View Poll Results: What Are Your Helmet Wearing Habits?
I've never worn a bike helmet
52
10.40%
I used to wear a helmet, but have stopped
24
4.80%
I've always worn a helmet
208
41.60%
I didn't wear a helmet, but now do
126
25.20%
I sometimes wear a helmet depending on the conditions
90
18.00%
Voters: 500. You may not vote on this poll
The Helmet Thread 2
#2452
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,644
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1604 Post(s)
Liked 2,569 Times
in
1,217 Posts
#2454
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 114
Bikes: motobecane outcast 29er singlespeed and nashbar singlespeed road bike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 96 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
department store helmets ok??
I wanted to know if I could buy an adult bike helmet from Walmart when it comes time to replace mine.
They fit really well and cost up to 60$ less than a specialized or a Giro thing and they seem fairly thick and durable enough, but of course nobody would know until you crash and you are dead in the head or not.
I just wanted to know if this was safe and if I could save the cash and still get the safety I would get out of a 50 or 80 or 100$ helmet?.
They fit really well and cost up to 60$ less than a specialized or a Giro thing and they seem fairly thick and durable enough, but of course nobody would know until you crash and you are dead in the head or not.
I just wanted to know if this was safe and if I could save the cash and still get the safety I would get out of a 50 or 80 or 100$ helmet?.
#2456
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,663
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5766 Post(s)
Liked 2,538 Times
in
1,404 Posts
All helmets sold in the USA (legally) must meet certain standards. You'll see the stickers inside attesting to that. Now, it's possible that some pricier helmets exceed those standards, but you'll rarely see any claims about that.
So, consider the least pricey helmet to offer protection very comparable to the priciest. What you do get for more money (besides prestige) might be lower weight, better venting, better mounting and adjustment system, and (maybe) some specific features that are supposed to improve performance in certain situations, ie. reducing head rotation in a glancing impact on pavement.
So, consider the least pricey helmet to offer protection very comparable to the priciest. What you do get for more money (besides prestige) might be lower weight, better venting, better mounting and adjustment system, and (maybe) some specific features that are supposed to improve performance in certain situations, ie. reducing head rotation in a glancing impact on pavement.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#2457
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,080
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3370 Post(s)
Liked 5,491 Times
in
2,844 Posts
Price has no correlation with safety in bike helmets: Cheap or Expensive Bicycle Helmets
#2458
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,810
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,017 Times
in
571 Posts
What you may give up that I've found to be very important is better ventilation. My head overheats badly with a cheap helmet so for me a better helmet was well worth it. But that's probably at least in part a matter of individual physiology. If it's comfortable for you, there's no reason not to save a few bucks.
#2459
Senior Member
Some of the most expensive helmets MAY offer marginally more protection (mainly against concussions). The vast majority are equivalent.
#2460
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,810
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,017 Times
in
571 Posts
The newer MIPS technology claims reduction in concussions, but I tend to be a late adopter so I think I'll wait a year or two on those and see what the consensus on their efficacy seems to be. And if they become widely accepted, the price will come down.
#2461
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,080
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3370 Post(s)
Liked 5,491 Times
in
2,844 Posts
#2462
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,207
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3640 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
51 Posts
I've had my cheapo department store helmet for a couple years now. Fits MY head extremely well, ventilated enough that I am not uncomfortable, and really see no reason to spend more than the $15 or so it cost me. If I do wreck and whack it good, it was cheap enough I'll have no problem tossing it and buying a new one.
#2464
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Cleveland, OH
Posts: 135
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Allez SE "Jim Merz" edition, Trek 750
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 58 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
An inexpensive helmet save m life at the end of the season. I have read enough that I believe the certified helmets will work fine. A key for me is fit. I am apt to spend more on one that fits and also believe the MIPS technology to be an asset toward fit and impact protection.
#2465
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 6,319
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1031 Post(s)
Liked 208 Times
in
146 Posts
You can buy a department store helmet but I wonder why you would when there are always deals to be found on helmets both online and locally.
#2466
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LF, APMAT
Posts: 2,752
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 623 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 397 Times
in
226 Posts
I would suspect more expensive helmets are lighter, cool better and have more features to allow finer adjustments. If those things are important to you, then a more expensive helmet may be a better choice in the long run. Personally, I do as someone mentioned above and wait for a sale.
#2468
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,207
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3640 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
51 Posts
Locally, maybe, but I rarely buy anything I wear beyond cheap graphic t-shirts online unless I am replacing something I know exact sizing on. I prefer trying on things that are on my body for hours at a time.
#2469
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 687
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
huh...? not understanding how you can project how often you'll crash in the future...
after a period of 14 years without an incident, I was involved in two crashes within 4 months.
it's not like you get the luxury of knowing in advance when you're going down.
altho not an engineer, don't think hair is going to prevent head injuries in any way.
after a period of 14 years without an incident, I was involved in two crashes within 4 months.
it's not like you get the luxury of knowing in advance when you're going down.
altho not an engineer, don't think hair is going to prevent head injuries in any way.
#2470
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 706
Bikes: Specialized Diverge E5 Comp, Specialized AWOL Comp, Scott Solace 10
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times
in
20 Posts
As others have said, absolutely no problem buying a department store helmet. Spending more can get you better ventilation and perhaps more precise fit adjustment, but I'm doubtful there's any difference in protection.
#2471
Senior Member
There's a MINIMUM standard that they all meet and then there is the hype built up around the more expensive.
#2472
Senior Member
#2473
Senior Member
#2474
Banned.
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 742
Bikes: Trek
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 264 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#2475
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: West Palm Beach FL
Posts: 176
Bikes: Giant TCR SL 1, Niner Air 9, Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 57 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
I have owned both inexpensive and expensive helmets. It comes down to comfort and for for me. The more expensive helmets fit better and are more comfortable for long rides.