General Cycling Discussion - So, I need a helmet.

After my horrible vacation; as detailed in the following thread: My bad vacation. Ends in hospital. (http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=32104) I am probably going to start riding bike once the snow melts.

While I'm still figuring out how I'll pay for the new bike - I do have one problem. My mother.

She is insisting I get a helmet - while I can't blame her - I was hit while in a place I've never rode before. I've never had a near accident while riding around the town. Meanwhile I'd like to get back to riding. Maybe try some clipless pedals and get a new model ... a higher up one ... yeah - but I think I'll be wearing a helmet this time.

So - I need some suggestions. I do mostly riding on the street's and up and down and around. Maybe some light trails. Nothing major. I would like something not weird in shape, small, and comfortable fit. I only hate that damn chin strap, but I guess I'll have to make do.

So - what helmet do you suggest?

you definately dont want a time trial helmet :D
Limar F 107 is a nice helmet, fits snug, lightweight tou dont even know its there... you can pick one up reasonably on the web, ebay, glory cycles, bike nashbar etc..
also its the smart thing to do, your Mom is right :D
good luck and ride safe

Giro Xen or Giro Semi MX

Both look less "aero" and smaller profile. They might be your style

Giro Xen or Giro Semi MX

Both look less "aero" and smaller profile. They might be your style
I say a Time Trial helmet, but then again I a think they look cool :D

I'd look at one of these: the Specialized Telluride (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5249&JServSessionIdroot=855rsui6s4.j27002)
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2004/equip/04HelmetTelluride_l.jpg
or
The M1 helmet (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5244&JServSessionIdroot=zqhtfjia54.j27006)
In my humble opinion Specialized makes some of the best helmets on the market. In fact, even though I work at a non-Specialized bike shop I recently ordered the M1 from them http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/devil/goodnevil.gif
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2004/equip/04HelmetM1_l.jpg

Only helmet I have used is a Giro Animas. Its a nice helmet, very comfortable and hasalot of vents to keep your head cool. I think my aunt found it on-line for $30. Ill ask her where she saw it.

My selections :D

Go try a few on and pick the helmet that fits your head and your budget.

I like the Giro Semi MX and the Xen - but the Specialized helmet's are nice.

bianchi_rider: Those look expensive.

Specialized and giro makes helmets with huge ass vents and they look sleek. If it's an added incentive, their totally unbiased completely fair marketting research shows that their vent geometry helps keep your head cooler in the summer than without a helmet.

As for how you're going to pay for the new bike, I'm sure you have the insurance information of the driver who hit you... and your crippling ass-whiplash/femur bending/knee popping is seriously getting in the way of your daily life... almost like it's *disabling* your enjoyment of life... ;)

The discomfort of a chin strap outweighs the vegative state one could be in due to a head injury. A good helmet isnt that uncomfortable. As suggested above, specialized and giro are very popular and have many styles to suit your comfort level. Bell is another brand that isnt as popular, but may be what your lookin for. It sounds like your mom has her head on straight and just wants to see you come home with yours on straight as well.
Good luck in your search.

I like the Giro Semi MX and the Xen - but the Specialized helmet's are nice.

bianchi_rider: Those look expensive.
The Limar f helmet is only around $120..
The TT helmet, well who knows how much they sell for, they are on ebay every week and sell for different prices LOL :D

Mom is ALWAYS right. Don't just get the helmet, wear it as well. You might be self-conscious at first, but it quickly becomes a non-issue.

You soon get used to helmets, and get a "something missing" feeling if you venture on a bike without one.
Expensive ones have more air and less helmet. The fitting system is important. First, you need a helmet the right shape for your head, heads are not round, they are all different.
You need a retension system which adapts to your size and shape. I prefere an adjustable nylon band, to faffing around with replaceable foam pads.
I like Met helmets. The budget models have fewer, but larger vents, large enough to put a lock through.

You definitly need a helmet on when you ride. It dosen't matter how fast (slow) you go or how far you are riding the dangers are just to great to go without.

I was recently out on my regular early Sunday morning ride when a dog came out of nowhere into my path. I had no time to react and hit it broadside, going over the handlebars onto the pavement. The result was a broken collar bone (required surgery to fix), three broken ribs, and a punctured/collapsed lung. The whole ordeal cost me 5 days in the hospital and seven weeks off the bike. The doctor is just now allowing me to ride again.

My injuries were pretty severe, but not as bad as they would have been had I not had a helmet on. When I hit the pavement my head hit also and the impact cracked the helmet up the side. The helmet definitely saved more serious injuries and maybe even my life. Helmets are a good thing!

I use Giro Eclipse and Havoc. Both are good looking and light weight. If you look around you can find deals on both of them. Here's a site that has '03 Havocs at a good price. Good luck.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=HE707A04

I'd look at one of these: the Specialized Telluride (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5249&JServSessionIdroot=855rsui6s4.j27002)
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2004/equip/04HelmetTelluride_l.jpg
or
The M1 helmet (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5244&JServSessionIdroot=zqhtfjia54.j27006)
In my humble opinion Specialized makes some of the best helmets on the market. In fact, even though I work at a non-Specialized bike shop I recently ordered the M1 from them http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/devil/goodnevil.gif
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2004/equip/04HelmetM1_l.jpg


Screw the M1 go for the S1 baby. Ohh and ya i also think that specailized makes the best helmets

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2004/equip/04HelmetS1_d.jp

oops the pic of the S1 didnt work out if you want to see it try this link

http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5246&JServSessionIdroot=ogneni6j4l.j27005