Mountain Biking - helmet design

Hello,

I'm a student design and I'm working on my final project that envolves the design of a new helmet for everyday use.

You're all experts in biking and I want to know your opinion about the existing helmets. Which helmet u use and why? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your helmet? Which features could be redesigned?

If you feel like helping me, don't hesitate to reply or mail me, thanks a lot!

Check this thread out.

Helmet design (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=37357&page=2&pp=15&highlight=helmet+design)

Just for some more up to date things, and some pictures, I own a Giro Targa, It has 15 VERY big vents, about 3cm by 2cm each. Its really well ventilated and reasonably light, I like helmets with Visors, as do most people, It gives the look that your helmet is thinner and more streamlined, I also like the high back, This Makes you feel although your safer because the back covers more than the top of your head unlike some of the really cheap helmets over here in the UK...

Before that i had a Specialized Chamonix, This was roughly the same as the targa but had smaller vents, but there were more of them, I also liked the feature that in the front of the helmet, underneath the visor were 3 vents, this kept your Forehead cool, which i havent seen in many other helmets... I love Helmets to be comfortable, Not too tight and not to loose, Just a snug fit..... ( As do all other cyclists probably)

Here are a few pics. contact me on lr2188uk@hotmail.com if you want any more details.



Giro Targa - http://www.giro.com/europe/cyc_targa.html

Specialized Chamonix - http://mcccycles.co.uk/mcc2.asp?code=151

I have a Bell Influx and an very pleased with it. My favorite feature are how deep it is for a secure feel and the tension system it uses in the back to ensure a very tight fit around your head.

Vents are always important. A Small detail but the center of the helmet is best left flat on the outside as in the center on the front many people will mount a head lamp that need that flat surface.

I think someone needs to design a helmet liner that you can freeze to provide cooling throughout the day! That or a water pack to continually wets a terry cloth type cover that would speed up evaporation and thus cooling!

BTW, I live in FL, so keeping my head cool is important!

Even a battery powered thermal exchange system would be very cool (Pun Inteneded).

And, if you design it so you could reverse the heat exchange and provide warmth in the winter!

L8R

Thats a great idea... A2... i never get your puns lol

I use the full face ProTec Ace.. its a bmx helmet that i scored for 50 bucks at danscomp.com. The one day i didn't wear the full face (usin my 661 dirtlid), I got 8 stitches in my chin from rubbing down some sharp rocks after getting tossed while doing a nose wheelie (beware autumn leaves, they obfuscate the contours of the ground!). I say, go full face, you won't forget it, and if someone takes a pic of u doing a drop, they can't see your funny face/grimace of fear and uncertainty