Which helmet do you use?

[ASammy1]

I am in the market for a new helmet and was wondering which one you like. It's been a few years for me. I currently have a Bell (dont remember the model name).

Which helmet do you use and why do you like/dislike it?

TIA!

[7rider]

Every head is different.
Some folks say they have a "Giro head" and those fit best for them.
Others have a "Bell head" and like them.

It is best to try them on and see which one fits you best (and appeals to your sense of style!).

That said...I have a Bell something-or-other. I had a Giro Pneumo but it broke (non-accident) and I didn't like it anyway, cuz it cut into my forehead and left me with a big ugly bump all the time. The Bell makes me look like a big mushroom head, but it's very comfortable.

[papaver]

kask. Extremely comfortable.

http://www.kask.it/modules_cms/HomePage.php

[GLC1968]

Yep, I'm a Bell head. They are not attractive, but they are generally the most comfy for me. I have an Alechera and just got a Metro for 'commuting'.

I also have a Giant helmet that I do wear when it is extremely hot out (extra good venting and it's white), but it's not as comfy as my Bell.

My husband fits better in his Giant than a Bell - so head shape really plays a big role.

[pinkbikes]

Yes - it's all in the head shape! I have a smallish head and find most adult helmets way too big and a sloppy fit. I have a Bell for my night helmet (brackets for lights on it) and a Giro Skyla for my day helmet, both of which are adolescent sizing.

[Grog]

I had a fantastic Bell Sweep R. Loved it. But it got a lot of abuse so I replaced with a Bell Furio (less expensive). Nice but not quite as nice as my Sweep R, so I ordered a new Sweep R from a shop. I just picked up the helmet and paid for it, I was so convinced it would be like my previous one.

Well, not so much. I don't think my head has gotten bigger, but the helmet doesn't feel the same at all. A bit tight even. And I can't adjust it to fit better, it's already at the max setting.

I'm quite sad now, and annoyed, as I'll most likely cave in and buy a new helmet by the summer.

[Triskeliongirl]

I always thought I had a Giro head, but they discontinued my size, s/m. The S is too small and M is too big. So, I recently got the lazer genesis (size XS/M) and it fits great. It has this really nice adjustable system that you dial in from the top to a really snug comfortable fit on many different heads, and its very pony tail friendly (sits above the ponytail so you don't have to stick it through anything). I like that its easy to adjust with different layers underneath. I am really happy with mine, and got it on sale last year.

[tulip]

I have no idea what size or shape my head is. Get the helmet that fits you the best and has features that you value (lots of vents/few vents, adjustable in back, ponytail space, etc.) Try on a bunch and go with the one that's best for you. That one for me is Bell Ghisallo, but that's just me.

[albe]

I wear a specialized helmet, its really light and I love it. I never get neck pain or anything from wearing it to long. I'd definately buy the same helmet again if I needed a new one!

Hope this helps!

[ttaylor508]

Second the Specialized. Both DH and I have the Specialized M1. Giro does not fit my head at all, it puts a pressure point on my forehead. As everyone else has mentioned, you just need to try them on and see which fits best for your head. Good luck

[ny biker]

I've been wearing Giro Pneumos for years. They fit me well. I tried the Giro Atmos last year and it didn't feel right, so I got another Pnemo instead.

For me, it's worth the extra money to get one that has lots of vents.

[kfergos]

The Bell makes me look like a big mushroom head, but it's very comfortable.

For some reason this makes me laugh.

I don't even remember what kind of helmet I have -- a Bell, I think. It works and it does make me look mushroom head-y too. Good thing cycling isn't about looking stylish... *dodges thrown rotten veggies*

Oh - on another note, how do you decide when to get a new helmet? Just wait until it breaks or you crash?

[ASammy1]

Oh - on another note, how do you decide when to get a new helmet? Just wait until it breaks or you crash?

I've heard anywhere from 3-5 years or after a crash. I guess in the 3-5 year range the protective foam can start to break down.

[ny biker]

Oh - on another note, how do you decide when to get a new helmet? Just wait until it breaks or you crash?

Good question. A couple of years ago, I thought that you were supposed to replace a helmet after a certain number of years even if you had not crashed in it. So I went out and bought 2 new ones. Then I read somewhere that the old ones were still good because they had not experienced any impact. So now I have 4 of them. I generally only wear the newer ones, though.

Anyway, here are the recommendations from Snell and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Snell says every 5 years, BHSI does not.

http://www.bhsi.org/replace.htm

http://www.smf.org/faqs.html#10

[sundial]

I wear Specialized Propero helmets--easy to take the straps off to clean and the helmet instantly ratchets to fit the head.