Textile accessories for city cycling

Balaclava and helmet beanie for winter rides

On a morning ride, the cold air first hits the forehead, ears, and neck, which are left exposed by the helmet. The balaclava covers these three areas in one piece: the VAUDE Warm, from the German brand founded in 1974 near Lake Constance, and the Gist Thermodress, with a so-called porthole opening, are worn under the helmet and can be pulled down under the chin when needed. The helmet beanie VAUDE, lighter, protects the head and ears when it’s just chilly. The key factor remains the thinness of the fabric: a fabric that’s too thick alters the fit of the helmet and reduces its effectiveness in case of impact.

The rest of the outfit

Urban gear is also available:

• Gloves.
• Jackets.
• Trousers.
• Urban Helmets.
• Reflective Accessories.
• Socks.

All the gear is gathered on the urban page.

Headbands and neck warmers for mid-season

Between autumn and spring, a lighter protection is often sufficient. The headbands VAUDE Cassons and Giro cover the ears and forehead without keeping the head warm, which helps avoid sweating under the helmet on climbs. The neck warmer P2R is a multifunctional tube of fabric: pulled up over the nose facing the icy wind, lowered as a scarf at a red light, or worn as a headband when the sun returns, it fits into a pocket once you arrive. The hat Protest, thicker and designed for the city, is kept for walking once the bike is locked up, as it doesn’t fit under a helmet.

Caps Gist, Giro and Craft: sun and style

The cyclist cap, with a short and soft brim, is worn under the helmet to shield the eyes from the low sun and raindrops, two common annoyances during rush hours. The caps Gist are colourful with quirky patterns, and the Gist Equipe Vintage Merckx pays tribute to Eddy Merckx, world road champion in 1967, 1971, and 1974. The Giro Peloton and the Craft Core Essence are more understated, for everyday use. In fine weather, the Wind X-treme Coolcap and the neck protector of the same brand limit sunburn on the neck and ears, often exposed when stopped at lights.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the bargains, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and the items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a fixed order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school time.

Frequently asked questions

How do you wash a balaclava or neck warmer for cycling?

They are machine washed at thirty degrees, in a mesh bag, without fabric softener which reduces the breathability of technical fibres. They dry quickly in the open air: placing them on a hot radiator relaxes the elastic fibres and reduces support.

What should you wear on your ears when cycling in freezing temperatures?

Below zero degrees, a thin balaclava covers the ears, neck, and lower face. Opt for a windproof material at the front, where the air hits, and a more breathable one at the back to release heat during exertion.

Is a padded boxer useful for cycling to work?

For regular rides of more than half an hour, the padded boxer Endura for women cushions the pressure on the saddle and limits chafing. It is worn discreetly under city clothes and washed after each use, just like underwear.

Is a cap under the helmet compatible with safety?

Yes, the cyclist cap is thin and the soft brim can be lifted or lowered without interfering with the helmet. You then adjust the helmet's dial with the cap in place, to ensure it stays well fitted and doesn’t tip back.

What size should you choose for a cycling balaclava?

Most balaclavas and helmet beanies come in one size or two sizes based on head circumference. The fabric should hug the head without folds, so the helmet maintains its adjustment, and cold air doesn’t seep in through the face opening.