All Helmets created equal?
10-24-08 | 11:14 AM
#26
I don't know.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,370
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From: South Meriden, CT
Bikes: '90 B'stone RB-1, '92 B'stone RB-2, '89 SuperGo Access Comp, '03 Access 69er, '23 Trek 520, '14 Ritchey Road Logic, '09 Kestrel Evoke, '08 Windsor Tourist, '17 Surly Wednesday, '89 Centurion Accordo, '15 CruX, '17 Ridley X-Night, '89 Marinoni
^^^ exactly.
10-24-08 | 12:49 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: Buffalo NY
Bikes: Gerry Fisher Nirvana, LeMond Buenos Aires
Consumer reports did some test about 2 years ago. The best results were from a $45 and $65 Bell helmets. The most expensive helmets provided marginally less protection, but do vent a lot better. To read more than you ever thought you needed to know about helmets see: https://www.helmets.org
Happy riding,
André
Happy riding,
André
10-24-08 | 01:03 PM
#28
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 272
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From: Redding, CA
Bikes: Trek 7200
Knowing how hot it gets up there in the summer, I think you'll want get the best ventilated helmet you can afford!
(Personally, I love my Bell Sweep R. It looks good, it's well ventilated, and it has a very secure and easy to use adjustment wheel in the back. And it's relatively inexpensive for a "race" helmet.)
(Personally, I love my Bell Sweep R. It looks good, it's well ventilated, and it has a very secure and easy to use adjustment wheel in the back. And it's relatively inexpensive for a "race" helmet.)
I remember a week solid coming home it was 117F (this is at 6pm)
10-24-08 | 04:02 PM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 2
More expensive helmets do offer more airflow and can be lighter. The lower end helmets have more foam for impact protection. Have seen both high end and low end helmets fail the CPSC tests and are recalled.
For commuting, the low end/lower priced helmets are just fine. You want a bit more impact protection and just enough ventilation vents to keep you cool (or warm on colder days). On hot days or locations, you may have to wear a skull cap or bandana to keep your head from getting sunburned or getting cooked...UV rays don't care how ventilated or how good the airflow is. You just have to do your research and ask helmet owners their opinions. I find the chin strap locks/snaps are the weak point of almost every helmet and they will eventually break before it's time to replace the helmet. Plus after awhile, the helmet foam will start to stink from your sweat and that may force you to buy a new helmet. So cost of ownership goes up if you prefer the higher cost helmets.
For commuting, the low end/lower priced helmets are just fine. You want a bit more impact protection and just enough ventilation vents to keep you cool (or warm on colder days). On hot days or locations, you may have to wear a skull cap or bandana to keep your head from getting sunburned or getting cooked...UV rays don't care how ventilated or how good the airflow is. You just have to do your research and ask helmet owners their opinions. I find the chin strap locks/snaps are the weak point of almost every helmet and they will eventually break before it's time to replace the helmet. Plus after awhile, the helmet foam will start to stink from your sweat and that may force you to buy a new helmet. So cost of ownership goes up if you prefer the higher cost helmets.
10-25-08 | 07:10 AM
#30
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
The non-cheapest Bells have the wheel adjustment and a very nice fit system. This is definitely worth stepping up to.
Still, I wish I could wear the helmets I find in the stores. I'd love to have a Scooby Doo helmet.
Still, I wish I could wear the helmets I find in the stores. I'd love to have a Scooby Doo helmet.
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10-25-08 | 03:03 PM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Yup. During my Legion ball days, I once played a full 18 inning double header in your fine town. On the way to park we passed a bank sign and the temperature said 120F. Insanely hot.
10-25-08 | 03:23 PM
#32
Gutter Bunny
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 955
Likes: 1
Hmm could not read all the posts as my isolated sick cat needs some attention 
(man you should see the xray pics )
In my experience the more you pay for a helmet the longer and better lasting those padding bits are. They don't tends to fall to bits on the more expensive models as quickly mind you they reckon you should replace them every 3 years...
GTG sick monster
(man you should see the xray pics )In my experience the more you pay for a helmet the longer and better lasting those padding bits are. They don't tends to fall to bits on the more expensive models as quickly mind you they reckon you should replace them every 3 years...
GTG sick monster
