Is a Visor on a Bike Helmet Really Better?


As an avid road cyclist, choosing the right helmet is crucial for my safety and comfort on long rides.

I used to think a visor was an absolute must-have until I tried a more minimalist helmet without one.

Through much trial and error, I've learned there are valid arguments on both sides of the visor debate when it comes to road bike helmets for sale.

The Case for Visors

Visors on bike helmets provide some clear benefits:

● Shade your eyes from sun glare - This is especially helpful when riding directly into low sunlight on early morning or late afternoon rides. The visor blocks sun rays that could otherwise impede vision.

● Protect from rain and debris - A decent-sized visor can prevent water from dripping down onto your face during wet rides. It also blocks bits of dirt and road grit kicked up by your tires from pelting your eyes.

● Increase airflow - Angling the helmet and visor forward tends to direct more air over your head. The improved ventilation helps keep you cool on hot summer rides.

I used to swear by visors for these reasons. My old Giro Atmos helmet had a wide polycarbonate visor that provided ample coverage.

I felt it improved comfort and visibility during variable riding conditions.

Questioning the Visor Craze

However, after trying a sleek, visor-less Specialized Prevail helmet last season, I started questioning the need for a visor. Here's why:

● Peripheral vision - Without a visor obstructing my field of view, I can scan for traffic and obstacles much more easily. It provides substantially better visibility and awareness.

● Versatility - A visor limits a helmet's versatility in my opinion. Helmets without visors transition better from road to mountain biking. They also look more stylish for post-ride beers at the pub!

● Weight savings - Getting rid of the visor sheds some weight off the helmet. My visor-less Prevail is over 50 grams lighter than my old Giro with visor. Less weight on my head is always welcomed!

● Aerodynamics - Visors tend to create more drag from wind resistance. Without a visor, I can achieve a more aerodynamic position on my road bike for faster riding.

The Verdict: To Visor or Not To Visor?

So is a cycling helmet better with or without a visor? After riding extensively with both setups, I don't think one is necessarily better than the other.

Visors offer benefits for shielding sun, rain, and debris. But they come at the cost of restricted peripheral vision and aerodynamics.

A visor-less helmet provides a sleeker, wider field of view and versatility. But your eyes are more exposed to the elements.

Ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference based on your specific needs. I prefer the freedom of riding visor-less now for road cycling.

But I still rely on visors when mountain biking to protect my face on rugged terrain. 

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