why are helmets so crazy expensive?
04-02-12, 05:52 PM
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why are helmets so crazy expensive?
I need to get a new helmet and almost anything that looks cool is over $100.
The newest stuff goes for close to $200-250.
WHY?
The newest stuff goes for close to $200-250.
WHY?
04-02-12, 05:55 PM
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Because there's a market that will pay. I was in Wal mart the other day, and they had a decent looking helmet, with a clip on rear light that was kinda cool, for $20.
Honestly, just as safe, and all you need.
We pay out the nose for very marginal weight, cooling, and styling advantages.
Honestly, just as safe, and all you need.
We pay out the nose for very marginal weight, cooling, and styling advantages.
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04-02-12, 06:02 PM
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
04-02-12, 06:03 PM
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Plus the Wal Mary helmet design likely won't change for a long time. Meanwhile high end helmets changes frequently which means more design, different production methods, and new testing
04-02-12, 06:04 PM
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If you want cool - Patent leather Danish helmet.
04-02-12, 06:05 PM
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My cannondale LBS showed me their new helmets, the higher end being at 160$CAN. Not that expansive...
04-02-12, 06:13 PM
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04-02-12, 06:22 PM
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Helmets can be expensive but brains are even more expensive.
A helmet is one of the critical and key safety equipment for a cyclist.
I would recommend getting a helmet that has been certified, crashed and safety-tested.
If the $20 Walmart-bought bike helmet has been safety-tested and is comfortable for you, more power to you. Apart from safety and price, make sure you get a helmet that is comfortable enough so you never think twice about wearing it and never want to take it off during your rides - otherwise, it will defeat the purpose.
Ride fast and ride safely.
Mark
A helmet is one of the critical and key safety equipment for a cyclist.
I would recommend getting a helmet that has been certified, crashed and safety-tested.
If the $20 Walmart-bought bike helmet has been safety-tested and is comfortable for you, more power to you. Apart from safety and price, make sure you get a helmet that is comfortable enough so you never think twice about wearing it and never want to take it off during your rides - otherwise, it will defeat the purpose.
Ride fast and ride safely.
Mark
Last edited by MarkThailand; 04-02-12 at 06:23 PM. Reason: Grammar error
04-02-12, 06:38 PM
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How often should a helmet be replaced? Just noticed mine was manufactured in Dec '99. Has it expired?
Have I been lulled in false security for the past few years?
Have I been lulled in false security for the past few years?
04-02-12, 06:38 PM
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04-02-12, 06:39 PM
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Helmets can be expensive but brains are even more expensive.
A helmet is one of the critical and key safety equipment for a cyclist.
I would recommend getting a helmet that has been certified, crashed and safety-tested.
If the $20 Walmart-bought bike helmet has been safety-tested and is comfortable for you, more power to you. Apart from safety and price, make sure you get a helmet that is comfortable enough so you never think twice about wearing it and never want to take it off during your rides - otherwise, it will defeat the purpose.
Ride fast and ride safely.
Mark
A helmet is one of the critical and key safety equipment for a cyclist.
I would recommend getting a helmet that has been certified, crashed and safety-tested.
If the $20 Walmart-bought bike helmet has been safety-tested and is comfortable for you, more power to you. Apart from safety and price, make sure you get a helmet that is comfortable enough so you never think twice about wearing it and never want to take it off during your rides - otherwise, it will defeat the purpose.
Ride fast and ride safely.
Mark
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
04-02-12, 06:46 PM
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04-02-12, 06:51 PM
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I found a place in Canada that sells new helmets........"no for bike riding"
but for $19 bucks I may need to buy one as a goof
https://www.labicicletta.com/accessor...ead-cover.html
but for $19 bucks I may need to buy one as a goof
https://www.labicicletta.com/accessor...ead-cover.html
04-02-12, 07:01 PM
#16
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I never pay over $100 for a helmet anymore. Not worth it. Best price point is around $80-100. At this point, you get all the best that tech offers but not the bleeding edge.
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04-02-12, 07:01 PM
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Because there's a market that will pay. I was in Wal mart the other day, and they had a decent looking helmet, with a clip on rear light that was kinda cool, for $20.
Honestly, just as safe, and all you need.
We pay out the nose for very marginal weight, cooling, and styling advantages.
Honestly, just as safe, and all you need.
We pay out the nose for very marginal weight, cooling, and styling advantages.
, I don't really see any other reason since it is a piece of foam and plastic.understand the testing and such, but motorcycle/Auto Racing helmets which are actually more complicated cost about the same?
04-02-12, 07:03 PM
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Keep an eye on chainlove (formerly bonktown). I got my Giro Prolight on there for $80. I agree that the coolest (literally and figuratively) helmets are always $200+. So I just wait until they go on discount. By the time I get tired of this helmet in a couple years, one of the new helmets from this year will be on sale for $80, and so goes the cycle.
04-02-12, 07:03 PM
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Because there's a market that will pay. I was in Wal mart the other day, and they had a decent looking helmet, with a clip on rear light that was kinda cool, for $20.
Honestly, just as safe, and all you need.
We pay out the nose for very marginal weight, cooling, and styling advantages.
Honestly, just as safe, and all you need.
We pay out the nose for very marginal weight, cooling, and styling advantages.
, I don't really see any other reason since it is a piece of foam and plastic.understand the testing and such, but motorcycle/Auto Racing helmets which are actually more complicated cost about the same?
04-02-12, 07:08 PM
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$60 msrp. Or keep an eye on chainlove for a Giro Prolite for $80.
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04-02-12, 07:08 PM
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Because there's a market that will pay. I was in Wal mart the other day, and they had a decent looking helmet, with a clip on rear light that was kinda cool, for $20.
Honestly, just as safe, and all you need.
We pay out the nose for very marginal weight, cooling, and styling advantages.
Honestly, just as safe, and all you need.
We pay out the nose for very marginal weight, cooling, and styling advantages.
, I don't really see any other reason since it is a piece of foam and plastic.understand the testing and such, but motorcycle/Auto Racing helmets which are actually more complicated cost about the same?
04-02-12, 07:14 PM
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The can start to delaminates, possibly the styrofoam starts to deteriorate, they get dirty with sweat etc. I think it's worth replacing on occasion, though not necessarily every three years like some manufacturers like Bell recommend.
04-02-12, 07:14 PM
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I paid a little over $100 for my helmet six years ago. A year ago I bought a mountain bike helmet from Costco for $20.00. The mountain bike helmet is very bit as comfortable and light weight as my $100 helmet. I think I've been a sucker in the past.
04-02-12, 07:56 PM
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Yes, but.... 
Pricing dynamics are more complicated (and more counter-intuitive) than you might think.
If you see two helmets for $39.95 and $79.95, the cheaper one seems like a decent deal. If you see three helmets -- $39.95 and $79.95 and $149.95 -- the middle choice seems a bit more reasonably priced. Put the $149.95 in the catalog or on the shelves, and you're likely to sell more of the $79.95 helmets than before.
Same goes for bikes. A big manufacturer doesn't need to sell a lot of those $10,000+ bikes, but if it makes the $5000 (or $2000) bikes seem a little more reasonable, then it's done its job. (I'd expect this is another way that online beats brick and mortar stores -- it's a lot easier to list the expensive helmets and ship them direct from a distributor, than to have a half-dozen on the store's shelves.)
IMO helmets are nearly identical in terms of function, and they all look pretty goofy. So, you might as well find an affordable one that looks good enough.
Pricing dynamics are more complicated (and more counter-intuitive) than you might think.If you see two helmets for $39.95 and $79.95, the cheaper one seems like a decent deal. If you see three helmets -- $39.95 and $79.95 and $149.95 -- the middle choice seems a bit more reasonably priced. Put the $149.95 in the catalog or on the shelves, and you're likely to sell more of the $79.95 helmets than before.
Same goes for bikes. A big manufacturer doesn't need to sell a lot of those $10,000+ bikes, but if it makes the $5000 (or $2000) bikes seem a little more reasonable, then it's done its job. (I'd expect this is another way that online beats brick and mortar stores -- it's a lot easier to list the expensive helmets and ship them direct from a distributor, than to have a half-dozen on the store's shelves.)
IMO helmets are nearly identical in terms of function, and they all look pretty goofy.
So, you might as well find an affordable one that looks good enough.
