kalash74

I need a bike helmet. I've been riding around without one, and it's a risk everyday. Anyway, I'm having trouble wading through all the choices. I want something that is relatively lightweight and has plenty of airflow for hot days (that seems to rule out "skate" type helmets), yet also doesn't look like I'm entering the Tour de France. Something that complements my work clothes and vintage vibe that my bike exudes would be nice. Think classy, like a Brooks saddle. But I also don't want to spend a fortune and am not trying to look pretentious. I just need something that looks right, fits well, and is comfortable.

Thoughts?

fietsbob

'Leather Hair Nets' they're a 50's 60s thing..


there was a company making tweed helmet covers, too.


2 helmets a year?, Bike/Ski with ear flaps in the winter and ventilated in the summer..

One of my friends got a watermelon graphic Nut Case helmet for riding his recumbent around Viet Nam,

Its not Singapore but its pretty warm there..






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noglider 

Hi again, @kalash74!

I think the best way to shop for a helmet is still to visit the local bike shop. When you try them on, you'll know which one is right for you. Waterfront Bicycle Shop on West St in NYC has nice urban styles. The shop is a couple of blocks from the Christopher St PATH station, so it's easy for you to get to.

If you want style, I can't remember the brand name, but there is a company that makes helmets that masquerade as hats and equestrian helmets etc.

How is that red bike working out for you?

kayakindude

I switched to this helmet about two weeks ago. It is very light weight, can be adjusted at 4 points (really like the quick release points on the sides), comfortable with a pad on the chin strap, and a cool design that is conservative but has plenty of breathing points.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

fietsbob

yea, Like Shoes, trying them on helps .. I Found Bell is for rounder heads Gyro a bit more oval,

But Both are now owned by Bell Sports Corp. , people say the difference continues.


Yea Jockeys all have to wear helmets..
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MRT2

Helmets, like shoes, shorts and saddles, are personal. You don't say what you price range is. Before I went nuts with gear, the Bell Solar was my go to inexpensive helmet. Real world prices of around $25 or $30. Buy a basic color like black, white or grey and you won't stand out much.

If you really want a Brooks helmet to match your Brooks saddle, they are available, retail for about $200.

Personally, I wouldn't pay that much for a helmet, but that is me.

canklecat

Brooks Carrera folding/collapsible helmets look good. A local fellow I see on group rides has one. Good looking helmet, looks like it's made from wood.

rhm

I've been wearing bike helmets since 1978 and I have yet to see one that looks good. Whatever. That's not what they're for.

Darth Lefty 

Agreed. I often wear a Nutcase helmet but that's just willful silliness, I don't do it for the dignity of not looking like Lance Armstrong.

The sport motorcycle guys have it figured out, though. I've got an Arai pro replica helmet with a baby Jedi chomping a cigar on the back of my head... that's pretty sweet.

JanMM

Vintage/classic helmet: Late '70s Bell Biker.

FBinNY 

Hmmmmm.

.....lightweight, practical, and looks good......

Is this one of those pick two of three deals?

FrontRanger

The new Nutcase Tracer is well vented and looks relatively inconspicuous. I'm also a fan of ABUS' Urban-I 2.0. As others have said, good fit is paramount, so try before you buy.

Chuck Naill

I retired a Pro-Tec helmet after 5 years and went with a Lazer Blade, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1H249B...ter_B06XQ68XTK


The fitting system allows the helmet to perfectly fit your head. The helmet is very light. The orange color can be seen well. I also like that there is no overhang on the front which allow me not to have to look up to see. I bought the helmet at my LBS for less than $100.

chris@propel

Check out the Giro Sutton. This has been pretty popular for us. It's lightweight and it has an urban style. It can be a little hot in the summer though since there isn't too much ventilation.

BikeLite

My helmet from the 80s was raw foam covered by those stretch nets..lol.

phughes

I switched to the Bern Alston a couple of years ago. I was commuting in Southern Missouri with temps in the high 90's and low 100's with high humidity. I was skeptical, but I felt the airflow over my head better than my old Bell Sweep that it replaced. The liner is easily removable and can be washed in the washing machine. I love the helmet.
https://www.amazon.com/2017-Allston-...s=bern+allston

noglider 

Heh, you and I were the first two people to wear them. I also got mine in 1978. I got laughed at quite a bit, but I didn't mind. And of course, it was the Bell Biker. I think it weighed 17 oz! It was very hot.

In 1982, I was wearing that helmet when I got hit by a car, head-on. It was severe enough that I don't remember the accident at all and woke up in the hospital. The bike and helmet were destroyed, though the helmet didn't look so bad. It's impossible to know how much it lessened my head injury, but I think it helped. Sometimes I wonder how I would have done with one of today's helmets.

Nowadays, bike helmets are acceptable attire. Citi Bike is quite popular in NYC, and it's common to see people wearing bike helmets while not on a bike. They are either coming from a ride or going to one. At first, this brought stares, but it doesn't any more.

Darth Lefty 

I remember my Dad had that Bell Biker. When our parents decided we needed helmets, we also had the foam-and-fabric kind.

globie

I recently got a Bell Stoker MIPS helmet after a long search and two returned online purchases. I like it a lot.
It's lightweight, well ventilated and not racy. The part I like best is the visor, which is long enough to be functional, keeping the rain and morning and evening sun out of my eyes.
It fits my XL, oval-shaped head, while other helmets were too round to fit right.
Mine is matte black, which is so inconspicuous I added a patch of reflective tape to the back of it. I also mounted a light on the front.

HardyWeinberg

A coworker has one of these Bike helmet - Webshop - YAKKAY

HardyWeinberg

I got a MIPS helmet for my 15 yr old, boy, could he destroy that inner cage in a hurry. Still works as a lid that can be strapped to his head at least.

linberl

While I love the look of the Nutcase helmets, I think they are heavy as I get neck pain eventually when I wear mine. I bought a Bern helmet, and I can wear that one without any discomfort for very long distances. It seems to weigh less. It also fits closer to the head on the sides, so the straps are not gapped an inch or more away from the head; I prefer that as it keeps the helmet from sliding at all. Best helmet is one you will wear. Second best is one with good ventilation, coverage, and weight.

alan s 

alan s 

vol

Should make the ears and hair 3-dimensional.