The clasp or buckle on my helmet broke. One of the 2 prongs broke. I've often found the buckle a PITA to release, especially if I'm wearing gloves. So I will get a 5/8" replacement, probably just like the last one.

But is there something better? Maybe something with a lever release, or more pronounced release nubs, or whatever...

My helmet is a Specialized about 18 months old. I was replacing a Bell I pulverized going over the bars (concussion and small crack in pelvis). It's at least my 4th concussion (ages 17, 30, 32, and 70) so I chose a MIPS model. I believe my old buckle made by Fastex, and it is not the origninal one that came on the helmet (that was consistently difficult to release).

THANKS

I've never had much difficulty releasing the buckles on Bell helmets but I don't try it while wearing full finger gloves. Bell's "Pinchguard" buckles are good as they have an extension under the clasp area to keep your skin out of harm's way.

They will probably send you the same type as the one that broke but if you contact Specialize I'm sure you will get a replacement at no cost.

Buckles are not listed at the Specialized helmets/parts page.
I would be surprised if McNetts/Gear Aid didn't have something.
REI usually has a display of McNetts products. I've seen buckles there.


-Tim-

Helmet brands are less likely to support buckle replacement then a bunch of years ago. Something about increasing liability concerns...


Broken buckles have been an issue for years. My second Bell Biker used plastic "double D rings" and of course they broke after a while. I sewed in metal ones, like my first had. Andy (channeling those old guys)

National molding, 'fastex' side release buckles must be made by the zillions , in many styles ..
too bad you didn't buy shares in the company on the NYSE..

If the experience my wife had with Giro is an indication, they will not replace a buckle for free or for cost.
She lost one end of the buckle, she contacted Giro and their answer was to buy a new helmet as the couldn't guarantee the safety of the helmet with a replacement buckle.

Just as I said.


I always have certain thoughts about people who fudge or low ball safety equipment. When I owned my shop near case Western Reserve University and first year students came in for their bike work They would roll their eyes at my recommendation of protective gear for their education. I asked them how much that education was costing them (or more often their parents... and that's the root of the problem, not their money at stake) compared to the cost of a helmet to help retain the education should the worst happen.


Having said that I do understand that some will make a choice with different priorities then I would. As example, for some their helmet is a fashion thing first and foremost. Andy

Idea - go to a bike store with lots of helmets and examine the different types of clasps available and see if you like one of them better.

Then you can decide to buy a new helmet with the good clasps or know which kind of clasp you would like to use as a replacement.

Reminds me to save the undamaged buckles from old helmets when I replace.

Surprise - there's a YOUTUBE on how to do it. Looks a lot like my Giro, I don't know if Spec uses the same configuration.

I do that and have about 6 buckles salvaged from replaced helmets over the years.

If you don't have extra buckles, try Goodwill and cannibalize. I think the shelf here has about 8 helmets for 3 bucks or less.

Here is a 5/8" strap pinch quick-release buckle. Select the buckle that matches the strap width.

Helmet manufacturers buy their clips/buckles from clip manufacturers. One of the big manufactures of clips is ITW Nexus. If found it pretty amazing that a big manufacturer like Giro couldn't figure out how to offer such a simple replacement part, and how most folks out there on forums had trouble finding the right replacement. After much searching, I found the ITW TSR 63 helmet clip that turned out to be compatible with every Razor, Giro and Smith helmet in my house, and used this to replace a lost male clip (fit perfectly):
go to hudson4supplies.com and search for itw-tsr-63-trovato-side-release-16mm-5-8-black

Huh. I have never been able to unfasten a clip/buckle with gloves on. Not sure why I would need to. I don't take my helmet off unless I am taking a break or finished riding.