Erick L

Get one that fits.

I don't use the little stinky pads and wear a bandana instead. It does a better job for sweat, doesn't get lost, stops flies from getting in your hair and the sun from burning your scalp, and you can soak it to cool off.

TheBrick

You may change it because it's such a silly comparison.

skijor

I've never been stung that way but my Giro Atmos has huge gaping vents that allow the occasional bug in more than my two old Bells. Those amazingly massive vents are a big part of why I bought it. They're also why I find it surprising how anyone how anyone's head could be too warm in it. I got my hair cut shorter than usual last time and found out the hard way that I need sunscreen up there with those big vents.
That said, a vent screen would somewhat defeat the purpose of having those large vents due to reduced airflow.

surfjimc

Being one that has bounce tested my head on more than one occasion, I don't ever do a ride without a helmet. I've been riding Giros since their first incarnation and I like the fit, but there are quite a few other high quality units out there to try now. As price increases, you get less weight and more venting. Hard to say what's good for you till you try some. Go for fit first.

JohnyW

The bicycle was invented 1817. The **** sapiens didn't extinct because they cycled 150 years without helmets. In some hot countries eg. Namibia 53°C in the shadow (the distance from shadow to shadow is about 100 km) the risk to fall off the bike because of overheated by using a helmet is much higher than falling off the bike with a cool head. Also in Sri Lanka, Ghana, Oman friends and me made the experience that cycling with helmet (on the head) is killing you. I talk about cycling 12 hours in sun in the countryside. Not commuting 30 min in the city... you ever did this?

I smoke. Sometimes I cycle with helmet sometimes without. I enjoy it and I'm still alive...

Thomas

positron

Mr. judgmental... no wonder you 'developed a preference for touring alone'.

Cyclesafe

Yes, I am certainly reluctant to tour with people who insist on exercising poor judgment.

https://www.limarhelmets.com/eng/prod...otcat=39&id=54

Cyclesafe

I admire anyone who attempts to communicate in a second language. Your English is much better than my German. So if you are so smart - and I think you are smart (no sarcasm intended) - why do you exercise poor judgment by riding a bike without a helmet?

prathmann

His judgment sounded fine to me. It was based on a reasonable assessment of both the risks and benefits for each particular trip. Sometimes that warrants wearing of additional protective gear and sometimes it doesn't.

When you go for a walk in downtown San Diego, do you wear a helmet? The risk of a head injury for urban pedestrians is higher on both a per mile and per hour basis than it is for cyclists. And both groups suffer most serious head injuries in the same way - from collisions with motor vehicles. Surely at least some of your bike rides are significantly safer than some of your walks. So why insist on the extra precautions for every bike ride but for none of the walks?

JohnyW

Hi,

I learnt cycling without helmets, all my friends learnt cycling without helmet. My cycling style is very foresighted. I always watch and hear what's going on around. Since 25 years I never felt of my (it hurts too much) and I can stop at any time. If I what watch many cyclists, when they cross red traffic lights without watching left and right. Then a helmet is an option to survive stupidity.

I bought a helmet because I want to take part in organized bike events (24 h race, MTB marathons, etc.). There a helmet is mandatory. So I have one and now I use it. But I have to calculate the risk. When I saw my friend cycling 15 km in Sri Lanka. His face was white as a wall. He looks terrible. Cooling him down (water) and removing the helmet he cycled the next 25 km and was fine after it. Then I would say the risk of wearing a helmet is in that moment higher than the risk of a road accident. By the traffic in Sri Lanka is a bit different (more crowed, more agressive, only 2 rules exists: The bigger has right of way and don't make a crash) than in "organized" Western countries

Thomas

exile

I have a Giro Hex which I bought about a year ago for about $40 (previous years model clearance sale deal). https://www.amazon.com/Giro-Hex-Bike-.../dp/B000BO1KTU

It has a lot of vents and are fairly light weight and an adjustable visor. I think it's more mountain bike designed but I don't tell my head that while on my LHT .

rpk0925

Thanks for the link Cyclesafe.

I've been looking at helmets through a small, upstart LBS about 20 miles from me. They have only been in business a few months. They carry the Uvex line of helmets. I feel like I should give them my business because #1, they know I'm interested in buying a helmet since we've discussed them several times, and #2, being the closest bike shop to where I live, I would like to support them so that maybe the feeling will be mutual if/when I really need their support.

BigBlueToe

I think there's no substitute for going to your local bike shops and trying all the helmets on. When I did I found there was quite a difference between some of them. Some fit my head much better than others.

I find the price of top-quality helmets to be somewhat scandalous. What possible differences in material costs could there be between a $200 Giro and a $20 Walmart special? Granted, there are some differences, but still....

That being said, a helmet is too important to scrimp on. You wear it every second of every ride so you want something comfortable. It protects your noggin so it better fit. Therefore, I'm willing to spend the money it takes to get a good one.

kayakdiver

Another thing to remember... Don't get caught in the Bell Vs Giro line of thinking.... they are the same manufacturer. Almost the exact same helmet aside from graphics. Get one that fits and you like. All have to meet safety standards so what you get for more money is less weight and most times... more comfort with some extra vents thrown in.

If you ever shopped for motorcycle helmets it's the same game.... They also have to meet safety standards.... Snell/Dot.

Good luck in your search.