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Old 10-30-18, 01:29 PM
  #1  
RidingMatthew
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winter helmet

anyone have a recommendation of a winter helmet? i have been using a 661 Dirt lid for a few years and the pads are wearing out. Would love something less mushroom head like but also lighter if possible.
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Old 10-30-18, 03:30 PM
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I use my regular helmet.
First I add ear muffs.
As it gets colder, I switch to a head band.
Colder yet, head band and helmet cover.
That’ll do for temperatures down to -15C or so.
If that isn’t enough, I’ll bring out the skiing helmet.
Or remove the pads to make place for a balaclava under the helmet.
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Old 10-30-18, 04:02 PM
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I have a ski helmet for the worst days. It's very warm and heavy and extremely noisy. I didn't even need it last winter. I just used a warm wool hat under my helmet.
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Old 10-30-18, 05:19 PM
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just deleted some from my wish list. check out Amazon for winter bike helmets.

last year I got a less expensive option, a larger but better fitting unit. meaning it didn't just sit on top of my head like my Giro Indicator, but rather surrounded my head more completely. and of course has room for a variety of thin beanies or knit hats. plus it has a LARGE brim which I thought would be good in snow storms. it was, but not in blizzards when the snow is blowing sideways into my eyes. well it was OK in one direction, but not when I turned around to go back to my car





the Giro (my summer helmet, now)



I felt like it sat too high (probably can't tell in pics)



this year I got something that has an integral eye shield & I just ordered a cover with a long brim to keep the precip from sneaking/dripping into the air vent space at the top where the shield attaches to the helmet. it seems to fit OK with stuff under it

here it is with a small knit hat


Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-31-18 at 01:52 PM.
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Old 10-30-18, 06:15 PM
  #5  
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Get yourself a Bolle The One Premium. Comes with a winter liner and pop-in shells to cover the vents. It's solitary drawback is that it's not super light. I still love mine, and wear it for cold/rainy rides.
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Old 10-30-18, 11:22 PM
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Originally Posted by dabac
I use my regular helmet.
First I add ear muffs.
As it gets colder, I switch to a head band.
Colder yet, head band and helmet cover.
That’ll do for temperatures down to -15C or so.
If that isn’t enough, I’ll bring out the skiing helmet.
Or remove the pads to make place for a balaclava under the helmet.
This is exactly what I do, and it works well for me also.
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Old 10-31-18, 12:01 PM
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Listen to dh024 because I can say it just works :-)

The helmet cover I use mainly not for rain or snowfall, but to help block cooler winds. (I’m not using a closed winter helmet.)
I tried a wool skull cap but the wind bothered me. Solution was a helmet cover.
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Old 10-31-18, 12:24 PM
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I'm going to agree with the above and I have bought a Bern winter helmet several years ago. I dont hate the helmet but it has some drawbacks that are probably pretty common to other dedicated winter helmets.

If you sweat the liner takes forever to dry out.

Very narrow range of temperatures.

weight.

Not very adjustable for headsize.

I use 90% of the time a pretty inexpensive helmet with lots of adjustments and a fine selection watchcaps, helmet liners and cycling caps that work well in a range of conditions.
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Old 10-31-18, 12:35 PM
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This discussion reminds me to always remember where you put your money ;-)

And it’s always fun to try out new tips.
Still got to test that tinfoil inside my boots this winter ...
(A variation is to put tinfoil in your pockets to add more wind protection e.g. chest area.)
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Old 10-31-18, 01:00 PM
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I rip aluminum foil when I put it in my shoes. How do you avoid that?
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Old 10-31-18, 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by noglider
I rip aluminum foil when I put it in my shoes. How do you avoid that?
Put it under your removable insoles.
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Old 11-01-18, 03:10 AM
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I have two helmets for use in winter, depending on what the conditions are. If it is cold but dry I use a Bern helmet, which is full coverage with minimal vents. It helps keep my head warm. If on the other hand, it is raining as it usually is in Seattle, I wear a Lumos helmet. The reason is that when it rains, I wear a cape that prevents me from signaling turns with my arms. The Lumos helmet has turn signals, so I can switch those on and off as needed.
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Old 11-01-18, 07:57 AM
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@dh024, thanks. I'll try that.
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Old 11-01-18, 12:11 PM
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Rain:
- Waterproof helmet cover

Cold:
- Headband (less cold)
- Balaclava under helmet (more cold)
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Old 11-01-18, 02:33 PM
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I have a snowboarding helmet and googles for when it gets really gnary in chicago.
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Old 11-01-18, 03:20 PM
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A bigger one , to wear a warmer thicker hat under it.....
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Old 11-01-18, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
A bigger one , to wear a warmer thicker hat under it.....
Thickness ... There is a point when a helmet becomes obsolete.
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Old 11-01-18, 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by RidingMatthew
anyone have a recommendation of a winter helmet? i have been using a 661 Dirt lid for a few years and the pads are wearing out. Would love something less mushroom head like but also lighter if possible.
For temperatures below about 25°F, I use a Giro Edit which has a GoPro mount on it. I use the mount for my helmet light.

image by Stuart Black, on Flickr

It has a closeable vent on top that doe help with ventilation. I also use a Specialized helmet that has a Giro winter shield inside for temperarures above 25°F.

IMG_0340 by Stuart Black, on Flickr

It’s colder but works better for Denver’s wild temperature swings.


Originally Posted by noglider
I rip aluminum foil when I put it in my shoes. How do you avoid that?
Use furnace tape under the insole. It’s a bit thicker and has adhesive so it stays in place. You can trim it to fit.
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Old 11-11-18, 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Theycallmegio
I have a snowboarding helmet and googles for when it gets really gnary in chicago.
I do the same.

I have a Giro Timber Wolf/Nine. These appear to be quite similar helmets. At the time I bought my Nine, Giro did not have a "bike" version, with adjustable vents you can dial in the temp inside the helmet. Add a pair of ski goggles, and a neck gaiter I have ridden low single digit temps with my noggin quite comfortable.
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Old 11-14-18, 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Aubergine
I have two helmets for use in winter, depending on what the conditions are. If it is cold but dry I use a Bern helmet, which is full coverage with minimal vents. It helps keep my head warm. If on the other hand, it is raining as it usually is in Seattle, I wear a Lumos helmet. The reason is that when it rains, I wear a cape that prevents me from signaling turns with my arms. The Lumos helmet has turn signals, so I can switch those on and off as needed.
Hey I'm envious you got a Lumos, how do you like it so far? What is it like to keep it charged, is it simple?
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Old 11-16-18, 05:35 AM
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For the coldest days, I wear a balaclava exposing only the eyes inside sunglasses or goggles. Then on top, a touque and finally, the bike helmet.
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Old 11-16-18, 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Daniel4
For the coldest days, I wear a balaclava exposing only the eyes inside sunglasses or goggles. Then on top, a touque and finally, the bike helmet.
tougue?
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Old 11-16-18, 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6

tougue?
No. Touque.
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Old 11-16-18, 08:05 AM
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Wow that’s a lot to squeeze under a helmet
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Old 11-16-18, 09:26 AM
  #25  
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The OP is in central North Carolina and doesn't need arctic gear.

A normal road helmet with a wool beanie will do.

A thermal cycling cap AKA "Mutt" is classic.

I use a Giro Ambient which is a hybrid beanie/mutt.

For the coldest days maybe a balaclava.


-Tim-
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