helmet with better ventilation for hot weather

[azfiddle]

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?

[annielynn]

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.

[Miranda]

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.

[crazycanuck]

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..

[OakLeaf]

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.

[ASammy1]

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

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

[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.