Mountain Biking - Dorky or not?

Is it dorky to wear a DH/FR style full face helmet for doing AM/XC? I never really see anyone with them other then mostly DH and FR. I was just thinking. It would probably offer a lot more protection then a regular helmet, you know just in case. The only thing I can think of not liking is the ventilation being not nearly as much as a regular bicycle helmet.

http://www.profirad.de/images/giro_remedy_matteblack.jpg

People use them here depending on the type of trail it is.

I find these a lot less comfortable, but they look cool and sure they are safer. And I 've seen this type of helmets in XC biking.

Don't worry about what other people think. If "feeling safe" makes the activity more fun ... go for it. I know that I could definitely have used shin guards on multiple rides that I did not have them. I have the scars to prove it.

I wanted to get one myself. I think they would offer more protection, and I think they look cool. But I figured people would think I was a booger eatin' moron for wearing a full face rolling my local trails. I used to wear one to ride street in my bmx days. The only downsides I can see is ventilation (like you mentioned) and visibility. I had an adjustment period because I couldn't see my front tire due to the face guard and it ended up causing a few wrecks. OK, so I AM a booger eatin' mornon. But like willtsmith_nwi said, if you like it and feel more comfortable with it... go for it.

This is a good question.

I know 2 guys that wear them for XC. One of them has several false teeth, hence the reason he now goes full face.

Dorky is what you become if you don't have enough protection for your noggin.

Not dorky, safe. Specialized makes one that is good for XC, check it out
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=15903

Have a look at this puppy:

http://www.met-helmets.com/ProdottiDet.jsp?idrub=293&idcat=13

I am trying to track one down is Aus myself for all mountain/light freeride. Looks like a good crossover between the two types of helmet.

Ooooooooooo that one is NIIIICE!!!!! :D

Have a look at this puppy:

http://www.met-helmets.com/ProdottiDet.jsp?idrub=293&idcat=13

I am trying to track one down is Aus myself for all mountain/light freeride. Looks like a good crossover between the two types of helmet.
Reminds me of the old Giro Switchblade. Another option might be the SixSixOne Pro Bravo Carbon. They are finally available - - mine just showed up yesterday. Uber slick and light.

I've seen a couple of guys use full-face for xc trails. personally i think it's overkill, but i can understand their personal need to feel safe.

the insurance you get from its protection on xc trails doesn't justify the weight/ventilation penalty, you're seriously better off without it unless you're doing serious dh/FR.

Not as dorky as the 07 Stinky Pinky Primo

http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/index.html (link not right)

but i still want one

Dude the 07 Stinky Primo is amazing!!!

who the 7734 cares if it looks dorky!?! its your head not the fashion police you are protecting! if someone doesnt like your helmet who cares? tell them to go to hades.

I could've used one on two occassions. The first I hit a tree with my knee (broken knee cap) followed closely by my face. Split my lip and after several stiches and many months, it is fairly unnoticable now.

The second was recent when my pedal got caught on a rock and went over. Nice road rash on my chin.

That being said, unless they were light and could breath well, I don't think I'd wear one. That Met Parachute one is pretty cool! That might meet my criteria...

Dude the 07 Stinky Primo is amazing!!!

Yeah I know but unless you are good enough to ride it hard you will look kind of stupid pedalling round a pink bike, or any other expensive freeride bike for that matter. Point is just that its pink.

And I don't think you should worry about riding in a full face helmet for fashions sake but man your head will get hot with any standard helemet of that type.

I would say it's more of a lavender. ;)

So after seeing the Parachute, I did a quick search and found this: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=213285

Lots of good info on it. I don't know what to think about it any longer, not sold in the US because of "litigation fears", but no mention of the more stringent testing requirements... hmmm, and comments about the chin guard breaking. Still very cool and since I only do XC it could still be an option.

Clipless road shoes are dorky (the shoes, not the clipless system. I <3 clipless), full face helmets are safe.

Go for it.

Portrait of a Dork:

Billy thought he looked cool wearing his Batman half-lid on his bicyle. Then Billy flipped onto some rocks. Who's cool now, Billy? Huh?

Don't Be A Dork-Wear A Full Face Helmet!

The picture doesn't work...

The picture doesn't work...

****'s parents probably disabled the link. Maybe I should have changed his name?:p

I wouldn't call it "dorky", you gotta do what makes you confident and not worry about what idiots think.