Helmets & Cost

**SouthernBelle** · 08-31-2006, 04:11 AM

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** · 08-31-2006, 04:24 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 08-31-2006, 06:36 AM

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** · 08-31-2006, 07:13 AM

Mimitabby,

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

**bcipam** · 08-31-2006, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by DeniseGoldberg

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** · 08-31-2006, 07:28 AM

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** · 08-31-2006, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by 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?'

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** · 08-31-2006, 08:56 AM

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** · 08-31-2006, 10:44 AM

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** · 08-31-2006, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Bad JuJu

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** · 08-31-2006, 10:56 AM

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

**Nanci** · 08-31-2006, 04:46 PM

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

**Fredwina** · 08-31-2006, 07:57 PM

I found a lime green helmet . Bad news: George Jetson and Captain Kirk want their helmets back:

http://www.trialtir-usa.com/2006-las...quigas-mp.html

**Bad JuJu** · 09-01-2006, 03:38 AM

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....

**Fredwina** · 09-01-2006, 08:41 AM

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

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