Did you try this helmet at store to get some size idea or not? I use bell and my size there is Large. If I just see Giro sizes then I should buy M. My head is 57/58 cm and same is true for Orbea as I can buy either M or L? It is an expensive item that's why I am curious how to deal with it?

I've worn countless helmets, out of them all this is the only one worth mentioning as it totally changed my experience with helmets entirely.


Really worth the premium in my opinion; the vents are really phenomenal with air flow. Coolest helmet I've ever worn. Often times I even forget I have it on.
Plus if you're into a morbid looking helmet, you've found it; with some artistic talent you can easily make it look like a large maggot infested festering head wound. To be honest, at first glance, the whisper gave me chills as the holes really look like those by maggots but soon this fear turned into a morbid longing for one.

You should always try the helmet at a store first before buying it online. Different brand of helmet has different shape. I tried couple Giro's and they hurt my head really bad. Don't hate on me for saying this, but I hate Giro's helmet!

When it hits the ground at 45 mph and you realize that the reinforcement inside your Bell Volt was the only thing holding the thing together. I bought another shortly thereafter, albeit, at half price on clearance for both.

I went to a store to try them on and I would have bought from the bike shop had they had the colors I wanted in my size (as I don't feel it is right to try on a bunch of helmets at a store and then go order online). The only large they had was team Garmin colors, I wanted the red/white/black. Also they didn't have any of the 2011 models with Roc-Loc 5.

If you do get a Giro make sure you get the new Roc-Loc system, it is really slick. Not that last year's system is that shabby, but the new one is completely one hand adjustable, and easily adjusts while riding.

The Giro Pro Light I tried before hand I ordered from Amazon. Amazon is great with returns, so going based on Giro's size chart I ordered a large and it was really loose, so I returned it and got a medium and was too tight in some areas, loose in others. Would have tried the Ionos from Amazon as well, but they too were missing the colors I wanted.

Most of the shops around here don't have any stock of the high end helmets, if you can find a shop around your house that has the Ionos go try them on there, if they have the size and colors in the 2011 model you want, buy it. If they're out of the one you want, go to Ebay.

Or, try on the helmets and buy something else you were planning on buying from the LBS anyway, and get the helmet for cheap on Ebay. Just don't go to the LBS find a helmet you want, and then buy it on Ebay after they spend a bunch of time with you finding you a helmet.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but Competitive Cyclist is having a sale on Giro helmets.

i'm also interested and have been looking for unique models maybe from europe, will be interested to see what other people recommend.

THanks, What is peculiar with Roc Loc 5 system? It seems within unique shape helmets Giro is quite popular. Has any one owned or tried Orbea/Odin? Looks cool! Fit well or how does it fare or weight etc? They/Orbea don't many large sizes and it seems like not many stores carry them apart from finding sizes and colors.

The new Roc-Loc 5 has a small ratcheting turn dial in the back for tension that really easily adjusts with just your finger tips, also you can adjust the vertical length of the rear straps on the fly as well (not sure why you'd need to do it, but you can). Anyway, it is a nice system. Prior years were a bit harder to adjust one handed.

Anyway, give the Ionos a try, for my head it fits great and it is pretty cool, though not as cool as the Catlike helmets are I bet.

Don't forget it's all about the fit as well. You might have a $200 helmet but if it doesn't fit your head shape you will be in sad form.

Until you have to replace the pads every 1000 miles. Lazer Genesis is the best helmet on planet earth.

ftfy

ok... catlike... can you explain why it's so good? I love the crazy look, but I need something that is going to change the way I feel about ventilation. I currently ride a Bell Ghisallo that fits great, but I know I could be cooler riding around in the hair dryer that is North Texas. I guess I can't see where the holes connect to suck air across your head or something.

Found my 'best fitting' helmet recently and it's the Specialized helmet. When I had my Bell I thought it was the best one for my head, ever. After I tried this Specialized helmet, I was so amazed of the fitment and bought it home right away. It feels great, light, and cool. (as in the style and also the temperature of my head)

I have a Specialized helmet too. The Echelon. I think it cost about $60. Looks pretty much the same as the $200+ ones. I couldn't justify the cost for a little bit lighter and a little bit better air flow.

I believe their fitment are the same, even the mid end helmet the Propero. I agree a $60 helmet will just be as safe/reliable as the $200 one.

thanks! I could use a helment

so i got the Odin...and I have to tell you, for a funny looking helmet...it is ridiculously comfortable. Super light weight and airy. I could constantly feel the wind in my hair keeping me cool...I recommend.

Dude, it's not funny looking. It's alright and not too crazy like the Catlikes. I wouldn't pay $200 for a helmet though (what am I talking about....I just paid 130 on the Bell BMC helmet, that's close enough).

Don't listen to Soloist. You know he's the resident hater here.

PS

there's a Small in Black right now on ebay going for $140 shipped CONUS only.

An extra $170

jajaja

i couldve gone the ebay route but since I bought my bike o CL and I spend so much time in the LBS it was time for me to drop some loot with them. got the zipp akuzas and the helmet all for 580. bars installed for free