During the cold months of late fall, winter, and early spring, you have probably noticed that it can be very frustrating to focus on your cycling while your ears are getting cold. Not only does it feel uncomfortable, especially on longer journeys, it can be distracting and stop you from enjoying the overall experience of the ride.
This is why it is important to wear suitable cycling headwear that is warm and fits well. For safety, warmth, and comfort, specialized cycling headwear worn under a helmet like ear warmers, headbands and winter cycling caps are a fantastic way to help keep your ears shielded from cold temperatures while you enjoy your ride.
Why you cannot rely on a hood to keep your ears warm
A common way that many people keep their ears warm while cycling is just by using a sweatshirt’s hood to cover their ears. There are several problems with relying on the hoods of jackets to keep your ears warm. Cycling jackets are great for keeping your upper body insulated and dry.
However, if there is a hood attached to the jacket, it should not be used while cycling. The first problem with using hoods is that they cannot be easily worn with a helmet.
It is important that you wear suitable pieces of cycling headwear that do not compromise the protection that helmets provide.
There is also the fact that hoods generally create an open space around the chin that allows cold air to reach the ears.
Finally, hoods can obstruct your vision and make cycling more dangerous. Specialized cycling headwear, such as ear warmers, headbands, and winter cycling caps, can help you to avoid these problems while keeping your ears warm.
These pieces of headwear typically wrap themselves around the ears and fit tightly, yet comfortably, to the head. Unlike a hood, it is also easier to combine them with other pieces of cycling clothing to help keep your face and neck warm.
Ear warmers, headbands, and winter cycling caps are better choices
Specialized cycling headwear, such as ear warmers, headbands, and winter cycling caps, are designed so that you can continue cycling as temperatures begin to cool.
Before you choose a piece of headwear, it is important to first make sure that the material can withstand the temperatures you will be cycling in and that the piece of headwear can be worn comfortably under your helmet. Assuming it can, you can then cover your ears without having to worry about the wind or cold weather being able to reach them.
Ear warmers, headbands, and winter cycling caps also keep your vision clear and allow you to stay alert as to what is happening around you, unlike hoods. One final point that should be kept in mind is that you do need to think about the quality of the material.
It is a good idea to purchase pieces of headwear manufactured with high quality materials so that the materials’ resistant properties continue to afford their protection throughout several long journeys.
Recommended Gear
Are you ready to get yourself the right gear to keep your ears warm during the winter while on your bike? Well, here are our favorite pieces of gear for the job.
- This is our favorite cycling cap, which is great for completely covering your head, however still maintaining the safety features of your helmet.
- This inexpensive headband is also awesome if you are looking for something a bit more simple that doesn’t cover your complete head.
- Finally, this neck gator does a great job of covering both your face and ears to keep them all warm.
Conclusion
If you feel that temperatures will be uncomfortably cold while cycling, it is important that you choose the right headwear. Take some time to research ear warmers, headbands, and winter cycling caps suitable for cycling in cold weather conditions to help keep your cycling adventures pleasant and memorable!
