Help me find a helmet that I'll wear

[Scott R Nelson]

I try to ride my mountain bike regularly during nice weather. Usually a few miles home for lunch, then back again. Most of the time I'm either on residential streets, on a marked bike path, on the sidewalk if it's a busy road, or on some of the flat trails around here totally away from traffic. It's rare that I exceed 12 mph and usually I'm going quite a bit slower than that. I'm used to being the slowest bicycle on the road and I don't mind.

But I don't bother with a bicycle helmet. I have a black Trek helmet that I used to wear, but somebody left it in the back window of a car on a hot day once and it kind of melted. I'll wear it if I'm riding very far or riding on any genuine mountain bike terrain, but that's pretty rare anymore. I don't feel the need at the slow speeds that I ride and the relatively safe riding environment.

So I've decided that if I could find a bike helmet that I like I might start wearing it regularly. The number one most important factor is that it must not look dorky. I remember driving past a friend of mine as he was out riding his bike and thinking that the dockers, blue nylon windbreaker, and the particular bike helmet he was wearing seemed to be the height of dorkishness. I can't look like that.

Anyway, do any of you bicycle fanatics have any suggestions for me?

[RC Vikings]

For looking anti dork I would go with the Giro Livestrong helmet. The downside is looking anti dork will cost you.

[Scott R Nelson]

For looking anti dork I would go with the Giro Livestrong helmet. The downside is looking anti dork will cost you.

Do those come in other than Lance's colors?

[UtahDan]

[BigPiney]

if that comes with the porn stache I am so in.

[mtnbiker]

How about the Giro Phase?

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HE277A07-Giro+Phase+Helmet+10.aspx

[Scott R Nelson]

I thought I would resurrect this thread and report that I finally gave in and bought a Bell XLV in black. It looks a lot like the Giro helmet, but costs a little bit less. I had to visit four different bike shops to find one in the right color - the first three only had white or silver.

So I notice that there is more wind noise in my ears when wearing the helmet than when not wearing it. Should I start wearing earplugs on the bicycle like I do when riding a motorcycle to deal with it?

[UtahDan]

[Shaka]

If you're rocking a mountain bike make sure your helmet has a visor.

[old_gregg]

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/pr...paign=Datafeed

[PaloAltoCougar]

I know if a helmet has been involved in an accident, one should replace it immediately. But I know age and the elements (mainly sun exposure) cause undamaged helmets to deteriorate over time. I read where one manufacturer said helmets don't lose any significant protective ability until about eight years. But I've read elsewhere that active cyclists should replace their helmets every 2-3 years.

How often do you replace a helmet?

[Pheidippides]

Help me find a helmet that I'll wear

I know if a helmet has been involved in an accident, one should replace it immediately. But I know age and the elements (mainly sun exposure) cause undamaged helmets to deteriorate over time. I read where one manufacturer said helmets don't lose any significant protective ability until about eight years. But I've read elsewhere that active cyclists should replace their helmets every 2-3 years.

How often do you replace a helmet?

I don't know about "replace" but Bluegoose has been teasing me about the aero one I just bought. Same one as cam's link above. Took it for a brief spin last night and liked it. Of course, the new bike helped.

[BigPiney]

I don't know about "replace" but Bluegoose has been teasing me about the aero one I just bought. Same one as cam's link above. Took it for a brief spin last night and liked it. Of course, the new bike helped.

You got an aero one? Huge dork!!

[Pheidippides]

Help me find a helmet that I'll wear

You got an aero one? Huge dork!!

It took a new helmet for you to realize this?

[BigPiney]

It took a new helmet for you to realize this?

No, no not really.

When you go in on something, you go all in.