truthseeker14

I tried searching for a pure silk cap or balaclava but have not found anything. Any recommendations or ideas of where to find?

Alan K

Google: “Silk Balaclava” returns many options.
Here’s one from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/ALASKA-BEAR-N...zcF9hdGY&psc=1

SpeedyBlueBiker

Personally I would choose either a skull cap or a cap that covers the ears to keep them ears warm.

JohnDThompson 

I have a silk balaclava I use in very cold weather. It's thin enough to fit under a helmet, and keeps ears, face, and neck warm.

WaveyGravey

Dick's Sporting Goods. You can order online.

Koyote

Not what OP is asking, but I'll offer a suggestion: merino wool.

Alan K

Use of the right protective layer entirely depends on the weather. The original poster did not specify the actual temperature at which he/she/they/… intends to use it.

Alan K

Wool fibers in your mouth is a very annoying thing. Merino wool over silk is a good combination for 0F and below but I doubt Cincinnati gets that cold very often.

Koyote

It goes over your mouth, not in it.

Alan K

Most people will have some issues with woolen fibers, specially on an uphill stretch.

Leisesturm

I don't know about 'most people'. It's really very individual. However, in 2023, Silk is kind of like Ivory (or Ebony ftm). Both are endangered. Both are increasingly under attack by socially and environmentally conscious entities and individuals. Both have 'greener' alternatives. Renewable alternatives ... like wool. I've not seen the Balaclava that didn't have a mouth hole so you didn't have to taste mutton on your way up to Powell Butte. And, just saying, given that <50F seems to be some kind of psychological barrier to participation in the sport of winter cycling... Cinci? I don't think Merino is overkill there. I'd use it.

Lamont Cobb

You could try a yamalka or yalmaka (one of these spellings is probably correct). I wouldn't know where to buy them, but you could show up in a temple during services and (discreetly) walk out with one.

Koyote

That’s never happened to me. Does it happen to you?

chaadster

I’m a vote for silk balaclava. I use a vintage Patagonia Capilene ‘clava, which is super light like silk, and love that it is highly adjustable— over mouth, under chin, off the neck and worn like a cap— to meet any cold climate and activity level demand. Keeping the chill off my neck is fantastic and crucial. I have caps that cover the ears, too, but they a) rarely stay in place over the ear perfectly, and b) just don’t offer anywhere near the comfort, warmth, or versatility of the ‘clava.

Patagonia still make a balaclava of Capilene, but they use something called “thermal weight” Capilene, which I haven’t used but is more insulating than original Capilene.

Leisesturm

So, not Silk, and absolutely fine as an option. I have a faux Silk helmet liner around here somewhere ...

Garthr

Yeah, that Alaska Bear silk balaclava than Alan K linked looks perfectly suited. I may get one myself !

rumrunn6

aside from other head covering options in my arsenal, this is my thin balaclava. not silk but it works well & the color is fun for winter

AEROSSI Balaclava



if it's cold I use safety glasses

if it's really cold or w/ precipitation I use goggles

Alan K

Nice!

It gets quite cold where I live and often way too bright with snow when the sun is out so my ski goggles are a little different so they reflect most of the light (along with polarization) and I have to cover my mouth and nose to pre-warm the air before breathing it. At 10 below 0F, it doesn’t take too long before you can start feeling some discomfort in your lungs if the air is inhaled directly and rapidly, as it would happen during bicycling.
A wind-resistant outer layer, like yours, is also a must.
I had posted a photo, my wife took a few years ago to show to her friends about how insane I’m about bicycling. I will add that here later, if I can find it.



Commuting in winter

Koyote

I’ll take your non-response as a tacit acknowledgement that your answer is “no.”

t2p

wore a few different types of thin balaclavas under helmet when snowmobiling - including silk, polypropylene, and DuPont Thermax (and Thermastat ?)

been a while - but recall the silk balaclava as one of the thinnest and more comfortable - but retained moisture more than the others

Camilo

I've always used a very thin synthetic balaclava. Haven't tried silk but have no need for it because I like synthetics and they serve me well. Dislike wool products of any sort. If it gets colder I use a heavier synthetic balaclava. I probably have a half dozen in about 4 general weights, ranging from super thin to fleece. They're pretty much generic and can be found anywhere.

A lot of folks I know use buffs for XC skiing and winter riding. They're becoming more popular than balaclavas, but I haven't been converted yet.

chaadster

Correct, Capilene is a brand name for range of synthetic and hybrid fabrics which Patagonia make from recycled plastics, Capilene Air is the hybrid, a mix of synthetic and wool.

As for being suitable, that’s up to the OP; I dunno why silk was specified, only that I’d prefer a ‘clava to a cap. I’ve had a silk ‘clava in the past, but my Capilene ‘clava is a much better performer, not getting wet and soggy, being more durable and stretchy, it doesn’t get smelly, and dries really fast,

rumrunn6

excellent! better man than I. 17F is about as low as I go & then it's only for an hour or so

Kabuki12

Well , I am in Southern California so we don’t require the thermal protection that others do . It is relative though . I ride early , getting ready to go soon . Right now it is in the 50’s and that feels cold to me . I will ride with my 3/4 long riding pants and knee socks . For my head I will wear my cycling hat under my helmet . Thankfully , no need for the stronger measures. I am in an inland , rural citrus farm area so it does get frost down low on the farm roads but still no need for anything other than what I am wearing this morning.

Alan K

My commute in good weather - about 35-40 min.
In winters, depending on conditions - ~1hr.

Winter bicycling is a little slower but exhilarating!
It gets dark very early so coming back home happens in darkness hours. When the moon is full, snow flakes shimmer like little diamonds as they are coming down - very relaxing and beautiful - the entire trip becomes a period of sheer joy!