I rode to Wal-Mart today, and it was cold. It was so cold, water in the back of my truck was turning to ice. I wore my HJC helmet. The HJC is cool and somewhat expensive, but the dark-tinted replacement shield I bought for it doesn't close all of the way. I was dressed for the cold weather, and I didn't get cold at all... except for my face and a little bit below my chin. Man, it was so cold it hurt!
I bought a ski mask at Wal-Mart. You know, the three-holed kind people wear when they rob banks. It solved the problem so well! I actually could ride with the face shield up and not get very cold. With the shield down, it was perfect. You guys up North who have been riding in cold weather forever probably already know that a ski mask is great to have on a cold day's ride. But if you don't have one, and the cold wind is hurting you, see if it can solve your problem, too. :wink:

I know what you mean about the pain. First time I rode in the cold without one of these things, the base of my skull felt like it was going to fall off!

For a couple bucks more (literally), you can get one made specifically for riding at your nearest bike shop. Mine has windblocking fleece, which really works, and it's thin, light, and flexible. It's a lot better than the knitted kind. And when I ride on a sunny day with sunglasses on, I love the looks I get from people. Much better than with a tinted shield. :twisted:

specifically for riding at your nearest bike shop. Mine has windblocking fleece, which really works, and it's thin, light, and flexible.
Balaclavas, no not the food, the masks for underneath your helmet. Very handy for those cold days.
www.webbikeworld.com/r3/balaclava/ (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/balaclava/)

balaclavas are the way to go! :wink:

http://www.raceleathers.co.uk/images/balaclava.jpg

Also, a bandana around your mouth (like an old west bandit robbin a stagecoach) or a lower half-only ski mask is good for mildly cold days and won't mess with the sizing/tightness of your helmet. (technically, you're not supposed to wear anything between your helmet and your head)