So I'm helmet shopping and really like some of the new wave of modern enduro full faces - the stage, mainline, and trigger all fit well (although different size for the trigger vs the other 2). I'm wondering how many people actually climb in these? And by climb I mean 1500'+, full sun, 85F+, on a regular bike. To me the appeal of one of these is for a little extra protection as my riding speed is continually increasing, and to replace a helmet with a chin bar as I find that I often never carry the chin bar so it's very very rarely used, although there are plenty of rides when it would have been a good idea. However, while trying them on (including wearing them around the house a bit) I can't help but think that these won't be a lot of fun on a long hot climb. I guess not unless you err on the loose side for the cheek pads, but then you're losing a portion of the protection. Just curious how people are actually using these - and if anyone actually does big climbs with them when it's hot and sunny.
Climbing with enduro full face helmets
landcruisin
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So I'm helmet shopping and really like some of the new wave of modern enduro full faces - the stage, mainline, and trigger all fit well (although different size for the trigger vs the other 2). I'm wondering how many people actually climb in these? And by climb I mean 1500'+, full sun, 85F+, on a regular bike. To me the appeal of one of these is for a little extra protection as my riding speed is continually increasing, and to replace a helmet with a chin bar as I find that I often never carry the chin bar so it's very very rarely used, although there are plenty of rides when it would have been a good idea. However, while trying them on (including wearing them around the house a bit) I can't help but think that these won't be a lot of fun on a long hot climb. I guess not unless you err on the loose side for the cheek pads, but then you're losing a portion of the protection. Just curious how people are actually using these - and if anyone actually does big climbs with them when it's hot and sunny.
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Some sort of sweat band is needed above about 85 or so for me. Otherwise, the padding seems to concentrate a river of sweat directly into my eyes. Otherwise, meh. When it's 100 or so out, it's going to suck regardless. I will pull it off and strap it to my backpack if it's just a granny gear up a climb trail for two hours type of situation.
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I did think about the strapping it to the bar or pack for long climbs...but at that point, it's just easier to get a newer helmet with a better removable chin bar. The Leatt I checked out has a way nicer chin bar than my old Super 2R and is actually DH rated. My gripe with the 2R chin bar is that it rattles around incessantly on climbs when it's strapped to my hip pack, or it requires me to take the backpack, which is overkill for rides under 3 hrs.
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I've had a few different models including the TLD Stage. Even though it's relatively light, the ventilation still isn't that great. On an 85F day I would be very uncomfortable climbing with it on. I currently have a Specialized Gambit and a Fox Proframe RS. The Gambit is very light and well-ventilated so I'm more comfortable climbing with it on but still, on an 85F day I'd likely remove it on the climb unless the climb was technically challenging. I haven't ridden with the Fox yet but it seems as well-ventilated as the Gambit (time will tell), however it is about half a pound heavier so I'm guessing I will remove it too.
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the extra heat is the big thing that's kept me away from even the lighter duty full face helmets. I'm fairly sensitive to the heat so I always have to be vigilant about my risk of overheating (it's happened before and it's not pleasant).
not to mention that there's not exactly a wide range of models available locally for me to try on. on most trails in the area, it's actually far rarer to see someone wearing a full face than it is for ppl to wear a half lid. and amusingly, I see them most often near mellower trails.
But, I'm getting older and things take longer to heal, so I'm beginning to reconsider some of my previous decisions about protective gear.
not to mention that there's not exactly a wide range of models available locally for me to try on. on most trails in the area, it's actually far rarer to see someone wearing a full face than it is for ppl to wear a half lid. and amusingly, I see them most often near mellower trails.
But, I'm getting older and things take longer to heal, so I'm beginning to reconsider some of my previous decisions about protective gear.
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That's a bummer on the stage. It actually fits me a little better than the mainline, and the paint job is top notch (like most things TLD), but the lack of vents on the back do seem like they'd be a bit warmer. Oddly enough it has more venting on the chin bar than the mainline, including at the ears.
Yep - an injury now might mean a month off the bike instead of a week, or even just longer to heal and/or with lingering side effects. As for trying models on, I just resorted to ordering some from places with good return policies.
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My pack carries the helmet quite well.
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I bought the Bell Super 3R, knowing it is not as protective as a fixed chin bar helmet, but also knowing that I would not wear it all that often if I was not able to remove the chin bar.
It is hot with the chin bar on, and I often remove it and ride with it off until I need it (i.e. feel like I might crash with high consequences).
While it is a bit inconvenient to take it on and off, it does mean I have the option to ride with a relatively cool helmet and then put the chin bar on before a big drop, roll, etc.
Works well for me - I even used it at Whistler the last time I was there (it was 85 degrees for most of the week).
It is hot with the chin bar on, and I often remove it and ride with it off until I need it (i.e. feel like I might crash with high consequences).
While it is a bit inconvenient to take it on and off, it does mean I have the option to ride with a relatively cool helmet and then put the chin bar on before a big drop, roll, etc.
Works well for me - I even used it at Whistler the last time I was there (it was 85 degrees for most of the week).
Strap to handlebar on climbs. At 85 degrees you are crazy to keep it on during a climb. Use this:
I also have the removable chin type. That one I wrap around my neck.
A new, easier way to carry gear on your bike
The Haf-Clip, put simply is a new and easier way to carry gear on your bike. Easily strap helmets, chinbars, elbow and knee pads or whatever other gear you want accessible but out of the way. If it can be strapped, The Haf-Clip is for you.
thehafclip.com
I also have the removable chin type. That one I wrap around my neck.
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I'd still rock a Stage. Of all the lightweight full face helmets I've had, the Stage fit my head the best. I like that it has traditional padding to provide proper fit rather than cable cradle doohickeys.
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I recently purchased a Fox RS Frame. I have several friends who have suffered really bad face injuries with half shell helmets. I decided to try out a full face this year. I have about 6 rides on it. It is late winter, early spring here on the east coast so no real heat experience yet. So far, I like it. It breaths well and does not inhibit my vision. It is loud though, especially if I am talking to someone. More on this as the season warms.
I wear my proframe anytime I'm on my mountain bike. I don't really notice the extra heat, but one plus is you do get a bit more sun protection. TBH it feels like you are sucking wind a bit more because you have the chin bar in front of your face. Once you're used to it, no big deal, and I don't think there is any actual difference. I don't like riding without a chin-bar now, I feel too exposed.
One note on fox proframes, they tend to squeek as they move on your head. I've had 2 that do this.
One note on fox proframes, they tend to squeek as they move on your head. I've had 2 that do this.
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814 Posts
Ride almost always with a Stage. I've done 4k+ days of climbing without taking it off. Having said that, not everyone has the same tolerance, and I wouldn't try long days (the definition of "long day" obviously varies a lot...) at 85+ degrees. The extra heat generated by the full face is real.
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I have a Stage. Love it even on the hotter days. Like most have said, I take it off on long climbs, however I don't shy away from wearing it on sketchy pedal heavy mixed (up and down) trail rides.
I have 2 TLD Stage helmets (day with no mounts and night with light mounts) and have never had an issue on trail rides/climbing. One plus to the full face helmets is they keep the sun off your head better, which is far more benefit to me than the vents on hot days. The Fox Proframe was my first choice, but it fit way too tight...my chin was almost rubbing the bar. Most important thing is how it fits, which is why people should try them on before spending that kind of money.
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I’ve got the IXS Trigger MIPS, and to be honest with you, it’s hot as balls to climb in on days that are over low 70s F.
I'm swapping between 7idp Project 23 FB and Smith Mainline. It's starting to get warm here and I wore the project yesterday in 75 deg heat while doing a 30 minute climb.
So far I like the Project 23 better but need a back to back test. The project has snap in cheek pads so I remove them while climbing and strap them and other pads to my bike with an elastic tarp tiedown. The project also has a Fidlock buckle which I like immensely better than the mainline d-ring setup.
The mainline should be more breathable with larger and more ports, but you can't remove the pads.
I trust the construction of the Project more due to it being single shell instead of the non-continuous shells of the Proframe, Mainline, Stage, etc. I feel like there is a failure point along the cheek on all of those helmets. The Project will always be a raceday / bikepark helmet for me and it maybe a daily ride helmet.
So far I like the Project 23 better but need a back to back test. The project has snap in cheek pads so I remove them while climbing and strap them and other pads to my bike with an elastic tarp tiedown. The project also has a Fidlock buckle which I like immensely better than the mainline d-ring setup.
The mainline should be more breathable with larger and more ports, but you can't remove the pads.
I trust the construction of the Project more due to it being single shell instead of the non-continuous shells of the Proframe, Mainline, Stage, etc. I feel like there is a failure point along the cheek on all of those helmets. The Project will always be a raceday / bikepark helmet for me and it maybe a daily ride helmet.
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I've climbed a bunch in Bell Super DH and a Smith Mainline, and I honestly think the concerns are a bit overblown. Maybe it comes from growing up wearing helmets with near zero ventilation playing football in the Texas summer heat lol.
Is it a bit warmer than open face helmet? Sure. But I don't mind at all as I benefit from the extra protection. And it's not that bad, which is a big reason I switched from a convertible (Bell Super DH) to a non-convertible FF as I didn't find myself taking the chin bar off.
Is it a bit warmer than open face helmet? Sure. But I don't mind at all as I benefit from the extra protection. And it's not that bad, which is a big reason I switched from a convertible (Bell Super DH) to a non-convertible FF as I didn't find myself taking the chin bar off.
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