Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

91 degrees in April!...helmet ventilation question

Search
Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

91 degrees in April!...helmet ventilation question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-28-09, 01:22 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
fatdad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: burlington, mass
Posts: 234

Bikes: Jamis Quest Elite - 2014

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
91 degrees in April!...helmet ventilation question

I tried the search function, honest...it was unreal out there today, hit 91, average high for April 28th in the suburbs of Boston is 60. I'm using a Genesis Lazer which fits me well, but my head really overheats when the temps get past 80 degrees. I know its April and I'm not acclimated to the heat yet, but I had the same issues with this helmet last summer.

Any suggestions for another helmet that ventilates particularly well? I have access to Giro, Bell, Specialized, Limar and Las locally, would appreciate any recommendations before heading off to the local shops.

I know fit trumps all else...but any feedback from folks who live where it's hot and humid as to what works for them? Thanks...
fatdad is offline  
Old 04-28-09, 01:29 PM
  #2  
Señor Member
 
kimconyc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 3,744

Bikes: 2018 Lynskey R380 Ti | 2011 Hampsten Travelissimo Gran Paradiso Ti | 2001 De Rosa Neo Primato - Batik Del Monte, Genius | 1991 Eddy Merckx - Motorola, TSX

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by fatdad
I tried the search function, honest...it was unreal out there today, hit 91, average high for April 28th in the suburbs of Boston is 60. I'm using a Genesis Lazer which fits me well, but my head really overheats when the temps get past 80 degrees. I know its April and I'm not acclimated to the heat yet, but I had the same issues with this helmet last summer.

Any suggestions for another helmet that ventilates particularly well? I have access to Giro, Bell, Specialized, Limar and Las locally, would appreciate any recommendations before heading off to the local shops.

I know fit trumps all else...but any feedback from folks who live where it's hot and humid as to what works for them? Thanks...
Specialized S-Works. I went to my LBS today during lunch (for a different reason) and they had it on clearance. Because I nearly fried last weekend, I tried on the S-Works for kicks and could immediately tell it was much cooler (you can literally see your whole head through the helmet).

Going back tomorrow after work to pick out a color.
kimconyc is offline  
Old 04-28-09, 01:32 PM
  #3  
Carpe Diem
 
bdcheung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MABRA
Posts: 13,149

Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I've used both the S-Works and the Bell Volt.

I like the S-Works better when it comes to ventilation.

The big strip of padding across the forehead, plus the forehead vent, totally keep sweat from dripping into my eyes.
__________________
"When you are chewing the bars at the business end of a 90 mile road race you really dont care what gear you have hanging from your bike so long as it works."
ΛΧΑ ΔΞ179 - 15% off your first Hammer Nutrition order!
bdcheung is offline  
Old 04-28-09, 01:52 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
fatdad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: burlington, mass
Posts: 234

Bikes: Jamis Quest Elite - 2014

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by kimconyc
Specialized S-Works. I went to my LBS today during lunch (for a different reason) and they had it on clearance. Because I nearly fried last weekend, I tried on the S-Works for kicks and could immediately tell it was much cooler (you can literally see your whole head through the helmet).

Going back tomorrow after work to pick out a color.
Originally Posted by bdcheung
I've used both the S-Works and the Bell Volt.

I like the S-Works better when it comes to ventilation.

The big strip of padding across the forehead, plus the forehead vent, totally keep sweat from dripping into my eyes.
Thanks for the response, do either of you know what the difference is (other than $110) between the S-works helmet and the Propero?
fatdad is offline  
Old 04-28-09, 02:00 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I live in South Florida, so heat and humidity are the norm. The Bell Sweep R helmet works very well for me. Good ventilation and fit. I paid ~$120. I do not regret the upgrade.
Walkos is offline  
Old 04-28-09, 02:03 PM
  #6  
Type 1 Racer
 
rydaddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Davis, CA
Posts: 2,579

Bikes: A dozen or so.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Not sure on a side-by-side comparision, my guess is S-Works is lighter with slightly more ventilation (see Specialized site). The Propero works for me and I've ridden on 100+ days with no issue. It's a great helmet.
rydaddy is offline  
Old 04-28-09, 02:03 PM
  #7  
It's ALL base...
 
DScott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 6,716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Giro Atmos, and one of these:


https://store.haloheadband.com/default.asp
DScott is offline  
Old 04-28-09, 02:07 PM
  #8  
Administrator
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,558

Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 2,179 Times in 1,469 Posts
Giro Ionos. It's got so much open space for air, it comes with a liner for cold weather to block air.
StanSeven is offline  
Old 04-28-09, 04:57 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
kwrides's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,198

Bikes: 2007 Orbea Onix, 2007 Windsor The Hour, 2008 Kona Jake

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by fatdad
I tried the search function, honest...it was unreal out there today, hit 91, average high for April 28th in the suburbs of Boston is 60. I'm using a Genesis Lazer which fits me well, but my head really overheats when the temps get past 80 degrees. I know its April and I'm not acclimated to the heat yet, but I had the same issues with this helmet last summer.

Any suggestions for another helmet that ventilates particularly well? I have access to Giro, Bell, Specialized, Limar and Las locally, would appreciate any recommendations before heading off to the local shops.

I know fit trumps all else...but any feedback from folks who live where it's hot and humid as to what works for them? Thanks...
That helmet looks pretty well ventilated to me. I hate to say it, but it may just be time to HTFU.

FWIW, +1 for the Bell Sweep R, and I wear a halo or similar every ride.
kwrides is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 05:19 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
fatdad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: burlington, mass
Posts: 234

Bikes: Jamis Quest Elite - 2014

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by kwrides
That helmet looks pretty well ventilated to me. I hate to say it, but it may just be time to HTFU.
FWIW, +1 for the Bell Sweep R, and I wear a halo or similar every ride.
I was waiting for someone to point out the obvious...

Thanks to all for the recommendations...
fatdad is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 05:52 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
kwrides's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,198

Bikes: 2007 Orbea Onix, 2007 Windsor The Hour, 2008 Kona Jake

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by fatdad
I was waiting for someone to point out the obvious...

Thanks to all for the recommendations...
No offense intended
kwrides is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 06:34 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by fatdad
Thanks for the response, do either of you know what the difference is (other than $110) between the S-works helmet and the Propero?
Lighter. I have both.
Jay-W is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 06:35 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
fatdad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: burlington, mass
Posts: 234

Bikes: Jamis Quest Elite - 2014

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by kwrides
No offense intended
None taken...although I am a little hurt that Botto or Pcad didn't take a swipe at me...
fatdad is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 06:38 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
fatdad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: burlington, mass
Posts: 234

Bikes: Jamis Quest Elite - 2014

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Jay-W
Lighter, more vents. I have both.
Since you have both, do you feel that the S-works is worth twice price?
fatdad is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 10:18 AM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by fatdad
Since you have both, do you feel that the S-works is worth twice price?
No.

You might like the fit better though.
Jay-W is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 10:36 AM
  #16  
Lanky Lass
 
East Hill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Take a deep breath, and ask--What would Sheldon do?
Posts: 21,434

Bikes: Nishiki Nut! International, Pro, Olympic 12, Sport mixte, and others too numerous to mention.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 6 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by kwrides
No offense intended
I can HTFU with the best of them, but the migraines still hit when the temperature is high, the glare is intense, and I can't get rid of the heat fast enough.

Ouch!

I like the Catlike, but I thought that was unobtainable in the US?

East Hill
__________________
___________________________________________________
TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
East Hill is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 11:02 AM
  #17  
Señor Member
 
kimconyc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 3,744

Bikes: 2018 Lynskey R380 Ti | 2011 Hampsten Travelissimo Gran Paradiso Ti | 2001 De Rosa Neo Primato - Batik Del Monte, Genius | 1991 Eddy Merckx - Motorola, TSX

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times in 7 Posts
OK, so I went to my LBS during lunch to pick up the S-Works and went for a short ride in street clothes and back to the office. Initial impression is that it is super light (I can't even tell I have it on) and it cools way better than the $30 Bell Alchera I was using.

I still look like a dork but I feel this helmet will really help on the 90+ degree days coming up.

(if you are thinking of getting the S-Works, a lot of the '08 colors are on clearance).
kimconyc is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 11:03 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Jim from Boston's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times in 171 Posts
Originally Posted by fatdad
I tried the search function, honest...it was unreal out there today, hit 91, average high for April 28th in the suburbs of Boston is 60. I'm using a Genesis Lazer which fits me well, but my head really overheats when the temps get past 80 degrees. I know its April and I'm not acclimated to the heat yet, but I had the same issues with this helmet last summer.

Any suggestions for another helmet that ventilates particularly well? I have access to Giro, Bell, Specialized, Limar and Las locally, would appreciate any recommendations before heading off to the local shops.

I know fit trumps all else...but any feedback from folks who live where it's hot and humid as to what works for them? Thanks...
When I rode from Kenmore Square to Norwood before 7:00 AM it was about 55 degrees; first time without a winter jacket this year.

I don't have much experience with various types of helmets, and I'm skeptical of how much you can improve ventilation, other than an old-time "hairnet" leather helmet. Nonetheless, IMO, when riding in hot weather, a sweatband is a must to prevent sweat dripping into the eyes. My worst cycling accident occured trying to wipe it out, and then wiping out onto gravel off the road.
Jim from Boston is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 12:46 PM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
border reiver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 280
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've ridden with many varieties of Bell, Giro, Specialized and others and the only the one that is noticeably better than all the others at keeping me well ventilated and the sweat out of my eyes in mid-summer is the Giro Atmos (I assume the Ionos is at least as good and will be my next helmet). From a cooling perspective, wearing the Atmos is also better than wearing no helmet as far as I am concerned.
border reiver is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 12:54 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
fatdad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: burlington, mass
Posts: 234

Bikes: Jamis Quest Elite - 2014

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanks to all...the Specialized S-works, the Giro Ionos & Atmos, and the Bell Volt & Sweep are on my short list. Some of the other recommendations are not available in the U.S. unfortunately. Today it barely hit 60 degrees...my head was cold...I'll shut up now...
fatdad is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 01:00 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
kwrides's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,198

Bikes: 2007 Orbea Onix, 2007 Windsor The Hour, 2008 Kona Jake

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by fatdad
Thanks to all...the Specialized S-works, the Giro Ionos & Atmos, and the Bell Volt & Sweep are on my short list. Some of the other recommendations are not available in the U.S. unfortunately. Today it barely hit 60 degrees...my head was cold...I'll shut up now...
https://www.headsweats.com/productcar...1&idproduct=88
kwrides is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 01:23 PM
  #22  
My idea of fun
 
kensuf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 9,920

Bikes: '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '02 Kona Lavadome, '07 Giant TCR Advanced, '07 Karate Monkey

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Liked 59 Times in 36 Posts
This has been such a weird spring. Two weeks ago it was cold enough that I had to wear a base layer and arm warmers in our Tuesday night Worlds. This past weekend I went up to Georgia and it was 10F warmer than here in Florida. I overheated in a crit because I'm not heat acclimated yet.

WTF?
kensuf is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 07:58 PM
  #23  
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Giro Atmos, you can find'em for $139.00(US) best BANG for the buck in head gear!

zxMick is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 08:45 PM
  #24  
Spin Meister
 
icyclist's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: California, USA
Posts: 2,651

Bikes: Trek Émonda, 1961 Follis (French) road bike (I'm the original owner), a fixie, a mountain bike, etc.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 16 Posts
>Giro Ionos. It's got so much open space for air, it comes with a liner for cold weather to block air.<

+1

I also have a Bell Sweep R - also well vented, cheaper than my Ionos.
__________________
This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
icyclist is offline  
Old 04-29-09, 08:53 PM
  #25  
moth -----> flame
 
Beaker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 5,916

Bikes: 11 CAAD 10-4, 07 Specialized Roubaix Comp, 98 Peugeot Horizon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Another +1 for the S-Works. I also find it very comfortable - it's light and fits my head well. The ventillation is a real plus in hot weather.
__________________
BF, in a nutshell
Beaker is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.