Bike helmet fit for the oblong

[tharley]

or am I doomed to look silly? Currently, my helmet is a basic Bell Athena -57 cm. I lave a long/oblong head and cannot for the life of me find a helmet that fits correctly &/or doesn't look alienesk. I have looked at multiple LBSs, chain stores and sporting stores w/ no such luck. I have looked at a few different styles & fits, but all look like they ride too high/are too skinny (*LBS owner nor I can quite decide what the issue is- maybe it's my face ). Most helmets make me look like I shoved on a kid's helmet that is 2 sizes too small. I understand I will not find a helmet that makes me look super-attractive, but obviously want one that will fit my weirdo head and still look "good".



*Please ignore the face, body and silly puppy-bill (tour de fat, last minute add-on to look "festive").

Maybe a flatter (not domed) helmet? Deeper shell? Different size? Help, I don't even know what to look for! Ideas?! Price should most likely be under $50, b/c I am a poor, poor young sap.

[KnottedYet]

Have you tried a Nutcase helmet?
www.nutcasehelmets.com

[MartianDestiny]

Most people typically say that Giro's are more oval, though I assume you've tried several Giros in your search.

Honestly I think the one in your picture seems to fit fine. I understand the "dorky helmet look" feeling though. I don't think anyone thinks they look particularly good in a helmet.

I will say I did notice a difference in fit and perceived appearance when I went to the $100-150 range from the $30-45 range. I think it has something to do with them being more individually sized, with more ventilation/styling (particularly in the front and back), more shape of their own (rather than just a circular mellon), and less exposed foam.

If you haven't looked at the higher end helmets it might be a good idea to look at them even if they are out of your budget (then, if you find one, keep an eye out for 40-50% off sales which pop up from time to time, especially online).

You may also want to look at mountain bike specific helmets, a relatively new design range, they tend to cover lower on the back of your head and have a different overall shape profile.

Three harder to find brands that I can think of you should see if you can't find are: Specialized, Lazer, and Rudy Project though I've only tried a Specialized myself (and immediately purchased it...).

[ny biker]

I agree, I don't think anyone looks all that good in a helmet. Even when you get into the break and win a stage of the Tour of Catalonia like Jens here did today:

http://velonews.competitor.com/wp-co.../lis2268_2.jpg

The important thing is that he embraces the look and celebrates as he crosses the line.

But good fit is important. I've always been able to find a Giro that feels good on my head (although not all Giros fit me well), so I unfortunately I don't have any advice for that, except to keep trying.

[jdubble]

I just got a Specialized Echelon helmet and love it. Had a Giro Skyla before and always had to adjust it, the straps, the dial on the back, pull it down on my forehead 'cos it'd ride back.

The Specialized fits like a glove, fits nice and low on my forehead, stays put, and looks pretty darn cool, for a helmet. It's got more of a slope to it in appearance, and would maybe look less round or dome-shaped? Lots of vents for keeping cool in the summer too



And at $60, it didn't totally break the bank. I was looking at a $100 helmet (the Propero) when I found the Echelon and liked the way it fit and looked better.

[OakLeaf]

I can't see the problem visually either.

When the helmet is long enough that it doesn't give you a headache from pressure on the forehead, do you have gaps on the sides? That's kind of what it sounds like you're describing?

What brands have you tried on so far?

[KnottedYet]

I assumed you were talking about the way the helmet looks a bit like a yamulka, like it doesn't come down far enough on the sides and back. (the gap between your ears and the helmet) That's why I thought of the Nutcase, because they are deeper top-to-bottom and might cover more of your skull.

If you are talking about oblong front-to-back problem, like you have an aerodynamic skull; I've had good luck with Bell Citi and most Bell helmets. Giros are far too round for me, crushing my forehead while leaving wide gaps on the sides.