Swedish Formula

• I really have no idea whether or not Chicago is anything like Stockholm, but Swedish friends inform me that cycling around our fair city in the winter may actually be worse. And so four seasons cyclists must learn all about layering, heat regulation, and finding the balance between breathable and windproof fabrics. I've had hourlong conversation about the relative merits of neoprene vs. softshell booties, but few folks seem to know much about the benefits of winter skin cremes and balms.

  Of course, in nordic lands, such elixirs have been known for generations. They have ranged from beaver fat to fish oil to the sap of the beautiful pildamsparken. Now, I'm not necessarily a believer in the various forms "progress" of the modern world, but I sure am glad that I don't have to slather beaver fat on my cheeks in order to avoid frostbite. Dermatone's products just plain work. Plus they're specifically engineered for outdoorsy types, which means they don't run or wash out when exposed to water or sweat.

  TATI stocks three Dermatone basics for the winter. The 4.2g basic lip balm ($3.50) is SPF 23, and has the amazing ability to prevent chapping even in the worst wind and cold. Dermatone's bread and butter come in handy little tins. The basic pommade ($6) is SPF 23 and goes on pretty thick. Wipe a little on your cheeks and nose before a long ride and if even your ears, fingers, and toes if it's downright frigid. For those of you with very sensitive skin, you'll want to use instead the Z-Cote ($7), which is a very lightweight transparent zinc oxide rated at 30 SPF. It's not quite as good an insulant as the pommade, but goes on very clean and smooth.