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[Closed] Are white helmets cooler than black helmets?

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[#5231894]

Need a new road helmet and tend to run quite hot. Always had black helmets and wondering if a white or silver helmet would make much difference?

Looking primarily at the giro savant for reference.


 
Posted : 09/06/2013 10:29 pm
 mrmo
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used both colours, i don't there is really any difference. The number of slots cut into a couple of inches of polystyrene strapped to your head has more say then colour.


 
Posted : 09/06/2013 10:34 pm
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My new ones white, can't say it's any cooler than the one it replaced
(actualy warmer as it's cheeper with less vents). Had a series of Xens in various colours before that and never noticed any change.


 
Posted : 09/06/2013 10:36 pm
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On that basis then, is a road specific helmet going to be dramatically cooler than a hex. I know it'll be lighter but I've got a massive head so well developed neck muscles....


 
Posted : 09/06/2013 10:44 pm
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The white one's displays are much more exciting.


 
Posted : 09/06/2013 10:48 pm
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well, if you look what colour they paint houses in desert countries, I'd say white reflects the sun whereas black must absorb it, so I think white would be cooler

this however has no scientific data to back it up coz I just thought of it


 
Posted : 09/06/2013 10:51 pm
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A black shell may absorb more heat than a white one, but Styrofoam is a pretty good insulator, so that heat has little effect on your head. Unfortunately, being a good insulator means that the heat you generate can't escape either, hence the need for lots of cooling vents.

So, yes, theoretically a black helmet may get hotter than a white one, but it will make bugger all difference to the way it feels on your head.


 
Posted : 09/06/2013 11:08 pm