Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Advocacy & Safety
Reload this Page >

The Helmet Thread 2

Notices
Advocacy & Safety Cyclists should expect and demand safe accommodation on every public road, just as do all other users. Discuss your bicycle advocacy and safety concerns here.
View Poll Results: What Are Your Helmet Wearing Habits?
I've never worn a bike helmet
52
10.40%
I used to wear a helmet, but have stopped
24
4.80%
I've always worn a helmet
208
41.60%
I didn't wear a helmet, but now do
126
25.20%
I sometimes wear a helmet depending on the conditions
90
18.00%
Voters: 500. You may not vote on this poll

The Helmet Thread 2

Old 04-30-21, 03:50 PM
  #3276  
BFisher
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,336
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 767 Post(s)
Liked 1,897 Times in 889 Posts
Can't say I have a favorite, but the one I currently use is a Kask Rapido. Not only does it fit well on my big head, but it's Italian and red, so it's faster than your helmet.
BFisher is offline  
Old 05-05-21, 05:19 PM
  #3277  
jszollo
Junior Member
 
jszollo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Wyandotte
Posts: 11

Bikes: Marin, Specialized, Cannondale

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Helmets

Anyone ride with Lazer helmets?? Seeing a bunch around.
jszollo is offline  
Old 05-05-21, 05:23 PM
  #3278  
Iride01 
I'm good to go!
 
Iride01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,810

Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020

Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6100 Post(s)
Liked 4,732 Times in 3,262 Posts
There are a lot of good helmets out there that I haven't worn or ridden with. I'd consider Lazer a contender if I was in the market for another helmet.
Iride01 is offline  
Old 05-05-21, 05:26 PM
  #3279  
Ghazmh
Senior Member
 
Ghazmh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The banks of the River Charles
Posts: 2,020

Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease, 2020 Seven Evergreen, 2019 Honey Allroads Ti, 2018 Seven Redsky XX, 2017 Trek Boon 7, 2014 Trek 520

Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 693 Post(s)
Liked 903 Times in 486 Posts
I have a Lazer G1 MIPS. I like it.
Ghazmh is offline  
Old 05-05-21, 05:32 PM
  #3280  
Rolla
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times in 1,439 Posts
We sell Lazer at the shop where I occasionally work. They're good, and I have friends who use them. Virtually every lid sold at a shop is going to be CPSC/ASTM certified these days, so you can pretty much base your choice on fit and style. I think the MIPS technology is worth getting on whatever brand you end up choosing.
Rolla is offline  
Old 05-05-21, 05:34 PM
  #3281  
Rolla
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times in 1,439 Posts
Originally Posted by UCantTouchThis
I'm finding that aero look very fugly for my taste. Give me a Giro Aeon or something similar.
Clearly a matter of taste. I think the Lazer Century is less "aero" looking than that Giro. Less pointy, anyway.


Rolla is offline  
Likes For Rolla:
Old 05-05-21, 05:36 PM
  #3282  
Eric F 
Habitual User
 
Eric F's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,792

Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4833 Post(s)
Liked 7,825 Times in 3,706 Posts
I'm leaning hard towards buying a Lazer Sphere MIPS right now.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Eric F is offline  
Likes For Eric F:
Old 05-05-21, 05:51 PM
  #3283  
indyfabz
Senior Member
 
indyfabz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,056
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18320 Post(s)
Liked 15,289 Times in 7,228 Posts
How often should you replace a helmet? I hear every three to five years.
indyfabz is offline  
Old 05-05-21, 06:33 PM
  #3284  
taylorgeo
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 167
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 115 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 20 Posts
I found this to be a good resource:
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicyc...t-ratings.html
taylorgeo is offline  
Likes For taylorgeo:
Old 05-05-21, 07:04 PM
  #3285  
surak
Senior Member
 
surak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,949

Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem

Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 871 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times in 436 Posts
Lazer is a Shimano brand, like Pro, so they're pretty legit. I had one Lazer helmet that was for a time at the top of the VTech chart, crashed and hit my head on the dirt MTBing the first day I wore it. No concussion or other serious head injury. Would buy again if I could, but that specific model was already discontinued.
surak is offline  
Likes For surak:
Old 05-05-21, 08:09 PM
  #3286  
mstateglfr 
Sunshine
 
mstateglfr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,538

Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo

Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10902 Post(s)
Liked 7,390 Times in 4,148 Posts
Originally Posted by UCantTouchThis
I'm finding that aero look very fugly for my taste. Give me a Giro Aeon or something similar.



I don't know why many mid-higher priced helmets took design cues from anime for a 10 year period.
mstateglfr is offline  
Old 05-06-21, 01:52 AM
  #3287  
fabiofarelli
Senior Member
 
fabiofarelli's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 671

Bikes: Especialy Alan, but also Empella, Cascarsi, Gazelle, Bianchi, CJV, Sirocco, Berkers etcetera

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 188 Post(s)
Liked 996 Times in 355 Posts
Originally Posted by fabiofarelli
Above is my favorite. This is the one for common use. What means ridin' on a racing bike or a mtb. On a 'normal' bike I don't wear a helmet.

fabiofarelli is offline  
Old 05-24-21, 09:43 PM
  #3288  
nexttimeiwill
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2021
Location: So Cal
Posts: 20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Liked 6 Times in 3 Posts
I have a MET Rivale MIPS. Love it!
nexttimeiwill is offline  
Old 06-06-21, 04:51 AM
  #3289  
bikehoco
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Virginia
Posts: 218
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 180 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times in 53 Posts
Helmet Questions

How do you know when your helmet needs to be replaced?

How long are they effective / safe (assuming no accidents)?

What’s the difference between a $40, $80, and $200 helmet?

Would you ever buy a “gently” used helmet?

Any recommendations on where to buy a helmet?

Last edited by bikehoco; 06-06-21 at 04:55 AM.
bikehoco is offline  
Old 06-06-21, 06:54 AM
  #3290  
wolfchild
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721

Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes

Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times in 1,286 Posts
Originally Posted by bikehoco
How do you know when your helmet needs to be replaced?

Helmets only need to be replaced if they have been in a crash

How long are they effective / safe (assuming no accidents)?

Almost forever, there is no expiry date on helmets.

What’s the difference between a $40, $80, and $200 helmet?

No difference at all. Cheaper helmets offer the same amount of protection as expensive helmets. Expensive helmets are just a fashion statement


Would you ever buy a “gently” used helmet?

No I would never buy a used helmet because there is no way of knowing what the previous owner did with it.

Any recommendations on where to buy a helmet?

Bike shop or any sporting goods store which sells cycling gear.
wolfchild is offline  
Likes For wolfchild:
Old 06-06-21, 07:19 AM
  #3291  
Speedway2
Senior Member
 
Speedway2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Thornhill, Canada
Posts: 747

Bikes: United Motocross BMX, Specialized Langster, Giant OCR, Marin Muirwoods, Globe Roll2, VROD:)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 236 Post(s)
Liked 400 Times in 242 Posts
I've had the same helmet for 10+ yrs. Never been dropped/abused. Only the "sweat pads" have been replaced.
Personally, I wouldn't buy a helmet without trying it on first unless you're buying the exact same one to replace an existing.....
Speedway2 is offline  
Old 06-06-21, 07:20 AM
  #3292  
shelbyfv
Expired Member
 
shelbyfv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,458
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3637 Post(s)
Liked 5,314 Times in 2,700 Posts
A more expensive helmet may be lighter and cooler, depending on design. No need to overthink, just get one that fits and looks good to you. Don't buy a used helmet, explanation above.
shelbyfv is online now  
Likes For shelbyfv:
Old 06-06-21, 07:48 AM
  #3293  
freeranger
Senior Member
 
freeranger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,579

Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 421 Post(s)
Liked 689 Times in 430 Posts
As with everything, there has been new technology developed. Remember when football players wore what was more of a leather head covering, than a helmet? How long a helmet will last depends on many factors, such as: was it left in a hot vehicle, garage, shed,etc. for long lengths of time--was it exposed to direct sunlight for a long period, involved in a crash? Styrofoam is not bulletproof, but will last for a while under good circumstances, but can deteriorate. So far as technology--it has advanced, whether or not you feel the need for the "best" protection is a judgement call to be made by you, but new tech is out there: MIPS Helmet Technology: What It Is and Why You Need It | Blog - Bicycle Roots Bike Shop as well as Bontrager Specter WaveCel helmet review | Cyclingnews. I would not buy a used helmet. And I would not buy a helmet from one of the "less than revered" overseas sites. Not saying what is "correct" or best for you, just hoping to provide some insight so you may make an informed decision.
freeranger is offline  
Likes For freeranger:
Old 06-06-21, 07:52 AM
  #3294  
Milton Keynes
Senior Member
 
Milton Keynes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,947

Bikes: Trek 1100 road bike, Roadmaster gravel/commuter/beater mountain bike

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2281 Post(s)
Liked 1,710 Times in 936 Posts
Originally Posted by bikehoco
Would you ever buy a “gently” used helmet?
I would never buy a used helmet no matter how "gently" it was used. Especially since new ones are not that expensive.
Milton Keynes is offline  
Likes For Milton Keynes:
Old 06-06-21, 07:57 AM
  #3295  
Sy Reene
Advocatus Diaboli
 
Sy Reene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,611

Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4717 Post(s)
Liked 1,526 Times in 997 Posts
As for lots of things, you can probably get a decent cheap helmet (Schwinn intercept). LIkewise you can spend over $100 and get a not-so-good helmet (eg Kask Valegro). This from a safety standpoint taken from below ratings. Fit is probably most important, as not all helmets fit all shapes of heads the same.

As good a place as any to get an idea of what's out there: https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
Sy Reene is offline  
Old 06-06-21, 06:56 PM
  #3296  
veganbikes
Clark W. Griswold
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,278

Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4252 Post(s)
Liked 3,866 Times in 2,579 Posts
How do you know when your helmet needs to be replaced?
After a crash or when you drop it or if it has been 3-5 years or have some other issues with it.

How long are they effective / safe (assuming no accidents)?
You should replace every 3-5 years or so.

What’s the difference between a $40, $80, and $200 helmet?
Usually better ventilation and shaping and potentially a company that uses better R+D and testing. You might also get other features like MIPS or SPIN or integrated lights or rain cover. A nicer helmet is well worth it and a CSPC or SNELL rating just means it passed the bare minimum of testing and in some cases that is it and their designs are more based on old 90s designs just without the actual R+D behind it.

Would you ever buy a “gently” used helmet?
No I would not buy a used safety device like that with unknown origins. Most people wouldn't remember if they dropped the helmet or how old it is and may not reveal they crashed in it and you may not be able to tell right off the bat.

Any recommendations on where to buy a helmet?
Your local bike shop so you can actually try it on and make sure it fits and is the right helmet.

Keep in mind a helmet is designed to protect your head and inside of that head is your brain and without a brain, no more living. Get a decent helmet and enjoy it. My Lazer Z1 helmet was expensive but it is light and comfortable on the head and really has made wearing a helmet pleasurable.
veganbikes is offline  
Old 06-06-21, 08:00 PM
  #3297  
Bill in VA
Senior Member
 
Bill in VA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 727

Bikes: Current: 2016 Bianchi Volpe; 1973 Peugeot UO-8. Past: 1974 Fuji S-10-S with custom black Imron paint by Stinsman Racing of PA.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 215 Post(s)
Liked 204 Times in 142 Posts
Originally Posted by shelbyfv
A more expensive helmet may be lighter and cooler, depending on design. No need to overthink, just get one that fits and looks good to you. Don't buy a used helmet, explanation above.
Originally Posted by freeranger
As with everything, there has been new technology developed. Remember when football players wore what was more of a leather head covering, than a helmet? How long a helmet will last depends on many factors, such as: was it left in a hot vehicle, garage, shed,etc. for long lengths of time--was it exposed to direct sunlight for a long period, involved in a crash? Styrofoam is not bulletproof, but will last for a while under good circumstances, but can deteriorate. So far as technology--it has advanced, whether or not you feel the need for the "best" protection is a judgement call to be made by you, but new tech is out there: MIPS Helmet Technology: What It Is and Why You Need It | Blog - Bicycle Roots Bike Shop as well as Bontrager Specter WaveCel helmet review | Cyclingnews. I would not buy a used helmet. And I would not buy a helmet from one of the "less than revered" overseas sites. Not saying what is "correct" or best for you, just hoping to provide some insight so you may make an informed decision.
I had an older Bell helmet that was universal-sized with a wheel adjustment to tighten it. I liked it, but was looking for something a bit more sized AND being lighter in weight was a plus. I also wanted a smoother helmet without the aero points on the rear that made the helmet longer when packed in my gear bag. Even tightened down, the old Bell could move enough if it was real hot to affect how my glasses fit (and stayed put) on my head and nose. In cold it was fine. Additionally having the capability to mount a rear light was a real big plus, as my setup on the Bell was not optimal, but not a 'requirement'.

I found the multi-sized Bontrager Specter Wavecel fit really nice and did not move, and also had a wheel adjustment. However, it would not allow a helmet light, and due to the way the Wavecel material covered all the vents, I would have had to cut some of the Wavecel to fit a strap-on light. I did not want to alter the construction at all. I then tried the Bontrager Starvos Wavecel and it did not have the Wavecel material covering the 2 rear vents, and the Bontrager light strap fit very securely. It also has high marks in testing. It too fit exactly the same as the Specter, but had a clip latch instead of the magnetic latch of the Specter. Additionally, both Bontragers fit lower on the back of the head and were a bit lighter. SOLD!

One plus what the shop I bought it in had a fan setup nearby that you could stand in front of to feel the airflow. That made it easy to rule out the "commuter" type helmet I was considering. The summer heat and humidity would be too much. The ease of trying many helmets and sizes at the LBS is always my choice, but then I do not mail order shoes or jerseys.

Look up the Virginia tests and look at the prices of the top 20. You do not need to go mega dollars for top tier protection.
Bill in VA is offline  
Likes For Bill in VA:
Old 06-06-21, 08:04 PM
  #3298  
Rolla
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times in 1,439 Posts
The miracle of Google:

https://off.road.cc/content/feature/...le-helmet-1280
Rolla is offline  
Old 06-06-21, 11:43 PM
  #3299  
terrymorse 
climber has-been
 
terrymorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,006

Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3338 Post(s)
Liked 3,436 Times in 1,737 Posts
Originally Posted by veganbikes
How long are they effective / safe (assuming no accidents)?
You should replace every 3-5 years or so.
Why? Does a helmet become unsafe after 3-5 years?
__________________
Ride, Rest, Repeat. ROUVY: terrymorse


terrymorse is offline  
Old 06-07-21, 06:05 AM
  #3300  
PeteHski
Senior Member
 
PeteHski's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,174
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4273 Post(s)
Liked 4,710 Times in 2,910 Posts
Originally Posted by bikehoco
How do you know when your helmet needs to be replaced?

How long are they effective / safe (assuming no accidents)?

What’s the difference between a $40, $80, and $200 helmet?

Would you ever buy a “gently” used helmet?

Any recommendations on where to buy a helmet?
It's hard to tell when your helmet needs to be replaced (unless crashed). But most manufacturers recommend replacement approx every 5-6 years because of UV degradation, but it's a bit controversial and obviously depends how much direct sunlight you expose it to over those years. A better way to look at it is that technology improves over time and newer helmets are becoming both safer and lighter. So if your current helmet is 10+ years old, there are likely to be much better helmets available today.

All helmets have to meet a MINIMUM safety standard, but some helmets considerably exceed the minimum standards. They are certainly not all the same! Protection level is not necessarily in order of price, but more expensive helmets tend to be both lighter, safer, more breathable and more aero if that matters.

I would never buy a used helmet.

I bought my last helmet online, but it's important to get the right size and try it on. Ideally a trip to your local bike shop is the best starting point.

Some good info on this website:-

https://helmets.org/bikehelmetratings.htm
PeteHski is offline  
Likes For PeteHski:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.