On Black vs White Helmets

[TunaAndBikes]

People have an opinion on everything;
Anyone have an opinion on this?

Is helmet viz overrated?

[ltwtsculler91]

I own both (and a bright orange helmet to go with 2 kits I have) and haven't noticed a big difference in how I'm treated by cars. With the caveat being that they are both Kask helmets and have a red colored rear.

The biggest difference I've noticed with visibility is running a powerful rear flashing light (Bontrager Flare R for me) during the day. This has had more of an effect than color of helmet or kit.

[veggieburger]

Originally Posted by TunaAndBikes

People have an opinion on everything;
Anyone have an opinion on this?

Is helmet viz overrated?

I put a blinky light on my helmet, in addition to the one on my seat post. Throw on a light and the helmet color probably matters very little.

[TunaAndBikes]

Just got the new all black Poc Octal X, thanks guys!

If any of you are interested; there's a pretty good deal going for POC helmets over at Altitude Sports!

https://www.altitude-sports.com/coll...all/brands-poc

[Macadamia]

I would say the biggest difference I've seen was with wearing a fluorescent jersey, as opposed to an understated or muted color. I've always had a yellow fluoro helmet.

[ptourkin]

During an ultra endurance race where I was crewed by a van I had a bad tail light for a period before it was replaced. When my van was leapfrogging me they said that one of the things that they constantly saw to find me was some fluoro pink REV Cycling socks. This is consistent with other tests that show rotating hi-vis items, such a ankle straps, especially reflective ones increase visibility with the most bang for the buck.

If you're going to get more invisible with a matte black helmet (I think it's a cool look) you might want to make up for it somewhere else.

[OtayBW]

Black is faster.

[pjm]

On a hot sunny day I would want white.

[jlwdm]

I wear white because it is better looking and more versatile.

Jeff

[regularguy412]

I have always preferred light or light-er colored helmets -- tho I have had a couple of exceptions over the years. As hot and humid as it gets around here in the Summer, I figure I need all the help, even a little bit, that I can get from a light helmet.

I too use a bright blinky light in the daytime -- Cygolite Hotshot.

Occasionally I'll wear a neon green jersey that I still have. Bought new in about 1992. LOL. Um,,,it's showing its age.

Mike in AR

[Cicli]

I never wear a white helmet after Labor Day.

[johnmdesigner]

Everyone always says that black clothing and helmets are hotter in the summer.
Truth is, you're wrapping yourself up in saran wrap plastic clothing and putting a picnic cooler on your head. It really doesn't matter what color it is the act of moving through the air at 20 mph keeps you cool. I wouldn't go sunbathing in it though.
I could dip myself in flamingo pink and the drivers around here wouldn't notice. A middle finger gets their attention though.

[TunaAndBikes]

Originally Posted by johnmdesigner

Everyone always says that black clothing and helmets are hotter in the summer.
Truth is, you're wrapping yourself up in saran wrap plastic clothing and putting a picnic cooler on your head. It really doesn't matter what color it is the act of moving through the air at 20 mph keeps you cool. I wouldn't go sunbathing in it though.
I could dip myself in flamingo pink and the drivers around here wouldn't notice. A middle finger gets their attention though.

Love the way you think John.
I'll start flippin birdies more!!!

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

[charliedid]

Black makes my head look slimmer

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by Cicli

I never wear a white helmet after Labor Day.

A civilized society requires rules...