Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
Reload this Page >

Winter Helmet Options

Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Winter Helmet Options

Old 11-12-08 | 09:34 PM
  #1  
ghostofcrujones's Avatar
Thread Starter
Much better Mr. Buckles
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
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.
ghostofcrujones is offline  
Reply
Old 11-12-08 | 09:50 PM
  #2  
shelato12771's Avatar
Tuba = Heavy Metal
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Urbana, IL

Bikes: 1985 Trek 720, 1993(?) Schwinn Cross-Fit (set up as a townie)

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

https://sheldonbrown.com/eagle.html
shelato12771 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-12-08 | 09:51 PM
  #3  
uke's Avatar
uke
it's easy if you let it.
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,124
Likes: 2
From: indoors and out.
Besides the Berns, there are also snow helmets by Giro. Here's one that can be had for $40:

https://www.amazon.com/Giro-Nine-Snow...ef=pd_sbs_sg_3
uke is offline  
Reply
Old 11-12-08 | 09:53 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
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.
le'ehov is offline  
Reply
Old 11-12-08 | 09:58 PM
  #5  
volkzuki's Avatar
bring on the snow
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: chicagoland
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.
volkzuki is offline  
Reply
Old 11-12-08 | 10:06 PM
  #6  
uke's Avatar
uke
it's easy if you let it.
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,124
Likes: 2
From: indoors and out.
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).
uke is offline  
Reply
Old 11-12-08 | 10:26 PM
  #7  
kyselad's Avatar
extra bitter
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,588
Likes: 7

Bikes: Miyata 210, Fuji Royale II, Bridgestone Kabuki, Miyata Ninety

+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.
kyselad is offline  
Reply
Old 11-12-08 | 10:35 PM
  #8  
ghostofcrujones's Avatar
Thread Starter
Much better Mr. Buckles
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
are these Berns avail anywhere? or is it just an interbike preview?

ghostofcrujones is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 07:14 AM
  #9  
52x15's Avatar
Slainte!
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
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)
52x15 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 08:39 AM
  #10  
I Love My Dream
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 4
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.
Saddle Up is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 09:19 AM
  #11  
ghostofcrujones's Avatar
Thread Starter
Much better Mr. Buckles
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
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.
ghostofcrujones is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 09:45 AM
  #12  
Bala's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
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.
Bala is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 09:52 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: PA

Bikes: Specialized Ground Control Mtn Bike, Cannondale CAAD9 6 Triple

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.
tfg111 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 09:56 AM
  #14  
I Love My Dream
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by Bala
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.
Texas? Winter? Really?
Saddle Up is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 10:15 AM
  #15  
huerro's Avatar
Villainous
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 0
From: Austin

Bikes: Trek 420, Cyclops

Originally Posted by Saddle Up
Texas? Winter? Really?
It gets chilly sometimes. And damp.
huerro is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 10:19 AM
  #16  
Jabba Degrassi's Avatar
FNG
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON

Bikes: 2008 IRO Angus, 2008 Jamis Exile 29er

This + my regular helmet = win

Jabba Degrassi is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 10:29 AM
  #17  
Bala's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by Saddle Up
Texas? Winter? Really?
Yeah, but on really cold days I slip on my boots and Saddle Up the old hoss for my commute to the ranch.
Bala is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 10:31 AM
  #18  
1fluffhead's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 1
From: baltimore

Bikes: Pake Track; Bianchi XL EV2 El Reparto Corse, Kona Jake the Snake

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.
__________________
Originally Posted by diff_lock2
so what if it's custom, are you suddenly NOT a jackass?
1fluffhead is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 11:26 AM
  #19  
jaggd's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
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)
jaggd is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 12:52 PM
  #20  
ghostofcrujones's Avatar
Thread Starter
Much better Mr. Buckles
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
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.
ghostofcrujones is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 01:31 PM
  #21  
Ken Wind's Avatar
VOTE FOR KEN WIND
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 0
From: U.S.A.
Which OR balaclava is that, Jabba? How do you like it?
Ken Wind is offline  
Reply
Old 11-13-08 | 01:47 PM
  #22  
Jabba Degrassi's Avatar
FNG
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON

Bikes: 2008 IRO Angus, 2008 Jamis Exile 29er

It's this guy: https://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.
Jabba Degrassi is offline  
Reply
Old 11-14-08 | 10:28 AM
  #23  
veganeric's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: MN

Bikes: several

I use this under my helmet most of the winter.



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.
veganeric is offline  
Reply
Old 11-14-08 | 10:43 AM
  #24  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I run my Bern Baker snowboarding helmet in the winter. Removable ear pads keep things cozy.
Hutch is offline  
Reply
Old 11-14-08 | 11:01 AM
  #25  
out of shape
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 0
From: va
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.
chase. is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.