Well I pulled the trigger.
 

As most of you know I'm a new commuter and have been giving serious thought to a helmet. I've been researching what seems like a million different helmets and also watching YouTube videos on them. After much debate I settled for the Giro Atmos. All the reviews I read we're positive and people just seemed to love them. I liked the looks, the design, the construction and the ventilation flow that it has. Pretty excited about getting it in. I scored a really good deal on ebay so I bought it. I know for every day commuting it might be a little extreme but I had to buy it. So did did I do we'll ordering that one?

Cool - hope it serves you well. I've only purchased one helmet in the past 7 years and it was the cheapest Specialized helmet they had in the shop back then (around $29).

Never really seen the need to spend a ton on a helmet - as long as it's comfortable and protects the noggin.'

What exactly were you looking for in one, and why did you choose this one?

I have a knack for breaking helmets, so I just get whatever happens to be on sale at the LBS, but that thing is sweet looking!

Typically pricier helmets have nicer padding, better retention systems and less material for better ventilation and weight. Everyone's head is different, but I love Uvex. I would probably steer more towards a touring/MTB helmet because I like the visor.

I wanted one that was comfortable, lite and keeps your head cool. I did get a chance to test fit one at LBS a while back so that's how I know there pretty comfortable and super lite. I just didnt have the $ at the time to buy it, plus the LBS is 1 hour away. That's why I ended up ordering it online. I would have loved to spend my money at the shop though. Guys, over here in Louisiana it gets hot, really hot , in the summertime. From the reading I've done, it's suppose to be one if the best breathing helmets out there, that was a key factor also.

More vents, more better! I tend not to wear a helmet if it is hot out and miss that schoolage child feeling of the wind blowing through my hair. I bought a Giro Pneumo in 04 that I spent a butt load on because it was the top of the line Tour De France leader wearing helmet with so many vents it felt like I wasn't wearing anything. I still wear it but I probably should buy a new one since it is so old now. But I would want the same kind with tons of vents and vents usually mean pricey....so I deal.

Did you try it out first at a store? Different helmets have different fits and I would never purchase one without having first trying it on no matter how good the deal (unless I was sure I could return or resell easily). Reviews for helmets are almost a wash/useless unless there is something fundamentally wrong with it. Also the Atmos seems to be more of a racing helmet which has too much venting IMO for winter use, or in your specific case the flashy colors that grab drivers attentions that I look for in a commuter helmet.


otherwise hope it all works out!

Yes I did try it out. I was pleased with it, only I got to tinker with it for a couple of minutes in the LBS but it seemed pretty awesome. Guys you gotta remember, I live in Louisiana, it only gets to 230 degrees in the summertime. It gets hot. Although must of my commuting will be done in the morning hours, it's still hot. So the vents were on top priority when it came down to helmet buying.