tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post6365874034337094449..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Scaring Away the Cold with a BalaclavaVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-20829721699866135032015-03-13T23:49:50.940-04:002015-03-13T23:49:50.940-04:00I found a looong post about choosing the right bal...I found a looong post about choosing the right balaclava, with all the details you need to consider. If you are going to look dorky in a balaclava, at least make sure it's the right balaclava! I suggest anyone thinking of getting a balaclava check out this well researched post - https://averagejoecyclist.com/best-cycling-balaclavas/Thomas Dickensnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23284269600573277732012-02-11T14:47:21.930-05:002012-02-11T14:47:21.930-05:00When I go skiing it is 30-40 degrees, should I wea...When I go skiing it is 30-40 degrees, should I wear a balaclava or gaiter???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67068201556675743242011-12-23T19:01:53.321-05:002011-12-23T19:01:53.321-05:00I have a wool buff, too, and love it. You can twis...I have a wool buff, too, and love it. You can twist in teh middle and double it over and wear it as a hat, pull it down around your neck or wear it like a baclava over the mouth or not. It's really versatile and thin so it fits under a helmet with no problem.Gingernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54373215565015951772011-12-23T16:05:11.485-05:002011-12-23T16:05:11.485-05:00I have the smartwool one. I usually have it pulled...I have the smartwool one. I usually have it pulled down just covering my chin. As for fashion, I'm already out there riding in skin tight clothes and a mushroom on my head. Why not a balaclava to hide my shame?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-79415126474537167812011-12-23T12:02:14.798-05:002011-12-23T12:02:14.798-05:00I've been hankering for the wool Buff and that...I've been hankering for the wool Buff and that Ibex piece you're modeling! It's great to see it on a woman. Thanks to everyone for the reviews and suggestions!Cherilynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16091536510203894162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-75742149483102520772011-12-22T19:03:24.900-05:002011-12-22T19:03:24.900-05:00It's a niche piece of kit, as you implied, you...It's a niche piece of kit, as you implied, you'll buy one when you "really really need it". I was given one by friend after he witnessed my flushed face and running nose after stepping out of the cold into a warm super market. It's in precisely those situations a balaclava is appreciated; when I don't want to look flushed and fluish after coming in from the cold, such as making an entrance at a party.Caleb Courteauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912775100052257053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-60932821265704004582011-12-21T10:42:15.444-05:002011-12-21T10:42:15.444-05:00Big fan of the balaclava.Big fan of the balaclava.Velodoghttp://thefoxnote.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15561887944563891162011-12-21T00:23:35.553-05:002011-12-21T00:23:35.553-05:00I'm also a fan of the Buff, but at some point,...I'm also a fan of the Buff, but at some point, such as cold, damp wind (I've asthma) a balaclava works best for me. A Giordana Gore Windstopper balaclave keeps cold at bay, but on longish climbs I get moisture buildup which becomes problematic. I use merino wool tops and socks and it does indeed breathe better than nearly any other fabric. Maybe I'll give the Smartwool balaclava a try and compare to V's experience with the Ibex.<br /><br />By the way, to reduce glasses fog, use Cat Crap or similar product for ski and swim goggles. Have to re-apply every few days, but that beats fogging at every stop light.Roadscrape88https://www.blogger.com/profile/04916734864945028329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28396560891258543522011-12-20T13:30:18.359-05:002011-12-20T13:30:18.359-05:00This may be an unhelpful comment since my experien...This may be an unhelpful comment since my experience with balaclavas is limited to alpine skiing...but perhaps not. In both cases your face and cold wind and rushing into one another. I have tried a few different styles and the only one that I find pleasant to wear is a style that is basically a neck gaiter attached to a skullcap. This allows me to pull it up to my nose if I like, or keep it around my chin or just use it as a neck warmer...and if my heat is hot under the helmet (always wear a ski helmet) I can take that part off. The Ibex style I find too constricting and too inflexible as one cannot move it easily to speak or have a coffee. And frankly, given the hat hair situation that ensues, who wants to take it off for a break anyway?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-41996569913512870262011-12-20T11:42:01.620-05:002011-12-20T11:42:01.620-05:00Re: the awesome cateye makeup with the balaclava, ...Re: the awesome cateye makeup with the balaclava, need to make sure you use waterproof eyeliner, or else when your eyes tear up from the cold it could be ugly...cyclerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10331461189944538729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47634820555598793192011-12-19T23:38:24.139-05:002011-12-19T23:38:24.139-05:00For very cold weather Russian ushanka hats. From h...For very cold weather Russian ushanka hats. From historical experience the very politically incorrect variety creates an amazing bubble of warmed air in front of the face. The faux variety does a good job too.<br /><br />The downside is limited visibility. Some hats are wearable in moderate weather at moderate speeds, some are too darn hot.<br /><br />When it's so cold you have to take steps to ensure the blood supply to your brain does not chill, ushanka is the only way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32916019135104208722011-12-19T22:04:48.921-05:002011-12-19T22:04:48.921-05:00Velouria, I just tried on the Icebreaker Balaclava...Velouria, I just tried on the Icebreaker Balaclava (on sale at EMS.com for $22.50, and the local EMS matched the online price-- I got one for Mrs. S) and it doesn't sit tight against my cheeks. I have a narrower, longer face, so that may be why. It should fit better on Mrs. S's head.somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19243103987233459952011-12-19T20:03:33.224-05:002011-12-19T20:03:33.224-05:00Melissa - Interesting! Either my head and face are...Melissa - Interesting! Either my head and face are much larger than yours, or you have a different model (from an earlier year?). <br /><br />rural 14 - I prefer baklava!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-90537009974956014002011-12-19T20:00:29.462-05:002011-12-19T20:00:29.462-05:00I have an Ibex balaclava and I can pull it down to...I have an Ibex balaclava and I can pull it down to expose the bottom part of my face. I do it every time I walk into the 7-Eleven.MelissatheRagamuffinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-66582252946931060262011-12-19T18:37:48.650-05:002011-12-19T18:37:48.650-05:00I use a skiers face mask - it's a thin balacla...I use a skiers face mask - it's a thin balaclava which has a full covering for the face, with a mesh over the mouth, and a sorta nose flap. I routinely leave the house when it's 15 degrees f; downhill at 35 - 40 mph without a face mask = frostbite. As it warms up, the face mask piece of the garment which is very stretchy (some sort of microfiber, very soft on the face) can be pushed down so the eye slit area can contain the whole of ones face. It also has a long collar so it terminates well inside the collar of whatever jacket I'm wearing. So the facemask + mittens + neoprene lined boots = complete warmth / no sweating. I've always found balaclavas TOO hot making, and I'm not much of a heat generator. The face mask ski option gives wind protection with less heat trapping.<br /><br />Incidentally - balaclava - we were invited to a friends house for what we heard as home made baclava, but in fact it was homemade baccala.rural 14noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-81856918618663312432011-12-19T18:28:53.499-05:002011-12-19T18:28:53.499-05:00I recommend the Buff in merino wool. Highly versat...I recommend the Buff in merino wool. Highly versatile, it forms one of my staples of hiking and a versatile piece of gear for cycling. Amongst other things, it can be used as a scarf or bandana, as well as a balaclava.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1267278871603472822011-12-19T18:16:22.757-05:002011-12-19T18:16:22.757-05:00I use them when it's below freezing. It works ...I use them when it's below freezing. It works better than any of the other things I've tried for cycling but I really hate it when the inevitable condensation makes the area around my nose all wet and drippy. I know what Heather is talking about when she mentions the snot all too well. The asthma breathing tube/duct thingie she mentioned might be worth looking into... <br /><br />A scarf seems to be the best solution in almost every other case but on the bike they seem to defy good order and reason. <br /><br />I'm actually surprised no one has a full-face cycling helmet for sale. I've seen some photo's of Arctic pilots in Russia that were wearing some sort of lightweight helmet that appeared to be a skiing/sports helmet. Lot's of small adjustable vents and a big shield with a gaiter around the neck. And while everyone's breath was steaming, the shield's were clear. It definitely didn't look like aviation stuff, I immediately thought it looked ideal for winter cycling but wasn't able to find out anything. The guy that took the pictures thought they might be hockey helmets but I think that was only because he's from Arkansas and knows nothing about Hockey. If anyone knows what they might be I'd love to hear about it.<br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32926604827410114322011-12-19T18:15:19.880-05:002011-12-19T18:15:19.880-05:00I just got back from a ride sporting my turtleclav...I just got back from a ride sporting my turtleclava,, which has a nice thick, but comfy neck. I also wore a knit hat OVER my helmet. I was toasty and warm, and looked like hell, but I didn't care. This is my first time riding in winter, and I had a blast.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-46032946521177472682011-12-19T17:13:51.484-05:002011-12-19T17:13:51.484-05:00Below 20 degrees F, I'll wear the merino balac...Below 20 degrees F, I'll wear the merino balaclava from Rivendell. Mine's blue, so that keeps the ninja factor lower, especially when going to the bank!<br /><br />I wear glasses, so I also use those 180s low-profile earmuffs over the balaclava. Yeah, there's some moisture buildup over the mouth area, and I stop occasionally to blow my nose. But overall, being warmer is worth it to me.Kirstennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74656479028658818852011-12-19T16:28:39.963-05:002011-12-19T16:28:39.963-05:00Ah the balaclava. I may have tried one during one...Ah the balaclava. I may have tried one during one of many brutal prairie winters... but the snot! If you get snuffly while riding, and you know you do, I can only let you use your imagination there. <br />I recently met a woman with extrema asthma and had something to cover her mouth while out in the cold. We were taking a water taxi and she was worried(but it had a warm cab so all was well). She had this muffler type thing that went around her neck so was a cozy neck warmer but had a special thing for the mouth that acted as a filter for cold air, pollution, pollen etc.. It could cover the nose as needed. She said she bought it online from an asthma site. It would definitely work as a filter for urban cycling which I am seeing more and more. Only problem with scarves and stuff covering my nose is that my glasses fog up. But I hate things tight around my neck and face, so a balaclava that is tight like the ibex seems to be would not work.<br /><br />I do have 2 icebreaker hoodies. The hoods are like balaclavas when zipped all the way up. I had no idea(got them 2nd hand) the hoods were like that and was expecting a nice loose hood. The good thing is I can either zip all the way up and look like I am in a full wetsuit (I was in the city recently and muslim ladies wearing Hijaabs were gawking at me with unmistakable shopping envy!), or zip down to my mouth, neck and lower as needed.Heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5889675388296190732011-12-19T15:19:14.745-05:002011-12-19T15:19:14.745-05:00I got this balaclava a few weeks ago. It seems to...I got <a href="http://www.citysports.com/Seirus-Combo-Clava/115219/Product" rel="nofollow">this balaclava</a> a few weeks ago. It seems to work pretty well, except for two things: my glasses fog up when I stop, and the earpieces for the glasses push the fleece away from my face and let cold air in, which makes my ears cold. Would wearing low-profile earmuffs under the balaclava be the best way to keep my ears warm?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-38922745060369201882011-12-19T14:44:50.758-05:002011-12-19T14:44:50.758-05:00A good quality balaclava, helmet & ski type go...A good quality balaclava, helmet & ski type goggles will save your face from most of winters wind. <br /><br />There is also the full face shield to consider but they distort your vision at the edges really bad..Walt Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6091918384532201742011-12-19T14:22:44.326-05:002011-12-19T14:22:44.326-05:00I like Ibex stuff, very high quality. Tailoring f...I like Ibex stuff, very high quality. Tailoring for bike-specific needs leaves something to be desired.<br /><br />I'd cut a hole for the mouth, button hole reinforce it. <br /><br />Maybe a little button flap too, Hannibal Lecter-style.Ground Round Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103163385322185034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-60972904843660280872011-12-19T13:21:14.309-05:002011-12-19T13:21:14.309-05:00I also have a Buff (love it for camping and coveri...I also have a Buff (love it for camping and covering three-day unwashed hair), and a turtle-fur neck cowl, and a Pearl Izumi beanie. While all three are wonderful inventions, I prefer the Hoodie/Balaclava over all other options when it's really cold.ridebloghttp://rideblog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55512232187033357152011-12-19T13:18:34.064-05:002011-12-19T13:18:34.064-05:00With my balaclava, the part that covers the mouth ...With my balaclava, the part that covers the mouth is a separate piece from the part that covers the head. They have different "controls" in that they have different pieces of cord one can use to tighten them. I tighten the one around my face, and loosen the one around my mouth. This means the one around my mouth stands out away from my lips.<br /><br />The benefits of this are: <br />1. when I'm riding, my warm breath heats up the little pocket of air around my mouth, but fresh air slips in and keeps me from feeling like I'm going to smother.<br />2. If I stop, it gets really warm, so that's nice when I'm taking photos.<br />3. Though the fleece gets wet from my breath, it doesn't touch my skin, so that doesn't matter.<br /><br />See this: http://rideblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/12032011ride_4.jpg<br />Even in the photo, you can see that it's wet, but not touching. Would this work for road biking at 30 mph? I have no idea, but it's perfect for riding my Raleigh.<br /><br />It have this one from REI, for $29:<br />http://www.rei.com/product/725706/seirus-hoodz<br /><br />Very different from what V is using.ridebloghttp://rideblog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com