Helmets & Cost

[SouthernBelle]

Helmet prices run the gamut, what is the difference in a Bell helmet you get for $20 at Wally World and The Giro you pay 5x that for at the LBS?

I know they are made by the same company and have to meet certain standards to be sold.

[Fredwina]

They meet the same crash standards. The more expensive ones have more vents, and will have better finished fit pads, straps, and retention systems.

[DeniseGoldberg]

The more expensive helmets are probably lighter (in weight) as well. But again, you're looking at comfort here. Given that they've both have Snell certification, either should be fine.

Here's a link that might be interesting as you're looking at helmets: http://www.bhsi.org/

--- Denise

[mimitabby]

I just bought a Bell Citi for 40 bucks. I was comparing it (by mistake) to a nearly 200 dollar helmet. The 200 dollar helmet, like others said, was more aerodynamic, had more venting and had beautiful swirls of color, but it had less padding inside and sat hard on my head.
The LBS owner said that either would protect my head the same way.

[SouthernBelle]

Thanks guys,

Not looking diligently at this point. But If I run across one where the colors match my new bike, I want it.

[Grog]

All helmets fit differently depending on your head. So the priority should be to find one that feels good.

Now, at equal comfort, I have had two Bell helmets. The main difference is vents (hence head temperature) and weight. I found weight to make a big big difference, especially for long rides (2+ hours). A lighter helmet caused less neck pain. The fact that my head remains cool (in 15 deg Celcius + temperatures) also means that I get less tired, especially when climbing.

I also have a Giro Atmos helmet, their top-of-the-line thing. Very light, but I really dislike the adjustment mechanism. And it just doesn't fit my head right. It's now on my dear partner's head, and it fits him well. My Bell Sweep-R is half the retail price of the Atmos and fits me much better without being that much heavier. And the closure system works better.

[bcipam]

As far as protection there is little difference a $30 helmet will protect your head as well as the $200 helmet. So I always tell folks no excuse not to wear a helmet especially if cost is a factor. Only difference is style, comfort and function and maybe some "bling" factor built in. The more expensive helmets have large air vents maybe nicer styling and colors. That's it.

[Nanci]

The more expensive have more/larger vents to suck in more rain/insects!

Here's my baby- it is supposed to commemorate Lance's seven TDF victories. There is also a black/yellow/white version which he wore on the last day, to Paris.

[Trek420]

SouthernBelle "what is the difference in a Bell helmet you get for $20 at Wally World and The Giro you pay 5x that for at the LBS?"

I know I'll catch heck for this but....your LBS gives more back to the local cycling community, that's why I've yet to set foot in Wally World.

Yes, it's an expensive sport, there are deals out there. I got my last helmet at the Velo Swap where I got a 100.00 helmet for $20.00 brand new in the box and the money went to the Velo Girls bike club. The helmets before that...caught the sale when the new models came out.

Last years color protects my brain just as well. Bike swap meets, LBS sales, online lots of ways to save a buck or two.

[emily_in_nc]

I don't like buying the super pricy helmets (even though they are gorgeous) because I've had two accidents where my helmet hit the ground hard and had to be thrown out. Nothing like tossing a $150 helmet to ruin your day, on top of your injuries! I'd much rather toss a $30-40 helmet and can do so with no remorse, no temptation to say to myself "I didn't really hit the ground that hard, maybe I'll just keep wearing the helmet." It's just not worth taking chances with my noggin!

Emily, who is in the market for a new inexpensive helmet after her most recent accident, but not at Wally-world :D

[roguedog]

HEy.. so my helmet is like 10 yrs old. Is it true what they say about the styrofoam degrading and needing to upgrade every 4-5 yrs?

[Adventure Girl]

HEy.. so my helmet is like 10 yrs old. Is it true what they say about the styrofoam degrading and needing to upgrade every 4-5 yrs?YES!

[Grog]

I don't like buying the super pricy helmets (even though they are gorgeous) because I've had two accidents where my helmet hit the ground hard and had to be thrown out.

To my knowledge, manufacturers (Giro & Bell at least) have a return-policy on helmets that have been in accidents. They will usually replace them for about 30$ as long as you bring them back to them. I think it's their way to answer your concerns and to investigate how accidents damage helmets.

[Grog]

HEy.. so my helmet is like 10 yrs old. Is it true what they say about the styrofoam degrading and needing to upgrade every 4-5 yrs?

I have never been too concerned with styrofoam degradation (from just being shelved away) but I am quite sure that in a 3-5 years timeframe your helmets will get a lot of shocks that might accumulate and cause safety issues. So I'd rather be safe than sorry...

[KnottedYet]

HEy.. so my helmet is like 10 yrs old. Is it true what they say about the styrofoam degrading and needing to upgrade every 4-5 yrs?

YES! I just got rid of my 8 year old helmet and bought a new one. I looked under the plastic and around the edges of my old one and could SEE where the styrofoam was "evaporating" away! EEEEK!

Now I will replace every 3-5 years. If mine was so degraded I could see it at 8 years, I imagine it was degraded at 5 too but I just didn't see it.

That 3-5 year timeframe is probably legitamate.

[SouthernBelle]

Mine has had a couple of bumps too, plus it's jsut looking a little rough. But when I do get new, it will be saved as a backup.

[DeniseGoldberg]

Mine has had a couple of bumps too, plus it's jsut looking a little rough. But when I do get new, it will be saved as a backup.
Bicycle helmets are designed for one crash only. Small bump, big bump - if you've hit your helmet on something, it needs to be replaced. And in that case your old helmet should not be used as a backup; it should be thrown out.

--- Denise

[mimitabby]

you might have missed WHY i got a new helmet. I had been lusting over the orange CITI helmet but couldn't find a valid reason for buying one.
So when i was at Elliott Bay Bike, there it was. I looked at my old helmet
and there was an almost invisible crack right down the center edge.
If you pulled on it; it opened up.

The day before, the helmet fell out of my closet (about 6 1/2 feet up) bounced
off my head (ooww), and then onto the wood floor.

I think that's what did it, because i examined the thing a month ago in exactly the same way.

[SouthernBelle]

Mimitabby,

Yours is the first case of the head breaking the helmet. :D

[bcipam]

Bicycle helmets are designed for one crash only. Small bump, big bump - if you've hit your helmet on something, it needs to be replaced. And in that case your old helmet should not be used as a backup; it should be thrown out.

--- Denise

Take note of what Denise states - if you even drop your helmet on the ground - it's time to get a new one. Have a friend, a newbie, struggling to get all her gear together, drop her helmet on the sidewalk. We all heard the big clunk. She picked it up and put it on. I had to explain that the helmet is now no good and she'd have to buy a new one. She learned the hard way to properly take care of her helmet.

Like others, I don't buy the most expensive helmet - I like the Giro Havocs which on sale cost me around $35 - 40. If I fall or drop the helmet, don't feel so bad if I have to get a new one. Also, usually buy 2 at a tme - that way if I need a new helmet - have it handy.

Since I do land on my head on a regular basis, I usually replace helmets every 3 years (if not before). $40 is a small price for safety!!!

[SouthernBelle]

I'm getting a new helmet even though the current one is only a few mos old because this one has saved my noggin twice. But Pam, by your description and the advice of others, shouldn't you be getting a new helmet everytime you 'land on your head?'

[bcipam]

I'm getting a new helmet even though the current one is only a few mos old because this one has saved my noggin twice. But Pam, by your description and the advice of others, shouldn't you be getting a new helmet everytime you 'land on your head?'

Yes new helmet every single time... that's why I always have new spares...

I realize my prior post maybe confusing... if I hit my helmet (or drop my helmet) its replaced. If I don't I still replace it every 3 years cause I want to make sure if I hit my head I have a new intact helmet that's going to provide the most protection. So for example, if I bought a spare, and it's never used, after 3 years I throw it away and buy new. Usually that doesn't happen cause I do hit my head on a regular basis!

[Fredwina]

I'm the same boat with Pam, you need more than one helmet! I usually try and stay around $50 to $100.
I actually have 3:
A Giro havoc - nice helmet, but i've "fredded" it up with reflective stickers(The base is red)
A Purple Giro Monza
and a silver Limar 911.

[Bad JuJu]

Fredwina--My most fave helmet ever is the Giro Havoc that I have now. I got it on sale--probably because it's a lovely shade of pea soup green. I guess that wasn't a very popular helmet color, but my bike and I just adore it.

Here's the problem--I don't think ol' green is long for this world. I've had him for maybe 4 or 5 years now, and I know it's time to let go. But, rats, I can't find another helmet in that gorgeous green color. Though I do like the Giro Xen, in the white-and-light-grey camouflage pattern. And, it looks like Nashbar is running a helmet sale just now.

On the safety issue--since that is, after all, why we wear helmets--I've read recently that you should look for a helmet with a more rounded shape, despite the popularity in recent years of helmets with that "aero" look. The reason that rounded is better, apparently, is that the round shape slides more easily on pavement, whereas a helmet with angles and points would tend to snag, thereby stopping the movement of the skidding head and possibly causing damage to the neck as the head is brought up short in its movement. Hey, I didn't write this stuff--I'm just paraphrasing what I read. Sorry I can't recall where I read this, but it's something to think about when you buy your next helmet.

[mimitabby]

On the safety issue--since that is, after all, why we wear helmets--I've read recently that you should look for a helmet with a more rounded shape, despite the popularity in recent years of helmets with that "aero" look. The reason that rounded is better, apparently, is that the round shape slides more easily on pavement, whereas a helmet with angles and points would tend to snag, thereby stopping the movement of the skidding head and possibly causing damage to the neck as the head is brought up short in its movement. Hey, I didn't write this stuff--I'm just paraphrasing what I read. Sorry I can't recall where I read this, but it's something to think about when you buy your next helmet.

Oh Thank you Juju,
the next time my DH whines about my NON aero helmet I can tell him what you said!

[Fredwina]

JuJu, you may want to wait, since the 2007 colors should be arriving shortly :)

[Nanci]

My previous helmet was a havoc- loved that one, too.

[Fredwina]

I found a lime green helmet . Bad news: George Jetson and Captain Kirk want their helmets back: :rolleyes:
http://www.trialtir-usa.com/2006-las/bionix/bionix-liquigas-mp.html

[Bad JuJu]

Hah! The colors are OK, but I just don't think I could bring myself to wear that puppy out on the road. What's with the see-through plastic thing on the back? I guess it's an aero feature, but good grief....:eek:

[Fredwina]

Well, according to thier website:
VENTILATION: tested in the wind tunnel with excellent results, the Triple Wing directs the wind to amplify the effects of the air vents and increase the cooling ability of the Bionix.
From looking at the rest of thier catalog, it appear that LAS is trying to corner the "wierd looking helmet" market

[Trek420]

Fredwina "JuJu, you may want to wait, since the 2007 colors should be arriving shortly :)"

...which means the 2006's will be on sale :D

[Nanci]

Eew, it looks like some kind of cockroach!! Must be aerodynamic, though. I wonder what one of those costs. I'm guessing over $200.

[Bluetree]

I just got a red Giro Pneumo for half price ($70). I think it was last year's model because the sticker inside said Sept05. It was high on a shelf so I pointed to it and told the sales guy that I wanted the red "Noo-mo"
He said it was pronounced "Nee-mo"
I told him I'll pronounce it that way after my next bout of Nee-mo-nia.

[emily_in_nc]

Just a head's up: REI is having their Labor Day sale, and both the Giro Havoc and Bell Furio are 25% off through the 4th:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8000&cat=4500098,4500103&inc=onsale.jsi&sale=1&title=Sale+Cycling&link=1&query=*&sc=0

Now, do I want a road helmet or a mountain helmet? I think they're both very pretty and would work fine for me. Is it better to wear a road helmet on the trails (which I've been doing), or a visored helmet on the road? :confused: I will probably go with the Havoc if they have my size as it appeals to me a bit more, people here like it, and it's ponytail-compatible (and I'm growing my hair!) :D

Emily

[Fredwina]

You could pop the visor off the Havoc.
Nanci, the Las "roach": is $149, Apparently, not a lot of folks are rushing to look like Prymaat Conehead :rolleyes:

[roguedog]

Hey speaking of color.. umm.. silly question

Do black or or dark colors make it hotter on your head?

Right now I've got a predominantly white one but I really prefer darker colors.

[Kitsune06]

DGF and I have Giro Skylas... got 'em for about $29 (I think?) from nashbar on sale. Comparing 'em to my old, cheap bell helmet (replaced because it's been damaged enough... no 'definitive' crashes, but lots of collateral damage) they sit a little harder on the head, but are a little lighter and definately breathe better. No idea on the 'do dark helmets feel hotter' question. I've always had a black helmet... I'd think they might because all the cooling you'll feel is air rushing over/through the vents, and if the surface of the helmet is in the sun, it'd be like trying to suck cool air through the vents of a hot car *glares at stupid dark car with no A/C* but I could be wrong there.

I'd rather have a cheap helmet that protects my little skull than something overly expensive for the very reason that if it's way expensive, I'd look at it after crashing and go "Geez... it'd be a waste to THROW IT AWAY.... It doesn't look TOO bad.... even that crack there could be superglued..." or some other nonsense. :eek:

Besides...
I think the skylas are sorta sexy on the right model. =)

[emily_in_nc]

Well, I went to REI today and tried on the Giro Havoc. The size medium fit like it was made for me, and what a difference from the ultra-cheapie Specialized WSD helmet I've been wearing (my emergency backup helmet)! Wow, I love this helmet already!! They only had the silver color in the store so I went online when I got home and ordered the blue/silver to be delivered to the store (which makes the delivery free!) Can't wait to get it!

And Fredwina is right, I can remove the visor for the road - but I probably won't. I honestly don't care about things like that. After all, I'm riding a Bike Friday. I can't care about what people think. I kinda like being different, anyway! :D

Emily

P.S. I also found a great Shebeest blue sleeveless jersey in my size on the clearance rack at REI - with the extra 50% off it was down to $12 something. Couldn't resist! :D

[Fredwina]

Emily, I wear my Havoc when I'm riding my Friday, too!

[velogirl]

Interestingly enough, the less expensive helmets, which are shaped more "round" than aero and also have more surface contact area (fewer vents) have proven safer in crashes. The science behind it is that there are certain higher-end helmets that because of their shape "snag" on the road when you crash, increasing your likelihood of a neck or spinal cord injury.

http://www.helmets.org/ventsqua.htm

Emily, one reason why most road riders don't use visors is that it forces you to raise your head/hold your neck even higher. But, the market seems to want visors on road helmets which is why you see removable visors on many helmets, including some higher-end ones like the pneumo (New-Mo).

Regarding color, I don't think dark helmets are hotter, but they are definitely less visible. I personally wish helmets didn't come in dark blue or black, but that's just one of my Safety Jane-isms.

Hey, the Atmos is coming in pink this season!!! I should have mine this month.

[SouthernBelle]

So much for my beautiful new black Giro.

[Fredwina]

Velogirl,
I think the dark helmets are seen as "cooler" Fashion wise. Plus, They are neutral Color wise, so they won't clash. I prefer Whites and slivers, but I am a sucker for red and purple....
Southern Belle,
You can always get another helmet, Like BCIPam and I have said, They are an item that you should more than of. Which is why I prefer the $70-$100 ones vs the $200 ones

[ridebikeme]

I think all of the above information is great.... but I will add a couple of notes. When was the last time that someone at Wally World could actually help you make a decision and give information about fit? Although Bell/Giro do offer a crash replacement policy, most helmet menufacturers offer the same. I wear Louis Garmeau helmets, and they offer not only te same policy but great support as well!

Remember that when we support local business, we in turn get support back in many different ways. Wally World may sell many bikes or parts, but simply does not have the experienced staff to help you when the going gets tough. If we want to be able to have support with whatever our hobbies are, then we need to support those businesses!!

[SouthernBelle]

I think all of the above information is great.... but I will add a couple of notes. When was the last time that someone at Wally World could actually help you make a decision and give information about fit? Although Bell/Giro do offer a crash replacement policy, most helmet menufacturers offer the same. I wear Louis Garmeau helmets, and they offer not only te same policy but great support as well!

Remember that when we support local business, we in turn get support back in many different ways. Wally World may sell many bikes or parts, but simply does not have the experienced staff to help you when the going gets tough. If we want to be able to have support with whatever our hobbies are, then we need to support those businesses!!

For Pete's sake, I used Wal-Mart as a lowest end price point comparison. No body here expects staff assistance there and I don't believe they actually do carry a wide assortment of bike parts. To be honest I don't go in there often.

On the other hand, simply because a bike shop is local and privately held does not guarantee good or even competent service.

When a simple question is asked, it is not a call for a lecture on social responsibility.

[velogirl]

Velogirl,
I think the dark helmets are seen as "cooler" Fashion wise. Plus, They are neutral Color wise, so they won't clash.

Yup! Same reason why folks wear black jerseys and black jackets. Again, just one of my pet peeves (and I own a couple of black jerseys because they're "cooler" looking.

[emily_in_nc]

Emily, one reason why most road riders don't use visors is that it forces you to raise your head/hold your neck even higher. But, the market seems to want visors on road helmets which is why you see removable visors on many helmets, including some higher-end ones like the pneumo (New-Mo).

Good point! I hadn't thought of that, but since it's typically sunny here in NC when I ride the roads, I think I'll appreciate the visor to help keep the sun out of my eyes. Even with sun glasses, I often find myself wanting even more shading when the sun is shining brightly.

I agree with you about helmet visibility, though. I have always gone for light colors too for that reason. But as long as you wear bright/light jerseys on the road, the helmet is perhaps not as important since it's a smaller target. Yes, a neon yellow or orange one would be highly visible, but I haven't seen many of those for sale! :D I do think the black and dark gray ones would be best reserved for trail riding, though.

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Emily, I wear my Havoc when I'm riding my Friday, too!

Cool - we'll be twins!

I didn't know you were another in the Friday family! :D

Emily