Buying a helmet

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 29, 2013 at 10:54am

I just bought a helmet at Johnny Sprockets (as well as a new saddle) and I am crazy happy with both purchases. I finally don't look like I have a mushroom perched on my head.

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on July 29, 2013 at 10:55am

smart bike parts = the sale bin. I bought a brand new Origin8 helmet a couple years ago for about $6.00
seriously. cash is king at this shop; eric is the coolest and they may even hand you a cold beer when

you walk in. otherwise performance has an annual sale where you can get a good discount...or

REI-ouytet.com ? (ship to store free) or chainlove.com  or .....YMMV

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on July 29, 2013 at 10:56am

Any particular look you're going for?

I have a Bell XLV (used to be called Bell Triton). It's for a gentlemen with an extraordinary cranium. Same color as the one in this story: http://www.tamiasoutside.com/2011/06/11/bellxlv/

I've worn it a few weeks, but didn't like the fit. Never crashed or dropped. Been hanging in my basement for a year or so. It can be yours for $10

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on July 29, 2013 at 10:58am

Any store that sells helmets.  Unless you crash and need to replace your helmet, it will probably last a couple years at minimum.  I prefer to patronize my LBS for such things, but there is no particular reason any helmet with the necessary certification stickers won't work.  If you move up in price, you get better ventilation, and more "style", but more pricey helmets won't protect your noggin any better than less expensive ones.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Z on July 29, 2013 at 11:13am

Blackstone has cool-looking ones :)

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Permalink Reply by physis 8.2 on July 29, 2013 at 11:35am

Just bought my new one at REI but I'd definitely rep Smart Bike Parts for anything bike-related.

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Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on July 29, 2013 at 1:45pm

Kozy's. You can find coupons for them online.

such as: https://www.google.com/offers/savable/op/JZZAECUX6OIYG?ei=57j2UejFF...

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Permalink Reply by Will on July 29, 2013 at 2:25pm

What's your centimeter size? Good helmet shopping depends on what helmet you're looking for, or in lieu of that, a wide selection. I'd check out Turin, Kozy, Performance. I've never been to Smart but would try them, too. I was in REI the other day, and was disappointed with their in-store helmet selection, it was rather limited.

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Bussey on July 29, 2013 at 2:33pm

My big cranium went with an XL from Performance - they do have a large selection for large melons.

I was planning on hitting up REI and am glad I read this first, Gracias! Thanks for the advice all and JAW for the pending coupon!

Score!

I dont have a BMX bucket anymore :)

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Permalink Reply by physis 8.2 on July 29, 2013 at 3:23pm

REI had a Giro Atmos that fit me like a glove (and for something that pricey, I like the REI benefits), but I'd wager that you should see which LBSes carries which type of helmets you like (or fit you better - round vs oval, etc).

For instance, I know Smart Bike Parts sells Catlikes (which I don't see often anywhere else), and Turin has high-end Specialized and Giro.  I'm not sure what On The Route has but I know they carry a ton of Bontrager (Trek) stuff.

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Permalink Reply by william on July 29, 2013 at 5:27pm

I recommend Iron Cycles and Get a Grip. They both have a good selection of road helmets. 

I ride a Giro Aeon and it's quite excellent for me. Very lightweight and barely noticeable when it's on. 

Years ago I just bought a helmet that looked cool online. Bad decision -- that thing looked terrible on me and felt even worse, so I never wore it. Helmets are very personal, everyone has a different head shape. I'd hit up several shops and see what you like the best. 

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