General Cycling Discussion - What do you wear under your helmet?

My helmet keeps slipping down on my head when I get sweaty. I need to wear a headband or something to keep it from slipping down and irritating me. Any suggestions?

You might be better off getting a helmet with a better retention system - if it moves too much when riding it might move even further in a crash.

Helmets should fit quite snuggly. It sounds like yours is way too big for your head.

Originally posted by mkwdrs
My helmet keeps slipping down on my head when I get sweaty. I need to wear a headband or something to keep it from slipping down and irritating me. Any suggestions?

I wear a headband underneath my helmet because there isn't enough absorbent material in it to soak up all the sweat and it gets in my eyes. Before, I used to wear a bandana underneath it.

Your helmet isn't necessarily too big. Mine is sized right for my head and it still slides around due to sweat. The most important thing is that it is on snuggly enough so that if you were rendered unconscious, it doesn't slide back or forward too much. What you don't want to look like is what a lot of NHL hockey players look like with their helmets: the helmet strap connected, but it's hanging there loose, allowing way too much movement if the user were rendered unconscious and thus unable to get their head into a better position in preparation for heavy contact.

What do you wear under your helmet?
My hair and lots of sweat. On hot days I wear a bandana.

I your helmet is sliding around get a helmet with a better retention system.
My old helmets (Giro) only had the pads to compensate for a loose fit. Sort of worked.

My new Giro Animas has the RocLoc3 system. I can make it fit as tight or loose as I want every time I put my helmet on. :thumbup:

I have had a lot of success with the Giro with the Roc Loc retention system, although I do not tend to sweat very much up there. I find that the channels in the helmet can bring quite a bit of air to my head, especially when on the move or experiencing a bit of a breeze. I also chose a pearlescent white helmet to reduce heat.

Rob

Having gone the mostly hair-free route, I find Headsweats to be indispensible, so I wear one when I try on new helmets.

Headsweats (the Coolmax ones) prevent all dripping and slipping, and protect the scalp from sunburn. ANd being Coolmax, they dry out quickly.

However, I echo the point that you should adjust your helmet's retention system -- and add the thicker pads that should have come with the helmet, if necessary -- so it doesn't slip. Properly fit and worn, the helmet shouldn't move around on your head.

RichC

I wear do-rags, heatsweats or whatever you call them. Keeps sweat from running down into my eyes/glasses and keeps me from getting 'helmet hair' on the way to work.

Rinsing them out at rest stops and putting 'em back on wet is very refreshing in hot weather.

Dave

The shape of your helmet is just as important as the size. For the same diamter, some heads are narrow and some wide. I prefer helmets with a flexible band which can conform to your head, rather than sticking foam pads to a pre-shaped helmet.

Don't wear underwear under your helmet, either!

I don't care how drunk you are!

I don't care how cute you are!

No undies under your helmet!

Got it?

Good.

Underwear Nazi
Looking out for your head, too.

Originally posted by Underwear Nazi
No undies under your helmet!

Got it?

Good.

Underwear Nazi
Looking out for your head, too.


OMG, too funny!

The Underwear Nazi is not just looking out for our asses anymore!

:roflmao:

i wear either a baseball cap with skulls and crossbones all over it when i ride BMX or trials, or i wear a campy cycling cap, also black, when i ride around the city. i used to just wear the helmet, but then the cloth that covers the foam stuff started peeling away, and i'd get foam stuff all over my head. the hats solve that, and they keep the sun out of my eyes. my helmet is an older protec skateboard helmet. it has survived numerous crashes.

Originally posted by OneTinSloth
i used to just wear the helmet, but then the cloth that covers the foam stuff started peeling away, and i'd get foam stuff all over my head. the hats solve that, and they keep the sun out of my eyes. my helmet is an older protec skateboard helmet. it has survived numerous crashes.

It sounds like it is time to replace the helmet.
Between the foam disintegrating and the helmet suffering several impacts, it might not be able to protect you as well as it should.

Rob

Aren't helmets only good for one impact anyway?