Snowboard Helmet?
07-26-17, 05:16 PM
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Snowboard Helmet?
I took a look at a snowboard helmet for the first time, today, and felt that it may be even better for winter cycling than a typical bicycle helmet. This one has no vents (a plus) and thick (what looks like) insulation on the inside.
the only thing I wonder about is its impact resistance.., being designed to be used in snow.
Any opinions on this style of helmet and its application to winter cycling?
the only thing I wonder about is its impact resistance.., being designed to be used in snow.
Any opinions on this style of helmet and its application to winter cycling?
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Last edited by 1989Pre; 05-05-18 at 06:09 PM.
07-26-17, 05:25 PM
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It'd wanna be really cold before you rode in a non vented helmet. My snowboarding helmets have vents....
07-30-17, 04:36 PM
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I don't know how cold you want to ride, but down to 20F I wear just a thin nylon balaclava and my usual well-vented helmet. Last winter was my first with the Halo headband and I just put it over my ears. From 19F down to my limit at 10F I will sometimes additionally wear the light nylon hood of my hi-vis windbreaker and I am toasty. Below 10F I drive and give kudos to those that ride in colder temps than I.
07-30-17, 04:40 PM
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I've never had an issue with my head getting cold when cycling, regardless of temperature. The exercise heats the blood, and it heats the head. Even my ears do OK except maybe on descents.
My problem is warming the air that I breathe, so my nose and the sinus area can get pretty uncomfortable, but that's about it.
My problem is warming the air that I breathe, so my nose and the sinus area can get pretty uncomfortable, but that's about it.
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Last edited by FBinNY; 07-30-17 at 04:46 PM.
07-31-17, 09:11 AM
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I concur with the balaclava suggestion. Never a problem for me while road cycling in the low teens (Fahrenheit).
But...aren't skiing helmets designed for impacts (albeit on snow) at higher speeds? But really...how do you know that the slopes wouldn't be icy? I don't ski much anymore, but all my skiing has been in New England. The slopes up here are frequently ice...and I mean a sheet of ice, not granular...rather than "snow." So I'd think ski helmets are designed to protect your mellon in a skiing-speed impact on ice.
Dan
But...aren't skiing helmets designed for impacts (albeit on snow) at higher speeds? But really...how do you know that the slopes wouldn't be icy? I don't ski much anymore, but all my skiing has been in New England. The slopes up here are frequently ice...and I mean a sheet of ice, not granular...rather than "snow." So I'd think ski helmets are designed to protect your mellon in a skiing-speed impact on ice.
Dan
07-31-17, 11:12 AM
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Another plus for this helmet is the full coverage it affords. I might spring for one of these.
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07-31-17, 12:31 PM
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I use a snowboard helmet for winter commuting, but only when it gets REALLY cold -- i.e., colder than -25C (-13F). My head gets way too hot otherwise. I also dislike it because I can't hear very well inside the snowboard helmet.
What has worked best for me for typical winter temperatures is a normal bike helmet with a helmet cover on top, and a headband underneath to keep the ears warm.
What has worked best for me for typical winter temperatures is a normal bike helmet with a helmet cover on top, and a headband underneath to keep the ears warm.
07-31-17, 04:09 PM
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Yes, it's the same with winter camping: You can be sleeping in a forty-below bag, but since you're breathing cold air, it can feel kind of nasty.
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Last edited by 1989Pre; 08-01-17 at 07:59 AM.
08-01-17, 07:52 AM
#9
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I wear a snowsports helmet and goggles when it gets into the low teens and below.
08-01-17, 07:58 AM
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[QUOTE=dh024;19757888] I also dislike it because I can't hear very well inside the snowboard helmet.QUOTE]
Good point.
Good point.
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08-03-17, 10:05 PM
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When I ride during the winter in the snow for super short rides I do wear my snowboard helmet, but anything more intense/long I wear my normal helmet with a Windstopper beanie underneath or if its just slightly cold a skullcap tiny beanie underneath. Even when its super cold your head gets hot!
08-03-17, 11:48 PM
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Whew... it was 101° out today, and you're talking about winter and snowboard helmets?
As others have mentioned, I tried one. They are awesome helmets, and probably give adequate protection for cycling. However, I was thinking it would be good for a rainy day.... NOPE!!! TOO HOT. Only good for days when it is significantly sub-freezing. If you're up in Maine, it may not be bad though.
Look for one that has ventilation holes that can be opened or closed (you'll probably want them open).
As others have mentioned, I tried one. They are awesome helmets, and probably give adequate protection for cycling. However, I was thinking it would be good for a rainy day.... NOPE!!! TOO HOT. Only good for days when it is significantly sub-freezing. If you're up in Maine, it may not be bad though.
Look for one that has ventilation holes that can be opened or closed (you'll probably want them open).
08-04-17, 12:08 AM
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Look into the Giro Nine. Ski helmet with adjustable vents. I have one I use ski goggles with. I have ridden in low single digit temps with this set-up.
Nine?
Nine?
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08-04-17, 07:25 AM
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Whew... it was 101° out today, and you're talking about winter and snowboard helmets?
As others have mentioned, I tried one. They are awesome helmets, and probably give adequate protection for cycling. However, I was thinking it would be good for a rainy day.... NOPE!!! TOO HOT. Only good for days when it is significantly sub-freezing. If you're up in Maine, it may not be bad though.
Look for one that has ventilation holes that can be opened or closed (you'll probably want them open).
As others have mentioned, I tried one. They are awesome helmets, and probably give adequate protection for cycling. However, I was thinking it would be good for a rainy day.... NOPE!!! TOO HOT. Only good for days when it is significantly sub-freezing. If you're up in Maine, it may not be bad though.
Look for one that has ventilation holes that can be opened or closed (you'll probably want them open).
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"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!"
"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!"
08-04-17, 07:28 AM
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When I ride during the winter in the snow for super short rides I do wear my snowboard helmet, but anything more intense/long I wear my normal helmet with a Windstopper beanie underneath or if its just slightly cold a skullcap tiny beanie underneath. Even when its super cold your head gets hot!
Wool Skull Cap Warmer Winter White Kucharik
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"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!"
"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!"
08-04-17, 09:02 AM
#16
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there are bike-skate-ski helmets , with interchangeable liners, and there are helmet rain covers to block the airflow.
but nothing wrong with owning a summer and then another Winter helmet..
but nothing wrong with owning a summer and then another Winter helmet..
08-09-17, 10:29 PM
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I love love love my multisport snow helmet for winter riding. I have a Bern model from a few years ago with an optional summer liner. The winter liner is fluffy and soft and covers up my ears; it has thinner fabric on the top to allow a bit of ventilation without too much cold getting in. The other benefit is that it holds goggles in place well, and I will sometimes attach a Nite Ize (those LED things for dog collars) to the back for added visibility in the dark.
The snow helmet significantly improves my experience below around 20F - even better when it's -10 or 0 and windy - and makes it easier to fit a balaclava to cover all skin (I like my face and want to keep it the way it is.) I also have ridiculous ear problems - like I cover my ears if it's below 65 or I get nasty ear infections - so the snow helmet helps with that issue, even when it's a bit warmer.
The snow helmet significantly improves my experience below around 20F - even better when it's -10 or 0 and windy - and makes it easier to fit a balaclava to cover all skin (I like my face and want to keep it the way it is.) I also have ridiculous ear problems - like I cover my ears if it's below 65 or I get nasty ear infections - so the snow helmet helps with that issue, even when it's a bit warmer.
08-10-17, 03:07 PM
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Did you have to buy a size larger of the Bern to fit a balaclava underneath?
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08-18-17, 11:40 PM
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I use a snowboard helmet for winter commuting, but only when it gets REALLY cold -- i.e., colder than -25C (-13F). My head gets way too hot otherwise. I also dislike it because I can't hear very well inside the snowboard helmet.
What has worked best for me for typical winter temperatures is a normal bike helmet with a helmet cover on top, and a headband underneath to keep the ears warm.
What has worked best for me for typical winter temperatures is a normal bike helmet with a helmet cover on top, and a headband underneath to keep the ears warm.
Obviously the design for the majority of bike helmets in the market is driven by fair weather summer use. For me the insistence on ventilation compromises safety. When I can I choose the latter. Yes I know about the CPSC certification but I engage in different sports and have very personal experience with crashes and use own perspective.
09-01-17, 07:36 AM
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I use a snowboard helmet because it has integrated earmuffs and detachable facemask thingy. So that way I dont have to put these things all on individually and I also dont have to wear what is essentially and bank robbers mask. The extra warmth is nice but not needed. I live in Michigan/Chicago.
09-01-17, 11:38 AM
#22
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I've never had an issue with my head getting cold when cycling, regardless of temperature. The exercise heats the blood, and it heats the head. Even my ears do OK except maybe on descents.
My problem is warming the air that I breathe, so my nose and the sinus area can get pretty uncomfortable, but that's about it.
My problem is warming the air that I breathe, so my nose and the sinus area can get pretty uncomfortable, but that's about it.
Nowdays I have a POC Fornix winter sport helmet which lets me cycle in conditions where I'll freeze my bearing grease before my head gets cold.
09-01-17, 12:14 PM
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09-01-17, 12:15 PM
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how about this instead?
Giro Timberwolf Winter Helmet
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...SABEgIPavD_BwE
Giro Timberwolf Winter Helmet
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...SABEgIPavD_BwE
09-01-17, 12:28 PM
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Nice shot
From the photos I can hardly tell it apart from the Giro Nine, though, marketed for much less. They could have added at least a visor. I velcroed my own. The visor is quite important in winter because of snow/rain running into the eyes and car headlights being on over a significant portion of the day.
From the photos I can hardly tell it apart from the Giro Nine, though, marketed for much less. They could have added at least a visor. I velcroed my own. The visor is quite important in winter because of snow/rain running into the eyes and car headlights being on over a significant portion of the day.