cold weather and ears question

[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.

[SadieKate]

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

Speak for your area . . .

And +1 on the wool buffs.

And I hate balaclavas unless is *^&% cold. Having stuff over my face is claustrophobic.

[zoom-zoom]

And I hate balaclavas unless is *^&% cold. Having stuff over my face is claustrophobic.

Yeah, the few times I've tried to run with those on drove me nuts. If it's that cold I stay indoors and ride the nowhere bike. But it has to be windchill in the negatives before I will cancel a run.