General Cycling Discussion - I need a helmet recommendation

I am looking to spend around $ 75 - 100 for a helmet, does anyone have any suggestions for a good helmet in that price range. How much does a Giro Pneumonea (hope I spelled that right) cost? :confused:

At prices above about $30, I see no correlation whatsoever between price and protection, or between price and comfort. I always wore Bell helmets until they gave up Snell certification, and I still use a 1994 Bell image occasionally. My newest and favourite helmet is a $40-something Giro.

The most important feature of any helmet is how well it fits your head. Almost equally important is how securely and comfortably the retention system works for you. Lower on the priority list is certification (Snell still uses the most stringent lab tests, but the ubiquitous CPSC rating isn't bad). I prefer to avoid radically aerodynamic helmets because of the outside chance that the rearward protrusion could jerk the neck if it were to strike the pavement or a curb.

I also asked about the Pneumo:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5171

velo

I have a Giro Eclipse (99.99USD) that I really like. Comfortable, plenty of vents, and very adjustable. Colorado Cyclist was selling the '01 models for $60 (they may still be, check their site). Don't see any reason to spent more than that.

The Giro Pneumo is on sale at Performance Bike for $120. Great deal for a great road helmet.

www.Performancebike.com (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.html?SKU=12926)

I have a Louis Garneau helmet and it' great. There is what they call a spiderlock ajustment on the back that lets you get a really snug fit without playing with extra foam. It was a good price too at $55 CD. In USF that's a great deal if you can get them there!

Just about anything Giro makes is worthy of putting on your head !! :thumbup:

I like cheaper Met helmets. The polystyrene is moulded into the shell rather than taped in. The velco-attachable visor is good in rain esp with glasses. The retension system includes a flexable, adjustable band that goes around your head, so it will fit no matter what size, or shape your head. Every other kind of safety helmet uses this system, but most bike helmets insist on using sticky pads to to fit .

Head shapes and helmet shapes can vary considerably, so, as with saddles, be wary of personal recomendations.

You can have too much ventilation if you cycle in cool weather. There is no point payying $$$ for lots of holes in your shell if you are going to wear a hat or tape them up.

The most important thing in a helmet is a proper fit as far as I'm concerned. It shouldn't slide over your head too much when you fasten it, otherwise, the impact of the crash might slide the helmet free when you really need it.

I have a Trek Vapor..It is a totally awesome helmet. Great fit, great venelation(sp?), great price.

Originally posted by Betsy Girl
I have a Louis Garneau helmet and it' great. There is what they call a spiderlock ajustment on the back that lets you get a really snug fit without playing with extra foam. It was a good price too at $55 CD. In USF that's a great deal if you can get them there!
I got a Louis Garneau helmet for about the same dollars American.
It was cool, the spiderlock was neat-o, man. Then I got stiff-armed by a pedestrian who knocked me on my head.

:rage-tempered-by-intelligence-smiley:

Louis Garneau, (the man,) replaced my helmet for free.

It was manufactured in Sept. 2001, the month after my "accident"
(accident, bah!)

Hat's off to Loius Garneau, who didn't ask for a receipt and who
bypassed an expired warranty. They have my loyalty.

You might want to pay attention to the contour of the helmet. Some are made for ROUND heads and some for OVAL heads. My head is so round that a Specialized helmet fits very awkwardly on it, but an Avenir helmet (or a Bell) will fit nicely.

Hey, I'm well-rounded. :)

I've had my Bell Helmet since 1994 (should really get a new one!! :( )and I love it to bits. Before that I had a Giro, which was also pretty cool.

As long as it fits and keeps your head cool, then it gets my thumbs up!

Cheers

Rich

Rich, maybe I should clarify that when I say I'm a round-head, it doesn't mean I support that Cromwell fellow. :eek:

A bell helmet saved my head a couple of weeks ago. I don't think my head alone would have survived the impact with the road at that speed. Nevertheless, a proper fit is more important than the brand in my opinion.

Whatever helmet you decide to get (I'm a Giro backer myself), jsut keep in mind that it has already been determined that a Green Bay Packers cheesehead is insufficient for cranial protection while riding (or falling off) a bicycle:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4502&highlight=packer

Just in case you were considering it.

:D