All-Weather Bike Helmet

I ride my bike all year round, and since I live in Canada that means I have to bundle up quite a bit in the winter! When temperatures dip below 5 Celsius or so, I put my "summer" helmet back on the shelf and reach for my custom modified all-weather helmet. It's so effective that despite my mostly bald head I don't need to wear a hat underneath, even at temperatures down to -20C at speeds in excess of 40 km/h (tested and confirmed!)

The All-Weather Helmet is also completely waterproof, so it's great to have when it's raining, sleeting, or snowing.

Virtually any helmet can be modified into an all-weather helmet, the only requirement is that the plastic decorative shell can be removed.

PARTS:

One bike helmet in your size. Make sure the plastic part comes off.
About one square yard (or one square meter) of nylon fabric
Contact cement or some other glue with a long open time, that won't melt foam
Electrician's tape
A plastic face shield (optional)

TOOLS:

A sharp knife
Scissors

Step 1 Remove the Plastic Shell

The first step is to remove the plastic decorative shell that is stuck to the foam of the helmet. Chances are it will be taped around the edges, and maybe glued in a few spots here and there underneath. If your helmet is more securely attached (like my Giro "summer" helmet) then this may not work so well.

If your helmet has a visor, pop it off and set it aside.

Start by cutting the tape around the perimeter, or just peeling it off. Lift the plastic cover at one end, and feel for the first spots of glue. Gently break the glue connection, being careful not to dent the plastic or pull pieces of foam off the actual helmet. Use a metal shim, such as a ruler, to make this easier. Do this for all the glue spots, until the plastic cover comes loose.

Comments

[ilpug]

You can use the side of a large soda bottle for the face shield.

[jeff-o]

Great idea! It would be a but thinner than a store bought shield, but it would probably work just fine.

[ilpug]

Yeah, I bet it would. HDPE soda bottles are surprisingly tough, and with the bonus that if you scratch it, you can replace the whole shield for about 2$.

[al_packer]

Now-- we need to have someone design a bike helmet that gives good cooling AND protects the head, ears, neck, etc. from the sun for folks who are susceptible to melanoma

[jeff-o]

Hmmm, perhaps you could cut the brim off a Tilley hat and glue it on! LOL.

Best to stick with sunscreen, I think.

[Wasagi]

I have that bike helmet! I will need to try this, although it doesn't get too chilly here in DC, and if it does, there's snow.

Although, Surly Solved that problem. So did FiendofHumanity...

[Underwater Chef]

That would be very useful!

[jeff-o]

Thanks! And also, it really is!

[bendog38]

did u search "windscreen"?

[Darth Sensate]

What do you use to wipe your lens while you are out riding? That much rain and crud on the lens would be pretty annoying after more than a few minutes. Same problem with glasses in a summer downpour.

[jeff-o]

My finger. If it's cold out, a gloved finger. That sometimes leads to blur-o-vision, but I can still see well enough to stay out of trouble.

[[insert username here]]

i think you mean tuque (not toque). as it would be hard to ride a bike with a chef's hat.

[jeff-o]

Ha, you are correct! I shall correct it.

[finnrambo]

YAY! bike wear that self-concious people can use, well done man!

[jeff-o]

Thanks.  :)

[keithgarvin]

I have to weigh in on this instructable because taking off the plastic shell and putting nylon in between compromises the integrity of the helmet.  I've been in a number of accidents where my helmet was destroyed and I can tell you that helmets are only good for one use and should never be compromised.  when I ride in the winter, I use the louis garneau time trial helmet, its the one that the visor you use is designed for, it has less air holes than a standard helmet and covers the ears, I also wear a thin thermal hoodie underneath the helmet.

[jeff-o]

The key here is that the outer shell on this particular helmet is really on there for looks.  It's held on with tape and a few dabs of glue here and there.  On other helmets, like those made by Giro, the plastic shell is indeed part of the structure, and should not be removed in this way.

[vanmankline]

+1

[michaeldavid]

Wonder if you can get the face shield tinted?

[undegreenable]

get your hands on some window tint for car glass. i believe walmart has some in automotive

[jeff-o]

Dunno. If you make your own face shield, you could use plastic that's already tinted.

[dollardude]

Great but i live in AUSTRALIA not some cold place like that

[jeff-o]

It still rains in Australia, doesn't it? ;) It'll keep your head dry too.

[dollardude]

I... Guess... still, the only rain in AUS a lightning storm (i dont ride then(metal bike))

[dollardude]

L.O.O.K...

[cowscankill]

LOL! Metal bike... Haha make a bamboo bike, like in that recent Instructable :D

[All Day]

I Love the idea. great to keep mosquitoes out of your eyes as well

[jstringer94]

yeah just showing ya

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH............................ but does it have windshield wipers?

[jeff-o]

Yes - your fingers. ;)

[MarkCamano]

thats a great idea. and that clear viser will keep the wind out of your eyes. the wind makes my eyes water.

[kergareth]

For the visor on the Garneau site, click here Alternatively, go to the site
Catalog Section> Fall Cycling 08-09 > Helmets > Acessories > Windscreen

[coolsciencetech]

how do you keep your bike from rusting????

[jeff-o]

For the most part, a generous application of bike lube, WD-40, or marine-grade grease. It also helps that many of the components (including the frame) and fasteners are made of aluminum and stainless steel.

[noelle_tan]

have you tried using dish soap on the shield, and then buffing it? I've heard that that was reliable to keep water off.

[jeff-o]

Nope, I haven't tried dish soap. I have heard that it works, though...

[coolsciencetech]

FINALLY! someone who rides their bike in winter too. what do you do if there is a snow storm?

[catman529]

I live in Tennessee where it doesn't snow much, but right now it is under 20 degrees Fahrenheit. I ride my bike year-round and this helmet seems like a good idea for the winter time. But now I am anticipating spring so I might consider something like this for next winter...

[jeff-o]

Well, it's great for spring rain, too... ;)

[Evil Bike]

winter biking is awesome. i made some studded tires for my bike. i live in Oregon