I just bought a helmet for my gf. we shopped around some and she tried on lots of different helmets, mostly Bell and Giro's. She ended up getting a Giro Havoc like mine....the price $44.95 from Nashbar. I paid about that for mine. the new ones are $69.99 :eek: ....thats more than what I paid for my bike. there were some Bell helmets for around $20 but they didnt fit well and she said they made her head hot. plus they were just all around uncomfortable, bulky and heavy.
I saw some on Nashbar.com that were over $100...is a $100 helmet worth it?
Could it be that most people dont wear helmets because that a comfortable good looking helmet costs well over $40?
I saw that most kids helmets were pretty cheap. we even saw a nice one for only $15. I wish my Havoc only costed $15. i'm hard on helmets, and i like lots of ventilation...if its not comfortable and light, i wont wear it. so for now, i'll pay out the $45 and up for a good helmet....but why so much for some foam and plastic?

hey some are cool aerodynamic dont forget that ;)

i can see what your saying my helmet the Giro Encinal cost 50.00$ around there. OH and so you know helmets go over 150$

a lot of money goes into research, development and testing. they need to recoup that cost somehow. your not just paying for the foam and plastic.

and the head if left unprotected, is much more than a cheapy helmet,

Ahh, stop your whining I just bought a $120 dollar helmet today.

"If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet."

"If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet."

AMEN brotha!

"If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet."

Excellent point!

well actually when you pay more for a helmet you are paying for weight loss and air holes not safety. a $110 helmet like my own is no safer than a $35 as long as that helmet is certified and if it's being sold in a store or is made my bell or giro it most definitely is.

well actually when you pay more for a helmet you are paying for weight loss and air holes not safety. a $110 helmet like my own is no safer than a $35 as long as that helmet is certified and if it's being sold in a store or is made my bell or giro it most definitely is.

Exactly....

I've been all over the manufacturers websites and, aside from the number of vents, I can't find any difference between the cheap helmets and the high end models.

Quite honestly I think they've identified their markets and priced helmets to fit what they believe cyclists are willing to spend. Those who want a basic helmet can get one for $20 to $40. Those who want something with more ventilation, or don't want a "cheap" helmet can pay in the $50 to $100 range. Of course if you want a helmet like Lance, you get to pay for that too. :o They already know parents aren't going to pay a whole lot of a helmet that could be outgrown in a few months.

My $5 flea market special has 9 non-functional vents. The advantage is, it's warmer in the winter and I don't get the sound of air rushing through the vents :p

Stacy

Marketing and hype (like much of cycling gear) based on erronious belief that:

1. A more pricey helmet works better for protection
2. That $80 of extra engineering goes into a $100 helmet over a $20 one. (If this was true why do they keep re-engineering the top of the lines models. Why not sell last years design, etc. - (OK, not a good example, but gets you thinking)
3. That is costs 5x more in materials and manufacture. These are mass produced and use the same materials (in fact less on the expensive models) maufacturing/materials costs are probably in the sub $5-10 range.

Al

My $5 flea market special has 9 non-functional vents. The advantage is, it's warmer in the winter and I don't get the sound of air rushing through the vents :p

Stacy
I presume (hope) that it's not a used helmet.

why are helmets so expensive? because people are willing to pay that much for them.

a lot of money goes into research, development and testing. they need to recoup that cost somehow. your not just paying for the foam and plastic.
This is a misconception, at least the scale of the impact is.

A $20 helmet needs research, development and testing.
A $100 helment needs it too - in fact the same level of safety testing.
Having worked on product development there is no way that there is $80 or even $40 of development going into each helmet sold. These are fairly high quantity commodities. Research and development is not cutting edge and there is lots of reuse year over year of learnings.
Perhaps the $100 helmets are subsidizing some of the development that goes into the $20 helmet, but its still not that large.

Al

Marketing and hype (like much of cycling gear) based on erronious belief that:

1. A more pricey helmet works better for protection
2. That $80 of extra engineering goes into a $100 helmet over a $20 one. (If this was true why do they keep re-engineering the top of the lines models. Why not sell last years design, etc. - (OK, not a good example, but gets you thinking)
3. That is costs 5x more in materials and manufacture. These are mass produced and use the same materials (in fact less on the expensive models) maufacturing/materials costs are probably in the sub $5-10 range.

Al

They may not work better, but they are lighter with better venting, and still provide the same protection.
Usually they do they just come out with a new top of the line and the older styles "trickle down"
There is much to be said in the engineering that goes on. Take for instance co-molding as opposed to taped shells. http://www.bhsi.org/molded.htm Stuctural force analysis to determine exactly how much material they can shave and where etc etc.
Personally I'd rather have a light well vented helmet that I'll wear as opposed to a heavy, poorly vented brain bucket that's too uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

It's just marketing.

The first step is to create a need, the second is to provide what everyone thinks they need, the third step is to make it trendy so people will pay more than they otherwise would if it weren't so trendy.

I'm grown up enough so that I can make up my own mind what I need and what I don't.

They may not work better, but they are lighter with better venting, and still provide the same protection.
Usually they do they just come out with a new top of the line and the older styles "trickle down"
There is much to be said in the engineering that goes on. Take for instance co-molding as opposed to taped shells. http://www.bhsi.org/molded.htm Stuctural force analysis to determine exactly how much material they can shave and where etc etc.
Personally I'd rather have a light well vented helmet that I'll wear as opposed to a heavy, poorly vented brain bucket that's too uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
I agree the results of more expensive helmets can be worth it (hence the market) but I disagree that the engineering and manufacturing cost are 5x. I am familiar with the different manufacturing methods and also of the use of structural analysis to optimize design. These are not 5x price differences. I've seen and participated in extensive structual analysis for parts that sell for sub $5 and sell in quantities of less than 200k and that eng. cost is a minimal component. Retooling a factory needs to be done for a $20 or a $100 helmet.
If helmet designs trickle down, how come I can't buy a 2001 Pneumo design called perhaps something else for $20.
Al

Venting

I own a $20 Schwinn helmet I bought at Target and a $100 Giro E2.

In the summer when it is 100degF I can not tell that one is hotter than the other. Seriously - my head is hot not matter what. This is true at 90deg too.
In the winter and cooler months the Giro feels cooler, because I can feel the cool air on parts of my scalp. But I don't really need the cooling as it is cooler out.

The Giro is a bit lighter, but no more comfortable.
The Giro looks better.

I am glad I have the Giro. I do feel a bit bad though because of buying such a marked up product.

Al

Also, how many US $ per helmet is a manufacturer or importer paying in product liability insurance?

I have a friend who works sublimation, and his kidding motto is

"Make a mug for 1 or 2$ and sell it for 8$" thats pretty much how our economy works in the good ole US (at least not forgetting the other counrys in world) Thats how it is with the Lance helmet (or giro in general) People think hmmm if lance wears it then it must be the best or at least really really good. catch my drift dudes and dudettes (wow that is the second time i have used "dudette")

It's this "buy-more-crap" economy of ours. I think most cycling clothing (and the lights!) are outrageously expensive. Helmets included.

It's just marketing.



The funny thing is that there are so many people on this forum tripping over themselves to rationalize why they paid $100+ for $15 worth of stryofoam hat, when they could have got a functionally equivalent one for $35 or less if they had shopped more carefully. If you decided you HAD to have the "cool" helmet "just because", then admit it like a man, it's OK. We all treat ourselves to a fancy overpriced toy every so often. The guy who blamed "research and development" is hilarious.

Oh yeah I bought my helmet "just because" and to have something different than everyone else around here. But I bought it for $50 when it usually goes for $110. It's once again going for that price if anyone is interested http://http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=91&subcategory=1045&brand=&sku=9439&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=
I've also tried Bell and Giro and personally found Lazer's fitting system more comfortable.

It is the nature of "retail" to get what you can get. You can buy a nice tie for $20, for $200, or for $2,000 (at least I've heard).

My favorite helmet, the Trek Vapor II, is currently "on sale" at an LBS in Houston for $29. Light weight, comfortable, and easy to "dial in" for a custom fit. It comes with a "crash exchange" policy.

A friend of my broke his arm falling off his bike. The hospital charged him $14,000 to put his arm back together. I suspect putting his head back in one piece might have cost a bit more.

I have cracked two or three helmets over the past several years. Two of my riding partners have gotten their hemets wedged between their hair and the concrete. None of us came home with more than a headache. A good helmet seem like a bargain to me.

For a brief layman's terms explanation of helmets goto http://laneclosedracing.blogspot.com/2004/12/helmets.html

As for the pricing well that has to do with the R&D, Freight, Exclusive Distributor's cut, More Freight, Taxes and Duties, Retailer's cut, more taxes if necessary, etc. So quit whining and learn to haggle :)

I paid about that for mine. the new ones are $69.99 :eek: ....thats more than what I paid for my bike.
Ok Lets back up the truck..... Your bike cost less than $69.99! are you joking?I'll assume so.

CHEERS.

Mark

I bought a nice bike once for $5 why are bikes so expensive?

I bought a car for $50 once why are cars so expensive?

My dad only paid $15,000 for his house .............

Welcome to the twilight zone, ladies and gentlemen, where........

Expensive bike helmets cost $200.
Expensive bike shoes cost $400.
Expensive headphones cost $8000.
Expensive cell phones cost $600.
Expensive pda's cost $1000.
Expensive truffles are $500 / lb.
Expensive watches are $30000.
Expensive bottle of grape juice left to rot costs $5000.
Expensive piece of goretex jacket costs $800.
Expensive lady's hand bag costs $4000.
Expensive shoes cost $3000.
I saw a Christian Dior "Hardcore Dior" regular white cotton t-shirt for $499.

I am glad I have the Giro. I do feel a bit bad though because of buying such a marked up product.

Al

That's why I always try to buy last year models, usually heavily discounted. I do that with almost all cycling purchases... :):):)

On a note of helmets, I have two: My first one Bell Ukon (bought for $20.00 at local Sport's Authority store two years ago) and Giro Monza (bought a couple of days ago from Performance Bike for $55)... Guess what, they both are comfortable, but I like Giro one better... ;)

Expensive bike helmets cost $200.
Expensive bike shoes cost $400.
Expensive headphones cost $8000.
Expensive cell phones cost $600.
Expensive pda's cost $1000.
Expensive truffles are $500 / lb.
Expensive watches are $30000.
Expensive bottle of grape juice left to rot costs $5000.
Expensive piece of goretex jacket costs $800.
Expensive lady's hand bag costs $4000.
Expensive shoes cost $3000.
I saw a Christian Dior "Hardcore Dior" regular white cotton t-shirt for $499.

This posting.......PRICELESS !!! thank you slvoid !

I paid $50 for a helmet, the last one kept my brains from splattering all over the street so I figure it's worth it.

Plus I sweat alot and the vents on the more expensive models help the sweat evaporate faster.

Almost no one mentioned fit and retention systems which is one of the best reasons for moving up the helmet that you get. I also feel like the foam is different for the different grades of helmets but I don't really know.

PS Considering the retail value of my head is about $ 200,000 I would say that 100 bucks is worth it to protecting it.

I recently got a Bell Ghisallo for about $50 using 20% off online coupon from Performance. Try shopping around on eBay......there are always some good deals on Giros, Bells, etc.....but sometimes they're bid up to almost retail price by some newbies.

Personally I'd rather have a light well vented helmet that I'll wear as opposed to a heavy, poorly vented brain bucket that's too uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.


I agree. I love my Havoc. And I'll pay $45 for a lightweight well ventilated helmet. but i wont pay $70 for it. I cant afford that. I was just wondering if the more expensive helmets were all hype....and it seems that some of it is. Although I can tell the obvious differences between a cheap Bell helmet and my Giro helmet....the most obvious being the taped on shell. and the poor fit. Universal fit helmets dont work for me.

Nope no joke...only paid $45. it's a beater. I shop around. it's a cheap little 24" Magna. kids bikes are usually cheaper than adult bikes. I'm looking at Specialized and other bikes at my LBS once I get used to riding again. This Magna is for me to crash on...hit curbs, fall off of, screw up the gears, basically make all the novice mistakes when learning how to ride again. When I get good at jumping curbs again and can balance a bike then I'll put down the $200 or so it costs for a good bike.
my previous bike costed $80 at my LBS. it was a 24" Vega. i had it for a few years then it got wrecked by a car. stupid idiot ran a stop sign. fortunately i saw him, and i just got bumped by the side of his front bumper. it threw me off my bike and seriously killed my confidence in my riding.

And basically the more expensive the helmet, the lighter it is. Even a $8 helmet from Walmart will protect your head as well as a $100 helmet. Just make sure the helmet fits.
Don't let them tell you otherwise.

actually we are all wrong. cheaper helmets can very well be lighter than their more expensive counterparts. case in point" the bell ukon weighs in at 260 grams for only $35 while the bell ghisallo weighs in at 300 grams for $99. The bell furio which costs $75 is also lighter than the ghisallo at 290 grams but el'cheapo bell arc beats 'em all at 252 grams for only $29.99.
another myth busted.

actually we are all wrong. cheaper helmets can very well be lighter than their more expensive counterparts. case in point" the bell ukon weighs in at 260 grams for only $35 while the bell ghisallo weighs in at 300 grams for $99. The bell furio which costs $75 is also lighter than the ghisallo at 290 grams but el'cheapo bell arc beats 'em all at 252 grams for only $29.99.
another myth busted.

Wow pwned.

My recent helmet purchase came down to the $15 Giro Transit, $25 Bell Influx and $30 Giro Encinal. I decided to try to pick the one with the largest front vents based on the catalog pictures. (Which often means fewer vents, not more, contrary to marketing hype) Encinal was sold out by then, so I got the Influx (Pretty much the same as the Alchera, as far as I can tell) It seems quite nice so far. My old Advent Air still compares pretty well, though.

Giro atmos, 240 grams + tons o' vents. But who the hell notices an extra 30 grams on their heads!

Thats how it is with the Lance helmet (or giro in general) People think hmmm if lance wears it then it must be the best or at least really really good.

Lance wears it cause they pay him biig $$$ to wear it cause they know if you see Lance wear it then you think it has to be the best

what if you wear it because it fits your oval shaped head the best?

What if I wear it because of the combination of all of the below?
That it's a) light b) looks good to me c) i like carbon d) vents better than cheap helmets e) fits better than cheap helmets f) I can afford it?

When people say stuff like, you only have that because lance has it, aren't they just making a wrong assumption if I really have it because I can afford it?

What if I wear it because of the combination of all of the below?
That it's a) light b) looks good to me c) i like carbon d) vents better than cheap helmets e) fits better than cheap helmets f) I can afford it?

When people say stuff like, you only have that because lance has it, aren't they just making a wrong assumption if I really have it because I can afford it?

Yeah i guess so. I cant wear most universal fit helmets, my head is too small. it's too big for youth helmets but too small for universal fit...I mean i can make the helmet fit by adjusting it, but then it looks like i have a watermelon on my tiny head. and even after i adjust it to the smallest fit possible, they tend to slip off my head when i hit bumps. so i have to go for the more expensive Giro's which offer sizing all the way down to XS. and the helmet is more proportional to my head and it doesnt slip around.
if Lance's helmet fits you best and you can afford it, then thats great.

Bought a nice NEW (certified) Bell adult helmet with all the added comfort adjustment straps and cool looking vents at Target last month. $10 on clearence because it was last years model. Now having worked in retail I can assure you that they are still making money at this price. Was it a low end model? Could it be as safe as one from a "real bike shop"?
Who cares..It was new, certified, and originally priced at $60.
Enjoy

I agree that if you pay more than $30 or $40, you are paying for more vents and lighter weight, not for additional safety. For most of us, that's not worth it. But if you regularly ride in very hot climates, the extra vents may be worth it. If you are climbing mountains on a light-weight bike, the less weighty helmets may be worth it. If you race, both the weight and the vents might be critical.

Paying more than $30 or $40 for a helmet is not worth it to me. Neither are many top-of-the-line components. But, as a year-yound commuter, high quality lighting is essential, so I pay more for that. $200 helmets are a waste for most of us, but, for a few, they are worth the money.

The higher end helmets have a structural net imbedded in higher quality foam that is formed into a more complex shape and covered with a thin shell coating that has a nicer finish and is more durable.

The straps and connectors are a huge part of the design and directly impact overall utility and performance. They hold the helmet in the proper orientation on the head better and are easier to adjust and use.

Knockoff helmets that copy a design but are forced to change elements to avoid copyright infringement often do not protect adequately.

Not all foam is the same, not all strap configurations are equal and not all coverings are as good as others.

A red Hundi is not the same thing as a Ferri.

most expensive speaker cable $23,500 for an 8ft pair (and absolute ripoff as well):
http://gallery.consumerreview.com/audio/gallery/files/opus-mm.asp

I've tried the less expensive (cheap) models to save $$, they weren't as comfortable for me to wear for long periods of time. 8-10 hours a day 5 days a week, or 5-6 hrs 5 days a week on light duty, I don't buy the super high end stuff, but I need a retention system that works and also adjustable to fit over my winter headgear. Couldn't get it on the cheap. But the roc-loc stuff is good enough and it's trickled down to dang near every model Giro makes so I can scrap by with a 40-50$ model.

I need good venting when I'm riding down in south texas, but there are some drawbacks to good venting, one year I had my hair freshly buzzed and got a nice "alien nation" sunburn on my scalp during a century. looked dam goofy!