road bike helmets used for XC?

[Gingerbread Man]

I want to buy a new helmet as I don't own one any more. I'm looking online around a few sites. A lot of helmets state that they are 'Road Bike Helmets'. I'm a XC cyclist in my new cycling reincarnation. So what is this bias all about, would I not be advisable to buy a 'Road Bike' helmet when I mainly ride XC off road?


I'm not on about the time trialist long pointy jobs! This one below states that it's a Road bike helmet. On their website they have MTB helmets too.

[BadgerBenji]

I actually wear the exact helmet you have pictured, I race cyclocross, and mainly ride cross country, do the odd road ride but not at all a common occurence for me. Why do I wear that one, it's comfortable, can't stand the peaks they want to put on so many of the mountain bike ones. It's got plenty of vents, nice and lightweight, and carbon fibre to hold it all together if I try to use my head to bounce on.

Best thing is to try them on, not every helmet suits every head shape.

[Gingerbread Man]

It's the only one I've found with a splash of yellow to compliment my bike...haha and the carbon aspect also ties in.

But apart from when off road you might fall onto soft mud or solid rock, and road you're going to tend to fall onto a hard road, I don't see why there is any difference in their design!?

Every rider surely wants the same thing;

• Ideally light weight.

• Good ventilation, no body likes a sweaty head.

• It to protect their noggin when they come flying off.

[WeirdNeville]

No functional difference IMO - unless you go for a full face helmet. It's purely luck what your head hits when/if you fall.

I have found the peaks useful on MTB helemts though, just for a bit of extra shade and low foliage deflection!

[blackburnlad]

I use a road bike helmet dont see a problem it will still protect you and there nice and light

[Gingerbread Man]

It's in the post, lets wait and see if It pushes me the Lycra clad way of life.

[blackburnlad]

Dont think ppl will be seeing me in lycra any time soon need to lose a stone or two first lol

[blackburnlad]

Dont think ppl will be seeing me in lycra any time soon need to lose a stone or two first lol

[littleandy0410]

The main difference between road and MTB helmets is (as already mentioned) most MTB helmets have a peak - however, most of these are removeable anyway.

I ride on and off road, and use the same helmet for both. I just remove the peak for road use, as it causes a visibility issue when riding on the dropped bars, causing neck strain.



Another difference on more modern MTB helmets is there is often more protection around the sides/rear:

[matt-ITR]

Helmets don't have to pass different test for road/off-road, so essentially you can use anything.
Helmets aimed at the road market are often popular with XC racers as they are usually light and well vented.

[SkinnyBoy]

I'm a bit of an Urge fanboi and have a couple of their lids. The one I use most is the Enduromatic which performs ace in all conditions.

The looks are love/hate polarising but its super comfy and at least it's not the same as everyone else is wearing.

[Gizmoish]

I actually like riding with a peak on the road - I find it helps deflect the wind (and rain) from my eyes.

[RealSquirrels]

the peaks can also, to some extent, stop you from smashing your face on things.

[Gingerbread Man]

It came through, it looks lovely, it feels comfy. Sorted.

[BadgerBenji]

Gingerbread Man said:

It came through, it looks lovely, it feels comfy. Sorted.

You went for the Cratoni?

[Gingerbread Man]

BadgerBenji said:

Gingerbread Man said:

It came through, it looks lovely, it feels comfy. Sorted.

You went for the Cratoni?

I did.