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
#3276
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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.
#3278
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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.
#3279
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I have a Lazer G1 MIPS. I like it.
#3280
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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.
#3281
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#3282
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I'm leaning hard towards buying a Lazer Sphere MIPS right now.
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"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
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#3283
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How often should you replace a helmet? I hear every three to five years.
#3284
Junior Member
I found this to be a good resource:
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicyc...t-ratings.html
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicyc...t-ratings.html
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#3285
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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.
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#3286
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#3289
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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?
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.
#3290
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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.
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.
#3291
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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.....
Personally, I wouldn't buy a helmet without trying it on first unless you're buying the exact same one to replace an existing.....
#3292
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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.
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#3293
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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.
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#3295
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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
As good a place as any to get an idea of what's out there: https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
#3296
Clark W. Griswold
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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.
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.
#3297
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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 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.
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#3298
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#3299
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#3300
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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
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