ICE bicycle helmet in winter: ear warmers or Winter Kit?
Published
The short answer: removable ear warmers are included as standard with the Pro Sport Lights ICE. They are the logical first choice if your main aim is to avoid cold ears. Choose the optional Winter Kit if you want a warmer lining over your head as well as thicker ear warmers. Choose the same size as your ICE helmet. Bear in mind that the extra lining reduces the space inside, so do not simply add the Winter Kit if your helmet already feels tight.
A bicycle helmet with ear warmers sounds like a simple choice, but ICE offers two different winter solutions. Your helmet already comes with removable ear warmers that also serve as inner padding. A separate Winter Kit adds a warmer lining and thicker ear sections. Which do you need for cold commutes, and what does that mean for the fit?
This guide covers the current Pro Sport Lights ICE speed pedelec helmet and the Winter Kit listed for it. We use Pro Sport Lights product specifications as our source; this is not an independent hands-on test.
What is the difference between the ICE ear warmers and the Winter Kit?
| Feature | Standard ICE ear warmers | Optional Winter Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Included with ICE | Yes | No, available separately |
| What do you get? | Removable ear warmers that also serve as inner padding | Warmer lining with thicker ear warmers |
| When does it make sense? | If you mainly want protection against cold wind around your ears | If you also want extra lining around your head on colder rides |
| Choosing a size | Matches the chosen ICE size | Choose the same size as your helmet: Medium for Medium, Large for Large |
| Effect on fit | Part of the normal ICE fit | Reduces the available space inside and may feel tighter |
The Winter Kit cannot make up for the wrong helmet size. It is an extra winter accessory for an ICE that already fits correctly without the thicker lining. If the helmet already feels cramped or you notice pressure points, the extra lining can make this worse.
Which winter solution suits your rides?
Start with the standard ear warmers when…
- you are buying an ICE and mainly want to reduce cold wind around your ears;
- you mainly use the helmet in mild autumn and winter conditions;
- you do not need extra inner lining;
- you first want to assess how the included ear warmers feel against your head shape.
You do not need to order anything extra for the standard ear warmers. They come with the ICE, along with a clear visor, a dark sun visor and the tool for changing the visor.
Consider the Winter Kit when…
- you often ride in colder conditions and also want warmer lining over the top of your head;
- your standard ICE ear warmers fit well, but you want more winter comfort;
- you are willing to check the fit again with the thicker lining installed;
- you want a removable seasonal solution in the same size as your helmet.
According to the current product information, the Winter Kit is compatible with ICE in Medium and Large. It attaches with hook-and-loop fasteners and rubber strips. Do not force any part, and after fitting, check that the lining lies flat and the helmet still fits comfortably.
Less suitable: the Winter Kit is not a good solution if your ICE is already too tight without extra lining, if your head circumference falls outside the stated ICE size range, or if you are looking for an accessory for a helmet model that is not listed.
Which ICE size should you choose with ear warmers or the Winter Kit?
Measure horizontally around the widest part of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. Compare the measurement with the current ICE sizing:
- Medium: 49–55 cm head circumference.
- Large: 53–60 cm head circumference.
At 53–55 cm, both sizes fall within the stated range. Do not automatically choose Large to make room for winter lining. In your chosen configuration, the helmet must fit securely and comfortably without painful pressure points. A Winter Kit does not make an oversized helmet fit, and it must not be used to compensate for a helmet that is too small either.
Already own an ICE? Choose the Winter Kit in the same size as the helmet: Medium for Medium and Large for Large. If your ICE already feels tight with the standard ear warmers, check the fit especially carefully before using the thicker kit. For the measuring method, also read our bicycle helmet size chart and fitting guide.
Which visor and lighting should you use on winter rides?
The ICE comes with two visors. The clear visor is the natural choice in low light, overcast conditions and early or late rides. The dark sun visor is intended for sunny conditions. Choose according to the available light on each ride; a dark visor makes your surroundings darker.
Only use a visor specifically intended for ICE. The clear and dark ICE replacement visors are model-specific; a similar appearance does not make a visor universally compatible.
The ICE has a white LED at the front and a red LED at the rear. The lights recharge via USB-C, offer three lighting modes and have a stated runtime of up to ten hours, depending on the chosen mode. Before setting off, check that the helmet lights work and are sufficiently charged. Treat helmet lighting as an additional feature and use suitable lights on your bicycle as well.
How do you care for the standard ICE ear warmers?
The included ICE ear warmers are removable and, according to the product information, washable. They also form the inner padding and attach with hook-and-loop fasteners. After refitting them, check that the parts are secure and not folded over anywhere before using the helmet again.
The current Winter Kit product page states that the lining is removable but gives no specific washing instructions. Follow the care instructions supplied with the accessory and do not invent your own washing temperature or programme.
Get ICE ready for winter in four steps
- Check the size: Medium 49–55 cm or Large 53–60 cm.
- Start with what is included: try the standard removable ear warmers first.
- Decide whether you need extra lining: choose the Winter Kit only if you want more warmth around your head and ears and the fit leaves enough room.
- Complete your winter routine: choose the visor for the light conditions and check the USB-C rechargeable lights before setting off.
Frequently asked questions about ICE in winter
Are ear warmers included as standard with ICE?
Yes. The Pro Sport Lights ICE version linked here includes removable ear warmers. They also serve as inner padding.
Do I need the Winter Kit when I buy an ICE?
No. ICE already comes with standard ear warmers. The Winter Kit is an optional choice if you also want a warmer lining and thicker ear warmers.
Which Winter Kit size fits my ICE?
Choose the same size as your helmet: Medium for a Medium ICE and Large for a Large ICE. Remember that the extra lining reduces the space inside.
Can the Winter Kit make an oversized ICE fit?
Do not use the Winter Kit for that purpose. Choose a helmet size that fits correctly according to the size chart and its actual fit; the accessory is intended for extra winter comfort.
Are the ICE ear warmers washable?
According to the current product information, the standard ICE ear warmers can be removed and washed. Then refit them correctly using the hook-and-loop fasteners.
What if my head circumference is greater than 60 cm?
Your head circumference is then outside the stated ICE size range. Do not choose an ICE in the hope that the lining will give; look for a helmet whose size chart explicitly includes your head circumference.
Ready for cold rides? Take a look at the ICE with standard ear warmers in black or white and then compare the optional Winter Kit. Want to see all ICE specifications and colours first? Read the ICE buying guide. For everyday commuting, find extra tips in our commuter helmet guide.
Product information checked on 12 October 2026. This guide applies to the ICE version and Winter Kit linked above. Check the product pages for current specifications, pricing and availability.