Stop The Wind!
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
No, I have not taken up a life of crime and that is not even me. But, that is the newest piece of riding gear that I have added to my growing wardrobe. What you are looking at is the ST Wind Plus Balaclava from Comfort in Action. Not too many years ago I used to ride to work in temps as cold as 18 degrees with no windshield and a half shell helmet which provided very little protection for the face. I guess aging has removed my Billy BadA@@ Biker card from the wallet because I’m just not in to eating all that cold anymore.
I went out two years ago and bought a Memphis Shades windshield for the bike, which I highly recommend, and I already had a nice Cortech Advantage riding jacket that has a removable liner. Add in my Tourmaster Synergy Electric Gloves and the HJC flip face helmet and I was mostly toasty cruising down the road on those cold days. Notice I said mostly. Even with all this gear I have still experienced cold air around the neck and on the face as it made it’s way up under the chinbar of the helmet. That cold air sometimes gave me brain freeze as I made my way to my destination.
So, I was recently at my choice of shops here in Indy, Cycle Outfitters, and I questioned General Manager Dwayne about some added protection. He pulled out a catalog to show me what he had been riding in and told me about this balaclava and I ordered one on the spot. I picked it up on Saturday and decided not to wear it home because it was in the low 50’s and it would not be needed. Yesterday and today provided me with cooler temps in the mornings to try out this new gear.
What can I say? It is awesome. I feel no wind and no cold whatsoever. The long chest piece fits into the front of your jacket and is thin enough as to not make wearing it uncomfortable or bulky. The Windstopper© material, although thin as stated, does not let any draft through at all. The upper portion has a silky feel to it and is very comfy inside the helmet, especially if you sport a bald head like me. I paid around $26 for mine but have not found them on the net for less than $35.99. Look around for one and buy it up. You won’t be sorry.
