Looking at Helmets (non-aero, just reg. road)
126
Member
263 days
jbird2131 posted 15 weeks ago.
i wear a bell sweep r. its not super cheap, i think $120 or so. but it is light and very comfy. this is one piece of tri equipment where i wouldn't be frugal. i wanted a helmet that i would enjoy wearing and this was the best fitting for my head. i would continue to shop around until you find a new helmet that fits you well. good luck with your shopping!
548
Member
214 days
ChunkyB posted 15 weeks ago.
Shop around a lot and find one that fits well, and then look online. You can usually find really good deals on helmets online. I just bought one from Nashbar during their sale, and kind of got lucky because it fits like a dream. It was the Bell Alchera. It looks like it's still on sale. I know it's on the cheaper side, but it's really comfortable, and I like it so far. The vents are kind of big, which doesn't really worry me with aerodynamics, but I might have to put some sunscreen on the top of my head on sunny days.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
2268
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1132 days
Triguy98 posted 15 weeks ago.
If you like yours and they havent changed it (my money says they probably have) get another one. The $50 is just weight and ventilation.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
436
Member
684 days
tsilcyc posted 15 weeks ago.
I think they will all protect your head so it's just a matter of choice. The higher end helmets have more vents, are lighter weight and have various cinching mechanisms other than just foam sticky pads. If you like your existing helmet, get it again. But try some of the newer helmets to see if you like one of those better.
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548
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214 days
ChunkyB posted 15 weeks ago.
They will definitely all protect your head. In fact, the cheaper ones might protect your head better because they're not trying to push the envelope on weight/size/shape/etc. I've seen tons of recalls on really expensive, but I've never heard of one for the $30 variety.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
210
Member
262 days
Leroy Bonkers posted 15 weeks ago.
I agree about not being frugal on this one. Find the one that fits like a dream and buy it. If it's $30 then bonus. If not... well its going to see a lot of use so comfort is king.
Other things where quality/fit always trump price:
--cycling shorts/bibs
--running shoes
--beer
339
Member
148 days
TriSooner posted 15 weeks ago.
From what I have read, ALL Snell/ANSI-approved helmets offer the same level of protection (ie, a $50 Snell/ASNI offers the same level of protection as a $200 Snell/ANSI). But as others have noted, the difference in price is attributed to 1) weight and 2) ventilation and 3) fit. Find you that fits you well, has adequate ventilation, and look for it on ebay. Then plan on buying another one in a couple of years or so. Helmets do wear out (from salt corrosion, UV-rays, being dropped, etc.).
Ironman Germany, July 6, 2008
453
Member
337 days
theShiba posted 15 weeks ago.
I have the Bell Furio
It's not the fanciest or most stylish of helmets, but I find it very comfortable, and it has just the right amount of ventilation for me. It keeps me cool on hot days, but I don't feel like my head is an iceberg on colder days.
"Every journey has a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware." —Martin Buber
36
Member
150 days
McTri posted 15 weeks ago.
I have the Rudy Project Kontact. I like it. very adjustable and fits my head well. they can be had on Ebay for 80-100 bones.
149
Member
1226 days
Airborne posted 15 weeks ago.
It's all been said already, but I just wanted to agree with the points made above:
1. Helmets generally all offer the same degree of protection.
2. Fit is the most important feature -- find a helmet that fits you.
3. More expensive helmets generally only offer a lower weight.
If you want to splurge on the light helmet, just get the top-of-the-line in the same brand as the lower-end helmet that you already know to fit you. FWIW, I ride in the Bell Sweep R, which I find to be lightweight, comfortable, and sexy as hell. Best of luck.
I have a crap helmet from Performance. I mean, it's okay, and it's lasted me about 4 years, but it's starting to fall apart. I went in to the bike shop today and looked at the Bell and Giro helmets they had, and I didn't really like them that much. They were less comfortable than mine and felt like they swallowed my head.
Is there any legitimate reason I should get a high end helmet versus another cheapo one like I have now? I'm tempted to order another just like mine for $40 rather than spend $100+. Or just try to fix mine.
Does anyone have any opinions on the Bells and Giros? What do you have and do you like it?