Rudz

I have your standard road cycling helmet, but lately I have been wearing my fox mountain bike helmet, its sort of a skate helmet on roids, and it offers more protecting to the back of my head in case of falls and crashes. I wear paintball goggles when I ride sometimes because it can be windy as it is around here, combined with the wind in my face already, all i need is for my contacts to dry out or get something in my eye. So I started wondering, why don't I just wear a full face downhill/motocross helmet? It offers even more protection, and I could use it in combination with goggles.

I know it will be hot, but its been freezing around here and I commute to work early in the morning and I freeze my butt off, so a little heat wouldn't be so bad. I don't care about looking like a wierdo, I already wear a balaclava, paintball goggles and a mtb helmet to commute around town anyways wearing a bright green hoodie tearing it up on a road bike or mtb.

Anyone else do this?

DVC45

I am the Fred of Fred's. So, for me, whatever makes you comfy and enjoy your trip, is best.
I am okay with it.

Rudz

I just have this fear that somebody is gonna try and run me over or something and I want to protect my head.

Burton

I wear a downhill ski helmet in winter myself. It IS warmer and offers more coverage. Do what you're happy with.

JoeyBike

My fullface works better with goggles for cold commutes.

gerv 

Do you guys sweat at all? For me the inside the helmet would have enough heat to keep my house warm for a week!

TwoFourOne

I would never do that, but whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Bluish Green

If it is more comfortable for you AND provides greater protection, there doesn't seem to be a downside.

Ride safely and enjoy.

hybridbkrdr

I have an old Troy Lee Designs helmet with Oakley glasses with the clear lens on it. In the winter, I use a snow mobile helmet.

I thought about using a full face helmet for summer biking but keep on thinking the heat might be a factor.

no motor?

My fullface motorcycle helmet would be way too hot to wear while bicycling, the balaclava and bicycle helmet are enough to keep me warm.

Rudz

Glad I'm not alone. Gonna look into getting a full face downhill style helmet and goggles soon. Thanks for the posts everyone.

cdonges

Sounds like a good idea - It would stop the magpies from taking out pieces of my ears...

CliftonGK1

I recently picked up a Fox Transition skate-style helmet and I'll probably wear it on my commute, mostly because it's neon green; not for any other reason.

My full face helmet is reserved for enduro racing, crazy jump sessions at the MTB park, and otherwise throwing myself downhill or off tall things at high speeds.
Any other time, I'm wearing my ProLight with the teddy bear ears zip tied to it, or my Alchera which I've covered in black reflecty-tape.

acidfast7

yes

vol

If you like, do it, but I'm a little doubtful you can keep the great feeling for long. I'd add a body armor for full protection

fietsbob

there are full face helmets for bicycles ..LBS here , Astoria, has a few. more ventilation and lighter shell ..

there is a Skate bowl here, BMX bikes with plastic pedals and pegs can use the bowl too.

a1penguin

Whoa. You get attacked by birds while riding? Is there a nest nearby or do they just hate you for some reason? That looks nasty.

TiBikeGuy

Too hot, too heavy, hearing and vision is restricted.

newkie

The last bit, hearing and vision is a good point. As long as it isn't too restrictive or affects being able to look over your shoulder you should be fine.

cplager

I think a full face helmet is a fine idea. It will give you more protection than a regular bike helmet, so if you want to wear one, go for it.

And I can't believe I'm going to say this, but here goes...

Just do remember that while it gives more protection, it doesn't give that much more protection. Meaning, you shouldn't change your riding because you are now wearing a full face helmet and think you'll survive crashes you wouldn't otherwise. And do pay attention for any diminished field of view or hearing. If you aren't already using a mirror, consider using one.

Cheers,
Charles

jolly_ross

Bike swooping magpies sometimes will leave you alone if you are walking the bike. Who knows why? It's true of some of them though.

It's easier to flail a frame pump at them while walking too. They may back off after that.

Finally - google for images of "magpie helmet zipties". I don't know if that trick works or not. Whether you think it looks stupider than a full face helmet is a personal thing.

tarwheel 

Yes. My brain would curdle from the heat around here, even in winter.

hubcap

It was 10degF here this morning. Negative something windchill. I wore a windblocker beanie under a regular road helmet and had some sweat build up under the hat. I have to believe I would sweat considerably more with a full helmet.

CenturionIM

I wear a (bell) full face helmet on my commute, and this is just my personal experience.

It is definitely heavy. I cannot turn my head too sharply or the bike will swerve. For long distance it may not be a good idea.

It is a bit hot, but nowhere near what people made it sound like. In fact, I think it is only a problem during summer; for fall/winter, it is rather nice. All you need is a couple minutes to cool down after the commute.

Hearing wise, I would say it is different, not restricted. the bad is you ear is covered (by honeycombed plastic), but the good is there is no more wind screeching in your ear. So in terms of ability to hear what's going on, no difference.

I find absolutely no difference in vision range.

the reason I use it: One guy got hit, helmet saved his life. Unfortunately, his jaw also got impacted. 3000$ dental bill. no thanks.

dramiscram

I put a visor on my helmet during summertime just so I can breathe without swallowing to many bugs but that's all