MileHighMark

Lazer just introduced two new helmets that retail for $95. I have the company's Z1 model, and it's very comfortable and secure.

Oldhead

I say go with what fits best. I have a Giro because the same price Bell put pressure on a couple of spots that made it uncomfortable

D1andonlyDman

The right answer is whichever helmet fits you most comfortably and meets your budget and criteria for looks. I happen to be blessed with a head that fits Bell's cheaper 1 size helmets perfectly, so I own a Bell Slant and a Bell Solar that each cost me $20 on sale (list price $40-60).

Sy Reene

Is this serious? You bought a crash-damaged helmet because it was $20 off?

Wanderer

No! My helmet was damaged in a crash, and my dealer has a replacement program for damaged helmets. He really wants to keep people safe, and offers a huge discount to replace one damaged, or suspect, (if it was bought in his store)! Sometimes it is a real benefit to buy from your dealer.

colnago62

The Scattente helmets from Performance can give good bang for the buck. They are always on sale and they look to be made by Bell and Giro, depending on the model.

gsa103

Giro Savant MIPS is $110 MSRP. The MIPS makes it a far better helmet than anything in the $50-$100 range. Bell also has a similarly priced MIPS offering. Unless you're getting MIPS (or 1-2 other competing ideas) there's no difference between a $50 helmet and a $100 helmet.

rm -rf

I've used Frost King R534H Sponge Rubber stick-on weatherstrip foam on my last two helmets. This roll is a 3/4 inch wide, 5/16 thick foam. It's sort of a memory foam, and compresses to fit. I've kept the same roll for years.

I cut short pieces to pad any annoying spots on the helmet. I have a couple of inch long pieces on the helmet's ribs along the top of my head, where their padding doesn't quite reach, and two small blocks to make the front fit my forehead better. I can experiment with different sized pieces since I have the big roll of foam.

kingston 

The giro indicator is my go-to inexpensive helmet. You can usually find one for $25-30 without too much trouble. All my kids have one. I picked up a giro pneumo for myself last summer for around $80 and like it very much.

RedVVing19

I use the Specialized Propero but...

2014 Lazer Genesis Helmet
Lazer Genesis Helmet 2014

with save15 coupon its comes out to $97

KAH

Another vote for Giro Savant and I must be an expert on helmets because every 18 years or so I tend to buy a new one. What I like best is it comes in high visibility yellow and it has a very good system to fit MY head. The white Bell is the only one I have tested in a crash and it and my head did better then my fork ( too fast down Vail Pass :-(

Best advice is go to your LBS and pick what fits best and remember to try it on with glasses and a Sweat Block Bandana/Dew Rag if you ride with them.

TheRef

I suggest the Bontrager Circuit. MSRP is $99.99 but often it can be found at a discount at Trek dealer. I saw one 2014 model today for 50 bucks at a local dealer.

Bassmanbob

I just got a Bontrager Starvos and I like it more than my Specialized Propero II. The Starvos allows me to adjust the height of the back adjustment dial system. The Propero II doesn't let me do that. It sits so low on my forehead, it covers my eyebrows.

BoJaffa

I also like the Bontrager Circuit helmet. Fits me well and seems pretty light.

gpburdell

Sorry to resurrect the thread, I've searched for an answer and this comes closest but no cigar.

Anyone have thoughts on the Bontrager Circuit vs. Starvos? It'll be later this week before I can get to a LBS with both in stock in my size to compare side by side.

sam_cyclist

Yeah, there's like, no need to get the internet's opinion when you're going to go in the shop and try them on yourself.

Btw, bell and giro for $20 and $15 both fit perfectly, well vented, certified and lightweight. Anything else is a waste of money.

gpburdell

Since I'm not an arrogant **** that thinks I know everything, I appreciate others' opinions in addition to those I arrive at on my own. Thanks for your input.

sam_cyclist

LOL. You don't need any one else's opinion on how your helmet fits. Only you would know the answer to that question.

gpburdell

Fit wasn't what I was asking about; I'm curious what feature/physical differences exist between the two models.

Bontrager's site isn't helpful in that area. Clearly they think there's some reason for a substantial price jump, but I'm not seeing what that might be. I value comfort and ventilation up to a point, but I don't believe in simply paying more without a good (to me, if not to others) reason.

These two aren't the only ones I'm considering/trying -- just two I didn't see much of a difference between. (and FWIW I've not been happy with the one-size-fits-all helmets I've tried, the lower end discrete-size stuff feels sufficiently more comfortable that I'm willing to pay a little more)

(and these two aren't the only ones I'm considering, just seeing if anyone know what's substantively different between the two)

Hiro11

The Bell Alchera is really comfortable and well ventilated. It's a steal at $45. Also, when the pads wear out, the $5 replacement set sold on Amazon makes it even more comfortable. Once downside: then entire back of the helmet is uncovered black painted foam which looks kind of cheap.

vibin247

+1 for the Specialized Echelon. The Headset retention system is adjustable for that snug feel at the back of your head. The sweat pads don't seem to last long and unfortunately there isn't a Large sized replacement set available from Specialized's website, but other than that, a good value.

sam_cyclist

Dude, you are putting both helmets on your head in person. If you don't can't or wont trust your own judgment, something is wrong. You'll figure out in 10 seconds if either or both helmets work for you.

gpburdell

Geez, I'm just curious about the differences between the models.

Do you have any constructive information or just kibitzing?

Lanovran

I think it mostly comes down to larger vents and a lower profile with the Circuit, as well as FormFit, which they describe as a "flexible head-conforming brow band [to improve] comfort and ventilation." The Circuit is also compatible with Bontrager's NeoVisor, which attaches just inside the front rim of the helmet. The Starvos was designed to be a more budget-friendly road helmet, though strangely, it actually weighs a little bit less than the Circuit. Personally, I think the Circuit looks better and fits more comfortably than the Starvos, though the latter is up to you to decide. If you can get a sale price, or might be willing to spend a bit more, I'd recommend checking out the Specter as well.

sam_cyclist

Most helmets these days are extremely similar in form, design, weight and function. The weight differences are miniscule from the least to most expensive. Choose a $30 and $300 helmet respectively at random. The difference is what, 15 or 20 grams? A few more vents? It's splitting hairs.

As long as the helmet is certified (hint: all of them are), you'll be just fine.