If you live where it is cold, you'll find yourself in the month of February. It's fucking cold. And if you like to ride bikes at this time, then you need some appropriate gear.
I never really had a good "face and head" solution for winter riding, and I ride with a helmet. What's a brother to do? I recently invested in Gore's Bike Wear WindStopper Helmet Cap and Gore's Bike Wear WindStopper Face Warmer.
The image for Gore's Bike Wear WindStopper Helmet Cap is misleading because the hat itself is very thin. As such, it fits well under any helmet and has the added bonus of buffering painful helmet straps against your dome. Plus, when you put it on, it smacks a satisfying "snap" like a giant rubber. You can fold up the ear flaps if it's not that cold, or flip them down for added ear and neck protection. And, most importantly, it works -- it breaks the wind and keeps your head warm and protected.
The Face Warmer also from Gore is just as effective since it's made from the same material. There is a single velcro strap that meets an opposing flap and joins at the back of the head. I wish the nose part was designed better. Perhaps some rubber blisters or a stiffer material could provide a bit more traction as the mask seems to slip down off the nose during a ride. But, the mask has an added feature of making you look like a Terrorist and it's great fun to watch pedestrian's reactions when you stare at them with it on.
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