I'm new...please be gentle

[beccaB]

For those of you with more experience than I (ie. everyone ), I have two newbie questions.

1. Is there any difference in a $15 bike helmet from Target and a $50 helmet from a LBS?

2. With road tires, (my bike has Bontrager) will riding 50 feet over gravel/grass damage them? I have to cut through to avoid a narrow busy street and get to the park/bike route.

Thanks!

I can answer #1-if you're buying a helmet for the first time, it would be better to have the bike store fit you. There are certain ways a helmet should fit in order to protect you. After you've done that and need to replace it in a few years, you might be able to find one online or at a department store for less $$, but you should definately have it fit right from the start.

[zoom-zoom]

I can answer #1-if you're buying a helmet for the first time, it would be better to have the bike store fit you. There are certain ways a helmet should fit in order to protect you. After you've done that and need to replace it in a few years, you might be able to find one online or at a department store for less $$, but you should definately have it fit right from the start.

That's what my hubby would say, and he's right.

Years ago I had a cheapy Nashbar brand helmet...it was OK, but not a great fit. It was hard to adjust. Now I have a Bell helmet that is female specific and I like it a lot more. I have a small noggin, so it's good to spend a bit more for a helmet that comes in a smaller size. I think the Target helmets are probably gender-neutral and would fit a larger (male) head better.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on letting a LBS fit your first helmet.

Also, different helmet brands are different shapes, and you may find that some fit you better than others. Going to a shop that has a wide selection is your best bet.

Now, as far as the difference between a $40 LBS helmet and a $200 one... IME it's about a 20% difference in comfort. I'm not going to spend that much money again.

On your tires, as long as you keep them properly inflated, then gravel shouldn't damage them. The only potential problem is that a lot of areas like that are full of broken glass, roofing nails, fasteners that fell off cars, etc., and grass can make that stuff hard to see. You might want to check it out on foot first and make sure it's reasonably clean.