Helmets

[midwinterthaw]

I want to get a helmet. I have this nagging sense that if I don't, I'm sort of asking to get mowed down and concussed. I haven't worn a bike helmet since I was a child, and the last two stores I went to were very unhelpful

Comments

[xthlcm]

First of all, awesome. It's great that you've decided to start wearing a helmet. Mine saved my life three years ago and I've been a relentless and somewhat annoying cheerleader for them since.

That said, there's not really a big difference between bike helmets. Most are one-size-fits-all. I'd just get the cheapest adult helmet you can find, mail-ordered from someplace like Bike Nashbar (which will run about $10-15 less than in the bike shop). If you don't mind spending a bit more, I'd recommend getting one with a visor -- I love mine because it means I can forgo shades and it keeps the rain off my eyeglasses.

If you really want to go to a shop, I'm very fond of Broadway Bicycle School -- they're small and don't have a big selection but their prices on most things are pretty reasonable and I like the staff. Plus they also teach classes, so they tend to be patient and understanding when dealing with newbies.

[snarly]

+1 for Broadway.

[phatmike]

+2 broadway. they'll be straight up "do you get freaked out by strangers fiddling by your ears and face? if so, ok, no worries, here's how you do it, if not, word, i'll set that right up for you" - i am all about saving money and such, but your first helmet should be fitted by a pro.

incidentally, i rock a full-face helmet and whenever i wear my other (non full face) helmets, i feel naked and very unsafe. one of those may be worth looking at if you dont have a good dental plan. (though i dont think broadway stocks them)

[sarahray]

I second ordering from Nashbar, but definitely go and check out one of the local shops so you can get a feel for what you want. I am a big fan of Wheelworks.

[rikchik]

I have a big head, so I'm glad to have bought mine in person. I'd say go to your local bike shop and pick one up.

[ukelele]

Yeah, the "universal" size helmet didn't fit my head (I ended up with a "universal small", which...huh?). So I second that you want to try them on if you know your head is a weird size (in either direction).

[jodi]

if you are having a hard time finding a non-awkward fit: any sports equipment store will also carry skateboard/snowboard type helmets which come in a much much wider selection of sizes. the pointy one-size-fits-all helmets made for cycling never did fit my head very well but i found a nice comfortable fit in a skateboard style helmet at a sports store.

p.s. lots of bikers wear these styles, you won't look dumb at all if you go this route.

[dair]

I definitely encourage you to try on the helmet you intend to buy at your local bike shop, especially since it's your first helmet. Wheelworks and Broadway are good choices, and Bikes Not Bombs is another good one. Try them all! I sell helmets and I always advise trying on the one you want to buy mainly because even though helmets are mass produced and all the same, there can be subtle differences, manufacturing flaws, etc, small pokey bits that vary from helmet to helmet (ok, if you're sensitive). You can get a good basic helmet for $35-40 these days. Just make sure you find the one that's most comfortable for your head size/shape.