Bob/FLA

I need to replace my helmet...what recommendations do you have?
Thanks
Bob

Retro Grouch 

I think that it was the Ides of May when Mrs. Grouch and I took a spill that both cracked my 5 year old Bell helmet and rang my bell. The replacements are Bell Civics.

They have the fitting features of the more expensive helmets but are relatively more affordably priced. They come with a visor and a place to attach a winkie-blinkie on the back. The shell is smooth so they don't have that "boy racer" look. They also come in several colors - ours are yellow to match our Screamer tandem.

Before I bought ours somebody said he thought they were hot to wear. They don't have vents as large as the more expensive helmets, but I've worn mine in 95 degree heat and haven't found it any hotter than any other helmet that I've worn.

There's also a mirror available that clips onto the visor. It flips out of the way when you're not using it. The mirror is on the small side so it takes some getting used to and has a slight convex lens so things look a little farther away than they really are. I kind of like the mirror.

All of the other helmets that I looked at and liked were a lot more expensive so I think that the Civics are a deal.

rydabent

At the present time I have a Giro. I bought it at a local sports store for about $35. It is probably classified as a mountain bike type, as it has a visor. With our position on a bent, I highly recommend a visor. Helmets are just like most everything else. But in the case of helmets since they are Snell qualified, name and high price really doesnt get you any more bang for the buck.

AlexZ

Reasonably priced Bell from Costco.

JanMM

I don't find the Civic anywhere online. Sound a lot like the Metro and Citi.

BlazingPedals

I find in the recumbent position, visors are a Bad Thing(tm). The airflow constantly pushes up on them; and it's not only irritating to constantly have to pull it back down, but it also represents extra aero drag. But, if you get a helmet with a visor, it can always come off.

Perusing BikeGnashbar or PoorformanceBike usually shows some relatively nice helmets for reasonable prices. Protection may be similar on all helmets, but what you get with the more expensive ones is better retention systems, better ventilation, and of course more style. Big vents is the feature I look for. I like my Bell Alchera because of how well-ventilated it is.

bentcruiser

I like the Louis Garneau line of helmets. I am hard to fit, but with them I get a great fit.

Also might check out Uvex helmets. They are neat as well.

Bob/FLA

I ended up with a Bontranger mountain bike helmet. Great fit and price.
Thanks guys!
Bob

Retro Grouch 

Oops. Citi is right.

JanMM

I used a Citi for a while, until I decided the one-size-fits-all helmet was a bit snug. Now my wife wears it. She has a large brain in a smaller head. I wear a Large Metro which is great for me with a small brain in a large head.

BlazingPedals

Gnashbar is selling the Bell Ukon for pretty cheap right now. It looks like it has huge vents.

skye

If you're interested in safety and injury prevention, helmets are worthless. See https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...Style-part-n-1.

JanMM

AlexZ

+1000!

Northwestrider

I like the Bell Metro, but believe it to be a discontinued model. the Citi should work fine as well.

rydabent

Oh---------and one more thing. Make sure your helmet is white. They are much cooler.

Retro Grouch 

I sure hope that you're wrong about that because I just bought a close out black ghisallo helmet. Actually I'm not too worried. I have no doubt that black will absorb more heat than white but there's also the matter of an inch of polystyrene foam separating the shell from my head. If it works for keeping the drinks cold why wouldn't it work for my head?

rydabent

retro

Well I usuall ponder things for a while, and I have alway bought white helmets to reflect the sun. I have never really felt that my head was hot while riding, but some people that seem to be against wearing helmets list that as a negative.

Retro Grouch 

I'll know for sure in a week or so. I like to rotate between two helmets with different vent hole patterns in the summertime because otherwise I get funny looking tan lines. I can't imagine no helmet at all being cooler than the Ghisallo. It's shell cut outs are pretty lacy so I'm thinking air flow + partial shade = relative coolness. We'll see.

John_V 

First, I would not buy a helmet online unless you have 1) tried on the model that you want for fit and 2) the helmet plus shipping is cheaper than what you can get it locally. I know that people buy online without trying things on first, but if the helmet doesn't quite fit or you find something you don't like after purchase, you now have to pay even more to return it. I would try going to a bike shop or large chain sporting goods store and try on their helmets. If you see one you like, search online for a cheaper price. If you can't find one, go back and get the helmet from your local dealer.

I purchased a new Specialized helmet a few months ago to replace my old one of the same model. The only reason for buying it was because of the color. The old one was all navy blue and it was purchased when I got my blue hybrid with silver accent. After getting my red/black/silver road bike, the blue helmet just didn't really go so I made a fashion statement and got the new one in all silver which would go with both bikes. Sometimes I don't notice much difference between certain things, but the silver helmet certainly seems to be much cooler. I don't know if the silver around the vents is reflecting the heat so less gets in through the vents but I can tell the difference.

Silver and white reflect heat better than any other color, and I didn't think it would make a difference because of the foam between the skin and my scalp, but apparently it does.