We all like to ride, and we all like to be warm. In the 21st Century modern fabrics and clothing makes this happy state of affairs easier to attain. Years ago now I got a generic 'buff' tubular garment as part of a goodybag at a race. It was one of those things that you got as freebies from races and sportives, like a bag of microwaveable rice from The Great North Run in 1997 that I thought I'd never use. Which just goes to show how wrong it is possible to be.
Original Buff is a Catalonian company, started by a motorcyclist who apparently got tired of a cold neck while out riding. Like 'Hoover', the Buff® brand name is now synonymous with tubular headwear - which is not a situation that companies tend to embrace, although it is a tribute to the brand's success. And in truth, genuine Buff headwear is one of the handiest cycling garments it is possible to own. The key to their appeal is the garment's versatility: a Buff can be used in literally dozens of ways, as helmet liner, neck gaiter, bandanna and towel to name just a few permutations.
I have three so-called 'buffs', one a fleece deep winter one, and two others. I find them brilliant in three seasons, summer being the odd season out. So when the opportunity arose to test out a couple of the new models for Sportive.com I was very interested. My partner Sam is also a cyclist, and as she rides to work through the chill of early spring mornings was a willing test accomplice.
The Buff Headwear we tested is the genuine article, made by Buff and constructed of their wonderful lightweight wicking fabric. The copycat cotton ones I currently use are not in the same universe, never mind the same ballpark. Both items are light in use on chilly early spring mornings, as well as cool evenings.
Sam tested the Buff Helmet Liner Pro (RRP £16), using it as a neck protector. She reported that it is cosy, "you don't know it's there", and it does not become a horrible sweaty and clingy object around your neck.
Made of the same 100% microfiber as the Original Buff, the Balaclava Buff (RRP £21) is designed to stretch from side to side to form to the shape of your head. I have used the balaclava as a neck protector while riding and running and it is a very impressive garment. It was too warm in early March to need it as a balaclava, but worn around the neck it kept me cosy and warm.
The Buff Headwear tested also takes up virtually no room if taken off and stored in a pocket. This is a bonus for the days to come when summer clothing comes out, as summer cycle tops tend to have less pocket space than winter ones. They also dry really quickly too. As these microfiber Buff tubulars are very light in weight, they may not be warm enough for deep winter days, but on cool days they are extremely good. However, Buff also sell a line of toasty merino wool versions for colder weather - and for extreme conditions, the new Buff Balaclava Cross Tech (available August 2014) combines three fabrics: Windstopper, Thermo Fastwick and soft polar fleece to offer maximum protection.
As with all Buff products, the balaclava and helmet liner are available in a vast range of colours and patterns. We can thoroughly recommend both these Buff garments: they will improve comfort and warmth on cool mornings and spring evening rides. Versatile and practical, they are a valuable addition to any rider's wardrobe.
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