What brand helmet do you wear?

[Jenn]

I'm just curious what people prefer. I think I'm going to stick with getting another Giro after reading the article about the man getting run over. But, I was kind of concerned that mine cracked straight through. Our friends will only wear Bell helmets. Just curious what ya'll think.

[NJBikeGal]

I wear a bell Sweep. More for the fact that it fits and has good aerodynamics for racing than anything else. Giros are nice, but a bit out of my price range compared to Bell.

[7rider]

Just curious why you are concerned that yours cracked straight through?
Sounds like it absorbed and dissipated the energy of your crash quite effectively.

That said, I have a Giro Pneumo. I like the fit better than the Atmos, and the other helmets my LBS had just didn't "do it" for me. :cool:

[mimitabby]

i am on my 3rd Bell. I like them, they fit.

[FreshNewbie]

Louis Garneau just because it was on sale and red (noticable to cars).

[indysteel]

One of the guys at my LBS mentioned the other day that Giro and Bell helmets are actually made by the same company. In my opinion, since all the helmets on the market are certified by the same organization, it's more important that the helmet fit properly and that you wear it corrently on your head. And if you take a fall at all and hit your head, be sure to replace your helmet, even if it otherwise looks okay.

Just my two cents.

[Python]

Bell "Bella". Good fit and very comfortable:D

[GLC1968]

Yep, Giro and Bell are the same company.

And ditto indysteel about the certification company.

I have two helmets. My original one is a Bell Alchera in dark grey because it fit well. It looked HUGE on my head though, so I bought another helmet that looks better and is white (more visible). The new helmet is a Giant Ares and it fits differently (works better with a pony tail and is cooler than my other helmet).

So now my old helmet is my winter helmet (it fits layers underneath it better) and my new helmet is my summer helmet.

[Popoki_Nui]

I just bought an Ironman (http://www.ironmanhelmets.us) helmet, and I absolutely love it. I hate helmets. I've used Bell and Louis Garneau, both were ok, but this is the first helmet I've used that I actually like to wear. Mine is the mid-range "Pro" model. I barely feel it on, even on really hot days.

[uforgot]

I like the Specialized Women's air force. I love the fit.

[Jo-n-NY]

Giro Pneumo for me which I like very much. I got it more for fit. I would have liked a Specialized because that is the bike that I ride, but all of them were too big.

~ JoAnn

[meridian]

Giro Pneumo here also. The only other helmet I've had was a Louis Garneau. I like the look and fit of the Giro better.

[Chile Pepper]

Mine's a Trek. We have limited availability here, so I got one with a US certification. And it fits and is comfortable.

[Fredwina]

I'm with GLC1968 and IndySteel - in the US , all helmets have to pass CPSC (consumer products Saftey Commision) Standards. So, as far as Crash-worthy ness, they're all the same - the $10 one does as well or better the $200 one - take a look at www.helmets.org
My advice - try on some - see what you like - then buy a couple. That way you won't be tempted to wear one after you've been pavement surfing. I have two Giro Monzas myself.

[silver]

Giro Pneumo here too. the one that I cracked was a trek

[logdiva32]

on sale of course

[IFjane]

Giro Atmos here - fits me better than my old Bell (don't know which Bell, though). It has lots of vents so is nice and cool for this time of year.

[Ninabike]

Another Giro Pneumo here.

[Crankin]

I have a Bell helmet (actually 2 of them). It's a mtb helmet; I take the visor off. It also has lots of air vents and it fits my teeny head very well.

[Zen]

I had no idea what I was doing when I bought mine but after reading this I would probably try a Bell Citi or Bell Metro
http://www.helmets.org/helmet07.htm

[Fredwina]

http://www.bicycling.com/helmetcenter/1,7459,s1-1-303-0-0,00.html :)

[wannaduacentury]

Mine new one is a Giro. Jennifer

[TsPoet]

Awhile ago I found this review of a consumer reports review
http://www.helmets.org/cu_2006.htm

I never thought of helmets being safer than each other, but I guess consumer reports says there are differences.
They like the Bell Metro.
I tried it on - very uncomfortable. I ended up with the Specialized that consumer reports also listed as a good helmet.
I also have a Louis Garneou.
The Bell/Giros are all more round than my head and therefore uncomfortable.

[sulis]

I have a Giro Monza. Love it. Found it on clearance last year.

That being said though - definitely try on lots of different helmets. Figure out how they adjust and how well it molds to your head. I found out the hard way that not all helmets fit everyone the same - my first one was too big and let's just say, awkward to ride with. ha ha ha :rolleyes:

[Kitsune06]

I have a Giro Skyla and a Bell... The Bell is much more comfortable, but the Skyla breathes a lot better. hmm.:rolleyes:

[wurkit_gurl]

I got a Bell Ghisallo - it was on sale, and it looks sweet! (I just got my first road bike on Saturday- I had a Giro sport/mountain helmet that I got when I bought my old hybrid)

[Jenn]

Just curious why you are concerned that yours cracked straight through?
Sounds like it absorbed and dissipated the energy of your crash quite effectively.

That said, I have a Giro Pneumo. I like the fit better than the Atmos, and the other helmets my LBS had just didn't "do it" for me. :cool:

OH, I just didn't know if it cracked because I bought the base model Giro...I think it was like $29.00. Granted $29.00 only let me have a mild concussion and no brain damage, but I was just curious as to the other brands.

I'm going to spend more this time and just wanted feedback from ya'll! Thank you so much for the feed back by the way!! We are going to a different LBS and I'm going to try some different types on. I know that when I hit the ground my helmet shifted and I didn't realize til the E.R. pointed out that I had bruises above my hairline and at the back of my neck, I need a helmet to fit better, which is difficult because I'm not kidding ya'll I have a HUGE head! I can't wear women's they are to small, sad but true.:rolleyes: Wish it was ALL brain that I could use!!:D
Anyway, thank you all again for the input, Nashbar has a Giro I REALLY like, but I won't buy anything I can't try on, especially with this LARGE cranium!:D

[Python]

I've got a similar problem Jenn except that my head, like the rest of me is small. Many adult helmets were just no use except the Bell "Bella". I think I must have tried on every make of helmet in the shop! It was the only one that fitted properly and was comfortable.

I've got the same problem with glasses. Because my face is small, adult frames are miles too big. My current pair are a very fashionable teens frame. Perfect fit:D

[Derf]

Giro, but I cannot remember which model. Have had it for 3 years.

[kerrybelle]

Atmos for the road because it has the most vents.

E2 for mtn also because it has the most vents.

Xen for winter it has a little more coverage and less vents.

Kerry

[7rider]

OH, I just didn't know if it cracked because I bought the base model Giro...I think it was like $29.00. Granted $29.00 only let me have a mild concussion and no brain damage, but I was just curious as to the other brands.

I'm going to spend more this time and just wanted feedback from ya'll! Thank you so much for the feed back by the way!! We are going to a different LBS and I'm going to try some different types on. I know that when I hit the ground my helmet shifted and I didn't realize til the E.R. pointed out that I had bruises above my hairline and at the back of my neck, I need a helmet to fit better, which is difficult because I'm not kidding ya'll I have a HUGE head! I can't wear women's they are to small, sad but true.:rolleyes: Wish it was ALL brain that I could use!!:D
Anyway, thank you all again for the input, Nashbar has a Giro I REALLY like, but I won't buy anything I can't try on, especially with this LARGE cranium!:D

There really isn't any safety difference between a $29 helmet and a $129 helmet. As long as they meet safety standards, the only difference is in weight, airflow, and looks. A cheaper helmet may fit you just as well - or better - than an expensive helmet. And they will both protect your noggin.

But, yeah....you really have to try them on, first, to make sure they fit properly. They're sort of like shoes in that regard (at least for me, they are!).

[VeloVT]

Has anyone tried Rudy Project helmets? Or seen them in person?

I go back and forth between thinking the Rudy Project Kontact looks cool and thinking it looks clunky, but the few reviews I've read have been positive and I've considered ordering, since my Giro Eclipse is not a great fit for me (bought when I had long hair, now it's really too loose).

I think the Giro Atmos is pretty but I can't bring myself to shell out that much for a helmet...

[Jolt]

I'm with GLC1968 and IndySteel - in the US , all helmets have to pass CPSC (consumer products Saftey Commision) Standards. So, as far as Crash-worthy ness, they're all the same - the $10 one does as well or better the $200 one - take a look at www.helmets.org


Ditto on the crashworthiness. Speaking of helmets.org, their info was part of the reason I picked the helmet I have (Bell Deuce--youth version of the Impulse--yeah, I have a small head!). Helmets with a more rounded shape are less likely to catch/snag on anything and twist your neck in a crash, and this site gave the Impulse/Deuce as examples of a good shape. They can be found at Wal-Mart for a very reasonable price (normally I buy bike stuff at the LBS but this was an exception). As an added bonus, the ring-fit system allows a ponytail to be threaded through the back pretty easily.

[Jolt]

I've got a similar problem Jenn except that my head, like the rest of me is small. Many adult helmets were just no use except the Bell "Bella". I think I must have tried on every make of helmet in the shop! It was the only one that fitted properly and was comfortable.

I've got the same problem with glasses. Because my face is small, adult frames are miles too big. My current pair are a very fashionable teens frame. Perfect fit:D

Ugh...I have the same exact problem! You might also try a youth size helmet if you're finding the adult ones too big. I know what you mean about glasses--I was looking for a pair of sunglasses for riding the other day (to keep not only sun but sand/dirt out of my eyes) and had a HECK of a time finding any that fit and were a good wraparound style. I finally did--I think they're a teen size; they're still slightly wider than I really need but stay on and are pretty comfortable. IMHO, they need to start making these things in small-medium-large sizes instead of one-size-fits-none!

[KnottedYet]

I've got a Bell-head.

Right now I have a Bell Citi, and looooooove it! Bright yellow, and a rounded back.

I also have a Bell Vela as my spare.

[SR500]

I have one Giro, but my DH has at least 3 - go figure :)

[SJCzar]

Giro Pneumo also. Same reason for me as others - it just fit the best.

[koala]

I have a Rudy Project Kontact -- it is my favorite helmet. I like the fit better than the Giro or the Bell, and it has a greater adjustable range, which means I can wear it in the winter with a cap, or in the summer without. It has very good airflow & a mesh netting to keep the bugs out. The straps are soft, and they have a twisting mechanism that works very well to loosen or tighten. It is not clunky, it is in fact very sleek. It does not sit heavy & low like a hard-hat, it just kind of envelopes.

I have a Giro Pneumo & a Bell Sweep, they both bother me on long rides. They start to pinch & squeeze. I'm more comfortable in the Rudy Project. I've tried on the Atmos in the LBS & won't buy -- the fit was very odd. It does not fit the same way as the Pneumo.

[cosc]

I have a giro pneumo. My old helmet, a pscho bell was more comfortable because the straps weren't as wide.

[Aggie_Ama]

Bell Furio here. I tried on Bell and Giro but the Bell just fit better.

Rudy Projects look sweet but are so expensive. :(

[Shatteredshards]

I also have a Bell Furio.

[lph]

My dh and I both have a Bell Paragon, and are just about to switch to Giro Havoc.

[DrBee]

I have the Giro Eclipse. My previous helmet (cracked during my crash, but saved my head) was a Giro Venus. Mr. Bee has a Bell and likes it.

[songlady]

Bell Alchera for me. I love the GPS fitting system where you dial in the fit on the back of the helmet. Really great if you want to add a headband or liner underneath, easily adjustable.

[northstar]

I just got a Specialized Air-8. I had a low-end Giro, and a Target helmet, and neither of them felt right. They were fine when I tried them on in the store, but not comfortable when I rode. The Specialized feels great. Hopefully I'm done helmet shopping for a while now!

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

I'm not kidding ya'll I have a HUGE head! I can't wear women's they are to small, sad but true.:rolleyes: Wish it was ALL brain that I could use!!:D
Anyway, thank you all again for the input, Nashbar has a Giro I REALLY like, but I won't buy anything I can't try on, especially with this LARGE cranium!:D

I also have a large head! hee Giro's Eclipse (Large) seems to fit me very well.

[margo49]

Had a bell. Crashed. Got a bit of a concussion and a broken nose (kiwi beak?!) which was nothing compared to what I would have got had I *not* been wearing a helmet .Now got a Giro. The Giro fits real nice and doesn't move on my head at all. Nice ventilation which is important in our temp's

We have a tiny lbs and I figure that if it is Giro or bell it is "certified" so it's ok - don't really care as long as it works when it has to. Which I hope it won't.

[Ashgarth]

I also just bought a specialized aurora, expensive but fits really well

[singletrackmind]

Giros for the road and the mountain. They fit my head well and when I need new pads I email them and they send me some for free. :)

[stella]

ditto re: safety--all the same as long as they are certified.

I currently use a LAS (it is what we sold at the bike shop I worked at and the giro did not fit.

In the past, the other helmets I have used--bell (it was great!) and specialized.

I don't know about anyone else, but--I've got psoriasis (anyone remember Sonny and Cher's skit: "The Heartbreak of Psoriasis?)--so, I require MANY vents to prevent my forehead from breaking out.

What I like about the las (aside from the fit) is that it has a liner in the helment that I can throw in the washing machine.

[Torrilin]

A Bell somethingorother. Requirements were A) cheap B) fits my head and C) comes in red. Got everything I wanted with much less trouble than the last time I shopped for helmets. The clickywheel in the back is nice since I can get the helmet to fit solid and level on my head, even if my hair is up in a French twist. No more choking helmet straps either.

[SadieKate]

Whew, boy. That Bell Metro would cause spontaneous combustion on this noggin.

Go for what meets the safety standards (see Fredwina's link), fits your head, and works for your climate, riding style (road or mtn or whatever), and don't worry about what others are riding. It's kind of like shorts and saddles. If it doesn't fit you, it ain't right.