Quiet Helmets in 2020
#1
Quiet Helmets in 2020
What are some of quiet helmets during this decade? I know the S-Works McLaren TT by Specialized is good but it's a TT helmet and from the reviews I've read the owners don't like it much and only use it for TT. I did try using those cat ear fuzzy things that go on your helmet straps but I wear glasses and I tried wearing the straps over and under and it doesn't seem to do much.
#2
What happened to this forum? There seems to be a huge decline since the 2000s. I noticed this with other forums like bodybuilding and photography. I know people are now on facebook and IG but they don't have the same format as forums.
Anyways, any other opinions on quiet helmets?
Anyways, any other opinions on quiet helmets?
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Richfield, WI
Bikes: Trek Domane SL7 Disc, Cannondale F29
By "quiet helmet", I'm assuming you're referring to wind noise, correct? I think this is a legit question. Depending on how windy it is outside, sometimes the wind noise rushing past your ears can get annoying. I personally don't like anything in my ears (like ear-buds) as your ears are your first line of defense in safety.
Unfortunately, I don't have any advice as far as which helmets might be quieter in this regard as I don't think wind noise into your ears is a design concern for helmet manufacturers. Years ago there was a company that made little triangle shaped covers you could attach to your helmet straps that would not only quiet wind noise but also kept cold air out of your ears. My ears literally ache in colder temperatures if I don't cover them. Unfortunately, these little covers apparently didn't sell as they are no longer available. I've considered crafting my own as I think they were a good idea.
This post has a few of the available wind blocking devices, of which it sounds like the OP has already tried something similar:
https://gearforventure.com/bicycle-h...ar-protection/
Unfortunately, I don't have any advice as far as which helmets might be quieter in this regard as I don't think wind noise into your ears is a design concern for helmet manufacturers. Years ago there was a company that made little triangle shaped covers you could attach to your helmet straps that would not only quiet wind noise but also kept cold air out of your ears. My ears literally ache in colder temperatures if I don't cover them. Unfortunately, these little covers apparently didn't sell as they are no longer available. I've considered crafting my own as I think they were a good idea.
This post has a few of the available wind blocking devices, of which it sounds like the OP has already tried something similar:
https://gearforventure.com/bicycle-h...ar-protection/
Last edited by PoorInRichfield; 05-13-20 at 07:35 AM.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
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From: VA
Bikes: SuperSix Evo | Revolt
Aero helmets tend to be quieter, in my experience. My Specialized Evade II is much quieter than my Kask Mojito. The Mojito is more ventilated and a lil more comfortable tho, mainly because it fits my head better. But the Evade still has enough ventilation for regular road use.
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2017
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From: Hollister, CA (not the surf town)
Bikes: 2019 Specialized Roubaix Comp Di2, 2009 Roubaix, early 90's Giant Iguana
Naturally the aerodynamics of a helmet have an impact on wind noise and the aerodynamics are effected by your riding position to some extent. I would guess the higher end helmets are designed around an aggressive riding position and may not be all that great for someone with a more upright position.
I found this was very true with motorcycle helmets. The one that worked the best on my sport bike was not good at all on my bike that was more of a standard. Just wasn't designed for that.
I found this was very true with motorcycle helmets. The one that worked the best on my sport bike was not good at all on my bike that was more of a standard. Just wasn't designed for that.
#6
Earplugs are available that cut noise by only a few dB. When I used to play in bands, I got in the habit of using earplugs not just on stage but during breaks. I found that I was able to follow conversations better because the earplugs reduced background noise levels.
#8
Me duelen las nalgas

Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
I tried the Cat Ear things too. Didn't seem to make a big difference in wind noise. Full ear covers do, and I have some breathable wind resistant ear covers for winter use. Those really cut back on the wind noise. Cat Ear makes full ear covers but I'm not inclined to spend more on their products.
My POC helmet seems a bit quieter than my Bell helmets. Might be a difference in the vent shapes. POCs tend to have large squarish or rectangular cutouts that really enhance air flow. Both of my Bell helmets have the usual elongated narrow diamond shaped slashes that don't vent as well and seem to kick up more turbulence.
I noticed this in my helmet mounted videos. My cameras have mics on the bottom and typically create little wind noise of their own, but will record turbulence from the bike or helmet. I noticed a lot more wind noise from the Bell helmets compared with the POC.
Ditto, the full aero helmets with few or no vents. But those would be too hot for most summer rides. There are some semi-aero helmets with plenty of ventilation. No idea whether they're quiet. Check Lazer, Arbus, Giro, Garneau, Bell, Oakley and others -- many helmet makers seem to be offering these vented "aero" helmets now. Presumably they got burned on the full aero helmets that didn't sell because I see some deep discounts on older TT/tri-type aero helmets with few or no vents, either elongated in the back or with long fins.
My POC helmet seems a bit quieter than my Bell helmets. Might be a difference in the vent shapes. POCs tend to have large squarish or rectangular cutouts that really enhance air flow. Both of my Bell helmets have the usual elongated narrow diamond shaped slashes that don't vent as well and seem to kick up more turbulence.
I noticed this in my helmet mounted videos. My cameras have mics on the bottom and typically create little wind noise of their own, but will record turbulence from the bike or helmet. I noticed a lot more wind noise from the Bell helmets compared with the POC.
Ditto, the full aero helmets with few or no vents. But those would be too hot for most summer rides. There are some semi-aero helmets with plenty of ventilation. No idea whether they're quiet. Check Lazer, Arbus, Giro, Garneau, Bell, Oakley and others -- many helmet makers seem to be offering these vented "aero" helmets now. Presumably they got burned on the full aero helmets that didn't sell because I see some deep discounts on older TT/tri-type aero helmets with few or no vents, either elongated in the back or with long fins.
#9
Super Modest



Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Central Illinois
Bikes: Trek Domane+x2, Trek Emonda
Aero helmets tend to be quieter, in my experience. My Specialized Evade II is much quieter than my Kask Mojito. The Mojito is more ventilated and a lil more comfortable tho, mainly because it fits my head better. But the Evade still has enough ventilation for regular road use.
On another note, I’d like to try the Cat’s Earsjust to see if they work as well as some report. Or not.
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#10
Tragically Ignorant

Joined: Jun 2018
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From: New England
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
This may not be a helpful answer, but don't be surprised if helmets that work for one person in this regard are absolutely useless or worse to you. Individualized factors like riding position, riding speed, ear shape and even how you wear your hair might make this a very different question for you than it is for the other person.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
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What are some of quiet helmets during this decade? I know the S-Works McLaren TT by Specialized is good but it's a TT helmet and from the reviews I've read the owners don't like it much and only use it for TT. I did try using those cat ear fuzzy things that go on your helmet straps but I wear glasses and I tried wearing the straps over and under and it doesn't seem to do much.
I like my Kali Therapy. Great build quality, great fit, some novel technology and it is very quiet.
#12
Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 143
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From: Seattle, WA, USA
Bikes: 1982 Bianchi Nuovo Racing, 2012 Cervelo RS Rival, 20xx Redline Conquest (Commuter/Rain Bike)
I believe the Catlike Whisper and Whisper Plus are designed to minimize wind noise. I have one and like the fit/style/ventilation, but I have not done any double blind studies to truly determine if it is indeed quieter than other helmets.








