Hello. I found a Schwinn Thrasher for 28 bucks at KMart. Should I shell out an extra 12 bucks for a Giro Indicator? Any other suggestions for bike helmets are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Only if you want to. Amazon has the Thrasher for $20.

Is there a difference in the protection ability of the two?

I don't see any noticeable differences in the helmets other than the visor on the Indicator is removable.

All bike helmets (at least those sold in the US) offer about the same level of protection. The differences are in style and comfort - my $80 helmet is much better vented than my previous $40 helmet. This being the case, the best helmet is the one that's comfortable for you and that you like the looks of.

Oh, and get ready to get flamed by the anti-helmet crowd for daring to wear a funny foam hat. Me, I wear one routinely after a nasty case of roadrash that fortunately ended up on my helmet, not on my ear.

Buy the one that fits your head the best.

No one's going to flame the OP. Your helmet goes over your ear?

I second the "get what fits" comment. As price range climbs, the helmets get lighter and have more vents.

I'll never wear anything but a Giro, since I crashed badly and came away with just a slight bruise on my temple and a smashed helmet (and some broken ribs and a hematoma on my hip the size of a grapefruit). I'd be drooling into my bib without that cheap Giro, I'm convinced. But, all helmets offer about the same protection (they're all tested to the same standard). You pay for better venting and lighter weight. Get the most comfortable one.

I actually got this helmet at amazon! Schwinn thrasher helmet.

$22 when I got it. Fits good on me.

I owned two of the wall mart Schwinn helmets and both of them started falling apart after about a year. The first I thought may be just a fluke then the second one started coming un-glued after about 8 months. I went with a Giro transfer after that and have had it over a year no issue I think I paid $35 for it. Also much more comfy then the Schwinn.

Any helmet is better than no helmet but there are people who disagree. I am personally using the Giro Indicator



As you can see, it has been banged up and knocked around. I had one incident with a car at the intersection of Ashland & Wilson (heading East) here in Chicago a couple years back and got tossed off the bike. She came towards me ( on my right.. she was heading north) and for some reason thought it was a good idea to start turning towards me and finally came in contact with me by forcing me to hit her left side of the car. I was literally behind parked cars when she finally made it over to me and she still was moving so fast she hit me. I think it was intentional.

Anyway, kinda got sidetracked there for a second. The moral of the story is I am happy with the quality of the helmet and plan on keeping it. I feel comfortable recommending this helmet to people. Me and my fiance do plan on getting some cool Nutcase helmets later on but for now this is the one we have.

As I am looking at my own pictures I am saying to myself "I really like this helmet!". Okay, sorry, I do really like the helmet. Anyway, back to the discussion.

I haven't seen much of that 'round here. I do see some folks questioning the "My helmet saved my life" stories, but not much actual lambasting for "daring to wear a funny foam hat".

Anyways, I go for comfort and price when helmet shopping. Paying $200 for a helmet isn't going to make you safer unless maybe you're gonna get a full face or something like that. A Giro Prolight doesn't protect any better than a Giro Indicator.

If you can handle the heat and weight, some of the Bern, Nutcase, etc. multisport helmets can offer a bit more protection and many are good for multiple light to moderate impacts.

Some lowend helmets don't even have the shell glued to the foam, they just tape the bottom edge of the shell to the foam. Could probably replace with electrical tape if original tape loses its purchase on the foam. Maybe hot glue the shell on...

I use a Bell Citi helmet and it's really comfortable.

Keep in mind that all helmets have to pass DOT safety tests in the US, so any helmet will work at least to that minimum amount. +1 on getting a comfortable one, you want one that you'll actually wear. Funny looking, maybe hot, but better than getting coloring books for Christmas

I had a $30 Giro and I never wore it, because it was not that comfy, too big, and poorly vented. Recently I dropped $100 on an LAS squalo, and I love it, I feel naked without it. So, buy the helmet you will wear. If the helmet you would prefer to wear is more expensive, it's money well spent.

I agree with this. You are the one wearing it and it has to be comfortable for you! What is comfortable for me might not be comfortable for you.
I also agree that ventilation is important in conjunction with comfort. If you get both from a helmet... wear it! Can't go wrong. I plan on having several
helmets for several reasons. The Nutcase helmets I was referring to earlier would NOT be my daily commuter helmet simply because of the
ventilation issue. I don't want my head to feel like it is melting but I think it would be a cool helmet for a casual ride with the girlfriend!

That helmet looks pretty knocked around. Maybe its time for a new one. Did it save you at all in that accident? If so you should probably get a new one. There is your excuse (legit IMO) for getting one of those cool nutcase helmets you want. =)

Oh and that Schwinn helmet looks fine to me.

Yep, helmet worked like it was intended. I was actually thinking about getting another helmet anyway and most likely
it will be a Giro. As for the Nutcase helmet... simple novelty item! You don't have any novelty items in your house
that serve no greater purpose other than being a novelty item? I think they are cool, yes I will purchase one, and no
I will not be using the "novelty" helmet for commuting or anything else. I might just get it for displaying. Like I said,
I think they are cool and a novelty item from time to time is fine. Just not an entire room of them! That's just creepy!