Helmets
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Philly
Helmets
Does anyone use a mountain bike helmet for commuting?
Like this one: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3381
Is there any disadvantages?
Or sould I go with a road helmet?
Like this one: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3381
Thanks in Advance
Like this one: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3381
Is there any disadvantages?
Or sould I go with a road helmet?
Like this one: https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3381
Thanks in Advance
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: North Central Florida
Bikes: Giant Rincon '08, Nashbar CX Homebrew
I use a Specialized helmet like the MTB helmet you posted. I started out mountain biking before commuting. I find the brim is good for blocking the sun and keeps rain out out of your eyes. I'm shopping for a road helmet, but really more for looks and maybe a little less wind resistance than anything else.
#4
xtrajack
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)
I personally like my vintage Bell Tourlite helmet. I don't like the looks of most of the current issue helmets.
Mostly it provides a place to mount my mirror and auxiliary lights.
Mostly it provides a place to mount my mirror and auxiliary lights.
#6
Born Again Pagan
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 2
From: Southwestern Ontario
Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB
The only commuter-specific helmet that I'm aware of is the Bell Citi.

I know it also receive accolades from Consumer Reports as having good impact protection and was rated a CR Best Buy. Online access to the reports is for subscribers only.

I know it also receive accolades from Consumer Reports as having good impact protection and was rated a CR Best Buy. Online access to the reports is for subscribers only.
Last edited by irclean; 12-03-09 at 08:46 AM.
#7
My commute helmet is an inexspensive something or other, the brim is nice for rain/sun and I've got a white led flasher on the front and a red flasher on the back. My wife and kids refer to it as my "Dork" helmet.
I use a road helmet on my road bike. It's a little more aerodynamic (not that it matters, I'm slow) and just looks more appropriate for that type of riding.
I use a road helmet on my road bike. It's a little more aerodynamic (not that it matters, I'm slow) and just looks more appropriate for that type of riding.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Pittsfield, MA
Bikes: Motobecane Fantom Cross 2008 Schwinn Super Sport 1972 SS. Surly Pacer Rando bike
I use a more mountain style helmet on my commute and a road style when I ride my road bike. The only reasons are because I had the road bike first and the color matched that bike. And the helmet was on sale. The helmet I use on my commuter also was on sale when I bought it, and yes, the color matches my bike. I find the visor nice for those early morning and rainy commutes, as well as a great place to attach my Third Eye mirror. But really, as long as it fits well and is comfortable to you, it doesn't matter.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,977
Likes: 1
From: 52°57'N 6°21'E
Bikes: Giant OCR
I ride with a road style helmet. Mine came with a removable visor. Awesome for rainy days , keeps the rain away from the eyes.
During the summer it doesn't look too weird with my road bike as I ride without the visor
During the summer it doesn't look too weird with my road bike as I ride without the visor
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 6
From: Binghamton, NY
Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker
I ride with the exact helmet the OP referenced (a matte black Giro Hex). It kept my head pretty cool during the summer and with a skull cap underneath I don't notice the cold that much. I also like the removable and adjustable visor. It is also pretty light weight (although I'm not and neither is my bike). However I bought mine because I liked the styling and it was on closeout (previous years model for $40).
P.S. I haven't told my touring bike I ride with a mountain bike helmet on my head, you know, that jealousy thing.
P.S. I haven't told my touring bike I ride with a mountain bike helmet on my head, you know, that jealousy thing.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Bikes: SS Surly Crosscheck, Ridley Crossbow, Specialized Tarmac
I wear a specialized MTB helmet with the visor taken off. So far, so good. That said, I have a giant coconut on me, and I'm more comfortable with the coverage.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake Mn
Bikes: 88 Schwin Voyageur, 84 Schwinn World Sport, 85 Univega Alpina Uno, 85 Fuji Espree, 09 Novara Strada, 06 Jamis Durango, 03 Specialized Expediton Sport, 09 Surly LHT, 12 Novara Gotham
Whatever is most comfortable and that you can afford. I use a Bell Metro and a Bell Citi, both were deeply discounted and are very comfortable.
#14
Use whatever you like best. I use a road helmet for recreational road and mountain biking. I use a Giro with visor for commuting, since my commute in the morning is east bound and evening is west bound (so I head into the bright sun on my commutes).
I know the higher end Giro visors are removable. Check to see if the one you are looking at has a removable visor (then you have a dual style helmet).
I know the higher end Giro visors are removable. Check to see if the one you are looking at has a removable visor (then you have a dual style helmet).
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
I'm currently using a Specialized Chamonix helmet, I guess it's an MTB style helmet with a visor, but I spotted a Uvex Urban helmet that I really like: https://www.slidewright.com/proddetai...prod=69-129054
#16
Mad bike riding scientist




Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29,155
Likes: 6,211
From: Denver, CO
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
The only commuter-specific helmet that I'm aware of is the Bell Citi.
I know it also receive accolades from Consumer Reports as having good impact protection and was rated a CR Best Buy. Online access to the reports is for subscribers only.
I know it also receive accolades from Consumer Reports as having good impact protection and was rated a CR Best Buy. Online access to the reports is for subscribers only.
. It had several nice features like a light mount on the back of the helmet, a visor to keep the light from my helmet light out of my eyes, few vents for winter riding, a winter kit for blocking the holes and, most importantly, different sizes to fit my oversized melon. The Citi is a good helmet (Bell doesn't make the Metro anymore) but it only comes in 'universal sizes' which means it isn't large enough for those of us with larger heads (I think my head is large because of brains but others might argue that it just a thick skull
)I did replace the Metro with a Specialized Tactic. At least it has a flatter rear than most helmets so I can still mount a light on the rear. I did get a Giro helmet liner for winterizing the helmet (slightly) but the helmet is still colder than the Metro.
If the Citi fits, it's a good helmet.
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Stuart Black
Dreamin' of Bemidji Down the Mississippi (in part)
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#17
Who farted?
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '06 K2 Zed 3.0, '09 Novara Buzz V
I use an MTB styled lid, at least I did before I ate it and had to get a new one. I've seen commuters using all styles, including skate style, and those weird looking ones from Bern.
#18
wannabe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Here's a pretty good resource for helmet research.
https://www.helmets.org/index.htm
https://www.helmets.org/index.htm
#20
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,474
Likes: 4,557
From: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
I have a silver & yellow Giro Indicator from Dick's Sporting Goods.
https://www.bicycleoutfitter.com/apparel/helmets.php
It has a visor and it really helps in torrential downpours especially when I have my shower cap on. In the summer if helps keep the sun out of my eyes and helps prevent some sunburning.
https://www.bicycleoutfitter.com/apparel/helmets.php
It has a visor and it really helps in torrential downpours especially when I have my shower cap on. In the summer if helps keep the sun out of my eyes and helps prevent some sunburning.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
I have a Giro Indicator Sport Bike Helmet too. I just got it because it's one of the first results for "bicycle helmet" on Amazon.com, had great reviews, wasn't too pricey, had a visor, and looked pretty cool.
#22
Here's a pretty good resource for helmet research.
https://www.helmets.org/index.htm
https://www.helmets.org/index.htm
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
I have one helmet I use for road/commute/trail. I've never figured out what features _I_ would want to distinguish between the different uses. I would choose a helmet based on the features _you_ want, and not on whether it is a road or mountain bike or commuter helmet (what makes a commuter helmet different?).
As for me, I do not like visors, I too often find they interfere with my vision. The helmet I have, a specialized aurora from a few years ago, I purchased because advertising and paid-for-reviews convinced me it had the best airflow, and my friend who owned the LBS had one in stock. I have not been disappointed.
As for me, I do not like visors, I too often find they interfere with my vision. The helmet I have, a specialized aurora from a few years ago, I purchased because advertising and paid-for-reviews convinced me it had the best airflow, and my friend who owned the LBS had one in stock. I have not been disappointed.
#24
Visors will interfere with your vision if you prefer low riding position. I ride relatively upright and visors still bother me, even though they do have benefits as other posters mentioned. So I use a road helmet most of the time and BMX style helmet with fewer vents on very cold days. So, basically use what feels comfortable for your purpose.
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