Helmet Visor
 

Another poster here on bf had mentioned the lack of sun protection by the stock visor on his helmet. I had the same problem with the visor on my Giro helmet. As popular as recumbents are becoming you would think that Giro, Bell or some other manufacture would make a visor that works for a recumbent rider. This got me to thinking that I could probably solve the problem. I know there are some commercially available add on visors but I didn't like the looks of those I found. I wanted one that looked like it belongs on the helmet if not an original.

I set to work making a template out of cardboard (from the back of a writing pad). With a little work I was able to design a visor add on that could be fastened to the original visor but added better sun protection on the sides and front. Being satisfied with the template I used a sharpie marker to black it out and then used packing tape to make it a bit more resistant to moisture. Then using two sided mounting tape, I attached it to the original visor.

Below is the results:

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=364261

After a couple of rides, I was quite happy with the results, and decided it was time to make one from plastic. I ordered a 1/16" thick, 12"x12" black ABS sheet from Amozon. I pulled the template back off of the helmet and proceeded to make the plastic version. I now have a helmet visor that will give me better shade from the sun, both in front as well as from the sides. The new visor adds 1 1/4" of material below the original.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=364262

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=364263

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=364264

I solved the problem by wearing a nike dri-fit runners visor underneath my helmet. It gives me a sweat band as well as shade on my eyes. I did have to loosen the fit on my helmet just a bit.
Regards,
George
Bacchetta Giro700

Thanks for sharing your mod. Looks interesting. As I ride diamond frames and recumbents I prefer my helmet to be visor free so to solve the issue on the recumbent I simply wear a cotton cycling cap under my helmet. Works fine for me here in sunny Western Australia where the temps have reached 46 C on the bike. That said the idea of sweat band/visor is appealing too.

Andrew

Really, the reason for the effort is (1) I hate wearing hats (2) my helmet is so comfortable to me, I didn't want to change the feel (3) I still ride my df from time to time so it needed it to be removable with the original (4) and I was kind of hoping that maybe someone hooked up with Giro might happen to see the need for a visor for recumbents (yeah, I know, not going to happen). A fella can dream can't he? (5) Just had to prove I could do it. :thumb:

Anyway, I just like to build and make my own contraptions. I'm one of those people that will often see a need and think, how can I fix, design or build that rather than wondering who I can get to do it for me. Built my own house because I don't trust others to do a better job than I can myself and I'm not a contractor.

Yeah I know, I've got a problem. :twitchy::lol:

Bob

http://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/read...ory=1349888374

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=364546

I can make stuff but I just don't have the time to make stuff,,,,,

Just sayin,,,

Nice Visor OP .

osco53,

The visor from Hostelshoppe is what gave me the idea to make my own. After years of manufacturing, I know what the mark-up is from raw material to finished product. I looked at the $34.95 price of that visor and knew I could make one much cheaper. I have a total of $5.00 (plus an hour of my time) in my visor. Now I don't begrudge anyone their profit but when I can make one that looks good and suits me, why would I spend an extra $30.00.

If I still had access to welding equipment I would probably be making my own racks for the bike. :twitchy:

:cheers:Bob

Great Design and nice looking visor. Great job of fabrication as well.

Nicely done!

For those who are interested, there are several threads on BROL about this as well (my favorite is using plastic roof vent boot from Home Depot).

There is this, I am going to try one. MK

http://dabrim.com/html/products/cycling/sporty.htm

I hear ya OP and If I had welding equipment I'd buy me some plans from Atomic Zombie and build me a tadpole..

http://www.atomiczombie.com/

My wife has very fair skin and we needed visors that went all the way around. We have ( but haven't tried) da Brims both for cycling and hiking/paddling. Report to follow.

I would be interested in hearing how da Brims work out for you and your wife. They're not quite my style but I'm getting old enough that function takes priority over style. Protection for the neck is something I've considered for those long, all day rides or touring.

Bob

Note on da brim, seen one in person and it's a lot bigger than the photos represent. If your into looking stylish and fitting in with the 'in' crowd, da brim is not going to win you any points. I saw a Giro Attack Air Shield at the races a few weeks ago, a cool looking helmet with a switchable tinted visor / goggles? that can be up or down with built in magnets. I ordered one, have not fitted it yet. A lot lighter than my Tony Hawk Bell Faction helmet.

I follow a gent on you tube that had taken a ladies golf visor (with the back that is the spiralled key chain material) and laid it over the little oem visor.

Build a Plastic Helmet Sun Visor (from the BROL thread)

I started making one of these from carbon last year but got waylaid. It needed a second layer of 5.4oz, which I never got around to doing. Being extremely reclined means almost no visor will be good for general use, but I'd be willing to pack one in the NoCom for rainstorms.