Is a black helmet hotter?
07-12-18, 04:50 AM
#1
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Is a black helmet hotter?
It’s been very hot this summer on the east coast. I’m in the market for a new helmet. Seems that darker colored helmets would result in higher temps for the head however there are many that are offered and sold. Wouldn’t a lighter colored helmet result in a more comfortable ride in this hot weather?
07-12-18, 04:59 AM
#2
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It’s been very hot this summer on the east coast. I’m in the market for a new helmet. Seems that darker colored helmets would result in higher temps for the head however there are many that are offered and sold. Wouldn’t a lighter colored helmet result in a more comfortable ride in this hot weather?
07-12-18, 05:07 AM
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It is likely that the same foam that is there to protect your head will stop or greatly reduce the transfer of heat from the shell to the head. But, I still wear a white helmet because it might make a slight difference of a tenth of a degree or so.
07-12-18, 05:14 AM
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The physical laws suggest there would be some difference but how much and, as stated regarding the foam, would we know it it?? Not at home at the moment but when I am, I have an infrared thermometer, a light colored helmet and jet black Scott. I'll do a little experiment.
07-12-18, 05:23 AM
#5
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The physical laws suggest there would be some difference but how much and, as stated regarding the foam, would we know it it?? Not at home at the moment but when I am, I have an infrared thermometer, a light colored helmet and jet black Scott. I'll do a little experiment.
07-12-18, 05:45 AM
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Yes, the top of the helmet will be hotter. Possibly noticeable when just putting your hand on the top. But, the foam is a very good insulator. I don't think the different temperature inside the helmet would be even noticeable. I have been using black helmets of all kinds since about 1998 in very hot weather. No problems with helmet heat. I buy black because it does not show dirt or scratches as much as other lighter colors, and it goes with any of my different colored bikes. I use black bar tape for the same reasons. A few of my bikes have thousands of miles on black bar tape. They still look ok, and, on the beater bikes a rip can be fixed with black electrical tape. Scotch brand stays in place for decades.
07-12-18, 06:00 AM
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I've always been told so. However I remember a science project at the Youth Fair where they measured the temperature on a white and black car hood and the difference was just two degree higher on the black car. In fact, it was hotter, but not by much.
Since I had a black car at the time I used that as my comeback every time someone would comment on how uncomfortably hot it must be owning a black car.
Since I had a black car at the time I used that as my comeback every time someone would comment on how uncomfortably hot it must be owning a black car.
07-12-18, 06:14 AM
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I think it's that darker colors draw more light and accordingly, a higher temp. It does make sense as someone mentioned that the foam would insulate against any darker color the plastic coating might be. I saw in yesterdays TDF stage that Trek was riding with red helmet and BMC was as well. A brutal stage and heat to the head would definitely make a difference in performance so it would seem if the pros are wearing dark lids, the difference must be negligible. On another note, it looked as if BMC was rocking the new Giro Aetho helmet. I don't believe it has yet been released to the public but will be shortly. Sharp looking lid but $325 seems a bit steep.
07-12-18, 06:22 AM
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The outer surface of the helmet, yes. Your head, no. Not only would the heat have to transfer through the foam, it would also have to transfer through the plastic suspension (or whatever it's called) and the material and foam that contacts your head.
07-12-18, 06:29 AM
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Ask the helmet. I'm sure the helmet itself probably is hotter than a white one, and would be suffering horribly if it were a sentient creature.
And in the midday sun where every extra degree hurts, you can tell yourself it's the color of the helmet that's making you feel so uncomfortable. But I seriously doubt it makes much difference. It's just really difficult to convince yourself of that when you're cramping, blinded by sweat, and looking for any excuse to turn around and go home.
In that situation, maybe take the helmet off and strap it to your handlebars for a few miles, but I doubt it will help much.
And in the midday sun where every extra degree hurts, you can tell yourself it's the color of the helmet that's making you feel so uncomfortable. But I seriously doubt it makes much difference. It's just really difficult to convince yourself of that when you're cramping, blinded by sweat, and looking for any excuse to turn around and go home.
In that situation, maybe take the helmet off and strap it to your handlebars for a few miles, but I doubt it will help much.
07-12-18, 12:49 PM
#13
Fredly Fredster
I have an XL melon head, so I have to "special order" XL helmets... which are usually only available in black.
07-12-18, 01:07 PM
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I've always been told so. However I remember a science project at the Youth Fair where they measured the temperature on a white and black car hood and the difference was just two degree higher on the black car. In fact, it was hotter, but not by much.
Since I had a black car at the time I used that as my comeback every time someone would comment on how uncomfortably hot it must be owning a black car.
Since I had a black car at the time I used that as my comeback every time someone would comment on how uncomfortably hot it must be owning a black car.
There have been multiple incidents of 3rd degree burns (incl children) from touching black/dark steel doors heated by the sun,
so in some conditions it can be more than few degrees difference.
Also:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-video...-sun-vi-242940
https://phys.org/news/2011-10-silver...rs-cooler.html
07-12-18, 02:17 PM
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There have been multiple incidents of 3rd degree burns (incl children) from touching black/dark steel doors heated by the sun,
so in some conditions it can be more than few degrees difference.
Also:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-video...-sun-vi-242940
https://phys.org/news/2011-10-silver...rs-cooler.html
so in some conditions it can be more than few degrees difference.
Also:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-video...-sun-vi-242940
https://phys.org/news/2011-10-silver...rs-cooler.html
07-12-18, 02:37 PM
#16
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I think it's that darker colors draw more light and accordingly, a higher temp. It does make sense as someone mentioned that the foam would insulate against any darker color the plastic coating might be. I saw in yesterdays TDF stage that Trek was riding with red helmet and BMC was as well. A brutal stage and heat to the head would definitely make a difference in performance so it would seem if the pros are wearing dark lids, the difference must be negligible. On another note, it looked as if BMC was rocking the new Giro Aetho helmet. I don't believe it has yet been released to the public but will be shortly. Sharp looking lid but $325 seems a bit steep.
07-12-18, 02:51 PM
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I'm not sure if black ones are hotter but red ones are faster.
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07-12-18, 05:18 PM
#18
Non omnino gravis
My current helmet is black, the helmet before that was black, and the helmet before that was black. Now if you go back one step further, the helmet was red/white, and it was the hottest helmet I've owned, because it apparently didn't vent very well.
The color of the helmet is cosmetic. The construction and venting determine whether it will be hot or not.
The color of the helmet is cosmetic. The construction and venting determine whether it will be hot or not.
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07-12-18, 06:05 PM
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My current helmet is black, the helmet before that was black, and the helmet before that was black. Now if you go back one step further, the helmet was red/white, and it was the hottest helmet I've owned, because it apparently didn't vent very well.
The color of the helmet is cosmetic. The construction and venting determine whether it will be hot or not.
The color of the helmet is cosmetic. The construction and venting determine whether it will be hot or not.
So theoretically, you're slower now.
07-13-18, 08:40 AM
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I've had 4 helmets over the past 8 years(3 Bell Sweep +1 Giro Ionos), 2 black + 2 white. I didn't notice any temperature difference between the colors, but the Giro Ionos is noticeably cooler than the Bell Sweep.
07-13-18, 10:59 AM
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No it doesn't matter. I've had multiple helmets in various colors and the biggest difference is vents.
07-13-18, 11:29 AM
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I also agree, the insulation of the helmet would likely make any heat effect minimal.
My choice of helmets would be for safety colors/styles.
My choice of helmets would be for safety colors/styles.
07-14-18, 09:23 PM
#24
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Just switched to a matte black Met Strale this season, which supposedly has an improved airflow design even though its a semi-aero style helmet. Now this is anecdotal of course, and could be attributed to fitness, but on rides over the last couple weeks in 80-90 deg temps I haven't had massive waterfalls of sweat cascading down into my eyes like I've had with other helmets in the past, including white ones.
...So my final answer is, good airflow design and possibly padding, trumps helmet color for cooling, at least when you're moving
.
...So my final answer is, good airflow design and possibly padding, trumps helmet color for cooling, at least when you're moving
.
