What’s the difference between a road helmet and a mountain bike helmet? It appears that most mountain bike helmets have visors, either fixed or detachable. Here were have two helmets by the same company. If you unsnap the visor from the so-called mountain bike helmet, you’ll have something that closely resembles the road helmet.
Two helmets by Giro. Mountain on left, road on right.
So are things going on with the mountain helmet besides the visor that aren’t obvious? Or is this just a marketing ploy? Or, are visors really that important in mountain biking?
I have a Specialized helmet since the LBS is a Specialized dealer. Its a “general helmet” I guess because its road style but has a removable visor. I think the difference is the plastic covers more area on the back of the MTB helmet. Thats just a guess though. The real deal of road helmets is this however: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600091&subcategory=60001045&brand=&sku=21034&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Adult%20Helmets
LOL, those TT/Tri helmets make me laugh.
For the most part I think the visor is just a marketing ploy. However it would probably help when going through trees and you’re riding through sun/shade very quickly which can be disorienting.
I have a “road” helmet that I use on my road bike as well as on my mountain bike…I don’t know if a visor would help or not, but I’m not buying another helmet to find out…and a visor seems kind of pointless on a road bike.
If you’re in it for looks then a road helmet is the way to go. Showing up with a visor could take away some “points” but then again you don’t want to ride with those types of people anyways 🙂
Another safety item that should be worn at all times is some sort of glasses. Especially when mountain biking!
I wear a “skater” style helmet that is approved for biking. I feel like it gives more protection and besides it looks a lot cooler. 🙂
That’s a good question! I wear a Bell Influx model, that is for mtb. I think the difference is the look. The mtb’s helmet seems more protective than road’s. And a bit more fashion!
A road helmet is designed to direct the airflow over your head to help keep it cool when riding at speed. A mountain bike helmet is designed to let your head breath because people generally don’t ride fast enough on trails to push air through.