Recreational & Family - Is this a bad helmet?

I don't want to totally cheap-out on my helmet, but I also don't want to spend $100 for it either. Would this be an ok one to get?
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2193308&cp=713103.972050&parentPage=category

Can anyone recommend a decent brand at a decent price (around $40)?

It will likely be a fine helmet. It is very important that you like the comfort and fit. Have you been able to try on some helmets? Helmets are alot like shoes, more money will mean more features and better materials, but without fit that means nothing.

Secondly does the helmet adjust well to your head. Helmets need to stay properly aligned on your head to perform well. The front edge of the helmet should be about 2 finger widths above the bridge of your nose. I should grasp your head in such a way that the helmet will not want to move from there. The helmet will have a natural position that it will want to go to and that is where it will go. If that natural position is annoying, you will be constantly reaching to reposition the helmet. That is what those neck grabbers do. They help to comfortably stabilize and fix the helmet into that level orientation.

The helmet looks fine, but do try as many on as you can before purchasing. It will save you aggravation and money in the long run.

I don't like the universal fit helmets. I'd rather have one that comes in different sizes and fits my head better. The "downside" in your case would be that these usually cost $50-80. Keep an eye out for sales at Performance.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19334&subcategory_ID=4210
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=21137&subcategory_ID=4210
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15883&subcategory_ID=4210
http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/productDetail.asp?prodID=8

The last one is the Bell Metropolis (Metro). I don't have one, but many on these forums have reported that their Metro is a great fitting helmet.

I have the Bell Citi helmet. It is a cheaper, stripped down version of the Metro. It has the same fitting system as the Metro. You can fit it to your head with one hand by turning the fitting "wheel" on the back of the helmet. This is especially helpful when fitting different skull caps, and other liners under the helmet during different daily weather changes.

I have the Bell Citi helmet. It is a cheaper, stripped down version of the Metro. It has the same fitting system as the Metro. You can fit it to your head with one hand by turning the fitting "wheel" on the back of the helmet. This is especially helpful when fitting different skull caps, and other liners under the helmet during different daily weather changes.


In theory, yes.

But, if you have a head that is at the large end in size, you need the max adjustment just to get it on your head. That leaves no room for skull cap or liner or whatever.

There is a "prejudice" out there against large headed folks!

I hate those kinds of adjusters, and also, it is nearly impossible to fit a decent sized sweat band between the tight fitting headband and your forehead! It gets into your eyes. :eek: :eek:

There is a "prejudice" out there against large headed folks!




Tell me about it. The best fitting helmet I ever found was a $7 model from target. It was ugly but at least it fit my big head properly.

There is a "prejudice" out there against large headed folks!


Tell me about it. The best fitting helmet I ever found was a $7 model from target. It was ugly but at least it fit my big head properly.

Yeah, I am a woman with a large head. I can never find a woman's hat to fit, so end up wearing men's hats for sun protection and fit. As for helmets, I look at the size range on "women's" helmets and just start laughing. Everyone in my family has a big head.

Whatever fits you well and you like enough to wear all the time you are riding is a "good helmet". The biggest differences between high and low end helmets are weight and venting. Almost all bike store helmets are pretty light, but the more expensive ones are even lighter. And most bike store helmets are vented pretty good, but the high ends have lots more holes.

On those hot days, a helmet with good venting is worth the extra money.

Yeah, I am a woman with a large head. I can never find a woman's hat to fit, so end up wearing men's hats for sun protection and fit. As for helmets, I look at the size range on "women's" helmets and just start laughing. Everyone in my family has a big head.
.

While at work I wear a hat for sun protection from Sunday Afternoons. Mostly gender neutral hats, mens and womens come in same colors, but they give me shade EVERYWHERE.

http://www.sundayafternoons.com/index.cgi?id=314780721420

If you are sold on that Giro Skyla, performancebike.com has it for $24.99. The only color available is white though.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19347

Last summer I was in the middle of a century in 100+ temps. I was wearing a cheap Target helmet, and even with head shaved I was miserable. I took off helmet and finished ride. Next day I bought a Serfas brand helmet, Flea model. Much lighter and more ventelation. The Target special is for commuting, and night rides.