I want to get a helmet.... Options

[archyopterx]

...but I would like one with a bill on it,like a baseball cap.If I cant have that,at least tell me what you wear and why,if there is a reason.

[Phil Doi]

It depends on your position while riding. If you are leaning over as in many bike types, your vision may be impaired by a visor.
There are many helmets that have a visor attached but it is shorter than a baseball cap bill.
One of the reasons for this is that if you are riding a road style bike with drop handlebars and if you have a long bill (or visor) on the helmet, you may have a difficult time seeing the road in front of you unless you have a long neck and can lift your head up enough to see past the visor.
If you ride a cross bike or a recumbent bike, then a bill or visor doesn't restrict seeing the road ahead of you since your head is almost in a normal upright position.

I personally use helmets made by Bell with a visor attached. It helps with the sun and in the rain, if you angle your head just right, it keeps some of the water out of my eyes. (but I'd rather not ride in the rain if I can help it). Most of the helmet manufacturers make helmets with visors that usually can be detached if you change your mind. Which one is best usually depends on your head shape and size and how much you want to spend.

You may be able to find a longer visor that can be added onto a helmet as a separate accessory. I've also seen recumbent riders just wearing a regular visor (baseball style bill) under their helmet.

Phil

This post has been edited by Phil Doi: Mar 9 2009, 09:13 AM

[Marina]

I attach foam visors to my helmets because I do not want to sun damage my face. The visor is attached by punching 2 holes in the foam visor and the plastic visor of the helmet using a leather punch. I use brads to fasten the visor on. It is waterproof too, so when it starts to rain I can see well. The stretchy strap that comes with the visor is attached to the back of the helmet with a twist tie or cable tie. I don't have any vision problems using the visor, but as Phil says, I do have a long neck. For road helmets without a plastic visor I duct tape the foam visor on. The whole extended visor setup looks dorky but I am more concerned with preventive skin care than how my helmet looks . I tan through 60 SPF sunscreen so the best solution for me is shade. The foam visors are sold at Michael's craft stores for about $1.00 each . Walmart also has them in their craft department. Marina