In support of balaclavas!

[Stig / Major Tom]

Watching all these players in the Whirled Serious wearing balaclavas in the game tonight up in Cleveland.
Very comfy things...balaclavas. I  have a thin one and a thick one that I wear on cold  fall and winter  sunrise scooter  rides. Sometimes  I  wear both on really cold mornings.
I learned to shop for the balaclavas with long front and rear bibs...for the best coverage  on chest and back of neck.
Keeping the cold wind off of my chin and neck, with wind proof over-jacket is key to my winter comfort.
Rain pants over armored/kevlar jeans, boots and battery heated glove liners under gauntlets. ...and I'm  good to go....which is a bit nuts.
But, key is keeping cold air from getting to my skin...balaclavas solved a nagging loophole  in my defences. Used to freeze  my neck & under my chin.
Stig
Still...riding in winter is nutty behavior.  No excuses

[Tromper]

I have a couple 'clava's but don't really like the heavily bibbed one with my RPHA helmet due to placement of a seam and how it interfaces with the chin area padding.
To get around that I have a light wool one that I use with what's basically a gorget
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/freeze-out-neck-guard
I actually use the gorget more often without the 'clava since my newish helmet does a pretty good job keeping the head and chin protected.

[TroutBum]

I find they don't keep me all that warm. I'm thinking about switching to a neck garter like this one  http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=680

[Tromper]

I find they don't keep me all that warm. I'm thinking about switching to a neck garter like this one  http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=680

I've looked at those.  The fleece is nice at a stop, but the wind goes right through 'em.  That's why I went with basically the same thing in different materials.
Far as the 'clava's go, you pick up a nice snowmobile one that has a great front flap that's impervious to wind and it works great.  I used one of those until I changed helmets this year, & the new helmet didn't like the old 'clava.

[paceneedsstides]

I used this last winter and it worked great had some 0 degree mornings at 5 am heading to work.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/freeze-out-balaclava

[Mr. Paul]

I used this last winter and it worked great had some 0 degree mornings at 5 am heading to work.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/freeze-out-balaclava

Just ordered one Pace. Thanks for the referral.

[Scooter Dan]

Have thin and thick but have only worn thick in Colorado as Texas winters are so mild that we seldom need anything.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Tried a few. Like this one best for the past 3 years.
Thin but warm crown - no bulges under helmet.
Nice front and back bib to keep neck, chest covered.
Works well with my glasses.
Add a scarf around neck.(always a scarf in any cool weather)
Stig

[ScooterWolf]

Just switched over to my winter gear on Tuesday -- heavy leather jacket, winter gloves and a balaclava. I pretty much pair it with a turtle neck sweater, or zipper turtle neck. I tuck the hanging end of the balaclava into the neck wrap and I’m good to go. If you’re a commute like me staying comfortable and warm keeps you focused and safe. Once it goes below freezing, if there, snow, ice or salt on the ground I keep the bike home take the car or train.

My biggest problem with the balaclava is the fogging it creates on my visor when it’s down, or if there’s a wrinkle along my forehead that gets pressed into my skull by the helmet. The latter’s an easy fix. Also, If the fogging get’s bad I just pop open the visor for a few seconds.

- Wolf

[Tromper]

My biggest problem with the balaclava is the fogging it creates on my visor when it’s down, or if there’s a wrinkle along my forehead that gets pressed into my skull by the helmet.

Yup same here with the new helmet the padding is right down the center, right where the seam for my old 'clava is.  I already have a nice thin wool one that doesn't have that, but no neck protection, so for the 9 bucks it cost me the gorget was perfect.  The smartwool 'clava's a bit thinner so it also fits under the helmet better than the cyclegear 'clava (tried one of those when I bought the gorget).

Hat's off to all the winter riders in general, regardless of what works for ya.
Especially those in colder areas than I am these days.

[Mr. Paul]

"Hats Off" Tromper? That was punny.

[Kymsec99]

Will be getting a thin one for UK winter (upto -8) I like a little air to my neck. Hope to be living near the sea within 2 months, will be more like -2c then.

[Snorvey]

Tried a few. Like this one best for the past 3 years.
Thin but warm crown - no bulges under helmet.
Nice front and back bib to keep neck, chest covered.
Works well with my glasses.
Add a scarf around neck.(always a scarf in any cool weather)
Stig

Blimey Stig, do you get a free explosive vest with that balaclava?

[paceneedsstides]

The Bilt Freeze Out one that I use is great I wear an insulated hoodie under my Bilt Waterproof winter jacket which keeps me pretty warm and toasty. My biggest issue in the cold is my gloves

[Stig / Major Tom]

Blimey Stig, do you get a free explosive vest with that balaclava?

I  had wondered why each of the 60+ reviews were posted by surviving family members.
A tip.....never wear this into a bank lobby....
Stig