jaci

The Bianchi Advantage I've been looking at is avail. in the 18.5" for me.

The Trek 7300 is avail. in a 17.5" for me.

I have the Bianchi on order. Have concluded both these bikes will do for me what my goals are. Soooooo it's gonna come down to comfort. I've ridden both bikes but in diff. sizes.

Next question: is it ESSENTIAL that I purchase my helmet from the LBS ? They are sooooooooo much more expensive there, I admit I haven't looked into *brands.*

Is there a specific brand I should be looking into for leisure riding?

I've seen some helmets over $100.......... yikes, I hadn't counted on that!

What's a good helmet and what's a good mid-line price to stay within ?

Thanks!

oh, ps. for those of you who said JUST GOOOOOOOOO BUY, I'm glad I didn't, for I would have bought the first thing that felt good. What I've learned is bikes come in all shapes, sizes, componentry, and by holding out, researching and shopping, I'm getting one I feel I won't outgrow anytime soon. If I do, it'll be bumping me up to a road bike.... which at this point I know I am not ready for or interested in. Thanks all for your patience with me.

Bigmark

You can get a gooooood helmet for about 35 to 40 bucks. Lets face it, we aren’t Lance, and the aerodynamic space age 2 gram helmet is a waste of money. I have a $40.00 Trek, and my son has a $35.00 Giro. Get one that fits, and feels good. They will all help when your head hits the ground.

bkrownd

On the internet you can get typically a good helmet for $35 on sale. At the LBS they'll start at about $50-$75. Buy whichever way you're most comfortable with.

If you go on eBay you can get one of those $$$ LAS helmets with the Bianchi color on them to go with the Bianchi. I'm sure the color coordination will add 2MPH to your top speed.

RiPHRaPH

look at the Bell Alchera. performance sells them for $44 and they are comfortable. i split mine in an accident and replaced it with another of the same brand. best helmet i've ever worn, and that was before it saved my life.

Special-Kay

Also, see if there is a bike club in your area that might have promos where they sell them cheap. Here in Seattle, the Cascade Bicycle Club teams up with Group Health and sells helmets and fits them during our "Bicycle Saturdays" and "Bicycle Sunday" events. I think they charge about $10 for them and they fit them for you too.

MattP.

https://www.bikeforums.net/advocacy-safety/116573-difference-between-60-helmet-180-helmet.html

That might help ya.

LordOpie

Glad you're buying a helmet!

You should pay more at the LBS than mail order for no other reason than that it must fit you even better than your bike. A poorly fitting helmet is almost as bad as not wearing one. Please go to your LBS and try a bunch on. Buy the best fitting one, even if it's $150. Remember, err, uhh, if you hit your head, you'll have a hard time remembering... things.

skinnytirebiker

[QUOTE=jaci]I've seen some helmets over $100.......... yikes, I hadn't counted on that!

I don't think you have to spend a lot of money on a helmet for it to be a good helmet. I think the higher priced helmets have better ventalation, and that's it. Some will disagree, I'm sure. If you have a sporting goods store near you, they usually sell helmets too. I got a Serfas for around $40, and it's fine. Yes, you want to make sure it fits you, but you don't have to spend a gob of money to get a good fit.

Dahon.Steve

I spent $35.00 dollars on my first helmet and recently purchased a new one for $80.00. What a difference it makes. The new helmet feels lighter and cooler. Since your on a budget, get one that fits and try to buy one in a light color or white. My new helmet is white and it really makes a difference. I don't know why helmets come in dark colors since they don't reflect the sun very well.

You also need a air pump, patch kit, spare inner tube and bicycle gloves. These are essential because you will get flats and the gloves may save your hands when you fall. And yes, everybody falls.

LordOpie

I think my red helmet is far more visible to cars than my previous white one.