General Cycling Discussion - Giro Pneumo vs. BELL Ghisallo

Greets! :D

I've narrowed down my helmet search to these 2 beauties, anyone have any good or bad comparsions, reviews or rants? I really like the look of the Pneumo, but wouldn't mind saving a few pennies if the Ghisallo is just as good if not better.

Thanks ahead!

No idea about the Pneumo. I recently bought an '02 model of the Ghisallo (much better price than new). I like the fitting system. There is one dial on the back that can be easily changed depending on whether I am wearing a balclava, bandana, or nothing. It also uses locking clips on the straps which makes it easily adjustable, but I never really have to touch these. So far I've ridden only in winter/spring conditions, but I can say that there is a lot of air flow into the helmet (one of the reasons I decided to spend so much on a simple helmet). Unless you are wearing a head covering in the winter, you will be quite uncomfortable. Either a balclava or bandana is usually sufficient to make it comfortable. I rode it once for 2.5 miles in a downpour and wasn't too bothered. I expect that it will be relatively comfortable for spring/summer/fall riding.

Of course, your mileage may vary...

I usually wear cycling caps, I assume they won't be a problem under the Ghisallo. :)

You should decide on which feels more comfortable on your head and the styling you like better.

If all that is equal, I would save a few bucks and go for the cheaper helmet because the safety is all the same.

I like the looks of both, they both look great to me.

I have an 03 Pneumo...its soo light weight and it looks awesome, I only have a few problems with it.
1. The price, I spend 150 bucks on it! :eek: not again
2. The front padding on your forehead isnt enough, I dont really mind it because I dont feel it when im riding, but just standing around its quite uncomfortable.
Like those guys said, guy with what feels right

I bought a Pneumo recently...pricey....

I agree, the front padding is very slim to say the least. The straps also seem to be of a crappy quality seen the price. My previous helmet, a LIMAR, had special padding underneath the chin part of the strap to stop scratching. I wish the Pneumo had this. :mad:

I've tried on the Giro, felt comfortable enough... Thanks for the word of caution on the front padding, I'm going to make a special trip to REI tonight to fit the Bell.

I have used a Ghisallo, and I have attempted to try on a Pneumo. I have a Bell head, not a Giro head. What can I say? One may fit you better than the other. If so, buy that one.

another vote for the bell fitting system, the roc loc thing on giro's just didnt suit me very well

My final choice was also between the Ghisallo and the Pneumo. Both fit my head well. The Giro might look a bit cooler, may be the Lance factor? The Bell system is a lot better in my opinion, you can easily adjust the fitting with one hand, it has a very clever and convenient wheel system. On the Giro you need two hands and it's still a lot more complex to adjust.
The Giro also seem more fragile, especially the fitting system.
On the price level the Ghisallo wins, I could find a 2003 for $55 on ebay, brand new. The cheapest Pneumo I could find was in the $80 range.
I also read somewhere that the pneumo was barely a good crash protector, I think it failed some Consumer Reports tests.
I got a nigth blue Ghisallo and am very happy with it. It is extremely comfortable and ligth.

Also, with the Bell crash protection policy, if you wreck the helmet, you can replace it for $35. Is the Giro covered by a similar policy?