Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Cyclists, what helmet do you prefer?

I am due for a helmet and I need links or brands to be checking out.

Some people are telling me Bern, Giro, and Lazer.

Any specifics styles or helmets in general?

Also may as well post my finished bike, it's done, finally.

270315270316

I went for maximum ventilation and lightweight. So I went for a catlike whisper plus. I often forget I even have it on. A tad on the pricey side through considering helmets are to be disposed of after a single crash.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/images/products/catlike/2012/15470_i_1.jpg

I've been wearing the Giro ProLight for almost 2 years now. Never given me any problems as far as comfortably because it too feels like nothing on your head. Lightweight helmets are nice because you often feel like nothing is there and you don't feel top heavy which puts strain on the neck.
http://www.bikyle.com/images/Helmets/Giro_ProLight_helmet_wht.jpg

Forgot to mention but it definitely helps to to try them on before you buy for both comfort/ fit and looks. Helmet sizing varies among brands and quite possibly even down to individual models. When worse comes to worse, you don't want to drop some $X00+ on a top line helmet and it making your head look like a mushroom either.

Very good point. I have a weirdly shaped head, and most helmets don't fit, sit too high on my head, are uncomfortable as all get out, and look stupid to boot. I eventually found the LAS Victory fits me like a glove... a glove for my head... a head glove. Point is, make sure you try any helmets you're considering.

I have a bell furio. It was < $50 and weighs 280gms
270322

I kinda want a Catlike because I'm weird and a Bern because I want to be normal. But mostly I ride with a hat on, pretending it does anything, and check the thrift stores every once in a while to see if any local roadies have dumped good stuff.

I kinda want a Catlike because I'm weird

Those worm/ maggot infestation holes really grow on you. It became my morbid obsession.

http://www.thecycler.net/photos/whisper_plus_1.png

worm/ maggot infestation holes

That's what I love aboot them.

I wear a Bern Brentwood year round.

I should get a Catlike or Giro. Maybe I'll do that tonight. The Bern is heavy and hot but I don't really care for some reason that I can't explain.

I'm not a fan of Roadie helmets I feel naked wearing one (though they are cooler in the Summer) I wear a Bern Macon it was the most comfortable helmet I tried on

I have the Lazer O2. It's my first helmet. It's reasonably priced, light, fits really well(I needed the XL size, so don't necessarily believe the "one size fits all" thing), and I like it.
http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/lazer-o2-helmet-solid-black-matte.jpg

Bern Brentwood for me too, and I love it to death despite a couple quirks.

I have the Lazer O2. It's my first helmet. It's reasonably priced, light, fits really well(I needed the XL size, so don't necessarily believe the "one size fits all" thing), and I like it.

prolly gonna be ordering this exact helmet this weekend, i just wanna find somewhere to try it on first

any new yorkers know of lazer dealers?

I was looking at specialized helmets. We have a dealer in my hometown, so whenever I get back there I can take a look/buy one. And ddeadserious, do you know where to find the different sizes of the lazer? The only ones I've seen are 'one size', and I have a small head, so that stuff usually doesn't work out for me.

I wear a Bern Brentwood year round.

I should get a Catlike or Giro. Maybe I'll do that tonight. The Bern is heavy and hot but I don't really care for some reason that I can't explain.

http://www.zappos.com/bern-brentwood-summer-matte-black
Do you have this version because apparently they made one for summer and it's "lighter and keeps you cooler" haha.

prolly gonna be ordering this exact helmet this weekend, i just wanna find somewhere to try it on first

any new yorkers know of lazer dealers?

Lazer has a dealer locator on the site, but any bike shop with a QBP account(which is every bike shop) can get Lazer stuff. Just call around.


I was looking at specialized helmets. We have a dealer in my hometown, so whenever I get back there I can take a look/buy one. And ddeadserious, do you know where to find the different sizes of the lazer? The only ones I've seen are 'one size', and I have a small head, so that stuff usually doesn't work out for me.

I work at a Specialized dealer, but we don't stock much of anything, so I tried on the O2 at Performance(along with like 20 other helmets), and ended up ordering myself one. The Lazer has a "one size" deal which goes from real small to about normal size head, and then an XL for folks with bigger heads. I fit in the "one size" model, but I didn't feel secure in it because it didn't come far enough down on my forehead and the back of my head, and it was adjusted about as far open as I could make it. If you have a small head, I'd be very surprised if the "one size" one didn't fit.

Bikeisland (http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1644) has them for $80, which is not too far above cost. Definitely the best deal on them.

Well, by small I mean a size 7 hat is just the super tiniest bit not snug on my head. So I'm usually skeptical of that 'one size' thing because, even though they're adjustable, They usually just don't fit quite right.

I wear a Bern Brentwood year round.

I should get a Catlike or Giro. Maybe I'll do that tonight. The Bern is heavy and hot but I don't really care for some reason that I can't explain.

I picked up a Giro Atmos at the beginning of the summer to replace a 20 yr old Bell (which I kept for a lock up helmet for rock shows, etc). I've found it to be extremely cool and comfortable, even through a brutal NYC summer, and I like the matte grey because I think it's a little less goofy looking than some of the other colors. Pricey, but I had a $50 off coupon so it wasn't so bad.

Anybody here live in a cold climate and have any advice for a good winter helmet? I'm thinking of picking up a Bern since I commute to work and work nights, have to cross a bridge over water, etc and it can get rough November through March. Last year was super mild here and the Bell isn't very well ventilated, but I ain't counting on that happening again.

lazer o2, is nice

want to try giro, maggot helmet

I picked up a Giro Atmos at the beginning of the summer to replace a 20 yr old Bell (which I kept for a lock up helmet for rock shows, etc). I've found it to be extremely cool and comfortable, even through a brutal NYC summer, and I like the matte grey because I think it's a little less goofy looking than some of the other colors. Pricey, but I had a $50 off coupon so it wasn't so bad.

Anybody here live in a cold climate and have any advice for a good winter helmet? I'm thinking of picking up a Bern since I commute to work and work nights, have to cross a bridge over water, etc and it can get rough November through March. Last year was super mild here and the Bell isn't very well ventilated, but I ain't counting on that happening again.
Basically every single person I know who rides in the winter uses a Bern because a lot of them are meant for winter sports. I mean, I think you'd be safe with a Bern even if it's a cycling helmet for the summer such as the Macon or Brentwood just because they still aren't as ventilated as road helmets.

Almost every thread I've read for helmets on multiple sites say I should go with the Bern Brentwood haha. I mean, aesthetically they are awesome looking so I could see why a lot of people rock them. I need to see if it fits me well though ha.

Well, by small I mean a size 7 hat is just the super tiniest bit not snug on my head. So I'm usually skeptical of that 'one size' thing because, even though they're adjustable, They usually just don't fit quite right.

Gotcha. Just call around to some LBS or find a Performance in your area(s) and go try one on. All the Lazer helmets seem to fit the same, so even if it's a different model(like the Helium or the MTB version), you can at least get an idea of whether or not it'll fit, then you can order online if you want.

Edit: Looks like a size 7 hat is 56cm. The Lazer O2 is 53-61cm, so I'd think it's worth a shot. If it doesn't fit, just return it.

No helmet

I've been wearing the Giro ProLight for almost 2 years now. Never given me any problems as far as comfortably because it too feels like nothing on your head. Lightweight helmets are nice because you often feel like nothing is there and you don't feel top heavy which puts strain on the neck.

+1
its like wearing nothing at all.

I was going to buy a Specialized Echelon, but I put it on in the bike shop, and it was heavy as hell.

Specialized Echelon. Best of the $60ish range. Been rocking one for a while. Consumer Reports scored it way higher than the hipster porpoise-head helmets everyone rocks, FWIW.

EDIT: DAG, nagrom negged me before I even hit post!

It's SWEET to ride with no helmet until it's not. I mean, who's gonna take care of my dog? Just about 12 hrs ago, saw a guy on a Moth w/o a helmet decide at the last minute to powerslide to not run a red light on the approach to the Williamsburg Bridge. Another guy on a fixed barreling behind him who was GONNA run the red t-boned smack into him and over his bars on to his head/back and was luckily wearing a helmet. They both looked like competent riders but you never know, right? And just another one of a million but one that hit home personally, Ray Dieter, the owner of D.B.A. in the East Village (one of my favorite bars) croaked last year after getting hit on his bike in the middle of the day by a Jag a couple of blocks from his bar.

I'm TOTALLY against helmet/seatbelt laws though. I don't think we're doing the species any favors by interfering with natural selection.


No helmet

I picked up a Giro Atmos at the beginning of the summer to replace a 20 yr old Bell (which I kept for a lock up helmet for rock shows, etc). I've found it to be extremely cool and comfortable, even through a brutal NYC summer, and I like the matte grey because I think it's a little less goofy looking than some of the other colors. Pricey, but I had a $50 off coupon so it wasn't so bad.

Anybody here live in a cold climate and have any advice for a good winter helmet? I'm thinking of picking up a Bern since I commute to work and work nights, have to cross a bridge over water, etc and it can get rough November through March. Last year was super mild here and the Bell isn't very well ventilated, but I ain't counting on that happening again.

I wear the Brentwood year round. As in - all winter. With the winter liner it is all I need. It is comfortable down to minus 20 Fahrenheit (not considering wind chill) which is the coldest I have ridden (5 miles that trip). I put the winter liner in when the temps get to about freezing and stay there. Otherwise I keep the summer pads in.

No helmet


It's SWEET to ride with no helmet until it's not. I mean, who's gonna take care of my dog? Just about 12 hrs ago, saw a guy on a Moth w/o a helmet decide at the last minute to powerslide to not run a red light on the approach to the Williamsburg Bridge. Another guy on a fixed barreling behind him who was GONNA run the red t-boned smack into him and over his bars on to his head/back and was luckily wearing a helmet. They both looked like competent riders but you never know, right? And just another one of a million but one that hit home personally, Ray Dieter, the owner of D.B.A. in the East Village (one of my favorite bars) croaked last year after getting hit on his bike in the middle of the day by a Jag a couple of blocks from his bar.

I'm TOTALLY against helmet/seatbelt laws though. I don't think we're doing the species any favors by interfering with natural selection.

Take it here, boys: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/771371-The-helmet-thread :rolleyes:

+1
its like wearing nothing at all.

270382
"Stupid Sexy Flanders!"


uhm, I mean, uh, I wear a Specialized Echelon, with a PB Superflash zip-tied to the back. It don't find it to be particularly heavy, and it breathes well enough. The front keeps the sweat sealed in fairly well (out of my eyes), though I sometimes have to pour it out when I take it off.

Giro savant

270386

light. comfy. cheap. well ventilated.

nice summer esque helmet.

Another for Specialized Echelon. I dont care to spend more on a helmet and I dont even notice the weight. It's the first helmet I actally dont mind wearing.

maggot helmet changed my life

270382
"Stupid Sexy Flanders!"


uhm, I mean, uh, I wear a Specialized Echelon, with a PB Superflash zip-tied to the back. It don't find it to be particularly heavy, and it breathes well enough. The front keeps the sweat sealed in fairly well (out of my eyes), though I sometimes have to pour it out when I take it off.
haha.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL4iVQyp9L4 well played sir.

best fits for me have been the Bell Influx (bargain mtb helmet, warm weather) and the Bern Macon (winter, cooler temps)

Giro Aeon. I prefer lightweight and well-ventilated to any style point considerations. Although I think its pretty cool looking. For me, price is no object when weighed against the medical/funeral expenses from having your brains splattered on the pavement.

It's a few (20-ish?) grams heavier than the prolight but more comfortable, for me at least.

I wear the Brentwood year round. As in - all winter. With the winter liner it is all I need. It is comfortable down to minus 20 Fahrenheit (not considering wind chill) which is the coldest I have ridden (5 miles that trip). I put the winter liner in when the temps get to about freezing and stay there. Otherwise I keep the summer pads in.

Bat, thanks for the recommendation. Sounds solid so gonna def. pick one up this winter.

A tad on the pricey side through considering helmets are to be disposed of after a single crash.

How many times did you crash, and how many of those have caused you a concussion? Some recent research suggests that a history of concussions will increase drastically likelihood of Alzheimer's-like symptoms (including the Amyloid-beta plaques and the tau-protein tangles).

Here is one peer-reviewed scientific article on the subject (http://www.neurology.org/content/35/2/264.short)

Giro Aeon. I prefer lightweight and well-ventilated to any style point considerations. Although I think its pretty cool looking. For me, price is no object when weighed against the medical/funeral expenses from having your brains splattered on the pavement.

It's a few (20-ish?) grams heavier than the prolight but more comfortable, for me at least.

i picked one of these up at EMS in soho and it was like air, id be amazed to feel anything lighter

Giro savant

270386

light. comfy. cheap. well ventilated.

nice summer esque helmet.

Asked this same question a few months ago. I went with the Giro Savant as well, picked it up on Amazon for like $60ish?

A couple and none resulted in concussions, just some donated blood and complimentary tattoos. I've not lost a helmet before. I've had many near crashes/ misses but experience always kicks in and leaves me tingling and checking my physical self for sound/completeness in the end.

I see where you're going with this but as far wearing a helmet or not, I have no clue why it is such a big issue among cyclists.
I don't understand why people would make the illogical decision to dismiss the ability of having a fighting chance against a head injury. Head injuries are very serious, it's not only cruel to yourself but also your loved ones in the case you are reverted into a mute vegetative state because of your simplistic oversight. Out on the road, you are around potentially idiotic and careless people completely encased in speeding steel vessels of monolithic proportions when put in comparison to our two-wheeled contraptions, it's the least you can do.
To put it short, it'll either protect you from brain trauma or your head so it can be presentable in a open casket for your mother and widow to cry over and loved ones to read eulogies to. Now that's a win-win situation if you tell me. What a bargain!

Wow. Way to build a straw-man.
I had the impression that you might be falling often, and wanted to warn against concussions.

fwiw: a friend of mine whos a very competitive roadie has had 2 serious crashes (that i know about), one was almost identical to a friend of his, a helmet protected his head from becoming jello both times.

the second crash that was the same as his friends, he came out of the hospital fine, and his friend did not survive. both were wearing helmets.

Threads like this always devolve into arguments for and against. THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR THAT DISCUSSION.

Seriously, if you're going to argue/debate/discuss the merits (or lack) of helmets, just go to the helmet thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/771371-The-helmet-thread) and stop trying to cause a train wreck.

There is ONE helmet argument thread on this forum. Any threads that devolve into that wedge issue will be shut down. Now you know. Now stop.

Not that my contribution was for/against anything, but i dont think its possible to have a thread about helmets and not have it turn into a debate about their effectiveness

/ban helmet threads?

Hey, at least we aren't talking about brakes right?

It's good that we don't have to, because everyone knows it's dumb not to use them.

I think I need to explicitly say that I did not express an opinion for or against helmets. I just had the impression that Leukybear was having frequent falls (frequently changing helmets) and wanted to point out the dangers of concussions, especially repeated concussions. I don't know why she insists on misunderstanding what I wrote and putting words in my mouth, but I didn't say a word in favor or against the use of helmets.

Because Leuky is a very subtle troll, and you're falling for it by continuing to discuss the issue?

Also, does anyone know where to buy the winter liner for the Brentwood separately? Bern's official site seems to be officially jacked, and the prices have always been higher than dealers.