Essential Winter Gear - the winter beard
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,750
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4376 Post(s)
Liked 3,013 Times
in
1,863 Posts
Essential Winter Gear - the winter beard
For winter riders who are able, a beard is an excellent aid to keeping the sharp wind off your face. I usually grow one in the winter.
But I didn't last winter and now I'm thinking I won't again this winter. Despite the fashion for "pandemic beards", beards interfere with the hygienic functions of face masks.* I know people are still arguing about face masks in general (please, not here, take it to P&R) and I know a lot of people who seem pretty serious about face masks but don't seem perturbed by potential reduction in efficacy that a beard brings on. But I'm on the cautious side.
But, alas, it seems I'll go another winter without one. It's a pity. I really like my winter beards.
*Regarding how this impacts me personally, I wear only N95 masks. Fig. 2 of the linked paper demonstrates why.
But I didn't last winter and now I'm thinking I won't again this winter. Despite the fashion for "pandemic beards", beards interfere with the hygienic functions of face masks.* I know people are still arguing about face masks in general (please, not here, take it to P&R) and I know a lot of people who seem pretty serious about face masks but don't seem perturbed by potential reduction in efficacy that a beard brings on. But I'm on the cautious side.
But, alas, it seems I'll go another winter without one. It's a pity. I really like my winter beards.
*Regarding how this impacts me personally, I wear only N95 masks. Fig. 2 of the linked paper demonstrates why.
Likes For MinnMan:
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
at the danger of hijacking, sorry, I like the balaclava
Last edited by rumrunn6; 12-15-21 at 10:43 AM.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,750
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4376 Post(s)
Liked 3,013 Times
in
1,863 Posts
No, that's cool. I use a balaclava also, with or without a beard.
One thing that's sort of odd what happens if I don't wear a balaclava, when it's cold and I'm exerting myself, my speech gets a little slurred. I found this alarming when I first encountered it, and consulted medical professionals, who just shrugged. If I wear a balaclava, keeping my jaw warm, it's not a problem.
I haven't run across anybody else who has this problem, but fortunately, I found the solution.
One thing that's sort of odd what happens if I don't wear a balaclava, when it's cold and I'm exerting myself, my speech gets a little slurred. I found this alarming when I first encountered it, and consulted medical professionals, who just shrugged. If I wear a balaclava, keeping my jaw warm, it's not a problem.
I haven't run across anybody else who has this problem, but fortunately, I found the solution.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
No, that's cool. I use a balaclava also, with or without a beard.
One thing that's sort of odd what happens if I don't wear a balaclava, when it's cold and I'm exerting myself, my speech gets a little slurred. I found this alarming when I first encountered it, and consulted medical professionals, who just shrugged. If I wear a balaclava, keeping my jaw warm, it's not a problem.
I haven't run across anybody else who has this problem, but fortunately, I found the solution.
One thing that's sort of odd what happens if I don't wear a balaclava, when it's cold and I'm exerting myself, my speech gets a little slurred. I found this alarming when I first encountered it, and consulted medical professionals, who just shrugged. If I wear a balaclava, keeping my jaw warm, it's not a problem.
I haven't run across anybody else who has this problem, but fortunately, I found the solution.
maybe your doctor needs to use google, this took like 10 seconds to find ... "Warning signs of hypothermia include slowed or slurred speech"
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/hypothe...F%20or%20lower.
#5
Just Pedaling
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: US West Coast
Posts: 1,010
Bikes: YEP!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 331 Post(s)
Liked 519 Times
in
346 Posts
oh definitely! I do as well! I even notice it in other ppl. sometimes the TV reporters who are forced to go out & cover winter storms or others on early morning assignments but aren't dressed for the cold I can detect a little mispronunciation due to frozen jaw / speech syndrome. (like the name? I just made it up!)
maybe your doctor needs to use google, this took like 10 seconds to find ... "Warning signs of hypothermia include slowed or slurred speech"
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/hypothe...F%20or%20lower.
maybe your doctor needs to use google, this took like 10 seconds to find ... "Warning signs of hypothermia include slowed or slurred speech"
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/hypothe...F%20or%20lower.
Likes For SpedFast:
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,750
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4376 Post(s)
Liked 3,013 Times
in
1,863 Posts
Yeah, it's not hypothermia. I can be cozy warm, well-fueled, generating consistent power, and the speech thing shows up. My toes and fingers can be warm if I've got the tech right, and still...
Whatever it is, it's annoying. Balaclavas ftw.
Whatever it is, it's annoying. Balaclavas ftw.
Likes For MinnMan:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
this thread sounds like an all-call for winter beards!
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,971
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
No, that's cool. I use a balaclava also, with or without a beard.
One thing that's sort of odd what happens if I don't wear a balaclava, when it's cold and I'm exerting myself, my speech gets a little slurred. I found this alarming when I first encountered it, and consulted medical professionals, who just shrugged. If I wear a balaclava, keeping my jaw warm, it's not a problem.
I haven't run across anybody else who has this problem, but fortunately, I found the solution.
One thing that's sort of odd what happens if I don't wear a balaclava, when it's cold and I'm exerting myself, my speech gets a little slurred. I found this alarming when I first encountered it, and consulted medical professionals, who just shrugged. If I wear a balaclava, keeping my jaw warm, it's not a problem.
I haven't run across anybody else who has this problem, but fortunately, I found the solution.
Likes For BobbyG:
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,750
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4376 Post(s)
Liked 3,013 Times
in
1,863 Posts
One winter when I was a young radio Disc Jockey back in the 1980s in Iowa I started leaving my water out in the un-heated garage to keep it cold. As winter progressed it started to freeze. And then my speech started to slur as my mouth started getting numb. I cut out the cold drinks because it also kept me from getting into the lower-registers of my voice. Later when I worked at a recording studio, we kept water for the talent at room temperature. I, myself would drink warm water when voicing stuff.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,971
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
I had a full head of hair and a mustache in my 30s, but started rapidly balding in my 30s.
One day my wife looked at me and said, "That's too much white meat...can you grow a beard?" I let my face grow until she said I looked a little too rabbinic.
So for the last 24 years I've worn a smart, a close-cropped beard. Not enough to keep me warm, or keep the wind off my face, so I use a thin bellaclava in the cold.
And now, the gray is creeping in so I'm lightening up once again, although with the beard I'm not as "fleshy" unless viewed from above or behind.
A few winters ago I did let my face grow again to see what would happen . My whiskers are much more coarse now, not soft at all and after not shaving for a week the hair curls back on itself and itches like heck. And after letting it grow even longer, the itching subsided, but my wife wasn't diggin' it, and she's the one that has to look at it. Plus she is far more stylish than me so I tend to give her advice a fair amount of weight.
One day my wife looked at me and said, "That's too much white meat...can you grow a beard?" I let my face grow until she said I looked a little too rabbinic.
So for the last 24 years I've worn a smart, a close-cropped beard. Not enough to keep me warm, or keep the wind off my face, so I use a thin bellaclava in the cold.
And now, the gray is creeping in so I'm lightening up once again, although with the beard I'm not as "fleshy" unless viewed from above or behind.
A few winters ago I did let my face grow again to see what would happen . My whiskers are much more coarse now, not soft at all and after not shaving for a week the hair curls back on itself and itches like heck. And after letting it grow even longer, the itching subsided, but my wife wasn't diggin' it, and she's the one that has to look at it. Plus she is far more stylish than me so I tend to give her advice a fair amount of weight.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: North Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,621
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2975 Post(s)
Liked 1,180 Times
in
770 Posts
Beard collects sweat then turns into icicles making it worse. You're better off without the beard during the winter. You wanna keep the sharp wind off your face you wear a balaclava.
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,750
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4376 Post(s)
Liked 3,013 Times
in
1,863 Posts
I had a full head of hair and a mustache in my 30s, but started rapidly balding in my 30s.
One day my wife looked at me and said, "That's too much white meat...can you grow a beard?" I let my face grow until she said I looked a little too rabbinic.
So for the last 24 years I've worn a smart, a close-cropped beard. Not enough to keep me warm, or keep the wind off my face, so I use a thin bellaclava in the cold.
And now, the gray is creeping in so I'm lightening up once again, although with the beard I'm not as "fleshy" unless viewed from above or behind.
A few winters ago I did let my face grow again to see what would happen . My whiskers are much more coarse now, not soft at all and after not shaving for a week the hair curls back on itself and itches like heck. And after letting it grow even longer, the itching subsided, but my wife wasn't diggin' it, and she's the one that has to look at it. Plus she is far more stylish than me so I tend to give her advice a fair amount of weight.
One day my wife looked at me and said, "That's too much white meat...can you grow a beard?" I let my face grow until she said I looked a little too rabbinic.
So for the last 24 years I've worn a smart, a close-cropped beard. Not enough to keep me warm, or keep the wind off my face, so I use a thin bellaclava in the cold.
And now, the gray is creeping in so I'm lightening up once again, although with the beard I'm not as "fleshy" unless viewed from above or behind.
A few winters ago I did let my face grow again to see what would happen . My whiskers are much more coarse now, not soft at all and after not shaving for a week the hair curls back on itself and itches like heck. And after letting it grow even longer, the itching subsided, but my wife wasn't diggin' it, and she's the one that has to look at it. Plus she is far more stylish than me so I tend to give her advice a fair amount of weight.
Last edited by MinnMan; 12-16-21 at 11:17 AM.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 5,750
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease Carbon Deore 11, 2020 Salsa Warbird GRX 600, 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX disc 9.0 Di2, 2020 Catrike Eola, 2016 Masi cxgr, 2011, Felt F3 Ltd, 2010 Trek 2.1, 2009 KHS Flite 220
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4376 Post(s)
Liked 3,013 Times
in
1,863 Posts
That's my experience. YMMV.
Likes For MinnMan:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 857
Bikes: Cannondale '92 T600 '95 H600 '01 RT1000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 92 Post(s)
Liked 109 Times
in
82 Posts
That's my experience too. A frozen beard is my best wind block. Since 1988. (And yes, my wife would prefer I shave it off. I majorly screwed up once by saying I'd shave it off if she shaved her legs. I'm older and wiser now.)
Likes For MNBikeCommuter:
#15
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,528
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3886 Post(s)
Liked 1,938 Times
in
1,383 Posts
I have to wear a beard year-round. My wife won't let me shave it off. Hard no. She has a good reason. I prefer it to a neck gaiter. I can't wear a balaclava - I overheat. I am aware of the mask issue, but there's nothing I can do except wear a good tight mask When I got out of the Army in '69, I took an oath to never shave again. Luckily, I met just the right woman.. I'm a member of a bike club where only the men shave their legs.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
Likes For Carbonfiberboy:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 3,842
Bikes: Trek Domane SL6 Gen 3, Soma Fog Cutter, Focus Mares AL, Detroit Bikes Sparrow FG, Volae Team, Nimbus MUni
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 896 Post(s)
Liked 2,059 Times
in
1,078 Posts
Back when I lived and rode in Indiana, when temps would sometimes dip below 0F, I found the beard wholly inadequate for warmth. We're talking 100% skin coverage with balaclava and even ski goggles or similar. But here in Portland OR, when it's more typically 40F (and raining) in the winter, the beard plus a neck gator gets it done.
fwiw, grey beard hair is just as warm as dark brown beard hair.
As far as spousal approval, I can do whatever I want with the beard, but the moustache shall never be removed.
fwiw, grey beard hair is just as warm as dark brown beard hair.
As far as spousal approval, I can do whatever I want with the beard, but the moustache shall never be removed.
Likes For downtube42: