Hats! Socks! Gloves! Needed for a dude on his bicycle!

[a.shin.grace]

I've been running around in circles trying to make the PERFECT hat for my bf, tailored specifically to his needs and tastes and whatnot. He was a bike messenger for a while, now he works a different job, but he still rides his bike (about 6 miles -- UPHILL the entire way here) to my house just about every day and he's just the best friend I've ever had and .. anyway.

So I want to make him hats that cover his ears but don't impede vision, gloves that are warm but where he still can grip his handlebars well, scarves that won't tangle up in his wheels or blow in front of his face and blind him in city traffic, etc, the whole lot of winter "protect me from the cold while I'm on my bike" kind of stuff.

I myself don't really ride, so I only can think of what he's told me. Take care of the hands face and ankles and it's a hell of a good ride.

I guess what I'm asking is, if anyone here is a biker, or knows and/or knits for a biker, please advise!! Specific patterns, general tips, suggestions for TYPES of gear, or something you would find appealing specifically because of features that help while you're exposed to that bitter cold air on the road!

Thanks!!

[witeowl]

An earflap hat like t