Buffalo Buff

I've gone my entire life not using a helmet when I ride a bike, and I've been doing ok.

I'm thinking about buying my first one to wear for my next tour. I figure I'm going to be wearing a hat to block the sun, might as well just use a helmet instead and add another layer of safety. Probably add a blinker to it as well so I'm a bit more visible.

Anyways I think most bike helmets are ugly as ****.

I found one I do like though, the Giro Air Attack. It looks a lot better than the waffle fries look most helmets have.

Is it a good helmet? Can I do any better for the 80$ I found it for? Can anyone find any of the black variations in large around that price so I don't have to settle for white?

TroN0074

I like the Bern helmets. I am saving my money to buy the 'Bern Brentwood' check it out Bern Brentwood - Bike Helmets Unlimited

This one looks fine too Bern Macon EPS w/ Visor - Men - Bike Helmets Unlimited

CrankyOne

From a safety/protection standpoint they're all about the same. They'll keep you from getting scrapes and scratches. Pick the one that best meets your fashion sense.

Robert C

I grew up not wearing helmets either. It has gotten cold so I have been wearing my Bern Brentwood. It's good insulation. I probably wont wear it once the weather is back up in the 50s'.

kickstart

"Urban" helmets offer better protection from sun and rain without looking like a streamlined pile of intestines, but they do get a bit stuffy when it gets hot.

mr_bill

I'm assuming that you've already tried a Giro SML in large helmet and liked that fit? (If you try on one of the Giro/Bell helmets that come in SML and you like the L fit, it's a pretty good bet that any other Giro/Bell SML in L will fit you too.)

There's one large black Air Attack available on Amazon $0.58 more than your $80 target. Also a large Giro Aspect Matte Bungee Cord Aspect for $80.01. And a large Giro Reverb Black for $36.

Those are the Giro road helmets that look less waffly. Take a look at the Giro urban helmets for other alternative looks. (Or Bell "lifestyle" helmets.)

Those prices are quite good btw.

-mr. bill

Hypno Toad

Depending on your style, you may or may not like this.... I'm thinking of one of Smith helmets for this year. Some are really wacky colors; but the MIPS is selling me. If you're going to stick a helmet on brain, make sure it will do the best work to protect you ... if you need protecting.

badger1

For "my first bicycle helmet" I would recommend something like this, combining urban style with good protection:



However, should you peruse the "helment" thread, you might come to the conclusion that something more like this would afford better protection:

10 Wheels

Got my first one at Goodwill...99 Cents.

1nterceptor

New York City Dept. of Transportation gives away helmets a few times a year.
I got for free one a few years ago.

Back to the OP. As was mentioned already; you'll probably want a helmet with
a lot of vents when the temps go up.

STROLLING THRU THE PARK by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

mr_bill

The Giro Air Attack has very good reviews for ventilation fwiw.

-mr. bill

Chris516

Bicycle Helmets for the 2015 Season
That is an overall review.

Bicycle Helmets for the 2015 Season

The Giro Air Attack is listed on that page.

Buffalo Buff

Can you PM me a link? It's showing all black variants at 130-150 for me. The white is the cheapest on there in large.

I haven't ever tried on a bike helmet. I just plan to order from some place with a good return policy if I can't find one of these helmets locally.

Buffalo Buff

Any comments on shield vs the other version? The visor looks nice but it also makes it cost 60-100$ more going by amazon prices. Anyone know where do get the shield in Large under 175$?

seeker333

Get one with a visor if you expect to ride at night much - indispensable for blocking blinding headlights.

jyl

If you find it, let us know. I like that helmet w/ visor too, but not for $170.

Eljot

The Giro Aspect looks quite nice. I live in Germany and unfortunately it's extremely expensive over here: 180 Euro which is about 230 $....yikes.
I found one online that only costs 130 Euro but it's a 2013 model. Does anyone know if there would be a huge difference to the 2015 model?

RaleighSport

I actually own a Giro Air Attack shield model, I love it personally and it fits extremely well.. I was able to do some bargain hunting and got my helmet with shield and another shield in the color I wanted for under the usual MSRP, IMO it was a lot of money to spend on a helmet but totally worth it. (It's also the helmet in my avatar) Also, you can not add a shield to a non shield GAA later.

Philphine

i pretty much just got a helmet to do the local mayors group ride one year, so i went with what i knew and got a skateboard style helmet. i just liked how it looked better than a regular bike helmet (i thought it fit my bike's look better, too)...

i also got a free regular one at that ride. if you get there early enough, they give several hundred away each time. check and see if they do one local to you. they did a basic fitting also.

...the last couple rides i switched to a non-dot motorcycle "skid lid" type helmet. again, just because i liked the look of it. that ride is the only time i wear one though.

Nifty Fixie

I actually think the Giro Air Attack looks pretty damn good, your taste and mine coincide.
Good luck finding a black variation in large around $80, seems recognized helmet suppliers are quite aware of what is popular then price them accordingly.
Black is in an affluent neighborhood, white is subsidized housing

rekmeyata

In 2012 the Bern was poorly rated by Consumer Reports.

jon c. 

I'm not sure why as white is cooler in the summer.

rekmeyata

The most important aspect to getting a good helmet is getting one that fits your head the best. See this: How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet

Actually a skateboard helmet rated for cycling is the best helmet if protecting the brain concerns you. Here is a list of skateboard helmet rated for cycling: Skate Helmets with CPSC and ASTM Certification But these won't ventilate the head as well.