The HELMET Thread

[Jesper]

Hello folks from around the globe. I am trying to get people to post photos and comments about their helmets; be they past, present, or your future helmet (real or imagined).

Please provide the following info if known:
1) Manufacturer
2) Model
3) Year made
4) Number of years worn
5) Weight
6) Cost (new or used)

I would like general comments about usage (race, TT, Tri, mtb, commuting, recreational, etc.), comfort/fit, ease of adjustments, noise level while riding (provide approx. avg. speed(s)s if known), ventilation, "cool" factor (colors, images, design, etc.).

None of the above is mandatory, just trying to open up the conversation a little about the most important piece of safety equipment cyclists use (or should use!), and see how folks feel about their helmets.

My brief history: cycling since 4 years old until about 22 years old without any special equipment other than the bike. My "helmets" growing up were ball caps and bandanas; so essentially no protective equipment. In one year I became a much more serious cyclist and bought a Colnago Super bike, Sidi racing shoes, bike shorts, biking gloves, Cateye Solar computer, upgraded to LOOK pedals and a San Marco Rolls saddle, and of course a new Bell Stratos helmet. All that stuff lasted for the next 25 years. Everything got retired except the bike and the pedals which are still going strong (probably still have the other stuff boxed up somewhere).

Since I really don't race anymore most of my helmets are not appropriate for my range of riding. My present use helmet is a Rudy Project "Wing57" from around 2014, but I regularly use a variety of head covers depending on what I am doing.

I will start things off with my old TT helmet from the '80s:
BRIKO "CRONO": Very lightweight (maybe under 300g, never weighed it), and cool during riding. Very basic adjustments, and essentially no real padding or protection. Helmet is merely an aerodynamic plastic skin which will prevent road rash to the head, but no protection in an impact situation. It is somewhat noisy when at speed. I think my cost was about $50 (used), only used in TT competitions. Nice visor which will raise up conforming to the shape of the helmet so no significant aerodynamics loss. This helmet does not meet any safety requirements other than that of it being a helmet on a head and better than nothing at all. It may actually be a rare beast to see one nowadays due to it being illegal for racing (or technically for any riding where local laws requiring helmets which must have an approved safety certification).

Thank you to those who contribute or to those who just peruse.

   
   
   
   

[Criminal]

Cool classic topper there! I saw that you mentioned Bell Stratos. I also used that back in the 80s up to about 5 years ago. A very heavy helmet compared to others, but comfortable (has/had "air cushion" padding; and not too hot, except mine is a charcoal gray which is not the best color to stay cool with). I was still using it occasionally, but the chin strap latch mechanism broke and it can come undone while riding so it got retired a couple years ago after being used for about 30 years. I know I was using it in 2016 because it had a Presidential "I voted" sticker on it. I have no idea as to the weight except it is heavy, cost was about $60 new when bought in 1986. It was bought on sale because they were not selling well, regular price was about $100 and they stopped making them after only one or two years that I know of. I used that helmet for all racing, touring, and casual riding, except mountain/off-road biking.

[Zviedrs]

Those are a couple of cool helmets @Jesper @Criminal

I will introduce mine:
GIRO Foray 2015; weighs at about 270g (M size, mine might be an L actually) and this is its 7th season on the road. Bought in 2015 for less than $60, great value-for-money deal.

Used only for road cycling. It caught my attention immediately because it fits my Merida road bike as the color scheme matches just perfectly.

[Jesper]

Thank you @Zviedrs and @Criminal. That is the general info I am looking for.

I assume that the Giro is comfortable if worn for 5 years,

Howard, I can't tell that that is a Stratos helmet with all those decals on it. Looks like it has a story to tell!

I will try to get all my helmets posted in the next couple months to keep some new examples showing up.

I am very interested to know if anyone has experience with POC brand helmets; specifically the "Octal" model. I had nearly purchased one, but the price was not what I wanted to pay at the time.

Thanks again and keep them coming!

[Zviedrs]

(06-25-2021, 08:39 PM)Jesper Wrote:  I assume that the Giro is comfortable if worn for 5 years,

Yes, it's comfortable and aesthetically pleasing too.
I do need to tighten it quite and sometimes by the end of the ride my head feels tenser.

[Jesper]

New entry: a Bulgarian Paratrooper helmet from 1982. I re-purposed this for cycling (great for cold weather); also used on my motorcycle. Great pub run helmet; a conversation starter; used with old goggles. Leather with felt liner, and external cushion strips. Extremely comfortable.

   
   

[rydabent]

Even tho I ride a trike and dont have very far to fall, I wear a helmet. First of all there are crashes that you may be involved in where you get hit in the head. Second, if someone does hit you, and you wind up in court, the defendants lawyer's first question will be was he wearing a helmet? Then too, to protect yourself in court, if you are riding a bent or a trike, fly a flag. Those two things will take the wind out of your opponent's lawyers sails. If you dont that lawyer will claim you are partly at fault.

[Jesper]

(07-14-2024, 09:09 AM)rydabent Wrote:  Even tho I ride a trike and dont have very far to fall, I wear a helmet. First of all there are crashes that you may be involved in where you get hit in the head. Second, if someone does hit you, and you wind up in court, the defendants lawyer's first question will be was he wearing a helmet? Then too, to protect yourself in court, if you are riding a bent or a trike, fly a flag. Those two things will take the wind out of your opponent's lawyers sails. If you dont that lawyer will claim you are partly at fault.

I'll take a helmet than not any day, but I will admit I do enjoy riding without one and still occassionaly do just that, although rarely.

A cyclist who was wearing a helmet just died in a group ride from a squirrel getting caught up in the front wheel and sending the rider over the front breaking the rider's neck. Rare, but can happen. I ride around forested trails on a road bike at fairly high speeds (17-20mph+) and all manner of wildlife (squirrels, cats, armadillos, deer, possums, etc.) cross in front of me so I am quite vigilant riding on those trails. On regular roads it is more likely a dog causing an issue.

[GirishH]

Wow, @Jesper, you have some unique helmets. Truly impressive!

Mine isn't as fancy or colorful. It’s a free Giro helmet that was left on the porch of a Cambridge home. While checking for details, looks like this is "EN 1077: 2007, Helmet for Snowboarders and Skiers"..

I agree with you, Jesper, on using a helmet, even though it won't protect against neck or body injuries. Due to possible encounters with animals or other unexpected situations where I might need to brake suddenly, I usually ride very cautiously. But still, I always wear my helmet.

(07-16-2024, 12:46 AM)Jesper Wrote:  

(07-14-2024, 09:09 AM)rydabent Wrote:  Even tho I ride a trike and dont have very far to fall, I wear a helmet. First of all there are crashes that you may be involved in where you get hit in the head. Second, if someone does hit you, and you wind up in court, the defendants lawyer's first question will be was he wearing a helmet? Then too, to protect yourself in court, if you are riding a bent or a trike, fly a flag. Those two things will take the wind out of your opponent's lawyers sails. If you dont that lawyer will claim you are partly at fault.

I'll take a helmet than not any day, but I will admit I do enjoy riding without one and still occassionaly do just that, although rarely.

A cyclist who was wearing a helmet just died in a group ride from a squirrel getting caught up in the front wheel and sending the rider over the front breaking the rider's neck. Rare, but can happen. I ride around forested trails on a road bike at fairly high speeds (17-20mph+), and all manner of wildlife (squirrels, cats, armadillos, deer, possums, etc.) crosses in front of me so I am quite vigilant riding on those trails. On regular roads it is more likely a dog causing an issue.

[Jesper]

(07-21-2024, 03:06 AM)GirishH Wrote:  Wow, @Jesper, you have some unique helmets. Truly impressive!

Mine isn't as fancy or colorful. It’s a free Giro helmet that was left on the porch of a Cambridge home. While checking for details, looks like this is "EN 1077: 2007, Helmet for Snowboarders and Skiers"..

I agree with you, Jesper, on using a helmet, even though it won't protect against neck or body injuries. Due to possible encounters with animals or other unexpected situations where I might need to brake suddenly, I usually ride very cautiously. But still, I always wear my helmet.

I see skateboarders wearing similar helmets. Very cool that is was donated to you..

I went to my repurpose shop a couple days ago to see if they had some for sale since my primary helmets are a TT helmet which is difficult to hear with and although adequate cooling it is hotter than my vintage "hairnet", but safer based on impact ratings. Both have protection for the side of the face/jaw area that does not exist for standard helmets.
That shop is no longer selling used helmets due to liability issues (there actually are none; same as with any other used/as items for sale, e.g. power tools, safety goggles, electrical items; all of which they do sell). They assume "used" helmets may have been in an accident, and thus are not safe for further use. I do not blame them for their caution, but it is pretty obvious which helmets have taken a hit and general abuse compared to a helmet that was essentially never worn.

Here is one of my favorites that I wear regularly (though illegal for use in some events), Kucharik very early 70s vintage that I purchased new about 6 years ago. Cool, comfortable, and better all around protection than most modern helmets except BMX style full face designs (which I like, but are hot and heavy).
   
   

[GirishH]

Wow, Jesper. This is even cooler. Just curious, why is this illegal in certain events? Is it because it offers more protection? I can't see how it would give you an edge or help you go faster than another helmet. Any idea why?

On a related note, how often do you and other cyclists change your helmets? Many say that after 5-10 years, the foam becomes brittle and doesn't provide the same level of protection. I understand changing a helmet after a crash, but replacing it after a certain number of years makes me wonder if it's a marketing gimmick by the helmet industry.

(07-22-2024, 10:59 PM)Jesper Wrote:  

(07-21-2024, 03:06 AM)GirishH Wrote:  Wow, @Jesper, you have some unique helmets. Truly impressive!

Mine isn't as fancy or colorful. It’s a free Giro helmet that was left on the porch of a Cambridge home. While checking for details, looks like this is "EN 1077: 2007, Helmet for Snowboarders and Skiers"..

I agree with you, Jesper, on using a helmet, even though it won't protect against neck or body injuries. Due to possible encounters with animals or other unexpected situations where I might need to brake suddenly, I usually ride very cautiously. But still, I always wear my helmet.

I see skateboarders wearing similar helmets. Very cool that is was donated to you..

I went to my repurpose shop a couple days ago to see if they had some for sale since my primary helmets are a TT helmet which is difficult to hear with and although adequate cooling it is hotter than my "vintage "hairnet", but safer based on impact ratings. Both have protection for the side of the face/jaw area that does not exist for syandard helmets.
That shop is no longer selling used helmets due to liability issues (there actually are none; same as with any other used/as items for sale, e.g. power tools, safety goggles, electrical items; all of which they do sell). They assume "used" helmets may have been in an accident, and thus are not safe for further use. I do not blame them for their caution, but it is pretty obvious which helmets have taken a hit and general abuse compared to a helmet that was essentially never worn.

Here is one of my favorites that I wear regularly (though illegal for use in some events), Kucharik early 70s vintage that I purchased new about 6 years ago. Cool, comfortable, and better all around protection than most modern helmets except BMX style full face designs (which I like, but are hot and heavy).

[Jesper]

@GirishH That helmet certainly is not providing any speed advantage; but it does not meet (or at least it has never been tested) D.O.T. standards for certification, but that standard was not established until 1999 (motorbike helmets in 1974). The organized century ride near me requires D.O.T. certified helmets. Do they actually check? Who knows. I bandit the event because I do not feel like paying for all of the amenities (rest stations, post event "free beverage", etc) that I will not use (I think it is up to $60, plus fuel if I drive; 80 miles round trip, 180 miles is more than I can ride in 1 day in my condition). Riding as an unregistered participant gives me the freedom to wear what I want, including wearing no helmet which many people do.

The "5 year rule" is, in my opnion, manufacturers avoiding liability issues of helmets that might start to degrade due to age, sunlight, moisture, etc. regardless of never having been in a crash or subjected to any stress (e.g. dropped) that may affect its performance. It would best be considered similar to a "best by" date as found on food products. Is the food bad, does it taste different, is it dangerous to consume? No, but it is a great method of getting people to spend more and/or avoid complaints and legal issues. If you ride your bike and leave your helmet outside with the bike then it will technically "age" more quickly than one stored inside (storage in a car while receiving high heat and sun exposure is just as bad as outdoors storage; possibly worse due to heat!) out of the heat and sunlight. I have a hardshell helmet (much harder than anything made nowadays) that still has no signs of deterioration other than the intermediate head padding which I had already replaced due to soiling. New helmets are not designed to take much of a beating and must be cared for in order to remain viable as a safe device; but if you take care of a helmet it can last more than 5 years, and you can buy an unused helmet that is much older than 5 years without concern as to its ability to protect you compared to the exact same helmet that you just pulled of the store shelf if it was never subjected to conditions which might contribute to degradation. As with most things, proper care, use, and regular inspection (helmets can fail quickly due to manufacturing defects/poor quality control, etc.) so always take due diligence when using any safety device since it is your health on the line. My last brand new helmet (previously mentioned) was purchased about 35 years ago (pre-D.O.T. certification), so technically all my helmets still in use are "past their service life", but none show any indication of deterioration. I will say that my present TT style helmet has some tiny cracks in none critical areas (not in the "headshell") due to design and the fact that it cannot be stored without causing that damage (I am repairing and reinforcing those areas, whether cracked or not, with epoxy to prevent more damage).

Be careful, store helmets properly, inspect before using (inspect before buying and before first use if online/mail order purchase; immediately return if any defects are found). Replace a helmet as soon as possible if it has undergone any "substantial" impact.

[GirishH]

@Jesper, this makes sense. As an added perk, Kucharika lets in so much air and keeps your hair from getting nasty and sticky.

I prefer the "check your helmet/running shoe" rule over the standard age/mileage rule. I would think the hardshell material might last longer than the newer foam, but foam does make them lighter. However, choosing safety and staying alive over saving a few grams is a no-brainer for me! I will see if I can find some literature where hard shells are compared to foam helmets.

(07-24-2024, 09:20 AM)Jesper Wrote:  @GirishH That helmet certainly is not providing any speed advantage; but it does not meet (or at least it has never been tested) D.O.T. standards for certification, but that standard was not established until 1999 (motorbike helmets in 1974). The organized century ride near me requires D.O.T. certified helmets. Do they actually check? Who knows. I bandit the event because I do not feel like paying for all of the amenities (rest stations, post event "free beverage", etc) that I will not use (I think it is up to $60, plus fuel if I drive; 80 miles round trip, 180 miles is more than I can ride in 1 day in my condition). Riding as an unregistered participant gives me the freedom to wear what I want, including wearing no helmet which many people do.

The "5 year rule" is, in my opnion, manufacturers avoiding liability issues of helmets that might start to degrade due to age, sunlight, moisture, etc. regardless of never having been in a crash or subjected to any stress (e.g. dropped) that may affect its performance. It would best be considered similar to a "best by" date as found on food products. Is the food bad, does it taste different, is it dangerous to consume? No, but it is a great method of getting people to spend more and/or avoid complaints and legal issues. If you ride your bike and leave your helmet outside with the bike then it will technically "age" more quickly than one stored inside (storage in a car while receiving high heat and sun exposure is just as bad as outdoors storage; possibly worse due to heat!) out of the heat and sunlight. I have a hardshell helmet (much harder than anything made nowadays) that still has no signs of deterioration other than the intermediate head padding which I had already replaced due to soiling. New helmets are not designed to take much of a beating and must be cared for in order to remain viable as a safe device; but if you take care of a helmet it can last more than 5 years, and you can buy an unused helmet that is much older than 5 years without concern as to its ability to protect you compared to the exact same helmet that you just pulled of the store shelf if it was never subjected to conditions which might contribute to degradation. As with most things, proper care, use, and regular inspection (helmets can fail quickly due to manufacturing defects/poor quality control, etc.) so always take due diligence when using any safety device since it is your health on the line. My last brand new helmet (previously mentioned) was purchased about 35 years ago (pre-D.O.T. certification), so technically all my helmets still in use are "past their service life", but none show any indication of deterioration. I will say that my present TT style helmet has some tiny cracks in none critical areas (not in the "headshell") due to design and the fact that it cannot be stored without causing that damage (I am repairing and reinforcing those areas, whether cracked or not, with epoxy to prevent more damage).

Be careful, store helmets properly, inspect before using (inspect before buying and before first use if online/mail order purchase; immediately return if any defects are found). Replace a helmet as soon as possible if it has undergone any "substantial" impact.

[rydabent]

I may be different, but wearing a helmet is not a big deal. The only time I think about it is when I put it on, and when I take it off. And I ride a trike and dont have very far to fall.

[meamoantonio]

have you guys seen this university that does helmet ratings? https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html they crash test different helmets at different price points and measure how much the impact is reduced. Saw this a few months ago and now check if the helmet I'm about to buy scored high on their tests.

[enkei]

Oops, replied to the wrong post...