I am not interested in where to buy helmets on the internet. I am just curious about why you bought on the internet and how you felt about the results. I haven't found anything I like at the LBS or discount stores but am leery about buying on the net.

If you are familiar with the way a particular brand fits, there's little risk in buying a replacement online. E.g. I know from prior experience that a large Bell fits me just fine.

Of course, if you don't have that prior experience, it becomes a crapshoot.

I've been ordering Bell helmets online for years. I 'm very familiar with those particular helmets, and so I get what I want.

I saved myself almost $30 by ordering my Bell Sweep R online, rather than through an LBS or even some other online retailers.

I bought a Bell Phi at Sierra Design, online for $35. It was a discontinued model from 2005. It has the better adjustment system found on the pricier helmets. I've always used Bell helmets, so I knew the size.

The only caveat is that I did not think about my mirror mounting. There is very little space to mount the mirror. I probably would have made the same mistake at the LBS though.

Bell doesn't care where you buy your helmet and will replace the pads for free if they are still being made.

If you know your size, then go for it.

I bought a helmet on-line because I liked the color better than those available on the same model in stores. I think it was a discontinued color from a prior year.

Pattern running here- Only buy online if you know the size you need from that particular manufacturer.

I may have to take a "crap shoot" . . . I just can't find anything I like locally. Silly, but I want something that coordinates with my new bike. At least now I know what I am getting into. I have lots of time to look -- I fractured my arm when I fell of my new bike. It'll be a while before the splint comes off. (I’m not even sure I like that new bike anymore!)

If I have to pay shipping costs it will probably be more economical than using the car. Gas is nearing $4 here!

Or, if you're buying something like shoes, buy 3 pair straddling the size that you think that you need. Return the 2 pairs that don't fit. If you time it right, you can even get the returns processed during the same credit card billing cycle.

Cause I found that I could get the same helmet for $30.00 cheaper online than in the LBS. I want to support my LBS, but times being what they are, it was the better deal.

Being retired now for me it's all about the money. The less I use the more I have............

Most helmets are so adjustable, it's almost impossible to buy he wrong size -- now shoes are a different question!

My Bell Slant was "universal fit" -- basically one size fits most, and it does a good job.

Now that I know what to look for in shoes, it's easier to pick online, since the online 'shops' have comparison charts for different brands. Just do the comp between the brand you know vs. the brand you're looking at, and your chance of success goes WAY up.

I've been really fortunate with cycling shoes ... 5 pair, ordered online, and they all fit. In fact, they are among my most comfortable shoes out of all my shoes, cycling and otherwise.

Do you buy other stuff online?

I've gotten Bell (mainly) helmets thru Nashbar and Performance for years.
With the 'Name' stuff you rarely have a problem. It's the 'huse brands' you need to steer clear of.