Helmet advice?

[Misandal]

Hey y'all,

I've had my Giro Monza for 4 years now and, while there's nothing at all wrong with it, it's probably time for a new one, right? So I've been looking at helmets...

I've narrowed it down to the Giro Atmos or Ionos, or the Bell Sweep R. I have experience with the Giro brand (as it was 4 years ago) but not Bell. However, in reading the other thread about Atmos retention straps breaking, I'm leaning more toward the Bell now. Can anyone offer input on either helmet or brand?

Thanks!

[Grog]

Yes, please do replace your helmet even if it looks fine. Four years is a long time in the life of a helmet.

Have you tried them on? I find that Giro and Bell fit very differently, so no matter how good the features of each, you should just try them on and see which one works. I'd be surprised if they are both comfortable.

I LOVE the Bell Sweep R and I miss it. I've replaced mine with a Bell Furio and it's not quite as comfy for me. I also had a Giro Atmos. Great helmet, but it just didn't fit on my head at all and was very uncomfortable after an hour on my head. My husband, on the other hand, LOVES it and my loss was his gain.

[Pedal Wench]

Try them on -- most people are either a Giro head, or Bell head. I can't wear Bell's, my BF can't wear a Giro.

My retention strap broke after 3 years, and after doing some work where I kept taking the helmet on and off and hanging it by the plastic strap on my handlebars for hours on end. It's probably not designed to do that, so I don't question the integrity of the design.

[Misandal]

That's really interesting and I hadn't thought that one might not fit my head!

My Giro has been very comfortable (probably why I've kept it for so long), so I guess I'll have to find a place with the Bell helmets in stock to try. I sure like the look of the Sweep R.

[Fredwina]

and now, for the obiligatory "Bell and Giro are the same company" and "check out http:/www.helmets.org" posts
try them on, yes. even the same will fit differently across the model line.
I had to buy one and came home with a Specialized Propero.
helmet life - i think we've debated that to death, too
Bell says two year, but the Snell foundation(http://www.smf.org/) recommends every 5. So 4 years is a good timeframe

[Pedal Wench]

For some reason, this just made me giggle.

Glad I could make you smile!

and now, for the obiligatory "Bell and Giro are the same company" and "check out http:/www.helmets.org" posts
try them on, yes. even the same will fit differently across the model line.
I had to buy one and came home with a Specialized Propero.
helmet life - i think we've debated that to death, too
Bell says two year, but the Snell foundation(http://www.smf.org/) recommends every 5. So 4 years is a good timeframe

Same company, but different helmet molds.

And, my Bell-headed BF and me with my Giro-head both like the Specialized Propero. We were given a pair for volunteering on a ride, and were worried about the fit. I think mine fits me better, so it's probably closer to a Giro model.

[indysteel]

Try them on -- most people are either a Giro head, or Bell head.

For some reason, this just made me giggle.

[kermit]

Wow, how weird. I just bought a new atmos on ebay today. I am definitely a giro head. My monza is 5 years old and it suffers from a bit of a mushroom look. I decided to splurge for the atmos. Much more streamlined. Got a brand new 08 for $114 on ebay. Much better than any lbs around these parts.Try them all on, fit is the most important. When I was originally looking I went to Sports Authority and tried them all on. Then shopped around to find a better price.

[Misandal]

Kermit, what a great deal! I think I paid nearly $100 for my Monza way-back-when.

And if you like the Atmos, it makes me think that I'd like it too, since we've both spent years in our Monzas. But I'll take everyone's advice and try them on before I shell out my cash. Better to be sure...

[Miranda]

Well, this was an informative thread. I did not realize that one should replace helmets every five years. Regardless of performance/crash experiences.

I have two Giro helmets, and love them. One of mine just broke, and this thread I posted talks about my experience with the company.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=27688

It's funny you gals say that about folks heads. DS and I are definately Giro heads. DD fits a Bell better.

Happy shopping!

[OakLeaf]

hmmmmm.

Giro helmets fit my head fine, but I just cannot get the straps on my Atmos adjusted properly. They either choke me, don't lie flat, or go over top of my ears and chafe. (Chafing my ears is where I left them, since I figure that's the position that holds the helmet most stable on my head.) Trying on new helmets in the shop, the straps are so stiff that I can't tell whether they're going to loosen up and fit properly or not!

It's going to be another couple of years before I shell out for a new hat but does anyone have any input on strap fitting?

[Fredwina]

hmmmmm.

Giro helmets fit my head fine, but I just cannot get the straps on my Atmos adjusted properly. They either choke me, don't lie flat, or go over top of my ears and chafe. (Chafing my ears is where I left them, since I figure that's the position that holds the helmet most stable on my head.) Trying on new helmets in the shop, the straps are so stiff that I can't tell whether they're going to loosen up and fit properly or not!

It's going to be another couple of years before I shell out for a new hat but does anyone have any input on strap fitting?

Keep on trying is all I can say - Specialized tried to make a softer strap a year back, but wound up having to recall them since the production models couldn't pass the random checks Snell insists on.

[kermit]

I got my new Atmos today, wow. It fits better than the monza. It fits a little deeper on my head instead of on top like the monza. Much less mushroomish and more airy. Really like it!

[7rider]

I had the Giro Pneumo for 4 years until its retaining system broke. It always was vaguely uncomfortable, and the split right at the center of my forehead seemed to pinch me. In fact, no matter how tight or loose I made it, it seemed to give me a big red dot (or even lump) right at the top of my forehead.
I just replaced it with the Bell Sweep R, and I find it to be MUCH more comfortable!! Like it loads better. The only issue I have with it is I'm currently trying to find a helmet-mounted taillight to fit it, and can't seem to find one that spans the available vent holes. I think I've come up with a jury-rigged solution that will work, tho.