"Peter Cole" wrote in message
news:fOJkd.28740$5K2.10613@attbi_s03...
"B Paton" wrote in message
news
I was thinking about my own helmet use the other day, particularly in
response to the helmet issue here in Ontario.
It occurred to me that helmet-wearing actually creates hazards for users
under certain circumstances.
For example, many times I have been blinded by sweat on fast descents
when
air pressure squeeezes sweat out of the pads and into my eyes. The oily,
salty sweat causes near-total blindness for 3-10 seconds before the tear
ducts can flush them out.
Many/most helmets are sold with "open cell" foam pads. These act like
sponges, soaking up sweat and concentrating it into brine. The solution is
to replace the open cell pads with closed cell pads which are not
absorbent. Your LBS should have bags full of pads, used for helmet
fittings. Replace at least the pads in the front of the helmet.
Good headbands are a necessity when wearing a helmet, I've had good luck
with the Pearl Izumi ones, pricey at $10, but work well. Other solution
used by some is to wear a cycling cap underneath the helmet.
The "cycling cap under the helmet" approach works well in my experience. It
wicks sweat from my mostly hairless head, and keeps the sun out of my eyes.
If I'm going downhill, or spending time down low on aero bars or in the
drops, it's simple to flip it up out of the way.
FWIW, I find that wearing a helmet is often cooler than not wearing one.
Modern helmets are very well vented, and by shading your head they can make
it feel cooler than it would otherwise be. If I was doing a long hot climb,
and had to choose between a dark colored cycling cap (e.g., this year's
Postal team cap), and a good helmet, the helmet would win out.
Disclaimer: my opinions are influenced by my lack of head hair, and by the
fact that I live in an area where 20% relative humidity is considered
"muggy" (but daytime summer temps can often exceed 100 degrees F). YMMV
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