Quiet Rider Helmet Closure
QUIET RIDER HELMET CLOSURE
CW EVALUATIONS
A new way to reduce wind noise
HELMET WIND NOISE IS A PROBLEM FOR most riders. One solution is as simple as using a set of earplugs. But not everyone is comfortable with foam plugs jammed into their aural canals. Another solution—one that's more comfortable and still allows pertinent road noises to filter through—is the Quiet Rider helmet closure from Noj Inc. (Dept. CWP, 402 S. Morgan, Minneapolis, MN 55405; 800456-0485).
The Quiet Rider —constructed from black, drum-dyed cowhide and stretch nylon —is basically a small skirt that's available for most popular brands of full-face helmets. The Quiet Rider attaches to the bottom of the helmet and fits snugly and comfortably around the rider's neck, completely sealing the helmet's opening and lessening the effects of the wind.
We installed a Quiet Rider on an Arai helmet in less than five minutes, employing a blunt-tipped butter knife as a tool to push the skirt's stiffened perimeter into the space between the helmet's shell and foam cushion. With the Quiet Rider in place, the helmet becomes more difficult to put on. despite a broad, velcro-fastened front flap designed to ease chin-strap fastening. But the Quiet Rider does indeed seal noise and cold air out. even if the skirt's short length means that the lower portion of the neck is left exposed. Unfortunately, the Quiet Rider also keeps warm air in. which greatly increases faceshield fogging in cool temperatures. Also, using the Quiet Rider in summer months could be an uncomfortably warm proposition.
These gripes are easily outweighed by the benefits of the Quiet Rider when worn on a long ride, where noise and chill can be annoying and add to rider fatigue. Anti-fog shield treatment is very useful in combating misting, as is opening the faceshield w hile waiting at traffic lights.
Materials and workmanship are very good, but the Quiet Rider's $49.95 retail price is a little hard to swallow when you consider that a pair of earplugs and a bandanna could accomplish similar results for significantly less money. One thing left to consider, though, is that with the Quiet Rider installed, you can listen to stereo earphones or an intercom system, and that's something earplugs won't allow.
