Originally Posted by
Looigi
Measurements would be good. I would expect the difference to be near immeasurable however. The colored layer is separated from the head by a thick layer of "Styrofoam", an excellent insulator. With that, the wind going by the outer surface of the helmet and removing heat, and the air passing through the helmet removing heat, I don't think there'd be even a minute difference inside the helmet due to outer surface color.
That would be my bet too, but I keep hearing anecdotal stories to the contrary. Sometimes 1 measurement is worth 1,000 guesses.
I'd be interested in seeing measurements concerning the cooling affect of shade and airflow through the helmet vs. a bare head too.