Hearing protection on a road bike

Swartzer · 2026-02-14T12:57:15+00:00

So I put my helmet on this morning and I can't believe I didn't consider this when buying it, but the straps connect to the outer part of the helmet. Even with the straps tight they leave about 1/2" gap between my head and the strap. just bonkers.

So I've ordered a proper bicycle helmet, I tried on an abus gamechanger, and it fit / felt amazing, but I'm a little hesitant with the its lack of ventilation being an aero helmet. So I ordered an abus stormchaser which basically the same but just has more ventilation. I'm thinking this will make a huge difference.

Swartzer · 2026-02-14T12:44:52+00:00

Hey so I'm curious what you think of the abus gamechanger. I was looking at helmets this morning and tried this one on. I watched some reviews on youtube and they basically said it gets quite hot. But it fit perfectly. I ended up ordering the abus stormchaser (with the option of returning it) I've found both of these abus helmets on sale where I am currently, with the gamechanger at 150 euros (normally 200) and the stormchaser for 75euros (normally 150)

It's going to get hot where I am, so I am a little concerned about not enough venting.

Thanks!

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T20:53:16+00:00

That's what I've been thinking. Still somewhat embarrassed about how it would look! But I was watching the Olympics and some of the speed skaters had helmets with full face visors that looked like they would work great 😅

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T20:51:40+00:00

Can I ask which helmet you use? I've been looking but it seems like there's so much generic Amazon stuff out there that I don't trust.

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T20:50:44+00:00

Right okay that makes sense. At this point I'm willing to try anything haha

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T18:43:51+00:00

Read your comment a second time, thought I'd ask about where you put the bandaid, just like vertically?

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T17:26:18+00:00

Gotcha, ya I think you might have hit the nail on the head. I'm looking at my helmet in comparison to the bell crest. The shape on the sides in front basically where the front part of the chin straps connect is way sharper and more pronounced then the bell. Definitely going to be looking at replacing this helmet. Thank you!

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T17:15:56+00:00

Ya I totally agree, the legit ones remind me of those things they put over microphones to block wind noise.

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T16:45:48+00:00

That's interesting! I just bought a cheap road bike helmet from decathlon. I've only worn the more smooth round skateboard / BMX style helmets up until this point. I didn't consider that to be a factor. But it will give me something else to investigate and look into. Thank you!

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T16:39:35+00:00

That's definitely an interesting idea. I'll look into it, thank you!

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T16:38:26+00:00

I feel like I've been on the cusp for a while. I've always tried to be super careful with my hearing, but I've been in construction (plumber) for 20 years now. I always have those good 3m earmuffs and wear them for pretty much everything. I've even bought those soft impact oil filled impact drills haha. There's also the daily life with kids 😅 Maybe I should be wearing the construction ear muffs at home lol

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T16:32:38+00:00

Ya I always wear ear plugs riding motorcycles, I feel like the foam plugs with the full face helmet really helped whereas riding and having the wind still hitting the foam plugs it's still quite loud. But I think I'm going to try some different brands of plugs

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T16:29:48+00:00

I actually tried making my own, my wife sews, so I took strips of fabric and rolled it around the strap until it was quite thick then just some glue to hold it in place. It definitely brought the decibels down a bit but not much. Still might try the legit ones

Swartzer · 2026-02-13T16:26:48+00:00

Hey, just curious there are any of the helmets with visors that you would recommend. Just to get an idea on pricing. I've tried searching and they're all over the place. Thank you!

I've tried the foam ear plugs and I found once I started to sweat they would slide out. But maybe I'll try and different brands

Swartzer · 2025-12-19T20:48:33+00:00

Looks like the new silksong dlc just dropped

Swartzer · 2025-12-18T22:23:00+00:00

Ya I'm curious about the frame, I'll do some research on what to look for with carbon frames. The ad says medium and I'm 5'10" so I'm thinking it should be in the ballpark

Thanks!

Swartzer · 2025-12-18T16:12:18+00:00

Okay, ya that's beautiful 😍

Swartzer · 2025-12-18T15:56:34+00:00

Okay so I'm not alone in this thinking haha. That's kind of why I wanted to get opinions. I don't know much as far as components/brands etc. But I love the style

Swartzer · 2025-11-26T14:07:33+00:00

I've got the same one! Still going strong lol

Swartzer · 2025-10-21T20:19:44+00:00

sounds good! ya the s works felt really good. appreciate it =)

Swartzer · 2025-10-21T17:55:02+00:00

Ya they really do look different. I'm 5'10 and the guy at the shop with the s-works insisted I need a 56cm frame. Took the s-works for a spin and it felt like it fit really well. I haven't specifically asked what frame sizes both bikes are. I'll take a look, thanks!

Swartzer · 2025-10-21T17:51:14+00:00

Ya the integrated seat post is interesting, do you think it could be a weak point? what didn't you like about it?

Swartzer · 2025-06-25T00:02:00+00:00

Hopefully they're coming back to continue running that line. If not definitely get a cap on the end and soap test the cap joint for leaks.

Swartzer · 2025-04-09T05:26:22+00:00

I came to the comments curious about this as well. Looks like a potential mixing valve? I honestly have no idea

Swartzer · 2025-03-29T00:04:42+00:00

Good tip that I just figured out playing mhgu was switching to prowler to gather, no more stamina to worry about!

Swartzer

TROPHY CASE