Helmets: whats the difference?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ireland
Posts: 131
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Helmets: whats the difference?
I've been wearing a helmet for the last long while which is basically a prop because it never fit right and wouldn't have saved me if I'd fallen at the wrong angle. Anyway, I'm buying a new one.
Is there any real difference between MTB helmets and road helmets? Other than the MTB has a little peak, I prefer the sleak-er road type. Any thoughts? I race XC but cruise the roads a lot for fun too.
Thanks
Bad Breaks
Is there any real difference between MTB helmets and road helmets? Other than the MTB has a little peak, I prefer the sleak-er road type. Any thoughts? I race XC but cruise the roads a lot for fun too.
Thanks
Bad Breaks
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 135
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I like helmets with a visor, both to block the sun, and also to block the rain. I think white or silver color helmets feel cooler under a hot sun than dark colors. But, the most important issue is fit and comfort. You may find a $20 helmet from Target fits you perfectly or that a $200 "pro" helmet is a poor fit. A helmet that fits perfectly makes using a helmet a pleasure. Take the time to get a good fit...if a $20 helmet fits you perfectly, you have found the right helmet.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 535
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Road bike helmets tend to be light weight and have alot more vents so they're cooler. The higher end road bike helmets are also aerodynamically designed to lower drag in the slip stream.
MTB helmets tend to have fewer vents, so less of the surface of the head is exposed to poke hazards like tree branches, and they are also heavier and of course hotter to wear.
My MTB helmet is supposed to be a "Hi-Vent" design and still has nowhere close to the number of vents as a well vented road bike helmet.
MTB helmets tend to have fewer vents, so less of the surface of the head is exposed to poke hazards like tree branches, and they are also heavier and of course hotter to wear.
My MTB helmet is supposed to be a "Hi-Vent" design and still has nowhere close to the number of vents as a well vented road bike helmet.
#5
Pug lover! Dogs and bikes
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,201
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If you're riding a road bike, get a road bike helmet. I just recently joined the helmet camp and am really enjoying the lightweight and cooling vents from my Met Estro. ~$80 range so its affordable and works great.
I actually don't like the built on visor and prefer a cycling cap underneath my helmet if I want a visor.
I actually don't like the built on visor and prefer a cycling cap underneath my helmet if I want a visor.
#6
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,569
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1102 Post(s)
Liked 2,135 Times
in
1,440 Posts
Generally spending more money gets you less weight, more ventilation, and greater adjustability in the straps.
A good way to save money is buy a manufacturer's previous model.
A good way to save money is buy a manufacturer's previous model.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Posts: 8,521
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The vents on an MTB helmet are designed to cool at a more upright riding position and slower speed. The vents are a road helmet work best at a road riding position. This is assuming quality bike shop equipment.
#8
xtrajack
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,058
Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I really liked the Bell Tourlite.
#9
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,216
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 653 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
225 Posts
Road bike helmets tend to be light weight and have alot more vents so they're cooler. The higher end road bike helmets are also aerodynamically designed to lower drag in the slip stream.
MTB helmets tend to have fewer vents, so less of the surface of the head is exposed to poke hazards like tree branches, and they are also heavier and of course hotter to wear.
My MTB helmet is supposed to be a "Hi-Vent" design and still has nowhere close to the number of vents as a well vented road bike helmet.
MTB helmets tend to have fewer vents, so less of the surface of the head is exposed to poke hazards like tree branches, and they are also heavier and of course hotter to wear.
My MTB helmet is supposed to be a "Hi-Vent" design and still has nowhere close to the number of vents as a well vented road bike helmet.
Why do I keep wearing it?
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#10
xtrajack
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,058
Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts