Helmets - So much confusion

[AndreZA]

Just like a saddle, fit is the most important thing. Giro Atmos does not fit my head at all but other Giros fit better. Bell Sweep does not fit me but a Bell Dellirium felt like it was molded just for me.

[TiBones]

The old adage - helmets are like bikinis - the less there is of it, the more it costs!

[Harry Potter]

You buy what you like, I like Spesialized, yet Jens voight moered down in the TDF and had a bell helmet, I like the shape of the Spesialized helmets, mine cost me R1200, you will hear only good things from different hubbers using different helmets, My 2c. Buy what you like and feel comfortable with.

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Hmmm, I have often heard the adage that you should buy the most expensive helmet you can afford.

 

I think its c**p.

 

If you look at the helmet industry for M/cycles you will see there are differant models for differant riding, in other words buying a polycarbonate (affectionately known as a Tupperware lid) helmet and expecting it to protect you if you ride a superbike and fly off at 200kms per hour is ludicrous, it wont, its designed for people driving scooters, quads etc where the speed is much lower.

 

However because speeds on bicyles are much slower, the standards and certifications are pretty much the same across the board for skate boarding, cycling etc.

 

Once a helmet is certified by "TUV or DOT" for instance the impact resistance is set, the costs arise with making the helmet lighter, more ventilated, multicoloured, more sophisticated fastening systems and the international marketing budget.

 

As a base, look for a good certification, then look for all the nice extra's you want.

[Caerus]

There are other helmets from Specialised that look similar in shape to the SWorks, but cost a lot less. I use Bell as I find the sizing comfortable. My friend recently bought a Bell Slant which is light, has many vents and very affordable. It even has a peak so you don't look like a roadie....

 

I love that bit Thanks for the info

[SeaBee]

Agree with what has been said - bugger the advertising and go for fit. I love most things Specialized, yet their helmets don't fit me, Giro did not feel nice and even my old Delerium (contrary to above!) felt like church shoes when I tried on a Bell Sweep. Found my "slippers" and went for it.

[Caerus]

Thanks, for all the info - So fit is most important then, then ventilation, then cost. I wont complain going shoppingh at all.

 

I realise cost is a not a relevance to how good a helmet will actually protect your melon, but it does bring down the weight, and possibly will be better ventilated. So even if youve not had a crash a helmet should be good for how long then?

[covie]

Read an article the other day on the development of helmets. And the level of protection they wear, And ladies and gents the honest reality is that they only provide protection against bumps hard enough to cuase concussion. So they are simply designed to handle soft to medium intensity impact.

 

That said still always better to ride with one than without, some level of protection is better than no level of protection.

 

Do a R2000 helmet offer more protection than a R300 helmet, the answer is no it does not, effectivly most of the really expensive helmets offer less protection in the effort to save on weight the materials are'nt as tough as in the cheaper models.

 

So what would your deciding factors be? Well i can think of two.

 

1. Comfort

2. Vanity

 

the thing is going to be on your head for long periods so it better be comfortable, And then people are generally more concerned on how wicked the helmet looks than any other thing. I am vain to the tune of R800 and I feel no need to be more vain than that

 

Sweating and vents? come one your going to sweat your ass off regardless of helmet design, havent worn a helmet yet that made me sweat less than the previous one. I user one of those buffs (bandanna look alike things), and they work pretty well.

Absorbs all the sweat and then keeps your entire head cool, as you cycle.

 

 

One last thing is warrantee I heard bell had a 5 year crash replacement warrantee, thought it was bull, till i did a night rride with CWC some guy hit his noggin on a bit of tar, cracked his helmet and CWC has a bell replacement helmet for him the next day.

[chris_w_65]

I spend it all on cycling now(well its 4 weeks on Friday) So ive effectivly saved +- R800 , yeah so Im definatly saving. Even if im not actually saving it(if you know what i mean)

 

5 weeks for me and my girlfriend. We pre spent many months of saved money on bikes so can't start smoking again

[Caerus]

Read an article the other day on the development of helmets. And the level of protection they wear, And ladies and gents the honest reality is that they only provide protection against bumps hard enough to cuase concussion. So they are simply designed to handle soft to medium intensity impact.

 

That said still always better to ride with one than without, some level of protection is better than no level of protection.

 

Do a R2000 helmet offer more protection than a R300 helmet, the answer is no it does not, effectivly most of the really expensive helmets offer less protection in the effort to save on weight the materials are'nt as tough as in the cheaper models.

 

So what would your deciding factors be? Well i can think of two.

 

1. Comfort

2. Vanity

 

the thing is going to be on your head for long periods so it better be comfortable, And then people are generally more concerned on how wicked the helmet looks than any other thing. I am vain to the tune of R800 and I feel no need to be more vain than that

 

Sweating and vents? come one your going to sweat your ass off regardless of helmet design, havent worn a helmet yet that made me sweat less than the previous one. I user one of those buffs (bandanna look alike things), and they work pretty well.

Absorbs all the sweat and then keeps your entire head cool, as you cycle.

 

 

One last thing is warrantee I heard bell had a 5 year crash replacement warrantee, thought it was bull, till i did a night rride with CWC some guy hit his noggin on a bit of tar, cracked his helmet and CWC has a bell replacement helmet for him the next day.

 

I dont think its vanity - We all look like tjops with helmets anyway - When you ride for 3 or more hours in the middle o summer in Durban with the humidity trust me anything would help.

[Caerus]

I dont think its vanity - We all look like tjops with helmets anyway - When you ride for 3 or more hours in the middle o summer in Durban with the humidity trust me anything would help.

 

 

I also have one of those bandana thingys, maybe the sweating thing was the wrong thing to say, I take it back (scolding accepted)

[Minion]

One last thing is warrantee I heard bell had a 5 year crash replacement warrantee, thought it was bull, till i did a night rride with CWC some guy hit his noggin on a bit of tar, cracked his helmet and CWC has a bell replacement helmet for him the next day.

The Bell policy is only for three years. If you crash in that time, they will replace any locally bought helmet for 30% of the retail price.

 

More expensive helmets are not necessarily lighter. The R500 Bell Solar is 3g lighter than the R1700 Bell Sweep (but I don't know whether or not the Sweep's weight includes the visor).

[covie]

I think its pure vanity so I am going to disagree, there is no difference between a R600-800 helmet and a R2000+ helmet except the logo on it which nobody notices anyway.

 

The only reason you pay 2k for a spez is

 

Specialized Bicycle Components : S-WORKS MT/Road Helmets

The lightest helmet in the world to comply with CPSC standards (size medium = 225g), worn by Specialized Factory Racing Team athletes including Christoph ...

[chris_w_65]

What are MET like? Is it a good brand? I just bought a Kaos and a Mythos.

 

I ride with the Kaos, don't even feel it on my head.

[Caerus]

I think its pure vanity so I am going to disagree, there is no difference between a R600-800 helmet and a R2000+ helmet except the logo on it which nobody notices anyway.

 

The only reason you pay 2k for a spez is

 

Specialized Bicycle Components : S-WORKS MT/Road Helmets

The lightest helmet in the world to comply with CPSC standards (size medium = 225g), worn by Specialized Factory Racing Team athletes including Christoph ...

 

There are helmets that way 175g, now that I cant afford. Come up to Durban and ride, then you will know about heat & humidity is all about. Im happy to spend the least amount possible. Dont think its vanity, More personal choice(or is that vanity)

[Caerus]

What are MET like? Is it a good brand? I just bought a Kaos and a Mythos.

 

I ride with the Kaos, don't even feel it on my head.

 

 

Met are good helmets, all round(but with helemt protection its much of a muchness) - As the thread suggests it more about fit?