Winter Cycling - Full Face Helmets

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Thomill
02-18-06, 11:41 AM
Hey gang,

Well today it finally happened - it was just too cold for me to ride more than 15-20 minutes or even less at over 15mph. The temperature was about -2F this morning, with the wind chill down to -15-20F (about 10mph wind and 20mpg gusts) according to weather.com. My body was fine - although I could have probably used another layer - but my face was just frozen - literally. I was wearing a bike helmet with GoreTex/wind cover, skiing goggles, a balaclava, and a skull cap. The top of my head as well as my neck were covered, but my face was just getting slammed with the wind.

I am not sure what else I could do, really, other than move to a full face helmet. My balaclava is a fairly good one and generally keeps me warm. I tried some of the Psolar models, but am not so keen on their design.

Should I move to a full face helmet? If so, does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks.
T :D

vrkelley
02-18-06, 01:58 PM
It totally depends on your riding style. If you ride on the drops the full face helmet is out because the back of the helmet is not cut for tipping your head back.

The full face helmet is pretty nice otherwise. I'm actually selling mine now that, I've learned to put a vinyl liner and wool cap under the helmet of my summer helmet (and I ride mostly ont the drops).
CBBaron
02-20-06, 11:08 AM
Maybe adding a neck gaiter or scarf would help. I've used one alone and it kept me plenty warm but the WindPro material of the one I had made breathing difficult. I think a fleece neck gaiter may give that extra protection needed for extreme days.
Ofcourse we havn't seen daytime temps that cold but once a decade. A sinlge layer on the face is sufficient for the 10F degree days we occasionally see.
Craig

Jarery
02-20-06, 12:24 PM
My other sport has its own version of a full face helmet. Which would actually work quite well for cycling. Worth looking at for you application anyways. Full face, flip up visor, changeabale lenses. It doesnt have a chin strap though, but they do stay on :)

http://www.unfeathered.com/
TRaffic Jammer
02-20-06, 12:34 PM
don't think it's good on drops though...flatbars ok
Rode this the other night on the way to the Ice Races... -25C with the wind, with a balaclava and ski goggles was fine, even hot, in the head wind

The diving helmet is nice but no venting.......

You might want to look at a riding mask similar to the ones on motorbikes