So you pay more for less. That's just great.

http://www.giro.com/us_en/ionos.html

Buy one on E-Bay though, sometimes you can get a really good deal. I paid $170 for mine with free shipping, so it wasn't the best deal out there, but better than the $230 MSRP.

If you are concerned about having a unique helmet though, the Ionos is/was the flagship Giro helmet, so it is pretty common.

Met sine thesis. But you have to order it overseas.

If you want something unique, get a Catlike. Much cooler imo.

I am not discounting the validity of your point. I am not one to assume, but I doubt it is the point of contention on the OP's post. I for one do not associate more money spent equal safer.

I obsess over my Lazer O2, it fits my head so well and I love the tightening mechanism it just feels so solid.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/I...Full/33936.jpg

I cracked my helmet in three places this week, so I now have one on order. I really wanted the Giro Atmos, but I was able to get a good deal on a Limar Ultralight 104 without going over budget. It wouldn't be my first choice aesthetically, but I suspect the 104 would be more aero/quieter than the Atmos. That's gotta be worth something.

+1 on Lazer.

I have a Lazer Helium and love the tightening mechanism. It feels quite secure and comfortable on your head. Obviously ym(and $$$ outlay priorities)mv, but I started out with a $40 Bell, then tried the fancy Lazer and never looked back. I spend a frightening amount of time in my helmet each week, so why not get something that feels better and looks cooler?

Also, love the Orbea. Looks unique, "cool" and lightweight. I'd go for it if I were you!

2+ on Lazer, Genesis rocks. Nice and light, great retention system and no mushroom head. Lp

i think it will be my next splurge

Quality, comfort, ventalation, weight, appearance, durability.....

I think ventilation is the biggest factor in more expensive helmets. I went from a standard mountain bike helmet (visor removed of course) to a Giro Sarros, and I love it. Another feature of the upper end designs is the air flow, or noise reduction. My older helmet sounded like I was being tailed by a small jet when over 25/30 mph - Giro=a much quieter ride.

Giro Ionos and Atmos are the bomb! I have one of each.

Also if you go with the new Ionos the new adjustment system is really quite nice. Very easy to adjust tension and vertical adjustment with one hand while riding.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...03/photo-7.jpg

Out with the old, in with the new.

Old bontrager entry level helmet 2 years old, 16 vents, 340g
New Giro Aeon, 24 vents, 245g


The fit, the ventilation, comfort, are so much better on the Aeon. (not to mention weight). I will never buy a cheap helmet again.

^^^what is the cost difference between those two? just wondering?

here's my Aeon, they retail for 250$

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/...703_213715.jpg

I have paid for the comfort. It happened to be a S-Works helmet. I wear my helmet a lot, might as well have it be comfortable.

Bontrager $50-60
Giro $250

Aeon is brand new and still pretty pricy by the looks of it on Ebay. I bet the cost comes down a bit as there are more on the market. Looks like a really nice helmet though.

um ... what about comfort?

http://www.backcountry.com/images/it...IM0002/SIL.jpg

I love it so far. I have a rather large head and this is the most comfy helmet I have ever worn, and I got it new for $10 because it had a cracked visor, which I removed anyway.

nice steal.
p.s. this is the 3rd possibly 4th thread I've seen this in lol

Giro Pro Light.