Comments on: In search of a new lid

By: anthony

anthony — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:44:46 +0000

I went with a Bern skateboard helmet. I don’t like the racy look or colors and I needed something that came in a large enough size (2XL) to accommodate my hair(dreads). It doesn’t have a whole lot of vents but I don’t think I’m that much more sweaty thn when I didn’t wear a helmet at all.
http://bernunlimited.com/2007/brentwood.html

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:57:51 +0000

Cheap helmets meet the same safety standards as the really expensive ones. In fact, it can be argued that the cheaper ones are actually safer…less venting can mean an overall stronger shell and fewer points of entry for debris or other potentially penetrating objects. There are other considerations, too. Check out the FAQ at the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute:
http://www.bhsi.org/quick.htm

By: PatagoniaCommunity

PatagoniaCommunity — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:25:58 +0000

It’s nice to hear that people have good experiences with the less expensive helmets. I’ve used a Giro Encinal ($45-ish) for the past four years. It’s probably time to get a new one and it’s very tempting to go for one of the $100+ models but I’m just not sure they’re worth it. Yes, my faculties are worth a few extra dollars, but there are so many other places to spend the money I would save if I decide on a cheaper helmet.

Any flat-out bad experiences out there with sub-$80 helmets?

By: Moe

Moe — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:57:23 +0000

Does anyone own a Vigor helmet? I would like to hear some opinions about them…

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:44:54 +0000

Carrie, I love those Nutcase helmets (is there a BETTER name for a helmet manufacturer? I think not!). My neighbor has the 8-Ball model, and she never complains about the venting…

I need to get one of those Evel Kenieval-inspired ones to go with my Patriot singlespeed!

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:36:08 +0000

I have one of those “brain buckets”. It does have some venting on top. It’s the first & only bike helmet I’ve ever had, so nothing to compare it to. I got it from http://www.nutcasehelmets.com – because I like geeky/hip designs.

By: Moe

Moe — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:25:50 +0000

Matt, that’s why you need more than one helmet, so you can have one in the garage, back porch, car trunk and the office. I used to carry an extra helmet on my car at all times, it came in handy when I would forget my helmet at home or when a buddy of mine would forget theirs. I ended up giving that helmet to my brother-in-law since he didn’t own one and he started to ride his bike.

By: Lance

Lance — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:15:48 +0000

Moe, if you want a helmet with lots of vents you’re probably stuck with “racey” ones. Racers need more vents so their helmets are naturally made with more.

The cheaper the helmet the less vents, as a general rule of thumb.

By: Palm Beach Bike Tours

Palm Beach Bike Tours — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:40:53 +0000

Once a year or so, I buy a new helmet. Usually, the inside padding is shredded, rotted or otherwise damaged which is why the replacement is needed.

As with Aaron, I tend to get whatever is cheap at the local bike shop. For head protection, they are all about the same. Occasionally, I’ll splurge for something with more holes but I don’t think I have ever spent more than about $45 for a helmet and most seem to be about $30 and change.

My last few helmets have been mountain bike style with the visor even though all my riding is on the road. I like the visor and fear sun.

I have enough trouble keeping track of one helmet — is it in the garage? back porch? car trunk? office? — I wouldn’t know what to do with more than one.

—Matt

By: meli

meli — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:01:37 +0000

ive used the bell Ghisallo for a while. fits the top of my head nicely, and high-ventilation. I have it in black, with a few flower on and off for decoration. depends on my mood. comfy Id say and very light.