Originally Posted by
DerBiermeister
I am an old cogger who has not ridden since 14 years of age. But I've taken up this activity with several goals in mind, the first one being help with increasing upper leg strength. Anyway, I intend to do 99% of my riding within our subdivision. I hadn't even thought about a helmet until a couple of people commented that there are times here when deer can jump out at you. We DO have a lot of a deer and admittedly, they will appear at the most unexpected times, sometimes 5 or more. So -- I am now in the "considering stage". A couple of questions:
The dang things, in addition to looking like something out BattleStar Galactica, look very uncomfortable. Is that the case?
Are the headbands plastic too, something of a softer material?
Do they make big sizes?
How much should I expect to pay for a good quality helmet?
I good-fitting helmet should not be uncomfortable. There is padding on the inside between your head and the protective foam crush material and usually adjusters to snug it up. If you try on a helmet and it feels too tight, go to the next size up; if there are pressure points against your skull, consider a different model or even brand.
Headbands? If you mean the straps, they are acceptably soft nylon. The headband retention system is usually plastic, but padded where it contacts your head.
Yes, helmets come in big and bigger sizes.
Depends on your definition of good quality, but usually $40-60 range. Or up to $200+ for a top of the line helmet. All helmets on the market are tested to the same minimal safety standards, so a cheap helmet will protect your head more or less as well as an expensive one. In fact, some expensive helmets, made with weight goals and style in mind, might be less protective than some cheaper ones.