Helmets and Mtn Bikes - need knowledge
 

Although I never wore a helmet when i was younger, I do now enjoy a lesser tolerance to pain and a seemingly longer period to heal. And, when riding moto-x and hare & hound stuff as well as on the street, I never fired up a motorcycle without having a skidlid on.

Therefore, as I am preparing to buy a bike (I just ordered shoes, so I guess the wife cannot complain to much now, what is started is done :D), I am considering the options of a helmet. While the rest of me tends to be larger then normal, I fortunately have a somewhat normal sized noggin (unless you ask some friends of mine who would possibly claim it resides in a swollen state).

That in mind, I checked out a few helmets the other day at a local "sporting goods" store that handles mostly high end stuff. It seems as tho a size large will fit alright, but a size U (whatever that means) that adjusts fit better.

What are your recommendations for size, type, brand, etc. I have no idea what I should be looking for here.

TIA

grab a tape measure and measure the circumference of your head, just above your eyebrows....

go to www.giro.com and whatever bell's website is and see which size you fall into - try to get to the store to try them on - then buy one.

recommended: good deals on giro gila right now.

That was the brand i was looking at actually (remember now that you typed it) - Giro.


What makes a good brainbucket a good one? Anyway to tell? Anything to shy away from?

What she said.

Right now Nashbar has the Bell X-ray on sale for 1/2 off. Very adjustable and light. Just remember this: all of the helmets must meet standards for being certified as safe. So, in general, a $30 helmet will protect you as much as a $100 helmet. Usually, the more you pay for the helmet, the less material it has (it's lighter). Strange how that works.:confused:

I have a Giro Mojave and love it -- it's very comfortable and well ventilated and fits me well. I too have a hard-to-fit noggin - larger than normal I guess since I have a hard time finding hats that fit right - but after trying a few helmets on in the store I was easily able to find one that fit well.

More expensive makes more holes meaning lighter and more ventilation :)...

Definately try on. For example. Full faced helmets I only seem to fit Giro not Bell. My bud is the other way. You may like the look of giro but it may never work on your noggen.

That's a good point. Make sure you try on different helmets on before buying. Giros don't fit my head as well as Bell.

I find that Bell Helmets are the best.. I bought a few of the Vertigo Pro awhile ago as they where changing models... Specialized fit me the worst! ... For my Full face, I have a Zeus X-Cross... and it's worth it! Whenever I bail DH'ing, that helmet has kept me safe.. it broke my collarbone a few weeks ago, but better that then a broken neck or skull!

Joe

Much like saddles, helmets are a very personal thing. In other words, it's all about fit. Try on a bunch of brands in a variety of sizes, and pick a good helmet that fits your head well.

Good luck!

bell helmets will fit a rounder head better and Giro will fit a narrow head better.

Slainte:beer: