helmet with better ventilation for hot weather

As it's starting to warm up here in the Arizona desert, I'm investigating helmets with better ventilation than my basic entry level helmet. Last summer, when I started cycling more seriously, I discovered that I overheat easily, and in addition to improving my hydration & electrolytes, I want to try to keep my head cooler. Plus my current helmet is a few years old and probably due for replacement anyway.

I've tried on a few brands, and the Bells seem to fit my head pretty well. I was looking at the Array and the Sweep. The Array is a simpler with a rounder shape in the back and costs $40 less. The Sweep seems to have better vents and channels and comes with a shade visor...although I'm not so keen on the pointy back unless it's really functional. It's a little lighter in weight, which is a consideration mainly if it affects keeping my head cool.

Any thoughts?

I am going to have to follow this thread. The Florida sun can be brutal too. I would love a new more well ventilated helmet.

Typically, the more you spend on a helmet, the larger vents you will get, and lighter it will be on your head. Obviously, while any price helmet will help to protect you.

I'm a Giro girl myself.

My road cycling helmets I spent more $ on due to that being my primary riding, and thoughts of crashing more on my mtb since I'm less skilled at that (read: replacement cost).

I have a Pneumo (which I don't think they make anymore, but maybe on close out somewhere), and an Atmos (got that cheaper w/crash discount program direct through Giro).

My mtb helmet is a Havoc.

With any helmet for the $, it's only good for one crash. However, one would *hope* that you do not need it for that purpose too often.

I could justify more $ for the helmet since it is a piece of gear I use every time I ride. Versus the latest fun seasonal print jersey that may come or go as a favorite.

Happy Shopping.:)

I have a Specialised 2D helmet & it suits that type o weather just fine. Perth had quite a few weeks of +38C up to 45C this summer but riding in that is just a bit crazy...I have ridden in +40C w the helmet & it worked fine. I can't wear a buff underneath in that kind o weather though..

Honestly? I said it before in another context. There was a year when I overlapped a $40 helmet and a $180 helmet. There was about a 20% difference between them. Even if it's a matter of literally overheating, I don't know that that's the best use of your money.

On the MC, an evaporative cooling vest has saved my bacon (from turning into bacon) more than once. I don't know how well it would do at the lower speeds of bicycling, but I know mountain bikers use them. Or if it works for you, you could just wet down your hair, or wear one of those evaporative bandannas under your helmet.

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Or if it works for you, you could just wet down your hair

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I tend to overheat too, and this works really well for me especially during the hot and humid VA summers :D

Oakleaf,

Thanks for your suggestion- I'm willing to try anything that will help. I did try wetting my hair down last summer and it helps some, although it evaporates in about 5 minutes during summer because the relative humidity here can be as low as 5%. Carrying extra water is already a problem because only a tiny bottle will fit in the 2nd bottle cage.

I really think that if there is better air flow, there will have to be some improvement - but I don't know how much. I had some pretty miserable experiences last summer, and I was only riding about 10-20 miles at that point.

Here's a link to the vest I have. The front side is good for about two hours at highway speed under a mesh jacket. The back, that isn't getting directly blasted by the wind, stays moist much longer. On the bici, I expect the whole thing would last quite a bit longer. Since it's evaporative, when it dries out, all you have to do is soak it in water for a couple of minutes. Running it under water isn't the best way to do it, but it will work if the bathroom sinks are just too gross. ;)

I don't cope with the heat at all and unfortunately the summers here are brutal so I do all I can to keep as cool as possible. This summer I purchased a new helmet and have been very happy with my choice. The venting is a lot better than my old Giro helmet.
http://www.lazerhelmets.com/en/catal...white-blue-614

Good luck with your search.:)

I too tend to overheat in hot, humid Midwestern summers. (I sweat on winter rides too.) Bell helmets worked pretty well for me but were not perfect. Last year I switched to the Lazer Genesis (in a white/silver combo). Not only was the helmet fit much better (no pinching or irritating spots), but the vents helped me stay cooler. I wear an Assos headband to keep sweat out of my eyes. It has been a perfect combination.

Karen

I own a bell sweep. I love it! You don't know your wearing it and its super cool. ( cool as in cold!) I've never wore the other helmet so i cannot comment on a comparison.

I'll throw in a funny antidote here. Last year one day I was fighting darkness and I needed to take the dog for a run and I needed to get my bike out. I was learning to ride so I made sure I rode everyday even if it was only for ten minutes! So I rode the bike up the trail and immediately took the dog for a quick 5K. While I was running I notice a lot of people were staring at me, more than usual. Anyways I was almost home when there was a bit of a breeze and the helmet strap flicked my face! I couldn't believe I worn my helmet on my run and never noticed! I didn't bother taking it off then I would look stupid running, holding a helmet! Plus safety first!

Wow that was a little long!

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Originally Posted by azfiddle

Oakleaf,

Thanks for your suggestion- I'm willing to try anything that will help. I did try wetting my hair down last summer and it helps some, although it evaporates in about 5 minutes during summer because the relative humidity here can be as low as 5%. Carrying extra water is already a problem because only a tiny bottle will fit in the 2nd bottle cage.
I really think that if there is better air flow, there will have to be some improvement - but I don't know how much. I had some pretty miserable experiences last summer, and I was only riding about 10-20 miles at that point.

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I used to have that problem as well, then I got side loader cages. Two big bottles, no problems. Smaller frame size 49cm. My are Arundels: 1 cage sideloader, and 1 cage other-sideloader. http://www.arundelbike.com/sideloader.html?p=1.1.1.4
Shown here on my bike: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ht=candy+sweet

Btw, there are other lesser cost side-loading cages out there. Mine are carbon, and the cost to go with it. Getting used to pulling the bottle out the side was an adjustment for me. But, once past the learning curve, so worth it for extra water. I love them!

I also own a two bottle holder that clamps the saddle rails. I've just never ridden with it. The weight of the water in the back does affect bike handeling slightly when I did a short gear test ride. http://www.rei.com/product/768770

Last idea for water, had this ordered, and changed mind that my bad back disk would not like the weight. Road style Camel-Bak. http://www.rei.com/product/795871

I know the point of this thread-post is helmets... which to ME, biggest vents you can afford = cooler head. However...

Couple thoughts on clothes, which overall cooler body, helps some heat to escape...

90s and Midwest humidity... this is my coolest little jersey I presently own (mostly mesh--natural redhead, so a lot of sport block for me, still ok though). http://www.terrybicycles.com/product...ngletrack-tank
I've also considered doing an all mesh top, and just sports bra. but, the pockets are pretty whimpy. Depends how big a saddle bag you want to deal with. If the jersey pocket doesn't cut it for you. http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTY_1977.html http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165002_2.html

On the helmets... you can basically stand in the store and hold the helmets side by side and compare the light coming through the vents for size. Unfortunately, more $, does equal more vent size = cooler, imo.

+1 on the Lazer.

I can't comment on the cooling effect but I can say that it's on my buy list since it's the most comfortable helmet I've ever put on. Sadly, I didn't know I was uncomfortable til I tried one :/ Figures my head likes and only fits the more expensive Lazer helmet.

It's gotten great reviews.

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Originally Posted by Trekhawk

I don't cope with the heat at all and unfortunately the summers here are brutal so I do all I can to keep as cool as possible. This summer I purchased a new helmet and have been very happy with my choice. The venting is a lot better than my old Giro helmet.
http://www.lazerhelmets.com/en/catal...white-blue-614

Good luck with your search.:)

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Thanks to everyone for the ideas-

I tried the Lazer helmets and my head is too small for them (all the ones I've seen seem to come in just one size).

Miranda- I have a different Terry jersey with a mesh back that I am saving for the summer! I like those side-loading cages, but the placement of the bolts for the bottle cages on my bike and frame size (44 cm) just allow the small bottle to fit. I guess I'll plan to stop at a lot of convenience stores for water this summer.

Wanzar- my husband does trail-running and often wears his helmet when running down rocky trails. Thanks for your experience - I am leaning toward the sweep.....

I tried an LAS helmet this year after starting with a bell, using a Giro Atmos for two years. This is by far the best one ever - you have to search a little for them - they are european. By far the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned as well. The rear is not as pointy as others too.