ganchan

I don't ride all that far, but I do my riding in Texas. Since I also choose to wear a helmet, after even a short ride my head looks like I just stepped out of the shower.

I bought an entry-level Bell helmet back in the day, and I suppose it doesn't ventilate all that well -- but how much more money would I have to shell out to get a helmet that actually does, assuming that there is such a thing?

ltxi

$40

fietsbob

More you spend the better it gets.

bikepro

Correct. They all pretty much have to meet basic impact standards. Higher priced helmets are typically lighter and have better ventilation. There is one exception: Some companies such as POC are offering MIPS helmets that attempt to provide more protection against concussions. While the typical helmet may save you life, they may not prevent a concussion -- at least you're alive. The MIPS helmet provides protection against concussions.

The current helmet standards are decades old. Hopefully they will be updated to require some form of concussion protection as well.

So, back to your question, if you pay more for a MIPS helmet, you also get a safer helmet.

philbob57

Or you can start with something like a Headsweats classic - Headsweats | World Leader in Performance Headwear - or a competitor.

ganchan

If money truly was no object, I could investigate one of these....
Hövding ? Airbag for cyclists: How it works

Goofy-looking, yes. But it wouldn't be sitting on your head normally; it would simply deploy in times of crisis.

RavingRoo

Or, you could go with "SecureFoam" and turn yourself into a cannoli.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnyhkBU1yaw

a1penguin

As a resident of NC for almost 10 years, I can say that riding in hot, humid climate where there is no breeze is much different than riding in a less hot, drier climate that has a sea breeze. You're going to have a difficult time keeping cool in the former environment. Even now, I wear a Halo Headband to suck up the sweat. I think you can find a helmet with better ventilation in the $60-100 on sale. I liked my Bell Alchera and thought it had decent ventilation. I would have purchased another one except that the sizing changed enough over the years that it wasn't a great fit for my size small head. The Road Cycling forum probably has a number of threads where people ask about helmets with good ventilation.

ganchan

The other thing I may try is one of those personal cooling cloths that you douse in ice-cold water:
Amazon.com: Grabber Magic Cool Personal Cooling Cloth, Black: Health & Personal Care

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZW6TV2K?psc=1

I would put it under my helmet before going out. Maybe even carry a spare in a little insulated bag with cold packs in it. Anybody tried something like this?

canklecat

Texan here too. Coincidentally I just began wearing a helmet a couple of days ago, after having resumed cycling a month ago. Temps have only been up to the 80s, but enough to get a feel for things.

The helmet, an inexpensive Bell Solar, is no more uncomfortable than the brimmed boonie hat I'd been wearing. Maybe even a bit cooler from air flow while riding.

But it lacks the more extensive microfiber cloth of the pricier helmets I tried locally. It uses Velcro fasteners so maybe I can add some absorbent padding.

Not a bad helmet for the money ($20), but I wish I'd ponied up for one with a sun visor.

milkbaby

Everybody's head is shaped different. I suggest trying different helmets on and looking in the mirror. If you can see that there are channels above your head where air can pass through the helmet and by your head to cool you down, go for those helmets.

StanSeven

Yep, that's it exactly - higher priced helmets are much lighter and vent better. Now is the time to look as New Years models are just out. You can find dome good deals if you look.

spdracr39

Excepting aero helmets. Helmets like the Giro air attack are warmer unless you are riding at a pretty fast speed. I love the helmet just not in the summertime.

phughes

Interestingly I switched to a Bern Alston helmet this year. I am in Southern Missouri and commuted daily in 90F+ temps with high humidity and I love the helmet. The only area my head was sweaty was where the liner was, basically like a sweatband. The top of my head was always dry. I figured I would only wear this helmet on cooler days but have worn it every day. The vents are large and let in a lot of air. I can feel the air blowing through my head. I like it much better than my Bell Sweep. I was very surprised.