What makes a good cycling helmet?

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » What makes a good cycling helmet? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2010-07-10 10:30 AM

User image

Regular
230
10010025
Napoleon
Subject: What makes a good cycling helmet?
Just curious...I am looking to make an upgrade from my $20 wal-mart Bell Helmet and see helmets go as high as $200.

why so much difference...???

can't be weight, can it?

2010-07-10 10:35 AM
in reply to: #2972458

User image

Melon Presser
52116
50005000500050005000500050005000500050002000100
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?
mdiet22 - 2010-07-10 11:30 PM Just curious...I am looking to make an upgrade from my $20 wal-mart Bell Helmet and see helmets go as high as $200.

why so much difference...???

can't be weight, can it?


aerodynamics, ventilation, weight.


Ultimately, what makes a good cycling helmet is that it's comfortable on you, keeps you cool enough, and takes the force of an impact so your skull won't have to.

I have a $20 kiddie Bell helmet and a $150 (on sale--it was one of those $200 racing helmets) Bell one ... the racing one is much cooler, but a lot of the time I use the kiddie one because it's just more comfortable and fits better!
2010-07-10 10:42 AM
in reply to: #2972458

Extreme Veteran
532
50025
South Park, PA
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?

Reminds me of that shoe ad that went something like 'you spend $200 on your kids shoes but only $20 on a helmet.' 

Other than ventilation and comfort, I would think the materials used in a $20 helmet may not be quite as good as a more expensive one.  I do think $200 is a bit much, but a more than decent one can be had in the $75-$100 range.  I found mine on clearance for $75, regular retail $175. 

2010-07-10 11:10 AM
in reply to: #2972467

User image

Champion
7233
5000200010010025
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?
i jsut shattered the side of a 55 dollar helmet from specialized in a crash at 35+ mph. head never felt a thing.

i went back out to the shop that afternoon and bought the same t hing.


once you start hitting certified helmets almost all of the diff you are seeing in price are due to weight, vents, shape, etc.
2010-07-10 11:46 AM
in reply to: #2972464

User image

New user
49
25
Houston, TX
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?


aerodynamics, ventilation, weight.


Ultimately, what makes a good cycling helmet is that it's comfortable on you, keeps you cool enough, and takes the force of an impact so your skull won't have to.



x2 on that. One important thing is to replace the helmet every 1-2 years, or if any stress is caused to the helmet (i.e. a fall). My boyfriend replaced his recently after 2 years of use. Looked perfectly good, buy you could see micro fractures in the padding which means the helmet is weakening and not safe if you were in a serious accident.  
2010-07-10 12:38 PM
in reply to: #2972458

User image

Pro
5169
50001002525
Burbs
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?
From what I understand, ALL helmets must meet specific safety regulations.

What you pay more for is comfort, vents, aero, etc.

2010-07-10 1:11 PM
in reply to: #2972458

User image

Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?
Go with the one that feels comfortable on your head.  If you find more then one that feels comfortable on your head then look at the extra features such as ventilation, etc.
2010-07-10 2:23 PM
in reply to: #2972467

User image

Master
2372
20001001001002525
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?
KiminON - 2010-07-10 10:42 AM

Other than ventilation and comfort, I would think the materials used in a $20 helmet may not be quite as good as a more expensive one. 



The materials are going to be very similar.  As far as ability to save your noggin they are pretty much on par. 
2010-07-10 2:56 PM
in reply to: #2972458

User image

Master
1890
1000500100100100252525
Cypress, CA
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?

Yeah, factors #1 through about #50 on what makes a good helmet are CPSC certification.  Studies have shown that there's no real difference in safety between the cheaper and more expensive helmets as long as they pass the standard.  My guess is that the people who compare what you spend on shoes to what you spend on a helmet are mostly trying to sell $200 helmets...

After that in whatever order you think is most important, are fit/comfort, ventilation, styling/name brand/appearance and price

2010-07-10 6:28 PM
in reply to: #2972458

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?
Adjustable of fit on higher end helmets make it easier to get it to fit exact. My $150 helmet has a system that adjusts from back by squeezing two sides together. I do this before every ride as it depends how my hair is, if I'm wearing a hat to keep warm or wick sweat off how it needs to fit.

After going 25 mph head first into a metal street sign, I know how a helmet saved my brain and I think higher end helmet fits better, is better piece of safety equipment.

I cringe when I see kids, parents or anyone wearing their bike helmet like a bonnet so their forehead is not protected...that is where I impacted so having helmet stay in place is  key to protecting your head....fit keeps it in place.

2010-07-10 6:58 PM
in reply to: #2972458

User image

Regular
54
2525
Lemont,
Subject: RE: What makes a good cycling helmet?
Whatever you decide pricewise, don't underestimate the value of good ventilation!  I couldn't believe the perceived temperature difference and I only went from a $40 helmet with tiny vents to a $90 helmet with much bigger vents Cool

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » What makes a good cycling helmet? Rss Feed