Phiber

I searched, I swear.

Looking for a decent helmet for Crossing. I fell in love recently with the Giro Atmos. It's beautiful; however, any body know about the functionality as far as cross racing goes? Or just off road in general. Does it come with a visor? ^_^;

Thanks!

oldskoolboarder

The only spec to care about: fit.

Cross helmets are the same as road, since you don't want a visor because of the riding position. Other than that, nothing else really matters, except for looks. I use a Bell Ghisallo.

Or use an MTB helmet w/ the visor removed, I do that too.

Phiber

The reason I asked is because a respected friend told me that road helmets do not offer the same sort of protection that a mountain bike helmet does.

Raiyn

Don't you believe it. Unless you're talking about a Giro Xen they offer the same protection / coverage. The Xen just comes down a bit further in the back.

Phiber

Sweet. Thanks all.

noisebeam

I ride a CX bike and use a Giro E2. It has a visor. I can ride in drops with visor. Also note that visor can be pushed up while riding if you get down too low - that is it is adjustable and hold whatever position you put it in all the way down, full up or half way - I keep it all the way down even on rough up and down trail riding when I am in the drops. I specifically choose helmet with visor because of how it helps with glare from sun (which there is a lot of here)

Al

Phiber

Any way to get a wind visor or wind screen for road helmets? (longshot)

Surferbruce

road helmets, mountain helmets, all marketing. a helmet is a helmet and if it's not gonna protect you on the dirt it's not gonna work on pavement. the idea that "mountain" helmets have a visor and "road" helmets don't is totally ridiculous. people eat it up though.

climbo

get whatever fits right and feels good. Varying brands means different fits, try some on, then pick the best one for you.

irb_2

i wear a Giro Pneumo and love it. I use it for moutain biking and road. I have had no problems with it for either. Works great all around

BlastRadius

Pneumo here. Fits great, has great ventilation, and the price was decent. I tried the Monza but the Roc Loc 3 didn't fit a well as the Roc Loc 4. No visor needed for Cross.

stric

As long as helmet fits well and has good strap system with some really good air wents.. .well that's what should really matter. Looks are secondary and safety of your head is primary.

Phiber

Sweet, thanks all!

dessert1st

I think the Giro Pneumo is a great helmet too. I've had mine for several years and it's been worth the investment. Although it's marketed as a road helmet, it does comes with a detachable visor. Best of both worlds.

Lastly, I agree... the concept that mountain helmets should come with visors (and road helmets without) is bogus!

ajs26

I have a $40 Giro Torrent mtb helmet that sits on my head for every kind of riding. I can't see why people spend upwards of $100 for a helmet that is 20 grams lighter and had 1 or 2 more vents. Unless money not an issue and you feel like having a cool helmet to impress your riding budies; other than that I just don't get it.

Phiber

It's a style thing. I'm a proud Suth'n boy and I'd like to show my pride. I am one that is all for form and function, however, I like a few frivolous things in my life.

dessert1st

Hey Phiber,

If you haven't gotten your helmet yet, check out the Giro Pneumo and Bell Ghisallo. Till recently these helmets were the top model for each company. They both fit great and great deals can be had nowadays ($60-$100 depending on where you buy). I've had the Pneumo for years (which fits great) but I recently tried the Ghisallo and thought it fit even better. Of course everyone is shaped different so fit will vary person to person. The Pneumo has a detachable visor. Both brands also carry mountain bike counter parts to these models (which have a nearly identical fit and a dedicated visor), but I'm not sure of the names.

I've tried on some of the less expensive models and found the fit/retention just isn't the same. They felt bulkier and less secure.

On the other hand I wouldn't recommend the top end Giro Atmos (Giro's newest race helmet) either. It very light and stylish but it doesn't seem as robutst as the Pneumo, and way more expensive ($135 is the cheapest price I've seen).

As everyone else has said, "fit" and "safety" is the key. Make sure the helmet won't slide backwards on your head. Style can be a good thing too.

Schiek

Lance trains with a visor on his Atmos--according to the Lance Chronices (yawn)--so it should be all the rage by now, right?

dessert1st

Something I noticed just recently... the latest Giro Pneumo helmets do not have a visor, older ones did. In fact the newer versions don't even have the attachment holes.

So if a visor is something you want, consider an older Giro Pneumo, or a mtn bike helmet.