ridethecliche

I have bell alchera helmet and I have a quick question on something about it.

There are two pieces of plastic on the top of helmet where the strap connects, on my helmet one of these is dislodged and it moves around if the straps move. I was wondering if this could be a safety problem. The little plastic piece is between the first and second vents on the left in the front of the helmet. It blends in with the picture, but you can just make it out. Thanks!

waterrockets 

It should be fine, but I'd call Bell to find out for sure. They have incredible customer service, all the way down to the Blackburn line.

If you put the helmet on, strap it, and can't get it to rotate off your head forwards, backwards, or sideways (be aggressive), then it's probably fine. Most helmets I've seen, you can push the straps through the helmet from the inside, and get these pieces to come off the surface of the helmet, and they go right back when you pull on the straps. Is it possible that it's twisted 180 degrees and is not settling in for that reason?

theextremist04

I think that's what he's talking about.

rankin116

I have the same helmet, and mine move around too. I don't think they are supposed to be glued in. I cracked one of these last year and it fit like a glove, so I bought a second. I was able to remove all the straps and buckles from the first one so I can reuse them if for some reason I need to. I don't think it's a safety concern.

steaktaco

helmets.org

The only thing they don't like about those is how it can snag the pavement during a crash. Other than that, it's normal for that to be loose; I think it needs to be for adjustment.

Scorer75

When your head is in the helmet with the strap closed, that piece no longer moves as there is tension on it.

I don't think it's a problem.

Off topic, I believe the Alchera is the best bang for your buck road helmet out there. I love mine.

Treefox

That happens on my Giro Advantage. Wouldn't worry the least bit about it - it'll stay put when your helmet is on.

ridethecliche

It's settling, but the other piece is stuck in place so I was wondering why this one is mobile. The helmet stays nice and snug when it's on my noggin with the straps tight though!

jsmithepa

I bet if u wiggle it enuff, the other piece will come loose too.

DPC

When strapped on the helmet should be absolutely impossible to remove without releasing the strap buckle. If the strap's tight and you can't get it off your head without undo-ing the strap (really try as well, it shouldn't come off no matter how hard you try) it should be fine.

ridethecliche

Yeah, I think it would. It didn't come off when I tried, but I didn't really force it either. There were grooves where the piece sat which looked like they were present to secure the piece there when the straps were tight.

I'm not worried about it, but I'm going to call bell to make sure. Thanks!

ridethecliche

I called bell and they said that it's not really good that it happens.
I've only used the helmet once, so I'm just going to exchange it for a new one from nashbar just to stay on the safe side. I probably wouldn't have bothered if I'd been using the helmet for a year and it happened, but having it come like that isn't too reassuring.

I guess I'm just a little paranoid after my accident.