Keeping sweat out of my eyes has always been a problem. I’ve dealt with it a number of ways: I first used an old bandana tied as a sweatband around my head. Then I moved on to more elaborate methods. I got one of those doo-rag lookalikes from the LBS. Made by Head Sweats, it fits over the head, very lightweight, with a terrycloth headband. A small tail sticks out the back, and is supposed to help wick away perspiration. I managed to lose it, though. Last year, my wife added another Head Sweats doo-rag to the arsenal, this time with three tails that you tie at the back. Problem is, on really humid days, these don’t keep the sweat away for more than an hour.
On a recent visit to the LBS (I was just going to buy some chamois cream, and left with $45 worth of “stuff” — typical) I picked up a simple sweatband. I may have found the solution. This one is by Halo, and has a small feature that makes a difference — at least in my experience. It’s a strip of rubber that runs across the front of the band, where it contacts the forehead. The rubber stops the sweat, and channels it to the sides. Riding in temperatures that approach 100F (38C), I haven’t had any sweat-in-the-eye problems since going this route.
I save the Halo band for my longer weekend rides, and during the week, I still use the Head Sweats doo-rag or the bandana. One thing about the bandana: At the MS 150, all riders got one in their goody bags, and it’s better than my other ones for one simple reason: It’s a little bit bigger. That means I can roll it into a head band and have long enough tails to tie it off easily. The garden variety farmer bandanas that I’ve been using are barely long enough to tie around my swelled head.
I’d be interested to hear how you deal with the sweat-in-the-eye problem. I’m thinking there might be another Halo headband in my future, but that’ll have to wait until I make another trip to the LBS, where I don’t plan to spend much money(!).
On another topic…I’m still looking for your input on what you consider to be the most common newbie mistake. Send your nominations to me by email. I’ll feature them in a future post.