Mountain vs Road Helmets

[Distorted Vision]

I was just wondering what the difference is between mountain and road helmets? What makes the more expensive helmets better than the cheaper ones?

Most of the cycling I'll be doing is road but I generally prefer the look of MTB helmets. I'm wondering if there was any reason why I shouldn't use a MTB helmet for road usage. I was looking at this helmet in particular:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Vice-MTB-Cycling-Helmet-2015_72907.htm

Many thanks!

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

A silly peak at the front

 

[helston90]

A silly peak that does annoying things on the road like keeping some of the rain out of your eyes and enables you to block car drivers lights by dipping your head. Pesky thing.

 

[Easytigers]

A silly peak that does annoying things on the road like keeping some of the rain out of your eyes and enables you to block car drivers lights by dipping your head. Pesky thing.

I agree, much prefer MTB helmets

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

A silly peak that does annoying things on the road like keeping some of the rain out of your eyes and enables you to block car drivers lights by dipping your head. Pesky thing.

Glasses do the same thing and aren't silly

 

[zizou]

Some xc mtb helmets have a bit more coverage at the back.

As for the merits of the peak while on a road bike it is dependent on your position when riding. Some people dont mind it whereas others will find it obscures their view and will lead to neck strain due to having to bend there neck up more rather than look up with eyes. IMO if its raining a cycling cap under the helmet is more effective than a peak on a helmet plus you can flick the peak of this up easily if required.

 

[Apollonius]

Yep. I cured neck pain instantly by ditching a peaked helmet for a road type. If I need a peak I wear a cap underneath.

 

[cyberknight]

+1 to this ,

Yep. I cured neck pain instantly by ditching a peaked helmet for a road type. If I need a peak I wear a cap underneath.

 

[Hacienda71]

Cap underneath road helmet for me if it is raining.
Re the OP the cost of helmet tends to be down to weight and quality.

 

[Drago]

For most of my general road riding ad ccommuting I like the practical advantages of a small peak. I only wear a full on road lid when out dressed as a fat middle aged powerranger on the road bike.

 

[Mrs M]

I have a Scott helmet that has a detachable magnetic peak, so best of both worlds.
Paid less than £30 for it a while back in end of season sale.Original price was £99
It's much more comfortable and flattering than the £30 Giro I had before, (no more mushroom head)
Think it came from Leisure Lake Bikes?

 

[Distorted Vision]

I bought a Specialized Vice and disappointed with it. It felt large, heavy and is also very tall. But most importantly I found it really uncomfortable. I think I'm going to send it back so any suggestions for something in a similar price range. I think I might go to my local Evans Cycles to try them on this time.

 

[vickster]

I ended up happy with a uvex boss race after trying lots of options. I was replacing a broken Cannondale, the uvex is lighter, more comfortable and I think it looks better (as bad as all helmets look). Evans range was lacking in my opinion as they basically have 2 or 3 brands and few option once you remove the MTB styles and the £70+ options

 

[Accy cyclist]

To be honest i wore the same helmet for 13 years and didn't know that it was supposed to be worn with mountain bikes. When it wore out i got another MTB helmet the difference is minimal and the visor is a must have, as my eye sight isn't as good as it used to be. It keeps out the sun,car headlights and the rain. I must have to tip my head up about an inch more than if i was wearing a road helmet,but it's worth it to block out all the bad things.

 

[dr snuggles]

For most of my general road riding ad ccommuting I like the practical advantages of a small peak. I only wear a full on road lid when out dressed as a fat middle aged powerranger on the road bike.

Haha I could have written that!