Hi,

Back in the late 1980s to early 1990s, bicycle helmet manufacturers did certify their high-end helmets to the Snell standard of that time. A quick perusal of the Snell Foundation web site shows that most manufacturers who certify to the Snell bicycle helmet standards are those who sell downhill mountain bike and BMX helmets (with the apparent exception of Specialized).

I seem to remember that there was some kind of controversy regarding the Snell testing techniques versus the design of helmets at the time but I can't remember what it was.

I'm not conversant on the current helmet standards and all I know is that current helmet designs seem much better than those back when the Snell standard was important. In fact, for whatever reason, I recollect that USA Cycling dropped the Snell certification requirement back in the 1990s and the organization only requires CPSC certification. Of course the Snell standard has changed, but according to the web site it looks like it hasn't changed in quite a while.

Cleave,
Yes, the MTB and BMX helmets do use Snell some. Their helmets are much more like modern off road motorcycle helmets in design and materials. Snell went through some major changes a while back following several controversies about their methodology and links to industry. The DOT and especially the European Union requirements are becoming the standard but, Snell has a lot of tests and experiments that exceed the governmental agencies. When I buy motorcycle helmets I look for both Snell and DOT certification, these satisfy the AMA for MX racing.

I am not familiar enough with Snell's bicycle helmet standards since it has been dropped by the governing bodies. Too many of the bicycle helmets sold as CPSC compliant are shoddily made to me. The old Bell ad about having a $5.00 head buy a $5.00 helmet, got a million dollar head buy a Bell (substitute your favorite helmet brand here, Bell has gone through too many owners and manufacturers for my taste, the bicycle and motorcycle divisions are supposedly different owners, I lost track.) Arai from Japan is one of the 2 manufacturers of motorcycle helmets in the high end range that exceed all standards for testing. You can easily pay $750.00 and up for their helmets.

Bill

A more demanding standard for dropping magnesium headforms onto anvils can always be written. I'm certain that requiring cyclists to wear FIA 8860-2010 compliant helmets would drive cycling related head injuries to zero - since the ~$3000 entry-level cost of those helmets would wipe the streets and roads clear of cyclists.

In almost a half century of riding I've seen one (1) cyclist wearing a motorcycle helmet - who, as it turned out, was recovering from brain/skull surgery. However, anyone is welcome to do so if they feel bicycle-specific helmets are inadequately tested/certified.

Opposite coast from Fla. 2 helmets is an option. winter and summer ,
the winter one gets more use..

Pricier helmets do the engineering to stay as safe but ,
have much better air flow through them, at speed .

lower cost is more EPS, less holes...

The least expensive you like. They're all tested to the same standards.

Marc

I was unfortunate to have a Giro Ionos given me. I would never had spent that much for a helmet myself. Now I don't think I can wear anything less. It is light, easy to adjust, and cool to wear. Hardly even notice it and no neck cramps.

Giro Aeon hi viz.



I have ridden quite a bit this winter in Texas and notice that people who wear high visibility clothing really do stand out. This helmet is expensive but it stands out. I have had several people stop me and ask what it is and where to get it.

Plus, it is light and comfortable.

@goldfinch that is a cool looking helmet and I understand very very light. A step or two above the Ionos I have. I wonder whether it would clash with my Hi Vis jerseys though.

Go to your LBS and buy somenew pads to replace the worn ones.

As long the helmet is ANSI approved and fits, cheap ones do as well well as pricey ones.
Yes, they can be lighter,more vents, stylish/aero, etc.
But basically it's foam with a super thin plastic cover with graphics and vents + some adjustable straps.
Prices from $20 to $200+. Take your pick!

This forum always costs me money.

On the basis of the above comments, I bought the Giro Ionos. Most comfortable helmet I've owned, way better than the $50 ones I've been using.

i wear this one, last sept this saved my head after a fall.
the price won't break any budget. comfortable to wear, easy to adjust.
forgot to mention pretty good air flow.
it has a 5 star rating. just check it out

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...uctId=11359124

It was my understanding that manufacturers self-certify to ANSI and CPSC standards, possibly on "pre-production" prototypes. Snell on the other hand buys the helmets at retail and oversee the testing themselves.

So the standards may be similar but the oversight and adherence to the standards is likely to be higher from a Snell-approved helmet.

But as has been mentioned, many manufacturers don't sell Snell-approved road helmets.

The above is my recollection from research done a couple years ago.

-Tom in SoCal

I am about ready for a new helmet. I have had no luck finding a Snell approved bicycle helmet for Road usage. Any links would be greatly appreciated.

Bill

As noted previously, BHSI has the best, most comprehensive information. For information on Snell certification, and a link to the Snell site where you can find a list of all Snell approved helmets, go to https://www.helmets.org/standard.htm#SNELL

Most Snell approved bicycle helmets are the full face, BMX style helmets.

I keep coming back to the need for ventilation. I have a round helmet I keep in the office and use for tootle rides on a Bixi. My other helmets are $100 with lots of holes.

The more you pay, the less (helmet) you get, and the more comfortable it will be to ride.

Indeed. The truth is that helmets provide very little protection, because to make you much safer they'd have to be heavy, and hot. They will save some superficial injuries but aren't going to help in a collision with a motor vehicle. The cheap ones are just as much, or as little, use as the expensive ones.

We love our Bell Citi's, same reasons as retro does, but...they are hot in summer, enough so that we may go for more ventilation this summer.
R&J

I wear an MTB/BMX helmet because I remain unconvinced of the efficacy of those roadie-style helmets.

Road bike helmets work.

Friend shattered her helmet in a not-even-that-scary fall, but her head did just fine.

I had enough of the BMX style helmets racing MX on dirt bikes, thanks anyway. The open face road helmets with good ventilation suits me fine, I'd just like to know the shell, filler foam and suspension systems all are quality materials and the build is first cabin. Appreciate the input, though, Terex.

Bill

I have a LG helmet that I like but I've noticed that when I'm leaned into the bars that there's this annoying part of the front of the helmet that dips into my vision. Not at all an obstruction but just a bit annoying. The helmet is fitted properly so it isn't a size issue. Just wondering if they are all like that.