Mountain Biking - what's the difference between road and mtb helmets?

is there any?

Vents....style....shape....size.....visor or not.....color.

The biggest difference I've seen...is that most MTB helmets have a visor whereas most Road helmets don't.

Road helmets usually appear to be a bit sleeker and lighter.

Visor's, that's about it! However, even the Giro Pneumo (sp?) comes with a visor, and this is supposed to be the Rage for a road helmet.

L8R

most every helmet comes with a peak and there is no difference between road & mtb helmets except styling.

the word road is written on the box

I wear the same helmet for road and mtb, a Giro Pneumo with a visor.

mostly the differences are ventilation. mt helmets often have larger vents to aid cooling because air isn't constantly flowing over your head as it is while road riding.

Mtb helmets have mouth protection and have cooler designs

oh wait...thats dh helmets :)

Maelstrom - what fullface helmet do you use? I went with the Bell Rhythm Pro...snagged it for a deal for $44.95...

I only use it for the real gnarly stuff though...otherwise my choice is the Bell Influx.

I use a giro something or other for xc and the fullface I am buying is called MACE. I tried bell, giro and 661 and couldn't find one that fit properly. Mace fits great and I can grab it for 140$ cdn (about 20$ american). I am also buying armour shortly from Hoots. A local rider (shore) started the company for versatile strong yet ventilated armour thats perfect for the coast. http://www.hootsgear.com/armor.html This stuff fit me perfectly and protects the areas I am concerned about.

Originally posted by bikeCOLORADO
...otherwise my choice is the Bell Influx.

I luv my Influx! Fits great, nice ventilation, looks tight.

hey bikeCO, I did not know BOMB was out side of CA. Although I do not have the same thought on religion as them they sure as hell(no joke intended) can ride. A short ride for them out here is about 50mi and the pace never slows. I can keep up with them on the flats and pass 'em on the dh but they run away on the hills.

I use the same Specilized Allez helmet for road riding and MTB riding, I just remove the visor for road riding. All helmets sold in the US have to meet the same CPSC standreds for head protection, so the safty matter isn't an issue.

I used to ride with a detachable visor on the road, but found you have to lift your head higher to see down the road, especially if you're in the lower drops. This was tough on my neck. So now I ride visorless.