I was wondering if anyone can suggest a helmet brand or model that fits wide, round heads as opposed to oval-shaped heads. I think that most brands are more oval in shape. I've been using a Bell helmet in size large, but a medium would probably fit better if it was designed to fit rounder shaped heads. I've tried on certain models of Giros and Specialized in Medium and they didn't fit well (too tight on the sides, but fine in the front and back). This is a common issue with motorcycle helmets as well and various helmets are shaped differently to accomodate customers. Does anyone know of a site that discusses this aspect of bike helmets and gives recommendations?
I'd like a general use helmet (road and MTB) with a visor.
I found Giros to be pretty wide, especially the E2. Kind of like a Shoei. The new ones are fairly adjustable, too - so a large with the RocLoc adjusted in should work.
Unfortunately most bicycle helmets are all the same shape, unlike the Shoei versus Arai shapes. Since Giro and Bell are really the same company, though, it makes sense that those two are the same shape.
Since Giro and Bell are really the same company, though, it makes sense that those two are the same shape.
Several LBS have told me that Bell and Giro use different shaped forms. Giros tend to be rounder, while Bells are more "oval." At least that's what they told me.
Since Giro and Bell are really the same company, though, it makes sense that those two are the same shape.
Several LBS have told me that Bell and Giro use different shaped forms. Giros tend to be rounder, while Bells are more "oval." At least that's what they told me.
I've got a fairly enormous (and fetching!) melon, and while Bell XL's will fit me just fine, I've yet to meet a Giro that didn't torture my orb like some turn of the century phrenology clamp.
Actually, helmets do come with the s-foam liner cast for different head shapes. Unfortunately, I have a narrow type noggin, and the bell, which you describe s being to narrow, is actually to wide for me (the "correct" size is too short front and back). I have found only a couple that are "oval" enough for my head. The difficult to find Specialized brand being one.
I would suggest you ask a few bike shop persons about different brands and the heads they fit best. Heads are like feet, every one's is different. This is why I don't buy helmets mail order, unless I know the particular make/model fits, having tried it on beforehand.
- -
"May you have the winds at your back, And a really low gear for the hills!"
Chris Zacho ~ "Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"
Well, I went down to Performance Bike yesterday and picked up a Giro Havoc. It fits my round head perfectly. Giro must have changed their helmet shape, because I had a Giro several years ago and it was too narrow, which required me to shave some of the foam off of the sides of the interior (I know, bad idea 😉. Or perhaps different models of Giro's are shaped differently.
Just wondering why road bike helmets don't have visors...just for the aerodynamics? I guess most roadies who want a visor have to go with a MTB helmet like I did.
I had a Giro several years ago and it was too narrow, which required me to shave some of the foam off of the sides of the interior (I know, bad idea 😉.
True, bad idea. If you cut the foam, the magic leaks out! ;-)
I was wondering if anyone can suggest a helmet brand or model that fits wide, round heads as opposed to oval-shaped heads. I think that most brands are more oval in shape. I've been using a Bell helmet in size large, but a medium would probably fit better if it was designed to fit rounder shaped heads. I've tried on certain models of Giros and Specialized in Medium and they didn't fit well (too tight on the sides, but fine in the front and back). This is a common issue with motorcycle helmets as well and various helmets are shaped differently to accomodate customers. Does anyone know of a site that discusses this aspect of bike helmets and gives recommendations?
I'd like a general use helmet (road and MTB) with a visor.
The best I can suggest is to go to a large, well stocked LBS and try on a bunch of helmets. This is what I did when I bought my first helmet many years ago.
I tried on a bunch of different models and the one that felt best was a Giro Air Attack. I was a bit hesitant about buying it because with its "aero shape" I was afraid I might be accused of trying to be Greg Lemond. I still have it and today it looks hopelessly out of date. :-)
BTW, I got an excellent deal on the Giro Havoc, if anyone's interested. Only $35 from Performance Bike ($39 less 15% in-store discount). This helmet used to sell for $100 and is similar to the E2 in fit and low profile. Couldn't be happier with it.
I'm not sure if they have the same prices on their website (performancebike.com), but it's worth a try.
Just wondering why road bike helmets don't have visors...just for the aerodynamics? I guess most roadies who want a visor have to go with a MTB helmet like I did.
I think this site may be in frames, so the Airoshield may have t be found by going to products > Airoshield
I love these because for a fraction of the cost (and weight) it protects not just your eyes (it contains a UV block) but your entire face. AND the Airoshield model1 (not shiown) also fits over regular glasses. Translation: no bulky presciption inserts!
- -
"May you have the winds at your back, And a really low gear for the hills!"
Chris Zacho ~ "Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"
Just wondering why road bike helmets don't have visors...just for the aerodynamics? I guess most roadies who want a visor have to go with a MTB helmet like I did.
That's one of those trick existential questions. Road bike helmets don't have visors because, if they did, they'd be mountain bike helmets. Mountain bike helmets have visors because, if they didn't, they'd be road bike helmets.
I'm sure someone has thought up a functional justification for the visors (or their lack), but it might not be too cynical to suggest that their primary function may be to encourage people who have both a road and a mountain bike to buy two helmets.
I'm sure someone has thought up a functional justification for the visors (or their lack), but it might not be too cynical to suggest that their primary function may be to encourage people who have both a road and a mountain bike to buy two helmets.
There may be some merit to the notion that in a typical roadie posture, a visor would interfere with your sightline and force you to bend your neck more to see ahead.
Yes, you can always remove the visor, but then you have those unsightly holes...
