The Performance Pro Balaclava is solid, functional and cost effective
Written: Apr 08 '06 (Updated Apr 10 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: essential gear for fall and spring in cold climates
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: solid product for spring and fall road bicycling in cold climates
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| Saxguy's Full Review: Performance PolyPro Balaclava |
Many thanks to the category lead, Openroad, for adding this to the database.
I’ve had the Performance PolyPro Balaclava for a couple of years. It is a key component of my fall and spring bicycling gear. You see, the winds of those seasons become even more chilling at bicycle speeds.
I need to keep my head and neck warm. My neck is the most vulnerable part of my body to cold. With this item and the rest of my typical gear for chilly weather, a turtleneck and the Nashbar Neck Gaitor, I have triple coverage on the neck.
Then, there’s the head. I will not ride without a helmet, and neither should you! I need to keep my head and ears warm enough while riding, but I also need to stay comfortable. For starters, this item fits comfortably under a helmet. The material is 84% polypropylene and 16% lycra, for the stretch. I’ve found that it wicks the heavy moisture away, yet keeps the head and ears warm, despite temperature and wind conditions.
I have no trouble putting it on. It’s one size fits all. I have an 18” neck, and I can get it on easily. The balaclava has coverage for my entire neck. It’s stretchy enough so that it should have no trouble fitting people with smaller heads and necks. I have my choice of whether to cover my mouth or not with the hole, which is open for the eyes. I usually prefer to keep my mouth uncovered. I will keep my eyes covered with sunglasses or goggles pretty much every time I ride and fall and spring are no different.
I will use this product from temperatures in the high 20s with a little wind up to 50 degrees with a stronger wind. The wicking prevents this from making me too hot. On the other hand, it’s fairly thin and so I would not recommend it for sports in much colder weather like skiing or snowboarding. There are thicker, warmer brands out there for something like that.
However, if you live in a northern climate and are looking for gear to help lengthen your riding seasons, this is ideal.
This can be machine washed in cool water, however, I generally hand wash it. The instructions say to line dry and I would not put this in the dryer.
This is $12.99 at performancebicycle.com, and a net search could help you turn up some online coupons. It is a solid value and I recommend it highly!
My other recommendation is leather. I first started wearing a leather jacket when trying my current road bike, the Jamis Coda Comp, and found that it kept my chest and arms warm, even against a stiff wind,without unduly restricting movement. I guess all those motorcyclists who wear leather appreciate function as well as looks!
Thanks for reading. God bless!
Please check out my related reviews:
Jandd Mini Mountain Wedge
Nashbar Neck Gaitor
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Performancebike.com Online Store
Nashbar.com Online Store
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Bell Solair Pro Helmet
Recommended:
Yes
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