ADVICE on helmets?

[ClockworkOrange]

I hang my head in shame (my helmet-less head)!

OK, I have been riding now for 6 years and always scoffed at the idea of wearing a helmet until I found this site.

I am slowly coming around to the idea that I definitely should buy one.

Need some advice please.

• I ride a MTB
• Have short spikey hair
• Live in the UK where the weather is variable but never severe
• Don't want to look totally naff (translation = stupid)!
• Don't want a colour that will clash with my lovely Orange bike

Is around $70 an average price, I really have no idea.

Yes, I can search the internet but you guys seem to have so much experience, I feel I can trust your views more than a shop.

Any advice gratefully received......

Sally

[Eden]

I've had many helmets, by many mfg's over the years. The thing you have to do first and foremost is try some on. They are different shapes and some people's heads fit some helmet brands better than others (Bells are more round, Giros are more oblong etc.)
Prices vary, but as long as they are certified - ANSI and SNELL in the US, the differences in price are usually about how aerodynamic, how many vents, and how light the helmets are. $35 helmets are still safe as long as they are certified. I still have a $35 Bell that I wear sometimes.
I haven't seen too many in orange - but there is this one-
http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/europ....asp?prodID=10

otherwise there are lots of colors and designs out there

Just make sure that you find one that is comfortable to wear when it is cinched down tight enough that it will not move around on your head. Have the person in the shop help you get all of the straps set up properly as this can be difficult and it is very common for people who have not owned helmets before to wear them improperly. The two most common misfittings- the helmet should sit straight on your head (not tilted towards any one side) and should not be pushed back to expose your forehead. The strap should not hang loose under your chin (yup I see the pros do this all of the time - bad boys!)

[bcipam]

Great helmet in your price range is the GIRO HAVOC - designed for MTB but I use it both road and MTB. Comes in decent colors even some girly ones.

And girl... what were you thinking riding without a helmet? By the grace of God you haven't fallen and hit your head. Get that helmet... soon!

[emily_in_nc]

I also mountain bike and recently got a Giro Havoc. It's a fantastic helmet! Why did I get a new helmet? Because I crashed and hit my head hard on a hard-packed trail in my old helmet. If I hadn't been wearing a helmet, I could have ended up with a concussion or worse. PLEASE, run, don't walk, to get yourself a helmet ASAP! Your brain is way, way to important to risk. One crash is all it takes to ruin your life....

Sorry to be alarmist, but I feel strongly about this one!

Emily

[Kitsune06]

I also reccomend the Giro Skyla, actually. Try it on, though... It's reasonably comfortable and I got mine (and GF's) for $25.

[Surlygirl]

Get a helmet, PLEASE. My 9 yr old son did an endo on his bike last week. He landed on his head and his helmet was in two pieces, but he got up and walked away (crying) but alive!!! They wear helmets for sledding and Skiing also.
They even have orange ones that might match your bike. Here's one
http://www.thebellstore.com/Other/bellbicycle/Citi.html