Helmet shopping!

[IBrakeforPastry]

When I bought my last helmet, I knew nothing, had no money, went through a catalog and found one on sale. It was probably the end of the season and the color was not a big seller. The helmet is kind of old, and should be replaced. Hence the latest shopping adventure.

There is one brand that seems to fit me the best, so I'll stick with that and narrow down the choices. So my question concerns the vents. It would seem as if the more vents, the better. But now I'm not so sure. If there is a row of vents right down the front of the helmet, could the breeze be annoying? Would rain get in easier? Would I even notice? If it's very hot out, or raining, I probably wouldn't be riding, anyway.

What are your thoughts on vents?

[Helene2013]

Personnally, first area I get way too hot is my head. So it needs something that air can go through easily.

I tried different helmets and I had been told that the Catlikes are the ones I would probably prefer the best for this. Not the nicest looking ones, but they do amazing job and are super light.

So I waited for my LBS to have their 50% annual sale and purchased one. One of the best moves (sports related) I did. I rode with it and never once did my face flush from overheating. My head remains cool. I also purchased the bug net that you put inside. Luckily, my shop only carried the white so I was not "forced" to get a colour I would not have liked.

http://www.catlike.es/us/en/helmets/road/mixino-road/R0150012SVR/

For me, having tons of holes helped immensely in keeping my head cooler.

[Helene2013]

Hey, Helen, any idea if the Cateye is more round or oblong-shaped?



I would say the catlike is rounder.

[OakLeaf]

I spent a lot of money for a helmet ... once. It seems to me that bici helmets are like champagne ... you do get what you pay for, but the price goes up exponentially in relation to the comfort. That's just my experience, but I'm back down into the $60-70 range and that's plenty comfortable for me. The difference I notice in hot weather is pretty slight. I overheat fairly easily, and doing the normal things like getting ice when I can, soaking my hair whenever I stop for water, keeping a bottle of plain water that I can squirt down my back and/or into my helmet, unzipping my jersey as far as it will go and dealing with it flapping in the wind - all that makes much more difference in cooling than the helmet, IME. Just my opinion though, I know some people really swear by the honeycombed helmets.

[IBrakeforPastry]

My old helmet is a Bell. As I mentioned, no real thought went into that purchase. I was in a local shop a few days ago and tried on Giro, Garneau and Giant. The Garneau fit well, but I didn't like the color. I came home with a Giant. I found the buckles kind of annoying, but figured the straps were new and stiff, and I just wasn't used to it yet. Then I compared it to the Bell and found the older one has thinner straps, and it's one continuous strap that is thread through the helmet. This allows it to be pulled to one side or the other to move the buckles to a more comfortable position. I also found that the Giant seems a little rounder, and I can slip my finger between the helmet and the side of my head (more so than with the Bell).

I was in another store today that had a Bell and as soon as I put it on, I could feel the difference. It was a basic, no frills model, but with only a few vents on either side, none down the middle. My old one doesn't have the center vents, either. That's why I ask. Would I have even noticed? One has lots of small vents, the other has fewer, but larger vents.

[IBrakeforPastry]

It's not necessarily which one is cooler. I'm just wondering about preferences, or maybe some inside info on why things are done different ways, maybe for practicality, fashion, climate. I hope I can get the Giant to work. It's pretty ;) Otherwise, back to the shop.

[zoom-zoom]

I would say the catlike is rounder.

I would agree with this. I wanted to like them...the ventilation and weight are amazing. But they don't fit my oblong head at all. I currently have a Lazer O2 and like it, but it's old, has random sticker residue all over it from when CX races were briefly doing helmet RFID sticker thingies, and isn't staying well-adjusted, anymore. My hubby has the next model up (drawing a blank). I tried one on and really liked it, but am waiting for our LBS to get more in (I don't want black -- too hot).

[OakLeaf]

I can slip my finger between the helmet and the side of my head

That sounds like a huge NO to me.

I know it's typical to fudge the fit on bici helmets, a lot more so than with moto helmets, but I have a feeling that's just because people don't take head protection as seriously when the maximum speed is "only" 50-60 mph as when it's 100+.

A helmet should fit snugly and uniformly everywhere it's in contact with your head. A finger's width would be way too much to me. I'm kind of disappointed the shop personnel let you out of there with that helmet. Remember the basic test for helmet fit is, when the straps are properly adjusted and comfortable, can you rock the helmet in any direction? A couple of millimeters' give is needed for comfort, but any more than that is protection you won't have in a crash. When you try to rock the helmet, the skin of your scalp should move slightly with it.

I haven't tried on a Giant helmet, but I've got a very "long oval" head, and what fits me is Specialized. Lazer are still too "round oval" for me. I'm told that Uvex helmets fit similarly to Spec', but there's no place near me that carries those, either.

[Crankin]

My DH swears by the Lazer and I hated it! It felt like it never fit right on my head. I stick with an old mtb model Bell, with lots of vents, that I am able to find on line for about 70.00. It is no longer made, but there's plenty of them out there. I've had at least 6 of them, maybe 10, over the past 15 years, as I always have 2 helmets, get new ones every 3 years, and sometimes just because I want a new color!

[IBrakeforPastry]

That sounds like a huge NO to me.

I know it's typical to fudge the fit on bici helmets, a lot more so than with moto helmets, but I have a feeling that's just because people don't take head protection as seriously when the maximum speed is "only" 50-60 mph as when it's 100+.

A helmet should fit snugly and uniformly everywhere it's in contact with your head. A finger's width would be way too much to me. I'm kind of disappointed the shop personnel let you out of there with that helmet. Remember the basic test for helmet fit is, when the straps are properly adjusted and comfortable, can you rock the helmet in any direction? A couple of millimeters' give is needed for comfort, but any more than that is protection you won't have in a crash. When you try to rock the helmet, the skin of your scalp should move slightly with it.

I haven't tried on a Giant helmet, but I've got a very "long oval" head, and what fits me is Specialized. Lazer are still too "round oval" for me. I'm told that Uvex helmets fit similarly to Spec', but there's no place near me that carries those, either.

I'm starting to realize my head is oblong. And, apparently, big. The women's helmets are just too snug front to back. I feel too much pressure on my forehead. When I woke up this morning I pretty much decided to go back to the shop and start all over. At least I have some ideas now.

I think part of the reason we didn't notice the gap on the sides is because my hair is thick and curly, so by the time I shoved it all up and back, it took up the extra space, creating its own cushion.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Bontrager! Maybe. When I tried one on this morning I realized how much better a helmet can fit. There was also a Giro that felt good, too. I have one or two more stops to make.

[IBrakeforPastry]

This one. It's pretty basic and boring, which is why I hesitated. The Bontrager was more colorful. I imagine you like something "racier" ;)

http://www.giro.com/us_en/revel.html

[OakLeaf]

It's pretty basic and boring, which is why I hesitated.

A solid colored helmet is a blank canvas for groovy reflective stickers - either stickers you buy, or hand cut designs from colored reflective tape. :) Have fun decorating!

[ny biker]

When I bought my last helmet, I knew nothing, had no money, went through a catalog and found one on sale. It was probably the end of the season and the color was not a big seller. The helmet is kind of old, and should be replaced. Hence the latest shopping adventure.

There is one brand that seems to fit me the best, so I'll stick with that and narrow down the choices. So my question concerns the vents. It would seem as if the more vents, the better. But now I'm not so sure. If there is a row of vents right down the front of the helmet, could the breeze be annoying? Would rain get in easier? Would I even notice? If it's very hot out, or raining, I probably wouldn't be riding, anyway.

What are your thoughts on vents?

Mu thoughts on vents are: more=better. The breeze is not annoying, it is the thing that cools you down.

You can wear a cap underneath if it's cold or raining.

As for color, I am far less concerned. I prefer something with lots of white to reflect the heat of the sun. I also like a snap-on visor to help keep the sun out of my eyes, which limits my choices and rules out the top-of-the-line super expensive road helmets.

I like my Bell Volt. I don't know if they still make them.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Yup - I'm leaning towards the plain helmet with the idea of a few stickers here and there. Cats, pinstripes, obnoxious smiley faces...

I like the visors, also. It wasn't until my shop visit this morning that I learned that visors are mostly used on MTB and recreational helmets. Since I wasn't looking at the high-end models, I never noticed.

Another thing I've noticed is on my old helmet, the vents are basically holes, and the helmet sits right on my head. The vents on the newer ones line up with each other and there are channels running along inside so there is space between the helmet and head, allowing the air to actually flow through that space. I realize you probably all know that, but I just found it kind of interesting.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I'm sitting here wearing my new Revel :cool: I usually run errands in the morning, but I was getting a little antsy this afternoon. So I went to one shop to try the Bell again. It was fine, but I needed to return the Giant to the LBS. The couple who run the shop are so nice and I really wanted to complete the purchase from them. It became a toss-up between the Revel and a Louis Garneau. I could wear the LG women's fit, but not the Giro. That allowed me to try the Garneau youth helmet. Same fit/style as the women's, just different colors. The Garneau won for color, but the Giro really was a better fit (adult universal, not women's). Once it's on my head, I'm not going to see it, anyway. It's shiny black with a greenish/turquoisey flower design in the back.

[Jolt]

That sounds like a huge NO to me.

I know it's typical to fudge the fit on bici helmets, a lot more so than with moto helmets, but I have a feeling that's just because people don't take head protection as seriously when the maximum speed is "only" 50-60 mph as when it's 100+.

A helmet should fit snugly and uniformly everywhere it's in contact with your head. A finger's width would be way too much to me. I'm kind of disappointed the shop personnel let you out of there with that helmet. Remember the basic test for helmet fit is, when the straps are properly adjusted and comfortable, can you rock the helmet in any direction? A couple of millimeters' give is needed for comfort, but any more than that is protection you won't have in a crash. When you try to rock the helmet, the skin of your scalp should move slightly with it.

I haven't tried on a Giant helmet, but I've got a very "long oval" head, and what fits me is Specialized. Lazer are still too "round oval" for me. I'm told that Uvex helmets fit similarly to Spec', but there's no place near me that carries those, either.

I've never tried a Specialized helmet, but just bought a new Uvex helmet which fits my head nicely...I was wearing a Bell that I realized was kind of crappy fitting (had the issue of being able to slip a finger between the helmet and the side of my head as described above) so decided it was time to upgrade. Talk about a major improvement in fit! As an added bonus, it was 50% off at the shop.

[Aromig]

Personnally, first area I get way too hot is my head. So it needs something that air can go through easily.

I tried different helmets and I had been told that the Catlikes are the ones I would probably prefer the best for this. Not the nicest looking ones, but they do amazing job and are super light.





Based upon this recommendation I bought a Catlike yesterday. I went to a new bicycle shop last week, and saw them in person and it seemed to fit so I purchased it yesterday. It is pretty light, although not shockingly so (my other helmets are mid-range Bontranger and Giro). I haven't played around with the fit (they come with different padding options to customize the fit - I have no clue whether I have a round head or an oblong head) but it doesn't move too much and it does seem amazingly light and cool. My only issue so far is that the helmet comes pretty low on the back of my head so I haven't figured out exactly where to place my ponytail to make it most comfortable :-)

[Helene2013]

ahhhh ponytail... it is an issue with this helmet. For me anyway. Not ponytail-oriented. That is the thing I miss about my Spec helmet that was made for women with specific hole for a ponytail.

But I do have to wear a higher ponytail, and pull it through a place where the whole is bigger. I have to loosen the dial to the max and then pass my tail and than re-tighten it. It does the job and I'm still very happy with this Catlike helmet. I don't feel it, keeps my head cooler and since wearing it, I have not flushed (heat) from head and face. Reached the goal I wanted from it.

[Blueberry]

I just got an email from Team Estrogen that all Catlike helmets are on sale 20% off (no coupon needed). You know - just in case anyone was convinced by the rave reviews on this thread! :)

[IBrakeforPastry]

I ended up returning the Revel (unused). I happened to stop in at an out-of-town bike shop that had a whole pile of Specialized helmets. It was a eureka moment. I learned what a good fitting helmet should feel like. The women's model didn't fit too well, but the men's and youth did, leaving me with many color choices. I still haven't decided.

[nuliajuk]

You can buy water repellent helmet covers for wet or cold weather, if that helps. So you buy the most ventilated helmet you can find for hot weather and then just put the cover on for fall and winter.
One thing I'd love to see on helmets is a detachable clear face shield like you see on some specialty time trial helmets. Add a tiny wire and battery for defrosting and you'd have the perfect "windshield" for winter riding. No more having to claw your glasses off at an intersection because they suddenly frosted up when you had to stop!

[IBrakeforPastry]

I'm reviving this thread with a question. I think I (finally) found the helmet I'm going to keep. I bought and returned a few during the holiday season. The one that's now sitting on my table seems very well ventilated. When I stand in front of the mirror, I can see light coming in through the vents. But that also means the sun will be coming in. I don't like direct sunlight. Even though I get warm pretty easily, I don't wear racer back jerseys and rarely go sleeveless. I like sun protection. Is this a concern with the wonderful ventilation?

I actually have two helmets here now. One is the well-ventilated road helmet, the other is a nice MTB helmet. Both good end of the year prices. Maybe I should just keep them both ;)

[ny biker]

Well I have seen bald pro-cyclists with tan circles on their foreheads from where the sun gets through their helmet vents. My hair covers enough of my head that I don't have a similar problem.

There are a few companies that sell summer helmet beanies made of thin wicking fabric. You could try something like that. TE carries them. They're low on inventory right now as they haven't moved to the new warehouse yet, but I would expect them to get new stock in soon for the spring and summer. Another brand that TE does not carry is Head Sweats.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on that. I've ridden with a couple of men with shaved heads, and they always wear a bandanna or a lightweight beanie under their helmets. It depends on how much sun you get through your hair, I think - if you have thick dark hair with no parts it's one thing, but if your scalp burns if you go outside without a hat, then it will burn under a well-ventilated helmet too.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Well, my cat moved into the helmet box so I guess I'll have to keep it ;)

I've certainly seen people with bandannas and beanies, but wasn't sure if that was for sun or sweat. In any case, I have thick hair, so hopefully I'll be protected. I really do think I'll keep both helmets. With the end of season pricing, it's almost not worth the return shipping, and they're different enough from each other that it would give me the opportunity to see which style I prefer.

[laura*]

but if your scalp burns if you go outside without a hat, then it will burn under a well-ventilated helmet too.

I'm in the sun burn without a hat group despite seeming to still have full coverage of hair. (This was an unexpected result of aging! The color got lighter - and gray - and I assume the amount of hair thinned out.) However, I haven't had sun burn problems when wearing a helmet. I think the helmet is thick enough that the openings only pass sunlight from a narrow range of angles. Normal movement while riding keeps changing the angles. Thus any portion of the scalp only gets sunlight a small fraction of the time.

[Nandy]

I'm in the habit of always wearing a cap under helmets. Plus, there's a lot of awesome caps out there:Cat Camo hat (http:// http://icksnay.myshopify.com/collections/cats/products/cat-cap) I brake for donuts (http://http://ellumbagworks.com/product/i-brake-for-donuts/)

Edit: I don't know why I can't get links to work here, but google "Icksnay cat camo hat" and "ellum bag works donut", haha

[ny biker]

Another option would be a Buff, since beanies and caps might not work with thicker hair. One of my friends wears a bandana under her helmet because it helps tame her hair.