Helmets
 

Looking for a helmet after a friend of mine got hit and got a pretty bad concussion.
Not really sure where to start, just looking for a comfortable, safe bicycle helmet.

What do you recommend?

[Edit] I'm not looking for my head to look like a giant mushroom either...

Giro atmos. I researched the crap out of helmets and I kept coming back to that one, and I couldn't be happier. I barely notice it while riding and its not as mushroom like as most others. I actually got mine new off ebay for about $130 shipped, which is cheaper than any online stores I checked.

I like Limar helmets. Doesn't give you the "mushroom" head.
Ernest

http://www.pricepoint.com/images/sty...5%20BELSL6.jpg
I have a Bell Slant. It's comfortable, inexpensive, and doesn't look ridiculous.

giro atmos

I'm still looking for these, sadly, I will never find it...
http://fixie-king.dk/wordpress/wp-co...s/dsc00061.JPG

Damn, sorry for the gigantic image....

http://www.bernhelmets.com/

I have the Watts and love it

bell furio, bell array, giro atmos, bell sweep, specialized eschelon...

I prefer helmets that are lightweight and have decent venting. I'd advise not to order one online, but to to a local shop and try on as many as possible. One man's favorite helmet is another man's mushroom head. The key is to find the most comfortable and most pleasing helmet, otherwise you'll find yourself not wearing it after awhile.

TSG Evolution. Offers more protection than the Giro Transfer I used to wear, and it also looks cooler, which made me want to wear it more. Since buying it in December, I've only taken one or two rides without it.

Those helmets are great for winter, but summer time..? f that. too hot and sweaty.

I don't ride above 80 degrees. If it's too hot for me to walk around without sweating, I've got no interest in being on a bike. Anyway, it's already summer, and I'm still wearing the helmet. It'll be on my head year-round.

ok.

Thanks for the ideas, I think im going to take a trip to the LBS with a few of these helmets in mind.

I have the same one. It gets a thumbs up from me!

There are so many helmets out there. They (should) all meet the same safety standards. Go to your local shop, try on a few and see how it looks and feels on your own head.

Go to your LBS and try them all, they shouldn't give you any stress about trying them all as long and as many times as it takes for you to feel comfortable. I used to think the lighter more expensive helmets were designed not to make your head look so mushroom like but they're just lighter helmets and the weight difference is very slight compared to something cheaper. I ride a BELL Alchera only because it was black & red and it was on sale at performance for around $40

Screw those. Get this.

http://www.kendo-sask.com/men.jpg

You are definitely safe. You neck is protected from slashing. Yes, your wind-pipe is also protected from the frontal assault. In addition, you can use the helmet as your weapon as head-butting is pretty much lethal (those are steel cages).

Just kidding.

I think the dangerous hits are to the top of your head and the behind your head. (Unless of course you hit so hard to bruise the inside.) Some of bicycle helmets have very lean protection to the back and I feel that's not good. Is this right?

T

I have a Giro Stylus, which is at the bottom of their high end helmets. It's not as low profile as the atmos, but it won't make you look like a commuter with a cooler on his head.

Those Catlikes are so nice. Do they have US distribution yet?

I had a Giro Monza, It was quite nice but too big for my head. Like the Stylus, it is not as sleek as the Atmos...but it got the job done. Overall I should of just dished out the extra $30 for the atmos. Sold it though due to the sizing issue. (Dont buy a helmet offline unless you are sure the size will be right for you!!!!!)

My lbs has bern helmets, I plan to pick up a watts very soon.

There are loads of those in the Y's international Shinjuku store in Tokyo

catlike whisper. wiggle.co.uk has 'em (if you can catch them in stock), but i've been told they won't export to the US (dunno how true that is). it's a spanish mfg. and they have not acquired ansi/snell certification in the US, despite meeting slightly tougher EU standards. also, supposedly not UCI legal (ie: races) in this country, if that matters to you.

personally, i love my LAS squadro. have used various limar/giro/bell (and liked them in that order). fit is more important than anything, and the LAS seems to fit my round head better than many others (that are biased toward oval). try a bunch on and get the cheapest one that fits well.

Get what ever helmet you'll want to wear.
Helmets are the one area I would go for stricktly fashion first, because they are all just styrofoam molds anyways. And if you think it looks good, your more likely to wear it.

If you're alright with getting one online, check http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...&cPath=152_454 for a good deal. Picked up the 25 dollar one after my friend got rushed to the ER after an accident. Comfortable and cheap. Well-vented, the "fin" look is a bit lame and makes putting a bag on a bit harder, but you get used to it.

Gotta +1 for Bern. I have a Brentwood and it's great, if you live in an area with a cold climate the liners that come with the winter versions are great for keeping your ears warm too.

I believe I read that most head trauma from bicycle accidents happens on the forehead, so dont wear your helmet high - make sure it covers your forehead or isnt so loose that it can easily be forced upward exposing your forehead.

The problem with some helmets that have large extruding vents on the back is neck injuries because your body might roll one way but be stopped by the helmet. the neck can get twisted.

http://www.helmets.org/