hedaboy2008

This might seem like a really stupid question, but what's the difference between a bike helmet costing £30 and a bike helmet costing £130? Obviously a full face is going to cost more etc, but I see a lot of 'normal' helmets that LOOK the same, but have very different prices. What adds the premium? Is it just weight and style?

Will a £30 helmet suffice?

Any recommendations/ones to avoid?

SHIM_105

As soon as I see made in China, I go for the cheaper one right off the bat. I'm not paying $200.00 for Chinese Gyro styrofoam when it's probably coming out of the same sweat shop that makes them for Wallmart as well.

bikinfool

Ventilation, weight, newest style/color for the most part. As long as the helmet has ANSI/Snell approval (or whatever it's called in the UK if different) I wouldn't worry too much about the price.

hedaboy2008

Thanks very much!

DaJMasta

Yep, that's basically it. There can be some differences for adjustment and customization, but most of it is the basics. Some could actually protect better, but there's no advertisement for it so I doubt there's much real difference to speak of, as long as it's certified it should be just fine.

roccobike

Not a dumb question at all. You've already received some good answers. As to what to avoid? Avoid an expensive used helmet that has "the usual scratches" or any damage whatsoever. It may have been in wreck and may be worthless. You're better off with the el cheapo, new helmet.

pacificaslim

I tried on just about every helmet available in half a dozen bike shops in san francisco. I didn't really care what price I paid as long as I found a comfortable helmet. For what it's worth, the ones that felt good - light, comfortable, adjustable - were the more expensive helmets. The cheaper ones may protect just the same, but they aren't as comfortable to actually use.

deraltekluge

£100.

mx_599

unfortunately, this has sort of been my experience too. you might not need the most expensive...but you might not want the cheapest either.

i found this especially to be true with my bibs...i pretty much stick to the costlier ones. sometimes you just need a nice chamois for 24 hr events and centuries

mx

DirtPedalerB

I hate the sizing of helmets.. I'm always squeezed in a medium or mushroom head in a large

Zephyr11

Theoretically they should protect your head the same, but I have to wonder, if a more expensive helmet has a better adjustment system, and you get it to fit your head better, will it just be more comfortable or will it actually do a better job of protecting you? It wouldn't matter what tests a helmet passed if it slides backwards and exposes your forehead just as you go over the bars...

dminor 

^^ In testing, the retention systems in all CPSC-certified helmets do their job adequately. But, you are right in the better the fit, the less chance there is for the helmet to get out of position. The CPSC does mention extra 'occipital support systems' (think Giro's Roc-Loc) help keep the helmet more stable on the head (https://www.helmets.org/cpscproj.htm).

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has a wealth of very good and sound info on everything to do with bike helmets.

kbtommy

Last year Consumer Reports did a study that basically said they're all mostly the same. The safest? The $45 Bell Citi. So yeah, I'd say just get what's comfortable.

DirtPedalerB

am I the only person who thinks consumer reports doesn't know what they are talking about on anything?? I've seen one site on safety that rates helmets by "snag points" the thinking is a smoother helmet would be safer than some of the helmets that have many points on them. If I remember right the bell citi is a smoother helmet, so this may be what they base it on rather than impact resistance which is all about the same.

junkyard

Keep in mind, safety means more than just protecting your head in a fall. Yes, protection in a fall is the main funciton of a helment, but a poorly ventilated helmet on a long XC ride in hot weather could lead to becoming overheated, dehydration or heat exhaustion. Go with the helmet that fits your head best, aligns with the type of riding you plan on doing and elements you will likely run into while doing it.