The Chainlink

Helmet cover or under helmet hood?

For keeping rain and cold out what do you like better - helmet cover or some type of balaclava or other close-fitting head cover worn under a helmet? I've heard some opinions about how the helmet covers still allow some airflow around your head which can help keep you from overheating. Also, would you use different head coverings for rain, and cold dry weather? I'm thinking if it's cold and dry maybe a balaclava or similar garment and if it's nasty and rainy like today, maybe a just a helmet cover?

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Permalink Reply by ilter on October 19, 2011 at 9:17pm

i like my head warm & don`t mind some sweat, so i have both a helmet cover & a balaclava.  As far as i remember, i also add a headband to keep my forearm & ears warmer on really cold days. 

 

I may buy one of those bmx(?) type helmets w/o holes, what my wife likes to call lego soldier helmets, as i sometimes forget the cover on the drying rack..

Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on October 19, 2011 at 9:22pm

I had a cover, don't ever use it now. A fleece hood or hat fits under a helmet but can get wet. If it's cold and / or really wet try a combo ski/bike helmet - ski stores, look for CPSC bike certification. Warm, most let you take out some of the insulation, and most have only a few vents or let you close them. Great for winter. 

Used my regular summer helmet today in the cold rain with a hood under it. And some gloves. 

Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on October 20, 2011 at 7:23am

I use one of these: http://www.bicyclinghub.com/castelli-risvolto-winter-cap-black-red....

but also have a balaclava when it gets really cold (10 and below). They do make alot of winter inserts for skate style helmets these days, might be worth looking into one of those.

Permalink Reply by ad on October 20, 2011 at 9:13am

I use a heavy wool Sugoi bicycle cap with ear flaps under a regular road helmet through the shoulder seasons and winter: http://www.rei.com/product/788297/sugoi-wallaroo-290-cycling-cap.  There are a few local cycling cap makers that sell wool caps at area bikes shops and on etsy if you want to keep it local as well.   

A wool cap obviously still gets wet under the helmet in heavy rain, but wool will keep insulating when wet which is one of its biggest advantages over synthetics.  I've found that anything designed to keep me 100% dry on a bike--such as helmet covers or hardshell rain jackets--will usually just cause me to overheat and get wet from my own sweat after a few miles anyway.        

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on October 20, 2011 at 10:37am

 I use a thin fleece balaclava and no helmet cover. Inexpensive and I can pull it up over my nose when it's down in the frosties, say, below 20 degrees. A vented helmet regulates well against overheating.

 -f

Permalink Reply by Poptart on October 20, 2011 at 11:21am

snowboard helmet by bern(removable fleece liner for ears and neck)  , also fits under my rainjacket/snowjacket 

winward boardshop on clark (3300 something) has them  

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on October 20, 2011 at 11:39am

Never biked through an entire winter before, but I've tried wearing various things under my helmet like cycling caps, balaclavas, etc, and I usually don't like the overly snug feel it gives me, and my head tends to overheat. 

So I think I'm going to pick this up soon: http://www.rei.com/product/819874/pearl-izumi-barrier-wxb-bike-helm...

It's waterproof, can be used all 4 seasons, has a small bill and reflectors, and comes in "screaming yellow" for an added layer of visibility.

 

Permalink Reply by dan brown on October 21, 2011 at 9:31am

I have a winter helmet (no vents). I do earbands and hats. never enough !!!

 

also - (I Have done this) it is kind of ghetto, but who cares ?

take the heavy duty clear plastic package sealing tape and apply it to the helmet's vents.keep the cold air out and the heat in.

 

DB

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on October 21, 2011 at 11:15am

I've been thinking about getting a cover...but I was thinking, a simple shower cap might do the same trick and be cheaper than a similar item with a cute bike logo.

I do have a "helmet liner" from Belmont Army that I use.

Permalink Reply by ilter on October 21, 2011 at 11:30am

 

Here is one person who did similarly, and with style :)

 

http://sheldonbrown.com/eagle.html



dan brown said:

I have a winter helmet (no vents). I do earbands and hats. never enough !!!

 

also - (I Have done this) it is kind of ghetto, but who cares ?

take the heavy duty clear plastic package sealing tape and apply it to the helmet's vents.keep the cold air out and the heat in.

 

DB

Permalink Reply by Steve Courtright on October 21, 2011 at 12:02pm
Balaclava - nothing worse that a cold draft down the back of my neck.

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