Commuting - Air Flow

We've had a lot of talk about helmet-head, but in Gawgia, it's usually sticky hot! :( Does anyone have a recommendation regarding a helmet brand or type that is particularly comfortable (aka COOL) in hot, HOT, humid weather? :p This will only become more of an issue in coming months.

Obviously, it needs to have a bunch of air vents for circulation. Is there a kickin' helmet for this situation, or am I doomed to fry my brain? :(

Any tricks to air flow in the helmet area, other than thinking COOL thoughts? ;)

This shop has 2000 model Giro helmets on clearance.

http://twowheeltransit.com/

Anyone ever use the Giro Boreas?

I saw it at http://www.twowheeltransit.com earlier this month. After a nasty spill on Friday last, I have approval to purchase a new helmet. I'm now using my old Bell Image, since my newer helmet helped my nose and elbow stop my fall.

I would welcome any recommendations on other well-ventilated helmets, as well.

Bicycling Magazine, a couple months ago, recommended the Giro Stelvio as an economical alternative to the Pneumo. It claims only one fewer vent than the Pneumo. When I saw one in an LBS, though, I wasn't impressed by the apparent ventilation area, high vent count or not.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Jonathan

The Briko "Twinner" looks like it may be the ultimate in ventilation if you can deal with its $160 price tag! You might not recognize the name, but you will recognize the two big "scoops" up front with one smaller one in the middle. It's the helmet Cipo and crew wear. According to the description, this helmet has a double shell which allows maximum air flow and serves as an extra "crumple zone" in the event of impact.

Bulltek, kind sponsor of some of these forums, has them. I would love to get one - to support the sponsor and because I loved the look when I saw it in the Giro. Unfortunately, I just can't swing that kind of bucks right now. :(

Regards,
Raymond

Limar helmets are good. They have lots of vents and the vents instead of being streamline are popped up so to speak,kinda like scoops.And besides,the Fisher team uses them! I also read that people who wear sunscreen have a skin tempurature 20% lower than people who don't.So if you don't wear sunscreen already, you may want to.

Thanks. Those helmets are pretty nice looking. They may be a little pricey, but they look cool (choose the meaning you prefer).

Limar, I had forgotten about the sunblock study. I read that once - about the 20 degree skin temp difference. That's good to remember on those days I might think of forgoing the sunblock. Sometimes it takes a more short term benefit to motivate us, even though the threat of cancer should be enough.

Jonathan

When it is extremely hot and humid (I live in Baltimore) I'll soak a bandana in water and wear under the helmet. Doesn't look pretty, but it helps. And if you are worried about helmet head...

Have you considered just putting on a sweat-band and letting the sweat flow? Hair impedes air flow, perhaps shaving the scalp ;). Exposing as much skin as the law allows helps keep the body cooler, reducing perspiration. Hot days its a mesh safety vest, shorts, gloves and shoes for me. I've crewed RAAM twice and kept riders cool with ice in ziplock bags wrapped in towels tucked inside their jerseys while moving at 20 MPH. (do not try this at home. we practiced beforehand on empty roads.) Captain a tandem and have your stoker spray you with ice water. I've been heat-stressed once, riding in Death Valley, in August, at night, at 115 degrees. For commuting it depends on the work I do and if I can change before work.

I always find for both hot and dry (phoenix) and hot and humid (houston) climates that helmets feel hot in the 60-85F range - at least that is when your head feels warmer than the rest of your body. Above 85F I find no real difference, if anything the helmet makes things feel cooler since it shades your head. Above 100F in full sun a helmet (or perhaps a hat) is a neccessity to keep ones head cool.

Al