Retro Helmets
#26
Senior Member


Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 574
Bikes: '87-ish Pinarello Montello; '89 Nishiki Ariel; '85 Raleigh Wyoming, '16 Wabi Special, '16 Wabi Classic, '14 Kona Cinder Cone, 2023 Surly Disk Trucker
I had a red Vetta Corsa as well. After that I had an old Giro. That was back in 1992-ish. I had a bad fall and it saved my life. Hole burned right through the top layer and half the styrofoam. I sent it back to Giro and they too sent me a new one as I recall. That old Giro was a really comfy helmet.
It looked just like this one:
It looked just like this one:
Last edited by drlogik; 02-06-17 at 08:43 PM.
#27
Phyllo-buster


Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,266
Likes: 2,692
From: Nova Scotia
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 236
Likes: 1
From: NW Ohio flatlander
Bikes: Cannondale SR400 (3.0). Phat t00bs!
I've crashed my motorcycle so trust me I believe in helmets.
I went to the store the other day to buy my first new helmet in 20 years. And I was severely disappointed! All they had were these [url]I've bought motorcycle helmets cheaper that have a higher crash rating, fancy vents and a windscreen.
I went to the store the other day to buy my first new helmet in 20 years. And I was severely disappointed! All they had were these [url]I've bought motorcycle helmets cheaper that have a higher crash rating, fancy vents and a windscreen.
#29
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 1,698
From: Berkeley CA
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 1975 Alex Singer, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International", 1985 Trek 720
My original Bell Biker also sacrificed its life to save mine. I was hit from behind by a pickup truck and catapulted with force headfirst onto the road. The helmet was destroyed and I ended up in the ER, but miraculously no head injury.
I think the most retro looking of the current crop of helmets is the Giro Aspect. If I can find one on sale I'll probably buy it...
I think the most retro looking of the current crop of helmets is the Giro Aspect. If I can find one on sale I'll probably buy it...
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 219
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Five active bikes: 1983 Diamondback RidgeRunner (early production mountain bike), 1951 Raleigh Sports 3spd, 2012 Novara Safari, 2013 Schwinn 411 IGH, 2016 Jamis Roughneck Fatbike; plus a Trek T900 tandem shared with the family
That's my summer helmet! Light, comfy and good ventilation, and I like the visor. I got the clear shell one, and someone once told me they liked it because it didn't pretend to be anything other than Styrofoam.
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 219
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Five active bikes: 1983 Diamondback RidgeRunner (early production mountain bike), 1951 Raleigh Sports 3spd, 2012 Novara Safari, 2013 Schwinn 411 IGH, 2016 Jamis Roughneck Fatbike; plus a Trek T900 tandem shared with the family
#35
BMX Connoisseur
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 774
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Bikes: 1988 Kuwahara Newport, 1983 Nishiki, 1984 Diamond Back Viper, 1991 Dyno Compe
After because I couldn't afford the repair fee's + a new Shoei in order to get home. I bought one of these https://www.bikebandit.com/riding-gea...orcycle-helmet
It doesn't look like it but there are open-able vents in the mouth and on the top, that work great when your moving as they ram air through your helmet.
When you think that a helmet is a "one use" item, even bike helmets, and you have to discard them right after. I don't see the point of spending the extra cash if they have the same safety rating.
The old bike helmets at least remind me of a motorcycle helmet, where as the new ones feel cheap and flimsy.
#36
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 1,698
From: Berkeley CA
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 1975 Alex Singer, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International", 1985 Trek 720
I was just down at REI and the Bell Stratus caught my eye. I think it is, like the Giro Aspect, similar to the old hairnet helmets...better looking frankly. Check it out...
#38
Old Boy


Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 1,736
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
Brooks has these:

JB Special Carrera Foldable Helmet
...of course, they're not cheap.

JB Special Carrera Foldable Helmet
...of course, they're not cheap.

__________________
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
Roulez pour la joie, jamais pour la douleur.
USMC 1981-1991 Semper Fi!
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 6,280
Likes: 612
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 78 Masi Criterium, 68 PX10, 2016 Mercian King of Mercia, Rivendell Clem Smith Jr
I think any of the neo retro helmets are fine in cooler climates and/or for commuting. They are all pretty deficient in the ventilation though, compared to modern helmets. In socal it is often over a hundred F during summer rides. You can keep your retro, thank you very much. They simply are not practical. If modern helmets didn't exist, I'd go back to not wearing one like I did in the bad old days. Not everything used to be better...
Most of the modern helmets look decent if you get them in plain black and peel off the stupid stickers.
Most of the modern helmets look decent if you get them in plain black and peel off the stupid stickers.







