If you look in any cycling catalog you will quickly see that there is no shortage of balaclavas available. However, my favorite balaclava isn’t cycling specific. The Seirus Combo Clava is usually sold as a balaclava for alpine skiing, snowboarding and hiking, but it is my absolute favorite for winter cycling.
Seirus Combo Clava For Winter Cycling
The Seirus Combo Clava is lightweight, extremely warm, quick drying and highly breathable. The main body of this clava is made of Polartec fleece and the smaller face mask part is made of contoured Neofleece. Neofleece is really five layers rolled into one. The first layer is the outer shell, the second is a waterproof liner, and under that is fleece lined Neoprene, followed by Thermolite insulation and finally a wicking Microfleece lining next to your skin.
The Seirus Combo Clava fits great under most bike helmets. Out of all the balaclavas I own this one produces the least amount of fogging on my glasses. In fact, the only time it ever produces any fog is when I have to stop. The easiest way to deal with this is to pull the face mask down under your nose when you stop. While your mouth will be covered with the face mask part, I have found it to be easy to breathe through due to the holes in the mask.
Some people prefer to have their balaclavas tucked inside the neck of their jackets. Personally, I like a balaclava to sit on the outside of my jacket (I think it holds the heat in better). After a long ride the face mask part will be a bit wet, so allow it to dry before your next ride.
This balaclava is available in three sizes (ES, SM/MD and LG/XL). To determine the size you need just measure the circumference of your head just below your nose. The SM/MD size fits 20–24 inches and LG/XL size fits 22–26 inches.
The Seirus Combo Clava retails for around $30. I purchased mine from a Dick’s Sporting Goods (a brick and mortar store), but they are also available at many online stores as well, such as REI.com and Amazon.com.
James
November 18, 2011 at 8:50 AM
I never thought of using a skiing balaclava for winter cycling but this has opened the door to that as a possibility. I’ll be heading to my local sports supply store this weekend to see what they have in the way of products. I am not sure if I will be able to find the above model in Canada.
All Seasons Cyclist
November 18, 2011 at 10:51 AM
James – A balaclava sure makes a difference out on the road. I rode 29 miles yesterday into 29 MPH winds and I don’t think I could have made it with a face mask (it was also 29 degrees outside).
canadianinjersey
December 25, 2012 at 12:01 PM
I’ve worn this one on very cold days in Jersey (0 to 10 F). It’s better than most at not fogging up my glasses, but I cut out a larger hole on the perforated section over the mouth. That works even better.
All Seasons Cyclist
December 25, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Just curious — once you cut out the larger section did the fabric shred any?