Helmet Headache

[mariacycle]

I tend to get headaches very easily from tension on my head, particularly headbands and glasses. My first helmet was very cheap and uncomfortable, as were my first cycling glasses (both from Performance). I ended up caving and spending the extra money on a Lazer helmet which tightens all around your head instead of creating pressure points. It absolutely will not bounce around. I also got slightly nicer cycling glasses that aren't tight on my temples. Both have made a huge difference. Good luck!

[Karenanywild]

I have the Lazer Genesis helmet; as you say it feels comfortable and no evident pressure points. But after about an hour I get a headache that is almost unbearable. I've been taking some Excedrin with me on my rides, but if I'm missing something I'd rather not use drugs to make it better. It only bounced around because I loosened it too much.

Maybe it was more the glasses vs. the helmet. I just got some Chris Optics glasses and will give those a try tomorrow. I was using my driving sunglasses and they are just not right.

[marni]

try losening the band around your head until the helmet sits well down on your forehead and then tightening your chin strap so it fits snugly.

[OakLeaf]

You say you think the helmet fits well, but it doesn't sound like it.

What part of your head is the headache in? What motorcycle helmet fits you best?

The last time I tried on a Lazer helmet it was VERY short from front to back. I have a "Shoei head," what Arai calls a "long oval," and there's no way I could have worn that Lazer. Giro helmets are similarly shaped but not quite as extreme. I am wearing a Specialized helmet now and the fit isn't too bad.



ETA: you mentioned heat and hydration as a possible contributor, are you making sure to replace electrolytes?

[Crankin]

Me thinks I am wearing the wrong helmet...
I always get the dent in my forehead. However, I tighten the chin strap and am constantly loosening/tighteningthe ratchet, to control the headache issue.
DH bought me the Lazar helmet, thinking it would help this issue and it felt like a torture device! It was just too tight on my little head. I gave it to my son, who also has a little head.

[OakLeaf]

I've heard that Uvex helmets are also longer from front to back, but I haven't tried one on.

I think Specialized helmets are all the same shape, all the ones I tried on anyway. They make a range from quite inexpensive (and correspondingly heavier and less ventilated) all the way up the line.

[mariacycle]

I'm sure if you took your helmet to the LBS that you bought the helmet at they would be more than happy to help you adjust the straps to better fit you (or decide that it just doesn't fit you well). It might be worth doing that first. Also if you get the dent in the front of your forehead then maybe you could change that little bit of padding. I've noticed the Lazer Genesis has far less padding than other helmets I've worn and it wouldn't be much work to add a tiny bit more padding at that front velco circle.