Helmet Headache

[Crankin]

No, I actually feel the need to loosen it, because I keep it very tight, so it would actually work as intended in a crash. I just see too many riders who wear their helmets too loose, and with the straps dangling way below the chin. I spend a lot of time when I lead rides, helping people situate their helmets correctly. Some get very ornery, but I won't let a person come on a ride I am responsible for,with a helmet that is loose and crooked!

[Crankin]

Yeah, well, I take my leader responsibilities very seriously.
Especially when a rider comes with a helmet on, that is pushed back all the way toward their neck! Like that's going to work.

Actually, I think it's more "teacher" than "mom."

[Karenanywild]

Wow! Thanks for all the great ideas.

Oakleaf, Shoei was my motorcycle helmet of choice in the end. But none were ever comfortable beyond an hour or so. Also, I think you are right about the electrolytes. I'm good about that when running but haven't really taken good care while riding.

The headache seems to be in the front of my head, definitely not the sides.

I had to chuckle at the suggestion to try on every helmet in the store. my hubby laughs at me when I shop because I do that with everything. I'm going to check out all the helmets and suggestions noted above. I'll repost back on any findings.

The new sunglasses were a much better help than I would have imagined. I rode 40 miles today and no headache. Yay!

I still think I can do better on the helmet though after reading the thoughts here. So, thanks for all the great advice. I will now do my homework.

[Owlie]

Bike fit issues would be my other thought.

I'm still trying to figure out what helmet I need, though. I'm wearing a Bell (discontinued model, I think). It's not uncomfortable, but I wonder how much of that is the fact that it's my helmet and I'm used to it. Every other helmet I've tried has in some way been uncomfortable, with the possible exception of the Giro Ionos. Scattante--too round and shallow. Louis Garneau, Giro, Bell--can't put my finger on it, but doesn't feel right once it's adjusted properly.

[ridebikeme]

Crankin, my comments were directed to the orginal post, Karenanywild. She mentioned that she was getting headaches...

Sorry for the confusion...

[Crankin]

No problem...
I should go try on helmets, but I am lazy. I like the ventilation in mine, and I can easily dial in the fit with the ratchet. I don't always get a headache, just an "uncomfortable" feeling, at times. Sometimes, when it gets hot when I am riding, I should loosen it a little, and I would probably avoid most of this!

[ny biker]

I don't know if this is relevant for anyone else, but when I get a headache while riding on an hot day, it usually helps a lot to loosen my ponytail.

[ZenBiker]

Just a +1 to try different brands til you find one that fits your head shape. Bell helmets give me headaches (tried a couple different ones with the same result). Specialized helmets consistently work well for me. I think it's kind of like buying shoes, you have to find the company that uses the right pattern for you.

[Melalvai]

Lots of good suggestions here, but another thing to try is just stopping every hour and giving your head a 5-minute breather by taking your helmet off.

[Karenanywild]

Update: No more headaches; riding 5 to 6 days a week. Here's what I've changed so far:

1. Switched my glasses for some with a wider lens and thinner arms.
2. Putting NUUN in one of my water bottles.
3. Stopping every 30 minutes to drink regardless of thirst or no thirst.

Still trying on helmets everywhere I go to see if something fits better. Nothing so far.

K.

[Melalvai]

Glad you aren't having headaches!

[Aggie_Ama]

Glad you've resolved the headaches. I had a lot of issues when I wore a Giro helmet, I ended up having to sell it after a month. My head only seems happy in Bell so now I just stick with them, unless I find out they make some major change to their shape. Giros I think are less round than Bell, I had *assumed* since I thought they were manufactured very similar it wouldn't matter. I didn't realize they had slight variations in shape.

[Jolt]

I have recently found that sticking with the same brand doesn't guarantee a good fit...I previously had a Bell helmet that I liked and never had any problem with the fit. Decided that after 6 years of wearing that one I probably should replace it so got another Bell that appeared to be the same shape and size (different model--the one I had before was discontinued). This new one gives me a headache! The only big difference I can see is in the fit system--the old one (Deuce) had one type of ring-fit, the new one (Muni) has a different one that isn't as finely adjustable, and also has a rear stabilizer that comes down much lower on the back of the head. I think it's the rear stabilizer that is the problem--it puts pressure in a bad spot.