate]

For most of our winter weather around here I like the light headbands from PI and Shebeest (sold right here on TE in fabulous colors). I also bought a Buff on yellow's recommendation. I'm anxious to try it. It looks like it should fit under a helmet better and can be used like a gaitor also.

I have a Castelli windproof headband but it is too warm except at less than 35 degrees and then it muffles sound too much for my comfort.

[sbctwin]

It depends on how cold it is as to what I wear covering my ears. If it is 35 - 45 F, I find I am comfortable with my PI thermafleece headband; below 35F, I need a neck gator pulled up over my head and ears. For 45F +, I use a regular sweatband. I tried the head cap for 35 to 45, but found I would sweat too much with my head covered completely. The problem with headbands are the size, they usually are one size fits all and I have a small head. For anything above 50, it has to be breezy for me to wear anything under my helmet....

[SadieKate]

Found the link for a Buff. One layer is fairly thin and it can be used in so many configurations that it should be adaptable for a wide temperature range.

http://www.buffusa.com/index.html

[Trekhawk]

I use a Smartwool liner in winter and it keeps me toasty warm. The nice thing about it is that although it keeps my head and ears warm it is thin enough to fit under my helmet without my head feeling squished.

Oops forgot to add if its raining I use a helmet cover as well. These are great (make you look like you have an alien size head) but they keep you nice and dry.

[crazybikinchic]

I also use the PI headband.

As far as the Atmos, my husband bought me one earlier this year to replace my Trek helmet. I absolutely love it. In the toasty Texas climate, it keeps my head much cooler from all the vents.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I use a Smartwool liner in winter and it keeps me toasty warm. The nice thing about it is that although it keeps my head and ears warm it is thin enough to fit under my helmet without my head feeling squished.

I like the Smartwool helmet liner as well. It covers right over your ears and doesn't ride up either. If it's quite cold, though, I'll put on my thin Louis Garneau junior balaclava which protects my ears and neck, cheekbones and chin too.
When it gets SUPER cold I'll add my SW liner to the balaclava!

[postiechic]

Earbags??!!
how cute.....gotta get me some for next winter....in red

V

[Rai Sue]

I use a hard-hat liner. It covers my ears and keeps them warm, and is thin enough to go under my helmet. For really cold places you can get warm packs to put in the ear flaps. Also, they're really really cheap ($3 to $5), and mine has a reflective stripe. If it's raining, this is water-resistant, and will eventually get wet. But I've ridden through heavy rain for hours and not had real problems. (I have a Bell X-ray helmet)

I think this is the liner I have, but there is a wide variety out there:

http://www.gosafe.com/prodDetails.as...3FcatID%3D1039

The boyfriend (who regularly wears both hardhats and bike helmets) has this one, and it is very cute and stylish, methinks (I like the green quilting):

http://www.gosafe.com/prodDetails.as...3FcatID%3D1039

[Crankin]

I bought a headband from Terry, thinking it would be cooler than my skullcap. I specifically bought it from Terry, because I have a little head and their stuff tends to fit me better. I wore it once and I couldn't hear at all and it seemed much warmer than my skullcap, which I generally put on in the forties or low fifties if it's windy. The headband looks thin, but it must be made of some super material, because I don't think I can wear it and safely ride. The skullcap I have is a cheaper one from Performance that used to be my son's. It really doesn't mess up my hair and it's really thin.