Fifty Plus (50+) - What helmet is best?

Its time for a new helmet and I'm trying to figure out how much and what for. I have been riding for years with whatever I bought at WalMart. My current helmet is a Schwinn model, cost $20, two years old. This year I've really kicked up the miles. It was close to 100 degrees here yesterday. I have really noticed the hot head and its only going to get worse as we move into summer.

I found a Gyro Atmos in red, white and blue on sale at Nashbar for $139. Lots of vents, but also seems to claim the best safety skeleton, which is also a main feature, particularly now that I'm running over 200 miles per month on the road.

What do you guys use?

Its time for a new helmet and I'm trying to figure out how much and what for. I have been riding for years with whatever I bought at WalMart. My current helmet is a Schwinn model, cost $20, two years old. This year I've really kicked up the miles. It was close to 100 degrees here yesterday. I have really noticed the hot head and its only going to get worse as we move into summer.

I found a Gyro Atmos in red, white and blue on sale at Nashbar for $139. Lots of vents, but also seems to claim the best safety skeleton, which is also a main feature, particularly now that I'm running over 200 miles per month on the road.

What do you guys use?

You do need a quality helmet and I have always used Giro helmets. They are good, but my LBS have changed to MET helmets. I was a bit annoyed but decided to try them for size and fit. These helmets are comfortable and Light. More vents than the giros and are cheaper. I bought one and have not regretted it. Still have the last giro I bought as a spare- but that is what it is. I prefer to wear the MET.

Fit is the main concern and I tried several models till I found the one that felt better than the others. Then there is the colour and I prefer to have a visor- as do most mountain bikers but roadies don't. Main thing is to try them before you buy- as with most clothing so mail order for me is out on such an important item of safety wear.

Safety and performance are big issues, but the HEAT that I was feeling yesterday was something else. The cooling and vents in the helmet are the other main point. I need something that is cool.

Good point about trying it on and fitting at the LBS rather than mail order.

There are really only two basic requirements. 1 It fits you correctly so that it will protect you if you need it to. 2. It meets one of the following safety specifications as stated by USA Cycling:

At all times when participating in or preparing for an event held under a USA Cycling permit, including club rides, all licensees who are mounted on a bicycle must wear a securely fastened helmet that meets either the US DOT helmet standards or one of the following standards:
(1) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z90.4;
(2) Snell Memorial Foundation Standard "B" or "N" series;
(3) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F-1447.
(4) Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard CAN/CSA-D113.2-M;
(5) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard for bicycle helmets;
(6) European Committee for Standardization (CEN) standard for bicycle helmets

I think RockyMtnMerlin & Big Paulie are on the right track. If it fits and meets basic safety requirments, I buy my helmets on price... the less the better. I deal with the heat issues with a "Cool Max" skull cap. Oh, yeah and I also go for lighter colors to reflect the sun in the summer and for more visibility when there is less light. I don't think I've paid more than $50 of $60 for a helmet. I usually buy last year's model as significantly reduced prices.

Over 16 years of riding and probably 7 helmets, the Giro Atmos is my newest and favorite if that helps you.

Cheapest I can find that fits. All helmets have to meet the same minimum protection requirements. If anything, a cheaper helmet with less vents will protect you more, simply having fewer holes.

I just bought a Bell Citi ... it has a detachable visor and a more rounded shape supposedly to offer better protection. Price not too bad...$45.

The best helmet is the one that fits. You're more likely to wear it. They all meet the same minimum standard.

I appreciate all your thoughts here. However, I have to disagree with some of you regarding the quality in a helmet. While they all meet the same MINIMUM standards, they don't all offer the maximum protection. I view it as a small car versus an SUV, they both meet minimum standards but which one would you rather be in if you wreck.

Also, my desire is to have one that is really COOL AND VENTILATED.

When looking at my Walmart Bell and Schwinn helmets I have a tough time believing that their plastic shell with styrofoam liner offers as much protection as one made from carbon fiber, like the Atmos. They build bike frames from carbon fiber but not from plastic. Now, the cheaper helmets may have a good percentage of the protection of some others, but it is hard for me to believe they offer equal protection.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and inputs.

If you pay a few dollars more you'll get a better helmet with a better strap and locking system.

Both my helmets (commuter and road) are Giro Eclipse. I like the RocLok 3 system that keeps it snug on my head and plenty of vents to keep my head cool.

I appreciate all your thoughts here. However, I have to disagree with some of you regarding the quality in a helmet. While they all meet the same MINIMUM standards, they don't all offer the maximum protection. I view it as a small car versus an SUV, they both meet minimum standards but which one would you rather be in if you wreck.

Also, my desire is to have one that is really COOL AND VENTILATED.

When looking at my Walmart Bell and Schwinn helmets I have a tough time believing that their plastic shell with styrofoam liner offers as much protection as one made from carbon fiber, like the Atmos. They build bike frames from carbon fiber but not from plastic. Now, the cheaper helmets may have a good percentage of the protection of some others, but it is hard for me to believe they offer equal protection.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and inputs.

What you are paying those big bucks for is not more safety, but more ventilation and lighter weight that you can get with those esoteric materials - and styling and snob appeal.

If you want to wade through some stuff, here are some links:

http://www.bhsi.org/cu_2004.htm


Impact Test Results
Among the adult helmets, Consumers Union picked the Louis Garneau Zen as a Best Buy, awarding it a Very Good in impact protection and Excellent for other characteristics. Other Very Good ratings for impact were awarded to the Trek Interval and the Specialized Telluride, but the latter is not recommended because the buckles on some samples failed (see comment below). The Bell Influx was similarly not recommended. All other adult helmets were Good, with only the Bell Scuffle scoring lower in the Fair category. This is not too surprising, as most helmets are basically designed to meet the same CPSC standard.
http://www.bhsi.org/

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml98/98062.html

What you are paying those big bucks for is not more safety, but more ventilation and lighter weight...

That works for me; more ventilation and lighter weight would be two of the four major elements of a good helmet, safety, ventilation light weight along with fit which higher priced helmets generally excel at also.

Dennis

That works for me; more ventilation and lighter weight would be two of the four major elements of a good helmet, safety, ventilation light weight along with fit which higher priced helmets generally excel at also.

Dennis

That's fine, as long as you know what you are buying, and it is likely not more safety.

Mono,

Well, why does a person wear a helmet?

Answer: protection. All helmets have to meet essentially the same standards. However, not all helmets will fit your head as well and the best fit will give you the best protection.

As for price, the more vents the more cost. The reason for this is that a helmet with lots of vents is more complex and costs more to make and design and with all those holes, it is harder to make it so it will protect you as well as an inexpensive helmet.

Personally, for helmets, the way I get them is I get one that fits me very well, has adequate vents and does not cost an arm and a leg.

Pat

Get what you find comfortable. I have a Catlike Kompact and a Bell Alchera/Influx - both are good in their own way.

However, do not be fooled by the industry propaganda about numbers of "vents". More vents does NOT mean more ventilation. Some helmets have several extra small totally useless vents just to increase the number they can advertise. Large vents with good interior flow is what counts.

DnvrFox:

Excellent reference articles on the helmet decision. Very much appreciated.

If I buy something too fancy I think I'll go down to the hardware store and buy some day-glo orange to spray paint it. Do they sell Hi-Viz in a spray can? HA !

OK, here's the picture - ALL helmets have to pass the same standard. Moerover, the "standard" is about as good as present technology allows. (Note: the BEST helmets can pass the Snell Memorial Institute standards but these are really only slightly more effective than the self certification test demanded by the US government.)

However, it is likely that the more expensive helmets provide one advantage at the price of some safety: All of the vents in the more expensive helmets do allow the helmet to breath a great deal. This only appears to be significant at lower speeds asnd higher energy outputs though, as most helmets have sufficient breathing at higher speeds.

So if you're a racer you're probably interested in the most expensive models but if you're a rec rider you're probably more interested in the cheaper models and especially those which are more rounded and have the fewest vents consistent with the sort of riding you do.

Someone noted the Bell Metro which is a good design.

As for me? I buy whatever is on sale and doesn't look too ugly.

Yep,on sale. Get best fit with the most vents thats under 100 bucks.

Yep,on sale. Get best fit with the most vents thats under 100 bucks.

How about under $25?

http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?subcategory=1045&category=91&browse=&storetype=&estoreid=&brand=&searchbox=&start=1&orderby=price1&pagename==

That's fine, as long as you know what you are buying, and it is likely not more safety.

Assuming all helmets are safe, my next criteria is lightness because I ride a very laid back recumbent. Holding my head up (actually forward) for a hundred miles, or even 50, can be a real "pain in the neck." When I ride our tandem with my wife, lightness also becomes important because my neck muscles are more attuned to the recumbent position, and again, it can be a "pain in the neck" on those long tandem rides.

I'm not disagreeing with getting bargains on helmets. I'm up for a good bargain on anything but some posters here have indicated that the cheapest helmet they can find is just as good as the most expensive helmet out there. I guess the real point is to buy a helmet that suits one's purpose not necessarily the pocketbook.

Dennis

My helmet fits all the criteria -- inexpensive, plenty of ventilation, strikingly good looking, and safe. Fits pretty well, too. I do not know the manufacturer.

However, do not be fooled by the industry propaganda about numbers of "vents". More vents does NOT mean more ventilation.

They afford flying insects more opportunities to annoy me, though...

Get what you find comfortable. I have a Catlike Kompact and a Bell Alchera/Influx - both are good in their own way.

However, do not be fooled by the industry propaganda about numbers of "vents". More vents does NOT mean more ventilation. Some helmets have several extra small totally useless vents just to increase the number they can advertise. Large vents with good interior flow is what counts.

So 1 1" vent is better then 2 1/2" vents? LMAO

I tried both the Atmos and the Pneumo. The Atmos cut into my forehead - a common experience from what I've read. The Pneumo is very comfortable for my (XL) head, and easy to adjust. I usually wear a light balaclava underneath helmet in winter and a sweat band in summer. Both fit fine with helmet. And Pneumos are cheaper. About $100 for the 2005 model. Limar helmets have the best web site though.

So 1 1" vent is better then 2 1/2" vents? LMAO

Exactly. To (in your words) make a 1" vent into two 1/2" vents you have to divide it with a solid divider, which BLOCKS airflow. Blocking airflow does NOT increase ventilation. Or to put it another way, forcing the air to separate around the unnecessary divider causes extra airflow resistance.

20+ years ago, Dr. Harry Hurt (his real name) did the most comprehensive study of motorcycle accidents up to that time and maybe even since. His findings regarding helmets were that any helmet was much better than no helmet and that as long as it met the Snell or DOT standards there was no statistical relationship between severity of injuries and cost of helmet. He stated that he hated to admit it, but helmet cost was just not a factor. I don't see any reason for this finding not to apply to bicycle helmets, but who knows?

Since I started this thread I'm going to chime in again. I was in the big city tonight, went to the LBS and tried on several helmets. The Giro Atmos and Giro Pneumo seemed to fit better than anything else. I was really impressed with the Pneumo but have not yet talked myself into putting out $130 for one. Both seemed lighter than light, and the Pneumo had a visor, something I consider a necessity. Unfortunately I was on my way to a meeting so I did not have my "doo rag" or my fisherman's cap to try on under the helmet. However, the adjustment gadget on the Giro models seemed better than anything I have tried on any other helmet.

The vents seemed to be outstanding on both of these models. I'm just trying to figure out what my head is worth.

Since I started this thread I'm going to chime in again. I was in the big city tonight, went to the LBS and tried on several helmets. The Giro Atmos and Giro Pneumo seemed to fit better than anything else. I was really impressed with the Pneumo but have not yet talked myself into putting out $130 for one. Both seemed lighter than light, and the Pneumo had a visor, something I consider a necessity. Unfortunately I was on my way to a meeting so I did not have my "doo rag" or my fisherman's cap to try on under the helmet. However, the adjustment gadget on the Giro models seemed better than anything I have tried on any other helmet.

The vents seemed to be outstanding on both of these models. I'm just trying to figure out what my head is worth.

A word on visors. They are great for mtn bikes or other "sit upright" bicycles. However, for a road position, they will cause you to have to raise your head higher to see past the visor, and may cause a great deal more strain on your neck. I took the visors off of helmets I use on a road bike.

I have a Mojave and a Pneumo and like them both. I bought the Mojave first but when it got hot out I was suffering because of the heat. I looked at the Pneumo in the LBS and it appeared that the vents were a bit larger. I bought it and it has made a huge difference in my comfort in the heat. So now I wear the Mojave in the winter and Pneumo in the summer. FWIW

I read somewhere (probably helmet making company promo:eek: ) that you should replace a helmet about eery two years due to effects of UV, ozone etc on the materials. In any case, I wait to buy them when the manufacturers bring out thier new models. The old ones drop by about 50% in cost if you look around.

I read somewhere (probably helmet making company promo:eek: ) that you should replace a helmet about eery two years due to effects of UV, ozone etc on the materials. In any case, I wait to buy them when the manufacturers bring out thier new models. The old ones drop by about 50% in cost if you look around.

Yes, this is a common helmet company statement. Helmets should last a long time, and the UV effects are as noted below.

http://bhsi.org/replace.htm


Occasionally somebody spreads rumors that sweat and ultraviolet (UV) exposure will cause your helmet to degrade. Sweat will not do that. The standards do not permit manufacturers to make a helmet that degrades from sweat, and the EPS, EPP or EPU foam is remarkably unaffected by salt water. Your helmet will get a terminal case of grunge before it dies of sweat. UV can affect the strength of the shell material, though. Since helmets spend a lot of time in the sun, manufacturers usually put UV inhibitors in the plastic for their shells that control UV degradation. If your helmet is fading, maybe the UV inhibitors are failing, so you probably should replace it. Chances are it has seen an awful lot of sun to have that happen. Otherwise, try another brand next time and let us know what brand faded on you.




When Should I Replace My Helmet?

Summary:
Did you crash it? Replace!




Did you drop it hard enough to crack the foam? Replace.


Is it from the 1970's? Replace.


Is the outside just foam or cloth instead of plastic? Replace.


Does it lack a CPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker? Replace.


Can you not adjust it to fit correctly? Replace!!


Do you hate it? Replace.

my rule is five years or a hard fall, whichever comes first... I also tend to have 2-3 helmets around, and rotate them. I also believe, as was stated somewhere up there, that cost is not a factor in determining a helmet-- if they pass the ANSI or other standards, they will do the job.

The other thing that is important is to WEAR it. I chuckle when I see riders with the helmet on their handlebars... a lot of good it's going to do them if they fall (but it will keep the bars from getting banged up--unless they fall on the other side).

train safe-

If I buy something too fancy I think I'll go down to the hardware store and buy some day-glo orange to spray paint it. Do they sell Hi-Viz in a spray can? HA !

I have seen ANSI lime and orange in spray cans... I have considered painting mine, but I did read somewhere that the solvents in spray paint can be hazardous to helmets... If I spray mine, I will mask it well.

Ifyou do spray ANSI colors ,do it outside these paints overspray all over the place .

Yes, this is a common helmet company statement. Helmets should last a long time, and the UV effects are as noted below.
http://bhsi.org/replace.htm
Great info Denver!

I have a Mojave and a Pneumo and like them both. I bought the Mojave first but when it got hot out I was suffering because of the heat. I looked at the Pneumo in the LBS and it appeared that the vents were a bit larger. I bought it and it has made a huge difference in my comfort in the heat. So now I wear the Mojave in the winter and Pneumo in the summer. FWIW

Stevie47---that is what I have been wanting to hear an opinion on. Somedays I feel like I could fry and egg inside my helmet, or at least melt a grilled cheese. Hmm....now that might be an idea for lunch when I go touring this summer.

I'm becoming inclined toward the Pneumo.

DnvrFox has provided some excellent information.

I would not think UV would degrade helmets within two years unless you spend a lot of time outside. Hardhats, for example, will definitely degrade over a period of time and accordingly all of them are date stamped with the date of manufacture.

I look for comfort, fit and color in the $50 - $70 range. Don't care who made it. If a higher MSRP helmet is on sale in my price range so much the better.

I've found that different helmet brands fit different head shapes. Of the helmets I've tried, Specialized seems to fit longer, narrower heads, Giros seem to fit shorter, wider heads, and Bell and Louis Garneau seem to fit in between. I recently switched from Specialized to Bell because the Specialized was pressing against the side of my head; the Bell fits me just great. You need to actually try each helmet to see what fits best, so I would recommend mail order only to buy a duplicate of a helmet you already own.

Also, keep in mind that the better helmets have the plastic outer covering permanently and directly attached to the foam ("in-mold construction"), although this seems to be filtering down to the cheaper helmets. This seems to make the helmet last longer, especially if you're prone to bumping it against things when it's not on your head.(Or even when it is. I'm constantly bumping into the opened hatch of my Subaru when the tandem rack is on and the hatch can't open completely. All this bumping helped rip my previous cheaper helmet apart, but it has no effect on my current Ghisallo)

The nicest thing about the more expensive helmets is that they're so darned easy to adjust. My previous cheap Bell I never wanted to mess with once I'd adjusted it. My newer Ghisallo and Sweep I'm constantly adjusting just because it's so easy to do, putting on caps underneath when it's raining or cold, or snugging up after getting a haircut. You just flip that thumbwheel in back and Bob's yer uncle. Same with the Louis Garneau.

You definitely get what you pay for, and if you ride a lot, I definitely recommend a more expensive helmet.

If you ride in traffic (car doors) or think you will hit face first you will need a full face helmet. In NYC traffic I wear a Troy Lee, although I am considering a bell bellistic.

On bike trails I wear a regular helmet by trek.

You definitely get what you pay for

Absolutely not.

Be aware that the Atmos sizes run smaller than the other Giro helmets. Suggest you buy from your LBS where you can try the fit.
I've found that my head feels cooler when wearing a Headsweat. And it also keeps my bald head from burning.

Al

I've found that my head feels cooler when wearing a Headsweat. And it also keeps my bald head from burning.


Wise words. Sunburned head and warm++ shower = pain.

I appreciate all your thoughts here. However, I have to disagree with some of you regarding the quality in a helmet. While they all meet the same MINIMUM standards, they don't all offer the maximum protection. I view it as a small car versus an SUV, they both meet minimum standards but which one would you rather be in if you wreck.

Also, my desire is to have one that is really COOL AND VENTILATED.

When looking at my Walmart Bell and Schwinn helmets I have a tough time believing that their plastic shell with styrofoam liner offers as much protection as one made from carbon fiber, like the Atmos. They build bike frames from carbon fiber but not from plastic. Now, the cheaper helmets may have a good percentage of the protection of some others, but it is hard for me to believe they offer equal protection.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and inputs.

SUVs are not looking so good in the crash statistics. "Conventional wisdom has them being safer, but it isn't proving to be the case. Their high centers of gravity make them much more likely to roll over compared to cars, even in single vehicle accidents.

Helmets (and motor vehicles also) provide impact protection primarily by crushing and deforming in a controlled manner. Vehicles have crush zones built into them and most helmets are pretty much 100% crush zone except the straps and buckles. A durable rigid shell does not make a safe helmet. Notice how many helmet story posts end with the helmet doing its job but being destroyed in the process. Bike frames, on the other hand, aren't designed to protect anything. They just strive to keep the components in the same relative positions.

That said, drive, ride and wear whatever you want and I will do the same.

SUVs are not looking so good in the crash statistics. "Conventional wisdom has them being safer, but it isn't proving to be the case. Their high centers of gravity make them much more likely to roll over compared to cars, even in single vehicle accidents.


They also fly up into the air with surprising ease. I saw one flip 2-3 times before it landed upside down.