Aesthetically Pleasing Helmets
#1
Thread Starter
Curmudgeon in Training
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 11
From: Rural Retreat, VA
Bikes: 1974 Gazelle Champion Mondial, 2010 Cannondale Trail SL, 1988 Peugeot Nice, 1992ish Stumpjumper Comp,1990's Schwinn Moab
Aesthetically Pleasing Helmets
We here at C&V tend to put a lot of emphasis on aesthetics. Helmets are definitely a touchy subject as evidenced by the other thread going on at the moment. But let us refrain from introducing such arguments here.
So, are there any helmets we C&Ver's find to be aesthetically pleasing?
So, are there any helmets we C&Ver's find to be aesthetically pleasing?
#3
I find this thread more tactful than that "other" thread so here I go.
What I love are the vintage TT helmets.
Bell made a cool one with an integrated visor and 6 horizontal slits that I would love to find.
Then there was the helmet with the reebok pump system in it.
The classic USSR eggheads.
Really fun ideas just for the sake of inginuity.
What I love are the vintage TT helmets.
Bell made a cool one with an integrated visor and 6 horizontal slits that I would love to find.
Then there was the helmet with the reebok pump system in it.
The classic USSR eggheads.
Really fun ideas just for the sake of inginuity.
#4
Veni, Vidi, Bici
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 11
Bikes: Colnagos (2005 Brera Art, 2007 President LdV, 2007 CF6)
I don't use vintage helmets even when I'm riding vintage bikes. I have a black 2010 Giro Prolight whose look I really like, more so than that of their 2011 model. It's light as a feather, too.
https://****************/2010/01/giro-...t-2010-helmet/
https://****************/2010/01/giro-...t-2010-helmet/
#5
I really like my Catlike Kompact Pro. It doesn't feel as much like riding with a wedding cake on top of my head as other helmets do.
Here it is from last weekend - ignore the goofy expression on my face and just focus on the helmet:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater
Here it is from last weekend - ignore the goofy expression on my face and just focus on the helmet:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater
#7
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 818
From: Ridgewood, Queens
Bikes: Zunow, 3Rensho, Look KG196


Casco attack looks great and is the most comfortable helmet i've ever worn. leather interior is excellent.
__________________
Check out www.djcatnap.com for articles on vintage Japanese & French bicycle restorations, components and history.
Check out www.djcatnap.com for articles on vintage Japanese & French bicycle restorations, components and history.
#9
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
As for what looks best, I've always been partial to Corinthian helmets, but they're heavy and the originals are pretty expensive. I've never seen one on ebay:
#11
Helmets are like opinions. They all stink. Including mine. But some stink less than others. I use a black Giro. It's OK., but kinda stinky.
I'm with PDXaero. Those spaceman tear drop TT helmets were cool.
I'm with PDXaero. Those spaceman tear drop TT helmets were cool.
#14
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
See all those little holes? Those are for attaching the lining. Fleece, fur, goatskin... I'm not sure.
#15
Thread Starter
Curmudgeon in Training
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 11
From: Rural Retreat, VA
Bikes: 1974 Gazelle Champion Mondial, 2010 Cannondale Trail SL, 1988 Peugeot Nice, 1992ish Stumpjumper Comp,1990's Schwinn Moab
I remember drooling over the TT helmets the people wore as the Tour DuPont went through in my childhood. I'll probably never have a need for one.
#16
Cottered Crank
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,401
Likes: 15
From: Chicago
Bikes: 1954 Raleigh Sports 1974 Raleigh Competition 1969 Raleigh Twenty 1964 Raleigh LTD-3
I really like the look of my Wife's Bern Brighton in Gloss Purple. As far as aesthetically pleasing it does it in a nice classic style that doesn't look out of place on a C&V bike or a modern bicycle.
There are a number of modern helmets that don't look too unappealing visually. I think what I like about the Brighton (other than the purple color because I really dig purple) is the built in visor cap with the liner. The visor really makes that helmet and gives it a touch of being a hat and not so much a spaceman spiff look of many modern helmets that just turns me off aesthetically. My wife just bought this helmet at the end of last year's riding season to replace a helmet so old it could rightly claim credit to C&R status in and of itself. It was the older brainpan shaped softshell beer cooler with the fabric cover. My wife really wanted the impact protection of a helmet in case of a spill and I was dubious as to the ultimate efficacy of that old POS helmet as well as the negative neck-twisting effects of the helmet sliding along on the pavement wearing such an ancient fabric-covered monstrosity.
I like the Styling of that Bern and will probably be soon buying one for myself as my current helmet is falling apart from the sweat and will need replacing sooner or later. I like the Macon and Brentwood styles -I'll probably wait and see if one goes on sale/clearance this fall.
There are a number of modern helmets that don't look too unappealing visually. I think what I like about the Brighton (other than the purple color because I really dig purple) is the built in visor cap with the liner. The visor really makes that helmet and gives it a touch of being a hat and not so much a spaceman spiff look of many modern helmets that just turns me off aesthetically. My wife just bought this helmet at the end of last year's riding season to replace a helmet so old it could rightly claim credit to C&R status in and of itself. It was the older brainpan shaped softshell beer cooler with the fabric cover. My wife really wanted the impact protection of a helmet in case of a spill and I was dubious as to the ultimate efficacy of that old POS helmet as well as the negative neck-twisting effects of the helmet sliding along on the pavement wearing such an ancient fabric-covered monstrosity.
I like the Styling of that Bern and will probably be soon buying one for myself as my current helmet is falling apart from the sweat and will need replacing sooner or later. I like the Macon and Brentwood styles -I'll probably wait and see if one goes on sale/clearance this fall.
#19
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 98
From: Liberty, Missouri
Bikes: 1966 Paramount | 1971 Raleigh International | ca. 1970 Bernard Carre | 1989 Waterford Paramount | 2012 Boulder Brevet | 2019 Specialized Diverge
#20
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 98
From: Liberty, Missouri
Bikes: 1966 Paramount | 1971 Raleigh International | ca. 1970 Bernard Carre | 1989 Waterford Paramount | 2012 Boulder Brevet | 2019 Specialized Diverge
I've got a cool looking leather racing helmet from, I'd guess, the 60's. Lightweight and plenty breathable (due to the fact that it's a simply some padding wrapped in leather.) No way I'd wear it and think for a second it would protect me in any way whatsoever.
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
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Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Not a cycling helmet, but I did buy it a couple of years ago cause it looks so nice and I thought I might use it cycling....one day......

It's a UVEX downhill racing ski helmet with a special aero sheild and chinpiece that I bought brand new for a measley 60 bucks at eBay, How could I resist?! Now, All I need is a TT bike to make things look right if I wear it on the road!

My present cycling helmet is a Bell "Delerium" I bought on sale at PBS. To me.It seems to have the nicest looks for the price.
I always did find most cycling helmets to look goofy as most designs seem to ride so high up on the head leaving leaving the sides (temples) looking vunerable. I guess I got so used to the all enclosing motorcycling helmets that I have that the cycling helmets just do not look adequate for the job, most of the time......
Chombi

It's a UVEX downhill racing ski helmet with a special aero sheild and chinpiece that I bought brand new for a measley 60 bucks at eBay, How could I resist?! Now, All I need is a TT bike to make things look right if I wear it on the road!


My present cycling helmet is a Bell "Delerium" I bought on sale at PBS. To me.It seems to have the nicest looks for the price.
I always did find most cycling helmets to look goofy as most designs seem to ride so high up on the head leaving leaving the sides (temples) looking vunerable. I guess I got so used to the all enclosing motorcycling helmets that I have that the cycling helmets just do not look adequate for the job, most of the time......
Chombi
Last edited by Chombi; 05-16-11 at 10:32 AM.
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 0
From: Around Seattle
Bikes: 1969 Raleigh Sports: The Root Beer Bomber
I like the look of these, but could never afford one:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/VIVA-...warded)/970355
https://www.behance.net/gallery/VIVA-...warded)/970355
#24
Senior Member


Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,628
Likes: 2,500
From: Bastrop Texas
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Let me see - One helmet for the bike, one for climbing, one for baseball, one for football, one for the job site, one for motorcycle, one for skateboarding, one for skating, one for flying, one for diving, one for tactile ops, One for... One for... ONE FOR...
I have always wondered if the Hockey helmet was probably the most versatile?
And I wonder how many we could live with if it weren't for the lawyers...
I have always wondered if the Hockey helmet was probably the most versatile?
And I wonder how many we could live with if it weren't for the lawyers...
#25
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
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From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS












