Okay, so this year I upgraded from a cheapo Bell helmet to a Sweep R Bell helmet. This thing has like a thousand freaking vents. I think it’s more vent than actual helmet. So, how the hell do those of you with similar helmets deal with bees and other insects flying into the vents? I’m a little freaked out about this! I’m wondering why cycling helmets don’t have some sort of mesh over the vents like snowboarding helmets. Every time a bee flies into my helmet, I have to sit up, slam on my brakes, and rip the damn helmet off before that little sucker stings my noggin. Anyone have any tips for this BESIDES wearing a dew rag under my helmet?
Ahhh, you obviously haven’t checked out Rudy Project helmets. Their top helmets come with the Bug Stop screen. This is the best invention since sliced bread! I just got my new Actyum and with the leather-ish chamois pads on the bug stop screen, it feels like a pillow is on your head rather than a helmet. It looks cool, too, which is equally important, right!?! I’ve been riding in a Rudy helmet for years and have not once had a bee or bug in my hair.
Damnit…really? I have to check this out. Thanks for the info!
Limar and I think Las helmets also have bug nets. I had a bee sting my noggin once through my Bell Ghisallo. I ride with the Limar now.
Jay, are you riding in an apiary or something? I’ve had a problem with a bee precisely once in years of wearing the heavily vented helmets. Maybe it’s time to start training in an aero helmet…
I wonder if certain helmet colors are more attractive to insects.
Check out LAS helmets definitely. Squalo comes with mesh linings for winter and summer riding; a great road helmet.
Keau
This summer I had a bee fly into my Giro Atmos. I thought it went in and out the back but when I got home I saw it still in my helmet. Didn’t sting me or anything until I tried to flick it out. It stung my finger. Go figure.
They should make an add-on to all helmets like that.
Actually, I bought an aero helmet, but have yet to wear it. Yeah, there’s tons of bugs on the routes I ride and the damn things are always flying into my vents. I must have a sweet head!
NC is BAD about bugs getting into my helmet. Real bad in the summer. I had a bug fly into my mouth while riding a couple of days ago and thought “sweet, here comes spring!”
Jay, just try this over your helmet…problem solved.
**1 ** 
American Health & Safety Spunbond Sanitary Fabric Caps … White or Blue 
Latex-FREE White Spunbond Polypropylene Bouffant Caps 
21" DuPont Tyvek® Bouffant Cap 
Invisible Nylon Hairnet 
STOCKINET® 
American Health & Safety Bouffant Nylon Mesh Hairnets
Limar and I think Las helmets also have bug nets. I had a bee sting my noggin once through my Bell Ghisallo. I ride with the Limar now.
I was j/k with Jay.
I’m looking for a new helmet. Which Limar model has the bug screen? I checked there web site.
The Las helmets look nice also.
Thanks in advance.
I have the Limar 909, which I bought new in 07 (but previous season’s model) from Pro Bike Outlet (http://www.probikeoutlet.com). It has a bug screen which velcro’s in. I looked around, and I’m also not convinced Limar still offers the screen. It would be a mistake if they did away with it.
Jay,
After viewing the product specs on the nets listed above. This is the one. I’d bet it would slip right on your helmet. I’d bet it would be a quite a conversation starter.
http://www.ahsafety.com/product.asp?id=82
The LAS Istrion has a mesh liner that helps prevent bugs from entering the helmet. The LAS Squalo has two liners, a winter and summer, neither of which are for bug control; that being said the Squalo’s winter liner is perforated for some air circulation and keeps bugs out quite well, but is too warm for summer use.
If you can’t find one of the “bug net” thingies specifically made for bikes, you can also just take one of those Head Sweats things and stretch it over the outside of your helmet. Use those three little dangling cloth parts to fasten it in back underneath it’s elastic band. The Head Sweats are so gigantic, they fit over your helmet, allows the air to come in but not the flies or the bees. Its the only way to ride the MTB in the woods during fly season here in New England. Looks ridiculous, totally Fred, but works fine.
BrokenSpoke
Nice Bob. Walmart should have some nice shower caps…maybe ones with flowers on them. I’ll be the talk of the road with one of those on!