General Cycling Discussion - Helmets -- need recommendations

Hello all!

I am looking to purchase my first bike helmet. I have done some online research (before going into my LBS) and the Bell or Giro lines look like good choices. Either one better? Other recommendations? I really would like something that offers tremendous ventilation, as I overheat and sweat terribly. And biking in NYC in the summer is brutal, especially when you are inbetween buses, trucks, cars, all blasting you with heat. Also, are visors really that helpful? I am willing to pay up to $100.

Thanks!

bell slant.

They basically all give you enough protection if you just fall off, and not enough if you're hit, so pick the one that is cheapest/neatest-looking.
I like my visor; it keeps the sun out of my eyes for three minutes more than otherwise... but it's a nice 3 minutes! I wouldn't pay any extra money for it, though (and some people think it is totally uncool to wear a visor on a road bike... meh).

Visors? maybe good for MTB riding. But for the road, who needs them. You just need eye peotection. A good wraparound pair of sunglasses will do. For a helmet I like the Giro Atmos. 26 vents. As low $135 on Nashbar, chearper on Ebay.

If all you're looking for is protection & a good fit, you can spend less than $50 and get the same protection you would had you spent $150. The rest is just cool factor.

Thank you for your replies! MUCH appreciated. :)

Glad to see that a $38 dollar helmet vs. a $100+ dollar helmet is basically the same (yes, as long as they are CPSC approved) except for the 'coolness' (as in looks) factor. I want 'cool' in temperature, plus comfort and safety.

Happy trails!
Casey

If all you're looking for is protection & a good fit, you can spend less than $50 and get the same protection you would had you spent $150. The rest is just cool factor.

Not quite.

More expensive helmet = larger holes = cooler head in summer.

Cheaper helmet = smaller holes = warmer head in winter.

It is now summer (near as dammit). Large holes are very nice.

Visors? maybe good for MTB riding. But for the road, who needs them. You just need eye peotection. A good wraparound pair of sunglasses will do. For a helmet I like the Giro Atmos. 26 vents. As low $135 on Nashbar, chearper on Ebay.

+1 Giro atmos for coolness

My el cheapo Bell Solar has been pretty comfortable and all helmets are plenty light. I think it's well ventilated, however I have yet to ride in higher than 75 degree weather, so I may have to upgrade this summer. We'll see.

OK, cool -- (yes, pun intended)...

I will listen to all of these posts, and I am sure I will come up with a great first helmet!

lOtherwise looks like some kitty is about to kill me???)

-Casey

Different brands fit different heads. I perfer Bell or Uvex while my wife likes Giro or Cratoni. We both wear the same size helmet, but have different shapes of heads. Her's don't fit me properly and vise versa.

Go to the LBS and try on a bunch of different helmets until you find one that feels right. You'll know when you have found the correct one.

I just realized I've been wearing a cheap helmet I picked up from Wal-Mart a few years ago. It's moreorless made of thick styrofoam with a very thin plastic coating around it with vent holes and such...is this more for the appearance of a helmet than it is for the utility of one? Should I consider upgrading?

lOtherwise looks like some kitty is about to kill me???)

-Casey
I think they sell 'Hello Kitty" helmets....:D

bell slant.

+1 The Slant and the Citi received the highest ratings by Consumer reports. If you wear a helmet because you are genuinely concerned about protecting your head in case of a whoopsie, rather than just as a fashion statement, those two are great choices.

Bell Sweep R
It's half the price of the Atmos. On E-bay, they sell for around $85.

Thanks again for the further replies.

It's good to have an idea what many people like, what Consumer Reports rates highly etc.

This all will come in handy when I go shopping this weekend!

-Casey

http://www.helmets.org/guide.htm