Reddit mentions: The best bike helmet accessories

Hey there! I ride that leg very frequently - it is R38 / South Dakota Ave. Yes, it is dedicated shoulder riding, but the shoulder is widened more than a usual highway's would be. I would recommend it over gravel for one major reason: drivers expect bikers to be there. During a good summer day you'll encounter 5-10 bikers in the 10-mile stretch; all regular drivers in the area will be aware that bikes are on the shoulder.

Must-have #1: get a good helmet-mounted mirror (I use this one) and continuously assess the situation area you. Be especially vigilant about people passing other cars. IMO having you, a car, and another car all in a line together is a great way to die. If I see a car swing out to pass another car near me, I usually give a very clear "stop" hand signal to indicate I want them to wait until they are clear of me. Some oblige, some don't.

Must have #2: set up a safety rule and follow it. Mine is that I watch for an approaching car and if at any point their tire touches the solid white line into the shoulder, I hard brake and remove myself from the road. Thankfully, that's only happened once, and in that particular case the driver did start moving towards the center line as he approached, though I had already begun stopping.

Must have #3: get a very bright flashing rear light and use it during the day while on the highway. I have to admit to you that mine isn't bright enough, but reading this made me realize I need to get one purchased before the season starts back up, so I think I'm going to give this guy a try.

If you do the things above I think you'll find the ride up very enjoyable. Good luck and stay safe!

Hello! This is my second year bike commuting and I love it! The coldest days of the year in Baltimore look around -15C so it shouldn't be too bad! Things I use/suggest are the following

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For you:

Bike helmet cover, something like this to keep in the warmth, but doesnt get too hot

Pair of ski goggles

Gloves

Buff

A pair of cycling only outdoor pants to wear as 'ski pants' over your regular pants like these

Wool socks (Costco has great merino wool ones)

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For the bike:

Fenders

A nice set of lights like these

Bar mitts like these

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And just make sure you keep up with cleaning the salt and grime off your bike!

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Good luck!

Here is my list I made for another post. It works from 60 to -10 or so.

Here are my recommendations for surviving a Boston winter:

Bibs, Base Layer, Leg Warmers, Arm Warmers, Thermal Jersey, Jacket, Helmet Cover, Toe Cover, Shoe Cover, Gloves, Balaclava & Socks.

This is almost exclusively Pearl Izumi because it fits me, I can get a good deal on most of it if I wait to buy and the quality is amazing. It is not cheap but I rode almost every week outdoors last year during one of the worst winters we have had in a long time.

Also, do yourself a favor and get a rear fender and wet chain lube. Also staying hydrated is very important as anyone would tell you but it is hard to drink cold water when it is cold so I find this stuff from Skratch Labs really helps. Be prepared to a lot more drive train maintenance due to the salt and sand you will get in your chain and cassette.

Let me know what you have questions on and I will be happy to report back. I don't use all of this on every ride, it is weather dependent but in the middle of winter, I certainly like being able to bundle up and then remove a layer or unzip when needed. It makes riding fun when the thermometer dips below 15°F.

The NiteRider Lumina Micro 650 is pretty reasonably priced.
Says 1.5h run time on high.
USB rechargeable!
https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Lumina-Micro-650-Headlight/dp/B07FPYN8N7

Niterider helmet mount.
Works well on my helmet.
(straps through your vent holes up top)
https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-Commuter-Helmet-Mount-Cordless/dp/B003Z8AK3Q/

Fenix bar mount, rugged and really adjustable. Fenix makes great flashlights but pricey.
https://www.amazon.com/Fenix-ALB-10-Flashlight-Mount-Upgrade/dp/B01FBABI90
this appears to be the same mount but cheaper (maybe import knock-off??)
https://www.amazon.com/FOME-Quick-release-Bike-Mount-ALB-10/dp/B00K6B6OGC

Flashlight. I've had good luck with this Light so far.
Infinitely adjustable brightness. (one click on - click and hold to DIM or brighten to desired level)
USB rechargeable!
https://www.amazon.com/ThruNite-Micro-USB-Chargeable-Flashlight-Self-define/dp/B06XWXVZH7

If biking in cool weather and wind, make sure you keep your ears and head warm! I have these fleece ear warmers that I wear for commuting / road cycling and they are truly wonderful. They attach to the straps of your helmet and don't block sound, so they're safe for use on the road. Headbands or hats that are slim and made of thermoregulating material (merino or synthetic) are also good, and if you cycle in a very cold or windy area you can use them in combination with ear flaps like the ones linked.

Wearing a normal winter hat while cycling isn't advisable because 1. it will mess with the fit of your helmet (safety first!) and 2. it probably will end up being too hot under your helmet as you get sweaty on your ride. I prefer the ear warmers personally because I have a small head and hats / headbands tend to slip down into my eyes, but many winter hats designed for cycling are shallower to avoid this problem.

ETA: I forgot gloves and scarves! Gloves: make sure you find some that will block wind. Lobster claw or mitten style is best for really cold temps, and you can also layer thin gloves under your outer gloves if you get really cold hands. Buffs / muticlavas are nice because they're slim and easy to pull up over your face (and let you continue to breathe if you do that). Look for merino or high quality synthetics that will let the moisture from your breath move through the material without sacrificing warmth.

Vaude is my go-to. Not too expensive but super high-quality. After hours spent in the rain on bike tours the only thing that I find comfortable is a cape/poncho. See below for links.

Vaude Poncho - VAUDE Unisex Valdipino Poncho, Lemon, XX-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U92F8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_yg-WCbYC9S4TC

Also gaiters and helmet cover help a lot as well.

VAUDE Unisex Bike Gaiter Short - Waterproof Shoe Cover with Reflective Elements - Breathable Cycling Overshoes with full length velcro closure - Black - Size 36 - 39 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DIG4IS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_Wi-WCbDKXR6SD

VAUDE Helmet Rain Cover, Black, One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006BYYKE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_Pj-WCb5C04M2S

I use this cycling computer:
http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-9-Function-Computer-Temperature/dp/B000AO9R8C/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1299266806&sr=8-13

I even used it on my motorcycle. Works up to 99mph!

Also a great helmet mirror that was indispensable : http://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-01002-Bike-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B000BNTY58/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1299266867&sr=8-3

Its like a third eye on the back of your head. I hope this helps.

Sweaty mother fu*cker with a shaved head checking in. I use the Sweat buster https://www.amazon.com/Sweat-Buster-Helmet-Sweatband-Comfortable/dp/B076Q53CX5 . It's like a tampon for your forehead.

They work WAY better than the halo bands because they absorb more sweat. Either one will need wrung out partway through a long ride, but these tend to hold off longer until they start to drip.

I've used them in Giro Feature, Bell Super MIPS and Troy Lee A1 MIPS. You just have to cut a little of the factory liner (not mips webbing) to get them to fit properly.

I have NiteRider 1100 Lumen combo. I had 2 mount point on my handlebar and helmet. I love using helmet mount because it allow me see better in curve road and also it's more easier for me to look away from other biker/driver so I don't blind them with my bright light.

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Just my 2 cent. More faster you riding (18+MPH) OR on bad road, you'll need higher lumen. Slower you go, lower lumen you need.

NiteRider 1100 OLED/100

NiteRider Lumina Helmet Mount Strap

Get a set of Cat Ears) and you'll almost eliminate the wind noise which will make the headphones more effective and actually help you hear traffic better.

I'll vouch for cat ears as an effective tool for reducing wind noise.

I've recently purchased a pair after seeing so many fuzzy helmet straps on group rides.

The work as advertised, and I'm VERY happy to not have the constant rumble of wind in my ears.

Got 'em for $12.50 on Amazon.

Here is what I have been using for 2 years. It is completely safe and great quality. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00U2T894I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WTg3Db94VTJ61

Amazon. A huge selection of bike helmets from known brands for $15-30. I bought one for $24 that has a built in led safety light in back of the helmet. Plenty of well reviewed bike lights for $10-20.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0725BCXF3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XW8TB8Z/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I suggest something like a Giro Bishop. Visor is great to have to keep the sun out of your eyes in the morning/afternoon.

Pick something well ventilated so you can mount lights/cameras. You can easily block up those vents with a cover wherever it gets wet or cold.

New straps are not terribly difficult to sew on. You don't need to be particularly good at sewing or even need a machine, but a tailor can do it for you in minutes. Or you can retrofit [one of these] (https://smile.amazon.com/Black-Metal-Helmet-Quick-Release/dp/B00U2T894I) and have a nice quick release handy.

I have tinnitus and was looking for something to protect my ears from the wind noise as well. I found these and they work pretty good. It looks goofy, but I'd rather not lose more of my hearing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6MH3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_pvZbzb384QTQF

This is lower tech, but I got a set of these. Yes I get comments about my rad sideburns, but they really do work well. I won't ever go back.

When it gets really cold I definitely wear a face mask, and multiple layers. i just found an insert for my Lazer O2 helmet I'm going to try out this year. Before I wore a Pearl Izumi headband. Here is me after getting caught in a snowstorm on the way home. 23mm Continental SuperSports and an unplowed bike path made for an interesting ride (the cars skidding all over the road deterred me from riding on the road as I normally do).

I've used this helmet mirror for years and it's great.

Can use any fabric really, from headbands that cover the ears to those tube gaiters pulled up.

Here's a direct competitor that claims to be better, if you want to go that route: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VY6MH3Y

Beware that noise can still be transmitted through bone conduction, so beware of other headwear touching your skull.

As someone who is folically challenged... the best investment I made was a helmet cover.

https://www.amazon.com/BTR-Visibility-Universal-Waterproof-Reflective/dp/B00TDKWI0S

Designed for rain, I use it to trap more heat when I'm riding in all weather. I get fewer headaches after my ride.

Maybe something like this, and then just cut to fit wherever you need it.

Aftermarket Replacement Pads Liner Compatible with Specialized Sierra, Align, Flash, and Max Helmets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7MM04U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6ACkDbFWKPP3Y

Seattle here. Rain, I can work with rain.

A.) Fenders. Planet Bike hardcore.


B.) Shop safety glasses. Tada! Windshield. Little bit vented, not batman or racketball style


C.) Helmet cap: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002P707F4


D.) Yellow rain resistant jacket. I have an older model of this that was on sale. http://www.amazon.com/Canari-Cyclewear-Eclipse-Jacket-X-Large/dp/B00487LWLC/


E.) Increase bike's reflectivity. http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-reflective-tape-97562.html


F.) Hardcore proper rain, go rain pants. I have expensive ones because I hate rain pants but I've made peace that I hate being wet worse and I live in a wet climate. I have hiking rain pants and rain jacket made by mountain hardware. I love them but they are expensive; but it isn't more than a month or two of gas for the car.


G.) Monsoon season, I switch to waterproof work boots. Some people put garbage or grocery sacks on their feet, but I'd rather just have appropriate insulated footwear for the nasty weather.


H.) 40 degrees and below, I wear a balaclava. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZG7RGM


I.) Safety glass anti-fog. Cat crap: http://www.amazon.com/EK-10003C-Cat-Crap/dp/B002ZNA488/


J.) I also make sure the schwabe marathon tires still have some grip and tread. They have a reflective sidewall. I also make sure I have at least two lights forward and two to the rear.


H.) Gloves: I wear some pearl izumi gloves. I had some boring leather gloves from homedespot that worked fine. In cold weather I'll wear some hotfinger gloves which I found on a trip to Boston.

One probably doesn't need all this, but it keeps me getting on the bike rather than garaging it. I like the options too, too hot? Remove underjacket and just use cycling jacket. I hate how cycling gear somehow makes the price go up, but some of it actually does the job really well, colored visibly too.

Oops. $17. Like microphone covers for your helmet straps.

Cat-Ears AirStreamz Cycling Wind Noise Reducer

There's got to be some kind of general purpose foam insert kit like this that would do the trick, or cut to fit foam you could find, or something.

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Ears-AirStreamz-Cycling-Noise-Reducer/dp/B06VY6MH3Y

I have one of these mounted to my helmet with one of these. They used to make a version with a flashing red light on the back but I haven't been able to find that in a while.

There's a mount that you can buy that velcros to your helmet and has a cylinder about the diameter of a bike handlebar. You put the light on the cylinder the same way it would go on the handlebar and run the wire down to your backpack.

Example: http://www.amazon.com/Light-Motion-Helmet-Mount-Stella/dp/B001I261L6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408648718&sr=8-2&keywords=helmet+light+mount

So essentially one of [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Reflex-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B00012343C)?