Winter Helmet Options
 

Does anyone know any good winter helmet options? i cant seem to fit anything thicker than the thinnest hat underneath my Bell helmet.

I've seen Bern and their snowboard-driven line. Anyone have one of these? Ever try one out? I was considering one last year, but was disappointed by the idea of not being abel to wear in summer heat (due to lack of good ventilation. But the more I am hoping to ride all winter long, the more this is looking like a great option.

Any idea would be greatly appreciated.

St. Sheldon used to keep his helmet vents covered with clear adhesive tape to break the wind.

http://sheldonbrown.com/eagle.html

Besides the Berns, there are also snow helmets by Giro. Here's one that can be had for $40:

http://www.amazon.com/Giro-Nine-Snow...ef=pd_sbs_sg_3

Odds are you already have a helmet, so get the Bern and have one for summer and one for winter.
You probably have several pair of shoes too, so why not have helmets for seasons?
I have been looking at the Bern for a while, gonna snag one soon, pretty cheap on ebay, HOWEVER, make sure its got the right certifications, some of them have **** for certification.

i have the Bell Metro, and was able to find the winter kit that plugs the vents and has little earmuff thingies. i also got the rain cover for it. It also has a clip to mount a tail light to in the back. It's a pretty utilitarian helmet.

I'll currently note that I'm no longer wearing a helmet now it's really cold; using a hat instead. I'll probably plunk down for a winter helmet eventually, but right now, the hat's just faster (and cheaper).

+1 for the Metro. The winter kit is great, and the ear flaps even have cutouts so you can hear traffic. Not the prettiest, but extremely functional.

are these Berns avail anywhere? or is it just an interbike preview?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/...20a300a46b.jpg

Craft Balaclava
 

I use a Craft Balaclava for winter riding; it's mega thin and ultra warm! And I live in midwestern Minnesota wher it does in fact get chilly in the winter (sub-zero is common)

I've worn a Sugoi cycling skull cap under a well ventilated helmet down to -20C and it kept my head nice and warm. Even if you get a warmer helmet you still have to be able to keep your ears warm.

Yeah, i have tried a Balaclava under my Bell Helmet as well, but it must just be a bit too thick. Between fitting snug and making the under chin strap difficult to clasp closed, it's super inconvenient and ill-fitting. Maybe i'll try to find a thinner balaclava before getting a new helmet. I am gonna see if i can find a store that carries Bern helmets in my area to go test out the fit/warmth.

I use a Bern Brentwood summer and winter. It's a little warm in the summer, but not bad. Winter it's great. I'm in Austin, TX for weather reference.
One of my biggest concerns was avoiding the "mushroom" head look. The Bern sits pretty low on the head and the injected mold is fairly thin so it is very comfortable and looks decent.

You can find them pretty cheap online.
LINK
LINK2

It's a little risky buying online, but my LBS didn't carry Bern at the time and for $30 shipped it was worth it in my opinion.

I bought a Under Armour hood, and I wore it under my helmet. It keep my ears, head, and neck warm. It even has a cover for your mouth and nose. It was about 28 degrees F.

Texas? Winter? Really?

It gets chilly sometimes. And damp.

This + my regular helmet = win

http://velospace.org/files/IMG_4950.jpg

Yeah, but on really cold days I slip on my boots and Saddle Up the old hoss for my commute to the ranch.:rolleyes:

Giro Flak works great for a winter riding helmet. Too hot in the summer though.

If your current helmet only allows for a small thin hat, try the Mountain Hardwear Transition Dome. Very thin, blocks the wind very well and extremely warm.

You know those chin straps are adjustable, right? And most helmets have some sort of way to adjust the fit (dial, pad thicknesses, etc.)

I'll admit I have to spend 30 seconds readjusting the fit of my helmet when I switch from riding without a hat to riding with one. Doesn't bother me. (I use a powerstretch fleece hat... almost overkill)

Some of these thin hats look awesome! I like the idea of the Sugoi but the Transition Dome looks like it has a warm fleece lining. Can anyone recommend those padded removable sleeves? I think i am gonna try to go to REI after work. They'll probably carry something like those as well.

Which OR balaclava is that, Jabba? How do you like it?

It's this guy: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...45524442419839

Haven't had a chance to try it in earnest yet, not cold enough, but it feels warm and I can breathe well in it, although it feels a bit tight on my nose.

I use this under my helmet most of the winter.

http://nowbikes-fitness.com/merchant...LGPOWERCAP.jpg

My only complaint is my ear lobes stick out of the bottom a tiny bit. 90% of the time it isn't an issue. I'd like to get a Craft balaclava for the really cold days.

I run my Bern Baker snowboarding helmet in the winter. Removable ear pads keep things cozy.

bern brentwood + winter earflap liner is good enough for most days. it's less insulated on the top of your dome so you don't overheat, and so the helmet fit doesn't change. for the extra frigid/windy days, a merino (smartwool?) balaclava. and always oversize girl sunglasses.