Ive searched the forum, but most of the threads I found were mostly from several years ago, and I think that things have moved on a bit since then.
Do many of you use a full face helmet for your every-day riding? Have they improved to the points where you can wear a full face as a trail helmet without much inconvenience vs an open face helmet?
Absolutely ****ing not tbf, I have a good one that's extremely well vented, but on days like this I don't even like wearing my cross country hat. I don't think there's ever been a helmet in the world that people didn't think "wish this was a bit less sweaty", even when they're less enclosing.
I see no reason not to if you can find one that has enough ventilation. There’s nothing wrong with more protection. I know quite a few guys with e-bikes (and the odd one without) that only have them. Personally I prefer an open face most of the time as I overheat badly at the best of times (more so now I’m unfit!), it’s one of the reasons I don’t wear riding glasses either
There are people who use full face on “leg bikes” but I’m willing to bet they don’t do many all day epic rides.
I wear a Leatt DBX (3 I think?) which has a removable chin bar which I often carry with me for descents or I if it’s not too hot I’ll pedal with it attached too. It’s reasonably well vented but there are definitely times I’m grateful to not have the chin bar on.
If you feel the need to wear one, wear it. Don't worry about reviews. If you try it and don't like it, what have you lost?
I use a Bell Super DH sometimes.
Wouldn't want to go far on a normal pedally bike with the chin bar on though, use it mostly on the e-bike.
That said, since I got a Fox Dropframe, I've not used the Bell
One things for sure, had I been wearing a FF a few years ago I wouldn't have suffered concussion and have a plate in my jaw.
I think from the impact I took though, the Dropframe world probably have saved me too
My head sweats on most rides regardless of the weather, the idea of wearing a FF while panting up some long climb fills me with horror. I guess it all depends on what sort of riding you do. I wouldn't want to just use a FF.
I've just bought an Urge Gringo (with the removable chin bar) direct from Upgrade as they were only £47. Open on the way up/full face on the way down.
So, here’s an update. Yesterday I bought a Leatt Enduro 2.0 helmet. I hadn’t planned on buying a convertible helmet, but when I tried on several options at the Chain Reaction store here in Belfast, that’s the one that appealed to me most.
I had the first ride today. It was 24-25 degrees and sunny, and it was my longest ride in ages. So it won’t get much warmer than that in these parts! Obviously, I can’t write a meaningful or objective review based on one ride, but the Leatt doesn’t feel much, if any, hotter than a normal lid. I removed the cheek pads - so the helmet really feels pretty much identical to wearing a trail helmet, but you can see the chin guard at the bottom of your range of vision.
I’m very pleased with my purchase.
And just for info (in case anyone in future is interested), I had my second ride today in my Leatt lid - this time without the chin section. It felt just like a normal trail helmet to me. Here it is:
