Gaffer tape on helmet vents - damage the helmet?

[IanWood]

Hi all,

To prevent cold air rushing through my helmet I have put yellow gaffa tape over the vents. This combined with my new merino wool buff (and the warmer temp today) keeps me a little warmer.

However a colleague remembered about being advised not to put stickers on helmets as it damages them.

Do you think the gaffa tape could damage the helmet? Most of it is on the plastic cover with only a little bit on the foam it self.

Cheers

Ian

 

[BentMikey]

Well, it certainly can't make the performance of your helmet any worse.

 

[Norm]

On the plastic, it is possible that gaffer tape will damage the integrity.

If you have put tape on the foam liner, though, I think it very likely that it will have been affected.

 

[wafflycat]

I have one of these which I wear under my lid when the weather is cold.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Hunston_Windtex_Skull_Cap/5360031271/

It's the best winter cycle hat I have as it comes well down ovcer the ears and doesn't ride up, so it keeps the ears warm as well as the top of head. Nice & toasty but not too hot and not too bulky.

 

[Origamist]

If it worries you, why not go for a £10 or so helmet cover?

 

[IanWood]

thanks for all the quick replies guys - taken the tape off (http://www.bhsi.org/stickers.htm).

My buff is nice and warm, its just the vents let in so much cold air. May instead wear my ski helmet - reckon they are good enough to cycle with?

 

[wafflycat]

Just put a cycle cap *under* your lid. Job done.

 

[gbb]

I have one of these which I wear under my lid when the weather is cold.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Hunston_Windtex_Skull_Cap/5360031271/

It's the best winter cycle hat I have as it comes well down ovcer the ears and doesn't ride up, so it keeps the ears warm as well as the top of head. Nice & toasty but not too hot and not too bulky.

I have a Nike skullcap...much the same. One of my best investments for winter riding. Ears keep warm too.

Gaffer tape damaging the helmet ?...well (only) maybe, but does that relate to motorcycle helmets ?
Rather than having a messy looking taped up helmet, its so much easier and more comfortable with a skullcap.

 

[IanWood]

aren't these skull caps not windproof though? I want to stop the wind, my buff is warm enough...

 

[ianrauk]

The skull caps and buffs are as good as each other for keeping out the cold and wind. The Buff you can also wear in the summer when it's hot without overheating or having sweat drip in your peepers.

 

[jig-sore]

cling film !!! but you look stupid

 

[neslon]

I thought putting clingfilm on your helmet was for a different purpose (fnaar)

 

[IanWood]

I thought putting clingfilm on your helmet was for a different purpose (fnaar)

ha!

I infact did do something similar, I put a plastic bag over the helmet which is held in place by the reflective halo thing I have on it.

Made quite a difference actually - does look silly mind...

 

[hackbike 666]

I use those buff thingys but I think one of those hat things on this thread would be a good idea.

 

[irw]

Out of interest, what damage could tape actually do to the plastic/foam? I've always thought stickers and tape where a no-no on helmets and hard-hats as it means you will not notice any potential damage caused by impacts etc...?