Helmets...Help me decide, Please!

[texascyclist]

I'm in search of the perfect helmet, does it actually exist???? I have tried on several from the Giro Pneumo, Atmos, Monza, the Bell Sweep R and so on and so on. Now I'm just totally confused. You know your mind is on helmet overload when you go to bed and actually dream about them. I would love anyone's input as far as which is better and why.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I like a bright colored helmet like bright yellow so I am more visible in traffic.

[TsPoet]

The Bells and the Giros are too round for me - the Louis Garneou (sp?) Fit me really well and are so comfortable they are worth the extra $ (but try to get one on sale!).
Try on different brands, they really are shaped differently.

[bikerchic]

buy the one you'll wear! Try on several and get the one that is most comfortable for you. If you are riding on the road I suggest a bright easy to be seen color and be sure to wear it snugly as per the instructions that come with it. There probably aren't any "perfect" helmets after all there probably aren't any "perfect" heads! LOL

Something to remember with any helmet if you fallen and hit your head your helmet even though it won't look damaged the protective structure of it has been compromised. Send it back to the company for a replacement, they will usually replace it for around $20, you pay shipping. I keep the original box just for this purpose and a back up helmet so I don't miss any riding time.

I've done this twice once Specialized and once with Giro. My experience with Giro was a very good one and I love their helmets for me the fit is a good one and the colors great.

[missymaya]

I didnt know that the company would replace your helmet for $20 + shipping ! Great suggestion bikerchic

[bikerchic]

in the information that comes with your helmet. You may have to call the 800number and make sure with the company but as far as I know to this day most all companies will do it, for a fee and it's cheaper than the new price of a helmet.

It's been maybe 5 years since I've done it so maybe things have changed. Won't hurt to give it a try if you ever need to.

[Batbike]

I wear Giro -- a few years ago I had a crash and needed a new helmet. Went to LBS and they immediately gave me a new helmet at $30 off when I returned the crashed helmet. They mailed the broken helmet back to Giro for me and gave me Giro's replacement warranty, so I go the discount and didn't need to mail anything myself. Not the $20 replacement talked about, but I still thought it was good and appreciated the return policy/discount.

[IFjane]

Interesting information about helmets:

http://www.bhsi.org/helmet07.htm

[KnottedYet]

Now i want a new helmet (a round one like the ones we had in the 1980's) without a stupid slip-stream pointy-bit that will snag on the pavement and snap my neck in a crash.

I like that little logo of "rounder, smoother, safer" with the helmet-wearing smiley face.

thanks for the link!

[PAP103]

Make sure the helmet is comfortable and fits you well. If its uncomfortable, you'll be less likely to wear it. I had to try on a gazillion helmets to find the one that fit most comfortable. I have a Giro something or other but I wear it faithfully every time I get on my bike!

Good luck!