Road/MTB Helmets

[dtp]

Just taken delivery of my new helmet - Spesh Echelon 2010 - looks wicked but I wondered whether there was any reason when you're buying why helmets are split into road and MTB.

I can understand that you don't want one of those TT cone helmets on an MTB but what are the main differences between the 'normal' looking ones?

I'll mostly be doing road riding but I do a little bit of trail/MTB which I want to wear my helmet for, do you think this will cause a problem?

dtp

 

[g00se]

My understanding - though I'm no expert - is that MTB helmets have peaks to help keep sun, mud and water out of your eyes. As riders on roadies are pitched much further forward, peaks would obscure the view of the road.

Also, MTB helmets often come down further over the back of the head to offer more all-round protection - whereas road helmets are mainly for going over the handlebars or coming off onto your side.

 

[fossyant]

Bell supply a 'peak' that can be fitted to some of their road helmets....

 

[punkypossum]

My specialized road helmet came with a peak. I believe a lot of mtb helmets have deeper vents, which makes it less likely to get poked in the head by branches etc.

 

[dtp]

Thanks for the advice guys!

dtp

 

[HJ]

Helmets are a fashion statement, they are split into road and MTB to sell more of them...

and lots of people fall for it, which is sad really, hay ho there we go, a fool and his money...