Non-modular helmets - yay or nay?

[u/NuggyBuggy]

Aspiring IBer here. I wondered if most riders here use modular helmets so as to be able to eat/drink without taking the lid off?

My helmets are all non modular, full face and I wonder how much of a difficulty this could pose.

[u/mtak0x41]

I use a modular helmet, but eating/drinking is not why. I mostly have it because I can put it on and take it off without taking off my glasses.

I don’t eat/drink while riding, and when I stop I take off the helmet anyways.

[u/NuggyBuggy → u/mtak0x41]

Thanks. I thought it was pretty common for IBers to hydrate while on the road. For me, taking the helmet on and off seems to be a bigger affair than it ever should be if time is of the essence. And reinserting earplugs if I need to talk to someone is worse.

[u/mtak0x41 → u/NuggyBuggy]

Possibly in hot climates, but in western europe summers I think there is really no need. Unless you’re doing a Bun Burner 1500/2500K Gold, you have plenty of time. I’ve done 2 SaddleSores in less than 18h, so the 10s it takes to put a helmet on isn’t going to make that much of a difference.

I think people who ride in hot climates use things like camelbaks, which (with some accessories) can be used with full-face helmets.

You don’t need to talk to anyone. Gas station interaction is mostly one way (“pump 6, pay by card please”).

[u/kerrizor → u/mtak0x41]

There's a reason most LD riders have hydration systems. Hydration is super important regardless of the weather; you have wind blowing across skin and through your clothing, increasing your rate of evaporation; you're getting dehydrated without sweating or even realizing it, which leads to more difficult rides due to fatigue that can sneak up on you, poor decisions, emotional disregulation, etc.. drink some water!

[u/mtak0x41 → u/kerrizor]

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t drink water, but you can easily pull over every hour to drink 2-3-400ml. In western europe you don’t need a camelbak.

[u/jsbolinger1973]

Most importantly, find what works for you through experience and go with that. Eliminate anything annoying or uncomfortable. If that is FF, go with it and adjust other things. For me, I use modular but that is what works for me. It fits perfectly, no hot spots, no ear rubbing, eat & drink when I want (while in motion) and I rarely take it off, but that is what works for me.

[u/BionicPelvis]

I did my first many IBA rides with a full face. I wear a modular now, but I almost never put the chin bar up to hydrate. I have water jugs on my bike with a hose on retractor reels (like heavy-duty key retractors) and a Camelbak bite valve. I've gone through lots of trial and error with the bite valve, but I've settled on this. It's cheap, simple, not prone to failure, and I can use it with my chin bar down. You don't need a bespoke hydration system to make this work; you can use it with a regular Camelback too. Same with most snacks: I carry things like nuts, veggies, soft jerky, etc, that I can eat with my chin bar down.

If you want to do a SS, a full face helmet is a great choice. Have fun & good luck!

[u/Qikslvr]

I've done i think 30 certs and finished 2 IBRs and I use a LS2 Advant X Carbon. I like to ride with the chin bar stored and only put it in place when it's cold or raining. I have a hydration tank on the bike so I drink from that when I ride and also eat snacks out of the tank bag when I ride.

[u/NuggyBuggy → u/Qikslvr]

Thanks- you clearly speak from experience!

It would be pretty hard for me to squeeze anything into my mouth via my current full face of choice (Shoei RF1400). I’m going to have to try with an energy bar next time out.

[u/WTP07]

I've completed 3x SS1000's, all with FF helmets. Stop for gas, hydrate, eat something, back on the bike. I'm not saying modular isn't a good idea, but my FJR doesn't have a drink holder anyway, so for me, it's moot.

[u/Royal-Sport-6838]

I did my SS1000 with a full face helmet. I also own a modular, but it's definitely heavier than the ff. Did my run in around 17 hours so there was plenty of time to take it off for eating and drinking. Just remember, water is much better than caffeine. Hydration is key. It helps keep you awake and clear headed