Need a helmet that will not make me too sweaty

[vickster]

I find Uvex helmets to be light and non-sweaty but they are a specific fit.

My 13yo uses a Uvex Race 1 and I've a Uvex Race 5.

Ditto I use a Boss Race. I have a lot of hair to absorb sweat, I'm not v sweaty

Maybe the OP could use a buff as well as a well vented, but most importantly well fitting helmet

 

[Venod]

I don't get too sweaty even in the heat down here

Coming at it from a different perspective, can you perhaps exert yourself less on your commute?

I am very much like the op a really sweaty betty, It amazes me when people don't sweat when exercising, in both the above scenarios I would be sweaty even on a slow commute, I sometimes envy the non sweaters it can be a problem at times, a lot of people assume your not very fit if you sweat a lot but its not the case, its your bodies cooling mechanism kicking, but I don't why it differs so much in people.

 

[confusedcyclist]

the sales rep kind of concluded that the more you pay the better ventilation it will be which may well be true.

You're either misquoting him, or his possibly well intentioned advice was poorly worded. As with most spending to gain additional improvements of certain traits, such as ventilation, you quickly reach a point of diminishing returns when spending more quickly leads to marginal improvements. You don't need high tech (high priced) helmets to get sufficient venting, just one with forward facing vents, the bigger the better, but there are limits to what can be achieved and still keep the helmet functional

With winter approaching however, you might find this is a disadvantage, if it gets really cold, you might find large vents cool you down too much, unless you wear a warm cap already, in which case, consider riding without the cap. As you're not willingness to commit major funds to an upgrade, I assume you could do with saving money, so I were you I would stick with what you have if it fits well.

As other's have said, you'll not find a helmet that combats sweating, they all have those pads that absorb sweat, and the contact between the scalp and helmet doesn't let the moisture escape those areas, even with ventilation. You'll still be soaked in sweat. If you have a closed helmet now, simply swapping to a vented model on the cheap will bring a massive improvement in ventilation, but not stop sweating. I have a kask mojito RRP £125 IIRC, and still sweat profusely.

There's no reason to spend more than your lower end budget, unless it's for reasons of vanity.

 

[confusedcyclist]

I am very much like the op a really sweaty betty, It amazes me when people don't sweat when exercising, in both the above scenarios I would be sweaty even on a slow commute, I sometimes envy the non sweaters it can be a problem at times, a lot of people assume your not very fit if you sweat a lot but its not the case, its your bodies cooling mechanism kicking, but I don't why it differs so much in people.

They might be envying you on a hot summer's day. Struggling to keep cool due to their limited sweating capacity! There is an element of genetics at play, also hydration levels, but you'll most likely find that people who sweat less are exposed to less variation in room temperature, and thus they are more prone to feeling the cold, or overheating. It takes time for the body to adapt (acclimatise) to new ranges of temperatures, it's a bit like how it takes you a week or two to get used to the heat when you go on holiday, although that's mostly psychological, there will be some physiological adaptation.

 

[Globalti]

If you sweat a lot it may be that you are overdressed. Generally you should be feeling chilly for the first couple of miles until you warm up with the muscular effort. I do see quite a lot of people, especially commuters, riding in waterproof jackets and I wonder how they manage not to sweat because no matter how permeable the fabric, the jacket will block wind and cause build up of heat. I don't believe any one helmet is any better ventilated than any other, nor do I believe any one helmet can protect you better than any other; they are all just a fancy lump of styrofoam that's designed to get between your skull and the road and provide a bit of shock absorption. Most will break under a big impact because they don't have any structural strength like a motorcycle helmet or a site helmet. People spend extravagant money on helmets because they believe that a cheap one can't be any good. So my budget is about £50 and I always take care to try the helmet for fit before I buy, so I won't buy onine.

The answer to a sweaty head is to wear a buff, which keeps you warm in winter and dry and cool in summer and protects you from insects and can be rinsed out in the shower after your ride. A buff also prevents the helmet pads from becoming smelly.

 

[united4ever]

thanks all. lot to think about. I agree about it being best to try before buying. Evans only had about 20 on display and not many of those recommended in this thread. is there any shop that has a bigger range to try on. I am in Manchester btw.

 

[vickster]

thanks all. lot to think about. I agree about it being best to try before buying. Evans only had about 20 on display and not many of those recommended in this thread. is there any shop that has a bigger range to try on. I am in Manchester btw.

Just try several shops as they'll likely carry different brands. Not only big chains like Evans, Halfords, cyclesurgery, but also your LBS. I probably tried on 15-20 before settling on the Uvex. Recommendations from others are fairly meaningless as we all have different shaped heads

 

[Kestevan]

I too sweat like a sweaty thing.
A buff under the helmet worn pirate style helps to mop most of it up before it gets too bad.

As to helmets with exceptional ventilation I've not found anything that gets even close to the Catlike Whisper for either vents or comfort...
https://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/80972/Catlike_Whisper_2017_Helmet

However as others have already pointed out this is only helpful if it happens to fit your head,

 

[Globalti]

thanks all. lot to think about. I agree about it being best to try before buying. Evans only had about 20 on display and not many of those recommended in this thread. is there any shop that has a bigger range to try on. I am in Manchester btw.

Shops seldom stock more than one or two brands and even then they won't have all the models. Just down Deansgate and turn left and you've got Harry Hall Cycles, which is a proper bike shop but their selection isn't big. If you're on a budget there's always Decathlon out at Stockport, which should be a short ride down the A6.

 

[pjd57]

This is fine.
Draughty without a hat under it.

About £35 from Evans

 

[Johnno260]

I found my Kask Mojito to be very good.

But like I was told before you have to try helmets on, to find what's the right fit as well.

 

[jay clock]

I am sweat-meister and the Giro Atmos is as good as they get. I am also a slap head so no hair to soak it up. So counter intuitively a buff or skull cap helps.
Just air the helmet well.

Can I just say I am amazed that even with the opening sentence asking not to go into "that debate" we still have two people trying to steer you into non helmet. There is a special forum for that.

 

[jay clock]

also just to add, I have just bought a third Atmos to save up for the day they don't make them any more! Thanks for the link

 

[cyberknight]

I found this an airy helmet
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/2526...3D710-134428-41853-0%26rvr_id%3D1311675158706

 

[KnackeredBike]

Can I just say I am amazed that even with the opening sentence asking not to go into "that debate" we still have two people trying to steer you into non helmet. There is a special forum for that.

When the answer appears to be "all helmets are a bit of a compromise to what you want" then that seems sensible advice. Just the same as frame materials or loads of things that are very much a matter of personal choice.