Helmet Visor
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Bikes: Trek Crossrip 2.1, Trek Dohmane 2.3, Sun EZ Sport AX
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:

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.


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:
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.
#2
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Sunny South Florida
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro700, BikeE NX, BikeE AT
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
Regards,
George
Bacchetta Giro700
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 99
From: Walyalup, Australia
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Salsa Mukluk, Riese & Muller Supercharger GT Rohloff (Forthcoming)
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
Andrew
#4
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Bikes: Trek Crossrip 2.1, Trek Dohmane 2.3, Sun EZ Sport AX
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
Andrew
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.


Bob
#5
https://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/read...ory=1349888374

I can make stuff but I just don't have the time to make stuff,,,,,
Just sayin,,,
Nice Visor OP .
I can make stuff but I just don't have the time to make stuff,,,,,
Just sayin,,,
Nice Visor OP .
Last edited by osco53; 11-29-16 at 06:31 AM.
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Bikes: Trek Crossrip 2.1, Trek Dohmane 2.3, Sun EZ Sport AX
https://hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/read...ory=1349888374

I can make stuff but I just don't have the time to make stuff,,,,,
Just sayin,,,
Nice Visor OP .
I can make stuff but I just don't have the time to make stuff,,,,,
Just sayin,,,
Nice Visor OP .
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.

Bob
#8
The Recumbent Quant

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,094
Likes: 8
From: Fairfield, CT
Bikes: 2012 Cruzbike Sofrider, 2013 Cruzigami Mantis, 2016 Folding CruziTandem
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).
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).
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 133
Likes: 2
From: Albuquerque, NM
Bikes: Lightning stealth, Sun sport EZ, Banshee Paradox, Bike E recumbents, Takara, Schwinn Sierra, Bianchi Grizzly
#10
I hear ya OP and If I had welding equipment I'd buy me some plans from Atomic Zombie and build me a tadpole..
https://www.atomiczombie.com/
https://www.atomiczombie.com/
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: NC
Bikes: Schwinn Suburban (35 years old, the bikes not us), 2 Trek 7000, T900 (Tandem), 2 EZ Sports
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.
#12
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
Bikes: Trek Crossrip 2.1, Trek Dohmane 2.3, Sun EZ Sport AX
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
Bob
#13
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.
#14
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Bikes: Surly LHT, Novara Flyby, Seven Odonata, Trek beach cruiser
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.
#15
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,546
Likes: 797
From: Middle of da Mitten
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Catrike Speed
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.
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.
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