Bike helmet

[MilesTeg]

Hoping to get some help finding a decent mustaschian oriented bike helmet.

I of course want proper melon protection but also want a helmet with very good ventilation but also UV protection. I'm a chrome dome so a helmet that prevents UV exposure is a must.

I don't really care about weight or other qualities, just the above.

Any suggestions?

[Dave1442397]

Something like this, maybe?  https://www.pocsports.com/us/products/corpora/10700.html

A Google search will give you some more to look at - https://www.google.com/search?q=best+bike+helmet+for+bald+head&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS800US800&sxsrf=ALeKk00hkJpGfz4eTh9WZpPmwV7XItK3pg:1594902927271&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0nLmz5NHqAhWKgXIEHdUfBdgQsxh6BAgRECw&biw=1777&bih=965

[poxpower]

get any cheapo used helmet on your local craiglist ( like 5-20$ ) and just buy a "cyclist cap" to wear under it.

https://www.ilovebicycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/cycling-cap-forward-up-with-helmet.jpg

Alternatively you could wear a bandana / sweat cap or whatever thing like that could exist. I have seen chrome domes do this. All helmets will have ventilation holes.

Alternatively you can just put sunscreen. Some higher end helmets have a mesh inside which would give you partial shade. You should be ok with sunscreen only, unless you're doing 15 hour bike rides.

[MsPeacock]

get any cheapo used helmet on your local craiglist ( like 5-20$ ) and just buy a "cyclist cap" to wear under it.

https://www.ilovebicycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/cycling-cap-forward-up-with-helmet.jpg

Alternatively you could wear a bandana / sweat cap or whatever thing like that could exist. I have seen chrome domes do this. All helmets will have ventilation holes.

Alternatively you can just put sunscreen. Some higher end helmets have a mesh inside which would give you partial shade. You should be ok with sunscreen only, unless you're doing 15 hour bike rides.

Don't buy a used bike helmet. The materials degrade and "expire" over time, and if they have been dropped or in minor accidents the damage won't be apparent but they are no longer safe for use. Get a real helmet, from a local bike store (many of the cheap ones on Amazon are Chinese counterfeit helmets that do not meet safety standards). A helmet will last you many years and is well worth the cost if you happen to have the misfortune of being in an accident. It just not the place to save money. A bike store will have perfectly adequate helmets for $50 or so.

 A bandanna or cyclist cap under the helmet can help w/ sun protection (I find that I get too hot w/ this method, but it works for many people).

[jamesbond007]

I used a Schwinn Trasher for like 5 years of road biking. It cost about $30 on amazon. Solid helmet. I am endurance cyclist and I ride about 2500 miles a year. The thing is, every bike helmet that's sold in the US must go through a CPSC certification. No need to spend $$$ on it. They all offer similar protection. The difference comes in weight, styling, ventilation, MIPS etc.

But whatever you do, don't buy a used helmet. Once a helmet hits the ground in a crash, it is done for. Also, the foam degrades after about 5 or 6 years compromising the integrity slowly.

[MilesTeg]

Yeah, would never buy a used helmet. I'm trying to replace a sketchy 10 year old helmet with a decent one, hah.

Sunscreen does not work for me (on my head). Uber pale skin and heavy sweat. The only thing that works is a cloth or other physical UV barrier.

I guess I'll look at cycling hats, though hats tend to just steam broil my head as they trap sweat and heat up, lol.

[poxpower]

If you're worried about crashed helmets just buy used still in package.
But if you're going to be paranoid about it, then yeah just buy a new one I guess.

[facepalm]

Fit really matters. This might be one of those times to head off to WallyWorld and try on a bunch. Pick the one with the best fit.

And if you think bicycle helmets are expensive, go shop for a moto helmet. The last one I bought was over $500, and that was on sale.

[FINate]

Go to a real bike shop, not a big box store. They should know what they're doing and have quality helmets for you to try on.

For sun protection, I would go for something like a light synthetic skull cap with UV protection worn under the hemet. Something similar to https://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-UPF-Unisex-Skull-Cap/dp/B01F2H7B5C The synthetic material will wick moisture and help keep things cool.

ETA: Or this https://chromedomecaps.com/product/uv-protection-hat-skull-cap/

[MilesTeg]

Going to try something like this, the neck protection is good since I have no hair to protect the back of my neck either.

https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Headband-Solar-Skull-White/dp/B002IY8DBE/ref=sr_1_16?crid=242ZOF3FM6BC4&dchild=1&keywords=uv+skull+caps+for+men&qid=1595000044&sprefix=UV+skull%2Cfashion%2C181&sr=8-16

[uniwelder]

What JamesBond007 said--- they all undergo the same certification.  Shwinn Intercept ($18) or Shwinn Thrasher ($14) are perfectly fine, quite cheap, and rate well for concussion risk---https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

[mountain mustache]

To reiterate what a few have already said. No used helmets. Also, I really don't think you should buy the cheapest new helmet possible. Fit is important. Yes, most helmets have the same safety rating. But a poorly fitting helmet doesn't offer any more protection than not wearing one. Heads come in so many shapes and sizes, there is no way you are going to order some $15 Schwinn helmet and guarantee a perfect fit. So go to a local bike shop (great opportunity to support your small local businesses!) and try helmets on until you find one that fits so well you don't even notice you are wearing it. It should have a sturdy retention system and adjustable straps so you can make sure it is snug+comfortable. Also the foam+helmet materials degrade after 3 years. Replace your helmet every 3 years whether it has hit the ground or not....we only get one head! This is not a place to be cheap.

[GuitarStv]

UV protection?  Are there bike helmets that provide this?  Any helmet I'm aware of requires the use of sunscreen as well.

[GuitarStv]

Going to try something like this, the neck protection is good since I have no hair to protect the back of my neck either.

https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Headband-Solar-Skull-White/dp/B002IY8DBE/ref=sr_1_16?crid=242ZOF3FM6BC4&dchild=1&keywords=uv+skull+caps+for+men&qid=1595000044&sprefix=UV+skull%2Cfashion%2C181&sr=8-16

Those work to provide some sun coverage on the back of the neck, at the expense of making you a bit hotter.  I love the regular thin Halo sweatbands for keeping sweat out of my eyes when cycling in heat and humidity though - they're fantastic.

[MilesTeg]

UV protection?  Are there bike helmets that provide this?  Any helmet I'm aware of requires the use of sunscreen as well.

Dunno, that's why I asked :p

[K_in_the_kitchen]

To reiterate what a few have already said. No used helmets. Also, I really don't think you should buy the cheapest new helmet possible. Fit is important. Yes, most helmets have the same safety rating. But a poorly fitting helmet doesn't offer any more protection than not wearing one. Heads come in so many shapes and sizes, there is no way you are going to order some $15 Schwinn helmet and guarantee a perfect fit. So go to a local bike shop (great opportunity to support your small local businesses!) and try helmets on until you find one that fits so well you don't even notice you are wearing it. It should have a sturdy retention system and adjustable straps so you can make sure it is snug+comfortable. Also the foam+helmet materials degrade after 3 years. Replace your helmet every 3 years whether it has hit the ground or not....we only get one head! This is not a place to be cheap.

This is great advice!  DH has ridden bikes for 30+ years and our kids grew up riding bikes, moving into competitive cycling 8th - 12th grades and post high school.  I've seen some helmets take bad hits -- dented, cracked, etc.  When MIPS became available we went with MIPS.  When WaveCel became available we bought WaveCel.  You only have one brain -- protect it.  My son works at the LBS now and has trained to fit helmets, and he is passionate about making sure people buy helmets that fit.  You really do have to toss helmets that have been crashed in and helmets that are older than 3 years, or even 1 or 2 years depending on how often you ride, because the sun and your own sweat are breaking down the components.  Think about how most carseats have an expiration date of 6 years, and they typically aren't in the sun all the time.

And please support small local bike shops over Walmart and Target!