helmets

[phatkat]

Well after seeings toms crash results i think before i decide on what bike to buy i will get a helmet first any suggestions, and how to fit one.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Bell Solar is a good not quite budget, but not real expensive helmet.....+ it's what saved my wee noggin. :D

Adjust the headgear and straps so they are snug but not uncomfortable tight. The lid sits square on your head as well. You should be just able to slip a finger under the chinstrap.

[bhammer]

Bell Solar is a good not quite budget, but not real expensive helmet.....+ it's what saved my wee noggin. :D

Adjust the headgear and straps so they are snug but not uncomfortable tight. The lid sits square on your head as well. You should be just able to slip a finger under the chinstrap.

I've had one helmet with padding and a sweat band on the chin strap, one without. I much preferred the one with. It was a $100 + helmet tho. Don't even think about riding without helmet, including (especially) your test rides.

[Spartan112]

I got this one:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23587&subcategory_ID=4210

But it was on sale for about 65$ when I got it. All helmets are going to be rated for safety the price goes up as they get lighter, better comfort and more/bigger venting. Look for closeouts and sales.

[lil brown bat]

I'm pretty much of the "any ol' helmet" school of thought. I replaced one after a dooring a couple weeks ago, got a $35 nothing-special, works fine for me. The fit is what matters -- make sure it doesn't move around when you toss and shake your head.

[Mr. Beanz]

If you climb in the heat, a helmet with more vent makes a HUGE difference! I use a Giro helmet for the MTB ($40 sale Aquila?). During the summer I was dripping so much, I couldn't see where I was going while climbing. Tried the Pneumo, hug difference in head temp and sweat drip in eyes!:D

[fc_]

As long as its passed the various regulatory crash tests, and has a visor, its good enough for me. A more expensive helmet won't protect your noggin any better than a run of the mill $30-50 helmet. I replace mine every few years, and go by the manufacture date sticker so I don't loose track. If you have a big noggin, the bell triton sport gives us blessed with more brains to protect (or maybe I just have an overly thick skull ;) ). Plenty of room for my 24"+ head size. As with many things in the bike world, fit is the key. Go down to the lbs and see what seems to fit you best, and then make a decision based on budget. A helmet that you don't wear because its not comfortable is of no use.

While you're there, look at the bikes too. I've heard they usually have some hanging around. :D

[Ranger63]

Well, I was going to suggest the Bell Metro and Citi helmets but I now have two with slipping dial adjustment problems.
You're going to find a LOT of todays helmets have a self adjust dial on them.
When it's working it's fantastic. When it isn't, you're back to tearing the dial system out and going with the strap adjust.
I'd definitely suggest going to one of the review sites regarding which helmets mechanisms stand the test of time.There is a site which has reviews of every helmet out there.
I'm totally unsure why, but all sanctioned racing events require the helmet to be less than 3 years old.
Might be something to take into consideration (there's a build date tag in each helmet)when looking for a bargin or on line deal.
A lot of manufacturers are backing away from the sharp pointed helmets. As I understand it, it has to do with the point catching and snapping the head shuld a rider go down.
Hope this is of some help.

[v1k1ng1001]

The different helmet brands all fit a little differently so it is good to do some shopping.

I never really use the visor on the mt. bike helmets and the ventilation with road helmets is better. I'd say budget about $50 and shop around for a hot deal on a nice road helmet.

[jaxgtr]

I found I really liked the Bell Sweep R. It was a little pricey at $70, but it is really light and has a lot of vents for cooling which is highly desired in Florida in the summer.

[bigtruck]

I was using some cheapo helmet and was having real problems with sweat, After researching the helmets on the market I went with a Specialized Propero $85.00, It has massive vents and has really helped with the sweat problem, Its the same shape as the top of the range S works helmets $210 but obviously not the same price tag,

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?a=b&minisite=10029&spid=37881&language=US

Click on the USA link

[andrelam]

Well after seeings toms crash results i think before i decide on what bike to buy i will get a helmet first any suggestions, and how to fit one.

The way they fit a bike helmet for my daughter this spring is to find a helmet that fits well out of the box. The universal fit units can be OK, but only if you fall within averages. Once you find a helmet in your price class that you like the fit of, then fine tune the fit using the adjustment for the head band (not the chin strap yet). You should be able to roll your head forward and the helmet should stay on. Now you know the helmet won't move all over your head while riding and possibly leave critical parts of your head eposed if you hit something. Finally you can adjust the chin strap to make sure the helmet doesn't want to slide up your forehead. Nothing should be uncomfortable, just snug so it stays in place.

For more info than you ever knew existed about helmet check out: http://www.helmets.org/
Happy riding,
André