Head Squeegee
One of the unanticipated problems of riding a recumbent bicycle is that the relatively upright position allows sweat to more easily run into your eyes. On a traditional bike, you're leaning over the handlebars and sweat often drips off before affecting your vision.
This is a big problem for me, particularly during the spring and summer. And not only is it uncomfortable, it's potentially dangerous. Anything that promises to solve this problem is worth trying. Even so, I was skeptical when MLB ordered these Halo Headbands. Sweatbands had never been very effective for me and this seemed like just a gimmick to justify a higher price.
The concept is simple. The headband has a thin strip of what I assume is silicon rubber or some kind of elastomer bonded to the fabric so that it's positioned against the skin and just above the eyebrows. Sweat is channeled to the sides of your head, away from your eyes. The fabric itself is quick drying and helps to speed the evaporation of sweat.
How's it work? I'm here to tell you that this is one product that performs exactly as advertised. I've used the Halo during rides in some 90°+ days and during some high humidity mornings and haven't once had to wipe sweat out of my eyes. The fabric is thin enough to fit comfortably under a bicycle helmet.
There are a couple of downsides. The Halo II (pictured above) is "one size fits all," meaning that it might be a little tight for some people. There is a model that ties, and it would eliminate the sizing problem. Also, the waterproof strip will leave a temporary mark on your forehead, if you worry about things like that.
It's hard to get excited about something as basic as a sweatband, but if you deal with sweat in your eyes while running, cycling or even working in the yard, you might just find that this product is nothing less than amazing. I'll no longer ride without it!
Technorati tag: Halo Headband | Bicycling | Running
Well, you can also get a skullcap version, to satisfy your inner-Rambo.
Posted by: Eric at September 27, 2005 05:23 PMSo...it's an O-ring as big as your head?
Posted by: Scott Chaffin at September 27, 2005 08:43 PMWell, as big as your forehead...and I really prefer the squeegee analogy, if for no other reason than I like typing the word "squeegee."
Posted by: Eric at September 27, 2005 08:58 PMAbout the publisher
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Well, I guess that looks pretty good...but I seem to get by ok with an old bandana rolled up and tied around my head. It also helps if a corner of the bandana has been chewed off by the pups...this makes it to where you can only wear it one way.
Plus, I ask my wife to call me Rambo when I wear it. I know my neighbors feel safer when I am patroling the front yard behind the lawnboy and a big knife clenched in my teeth. I usually skip the band on my arm.
Posted by: Mark at September 27, 2005 04:42 PM