# Need help selecting a bike helmet **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 17, 2013, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591 "2013-02-17T12:47:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/1 "2013-02-17T12:47:46Z")
I’m an aging Boomer who rides her Wal-Mart bike on quiet, residential streets. I’ve been looking at bike helmets online and would like some info about people’s experiences with the different types/styles. For example, which do you prefer, the teardrop-shaped style that kind of sits on top of the head, or the more bowl-shaped style? I’m thinking the vents are a necessity here in Texas in the summer. What about a visor-- will I still need sunglasses? Preferred brands? I’m thinking of spending $30-$40–realistic? Stories of how wearing a bike helmet saved you from serious injury (or worse) would be appreciated. I do not plan to buy online, as I know I will have to try them on. Thx. ---
**Author:** ![Silence\_Lenore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@Silence\_Lenore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silence_Lenore)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/2 "2013-02-17T13:26:32Z")
If you are just going to tootle around your neighborhood you can easily get a nice basic helmet in that price range. the ones with visors usually are for mountain biking; the ones with out, for road biking, the bowl shaped ones are usually for BMX. Casual riders, such as yourself, tend towards the ones with visors. In the bright sun you prob will still want to wear sunglasses. Do you have a reputable bike shop in town? If so, head on over and explain to them what you are looking for. Try a bunch in your police range on and pick the most comfortable. If it’s not comfortable, you won’t wear it. Fit is important. It should sit squarely on you head, not angled back. They should show you how to adjust the fit so the helmet cradles your head snugly enough so when you toss your head around the helmet hardly moves. Lots of vents would be a good thing in hot TX! Beware tho, you can get a sun burn on your scalp on sunny days through the vents, as I discovered. Helmet story: I was riding my mtb on a lovely fall day, down a leaf covered trail, moving right along when my rear tire caught a root hidden under the leaves. The bike slipped sideways and down, I went flying right into a tree. At the last second, as I saw the tree heading my way, I turned my head and the right side of my helmet took most of impact. My jaw hit the tree too, but the helmet saved my skull. I had a big brushed egg on my jaw for days. My poor husband got lots on dirty looks when ever we were out in public together. ---
**Author:** ![Silence\_Lenore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@Silence\_Lenore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silence_Lenore)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/3 "2013-02-17T13:34:54Z")
Edit: _bruised_ egg on my jaw ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/4 "2013-02-17T14:15:18Z")
> [@Silence\_Lenore](#): > > I the bowl shaped ones are usually for BMX. What is BMX? > [@](#): > > Lots of vents would be a good thing in hot TX! Beware tho, you can get a sun burn on your scalp on sunny days through the vents, as I discovered. Hmmm… my good friend shaves his head… this could result in an interesting sunburn pattern. > [@](#): > > the helmet saved my skull. Yikes! :eek: Good story. There is a good bike shop. I just wanted to go in there with some information under my belt. ---
**Author:** ![Silence\_Lenore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@Silence\_Lenore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silence_Lenore)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/5 "2013-02-17T14:30:41Z")
BMX - bicycle motor cross Those are those smaller bikes that are usually being ridden by young males. They can do some amazing tricks on them. REI has some nice info on picking the right helmet > **[How to Choose a Bike Helmet | REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bicycle-helmet.html)** > > These tips make choosing the right bike helmet easy. Includes info about types of helmets, construction, features, sizing and adjustment. Have fun riding! It’s snowing up here in NE so it’ll be a few weeks until I can get out for a ride. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/6 "2013-02-17T15:40:25Z")
> [@Silence\_Lenore](#): > > Edit: _bruised_ egg on my jaw You caught that typo but missed this? > [@Silence\_Lenore](#): > > Try a bunch in your police range on… Damn autocorrect. ---
**Author:** ![Mdcastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/7 "2013-02-17T17:54:00Z")
I don’t wear a helmet currently, but I have tried out some here and there and have done a bit of research on them. The folks at BHSI, a longtime online helmet advocacy group, claim the safest helmet is white or brightly colored (to make you easy to see), round (so there’s not something that can snag in a crash), no visor that can shatter into sharp edges, few vents that objects can penetrate. In other words your basic dorky mushroom helmet from the early 90s. I don’t think there’s been any realy studies to back up their claims, and a helmet that people will wear is safer than one they refuse to because it looks dorky. Color doesn’t make a significant difference as far as cooling. A very old study was actually done that found that at any significant speeds there was enough air movement to prevent heat from building up in a dark helmet as opposed to a light one. Bell and Giro are the biggest names, and are actually the same company but have very different fits, with Bell working on rounder heads and Giro for more squared of heads. Basically you have: Time Trial helmets- have those huge “teardrop” pieces in back. Only really for professional racers where every last bit of aerodymic streamlining might save a fraction of a second Mountain and Road helmets- the standard ones you typically see and are best for most people. Sometimes the only difference between a “mountain” and “road” helmet is whether it has a visor or not, if you’re riding a road bike with drop handlebars a visor can obstruct your vision. Most visors are removable if you’re riding your road bike instead of a mountain bike that day or if it’s cloudy out, but my thinking is they could eventually break, the retention mechanism being hard plastic rather than metal. More expensive designs might have more vents in the front for a road helmet (move as much air while you’re riding fast) or on the top for a mountain helmet (let out the heat building up while you’re slowly climbing a hill). Some mountain bike helmets also have more rear coverage. Skate helmets: Very round and shiny with a few, small vents, the Bell Faction and most of the Pro-tec models are examples. These have limited multi-impact protection and more rear coverage (you have minor slip-ups a lot while skateboarding), as well as one shot protection for higher speed bicycle crashes. Some people like the style, so skate-style helmets for bicycling only do exis, but when used for bicycling they’re a lot hotter than road or mountain bike helmets, with the extra rear coverage but with no visors. BMX helmets- Like skate helmets designed for multiple impacts and hot for ordinary cycling. Some of them have chin protection more like motorcycle helmets. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/8 "2013-02-17T18:23:08Z")
While almost any helmet that is sold in a bike shop will meet one the safety standards, my experiece is that the more you spend the more/larger/better engineered the vents will be. At the higher pricepoints, they are designed to help pull air thru the helmet keeping you cooler. I like Rudy Project some of their helmets comewith a ‘bug liner’ that will help with the sunburn issue. Otherwise, buy a cheap skully (spandex do-wrag) to wear under your helmet. Personally, I like helmets that have some inner channeling in the front as opposed to flat styrofoam as this pulls the sweat away & keeps it from dripping into my eyes, which really stings. ---
**Author:** ![Mdcastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/9 "2013-02-17T18:44:27Z")
Should mention my intention wasn’t to threadshit, I realized it could be interpreted that way after I posted it. Uvex tend to have bug nets too, and I’m surprised they’re not more common as how simple they are and the possibilty of stinging insects being sucked in. Like Rudy project they tend to be found in bicycle shops or outdoor stores rather than say Walmart. Cheaper models might have the outer shell taped on. If it doesn’t bother you aesthetically I don’t think it’s a real problem. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/10 "2013-02-17T18:45:10Z")
It’s entirely possible that I will not be riding hard enough to sweat much. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/11 "2013-02-17T19:21:59Z")
**Mdcastle** ’s post got me wondering if Consumer Reports has tested bicycle helmets and, if so, did any score well and are they recommending any? While CR is not perfect (what organization is?) and some disagree with their testing methods, they will sample and test far more products than you or I typically will, and more thoroughly, and best of all they accept no adverti$ing dollar$ from any company so as to help them be more objective in their reporting. Anyway, take this as simply another data point, to use or not as you see fit. The [Specialized Echelon](http://www.google.com/search?q=specialized+echelon+helmet&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari) rated highest in their tests. It rated among the best for impact absorption and ventilation, ease of use, weight, and fit adjustments. The [Bell Array](http://www.google.com/search?q=bell+array+bike+helmet&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari) scored well. It scored high on convenience, adjustability and ease of use. For impact absorption it rated as Fair. Here’s from their bike helmet buying guidance, HTH: > [@](#): > > Getting started > > The racy good looks of today’s bicycle helmets mask a serious purpose: protecting their wearers from head injuries and even death. > > How we tested bike helmets > To see how well helmets do their job, we put adult and youth models through an impact test using an apparatus that drops them at about 11 or 14 mph onto differently shaped anvils. > > We used an electronic sensor inside a dummy metal head to detect how much force would be transmitted to a rider’s head in an accident. We also evaluated the helmets for ventilation, ease of use, fit adjustments, and other features. > > What we found > All but two models absorbed the force of impact within the limit set by the current Consumer Product Safety Commission standard. The two, both multisport helmets that claim to be usable for other activities such as skateboarding (which was not tested), slightly exceeded that limit in at least two out of three drops. We have judged them Poor for impact absorption in our Ratings (available to subscribers). > > Of all the adult helmets we tested, only one provided the necessary protection in our own more-stringent test, in which we dropped helmets on the anvils at about 2 mph faster. At $60, it is a CR Best Buy. Three other helmets that met the government standard but did not pass our higher velocity test are recommended. All four of those helmets earned high scores for ventilation, fit adjustments, ease of use, and weight. > > Youth helmets > Youth helmets are intended for children age 5 or older. Of the youth helmets we tested, only one model is recommended (see Ratings, available to subscribers), scoring the highest marks for impact absorption by passing our own more-stringent test. > > Among children, bicycling injuries are the leading cause of recreational-sports injuries treated in emergency departments. (See the Bike safety.) A bike helmet can not only save a life, but it can also prevent or lessen the severity of brain injury during a bicycle crash. Nearly half of children 14 and under who are hospitalized for bicycle-related injuries receive a traumatic brain injury diagnosis. > > Bottom line > Although almost any bike helmet is better than none in an accident, we believe that the models we have judged Very Good for impact absorption should provide significantly better protection. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/12 "2013-02-17T19:33:08Z")
My Schwinn helmet has a knob in the back to adjust the helmet fit easily, which I really like because, depending on the weather, I may wear a fleece headband or even a balaclava under my helmet. That might not be an issue for you in Texas, though! One piece of equipment that I love and would never ride without (and I ride mostly on quiet residential streets) is a rearview mirror. I wear glasses, so I have the kind that attaches to my temple piece. I like it a lot better than the kind that replaces the handlebar plug. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/13 "2013-02-17T20:37:42Z")
Don’t use a time trial style helmet unless you want to look like a goofball. They’re only acceptable during time trials. The people wearing them still look like goofballs, but they have a reason to wear them. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/14 "2013-02-17T22:16:14Z")
The basics have been covered but I would like to touch on wearing the helmet. 1. Always wear it. At the shop where I bought my first bike one of the employees had some work on his own bike at home and went to ride around the block. He fell and is now in a wheelchair. The technical term for a rider sans helmet is “Organ donor”. 2. No matter what your religion when riding you are not Jewish and the helmet is not a Yarmulke. It does not go perched on the back of your head leaving your forehead bare. If you wear it this way and fall face first your forehead will absorb the hit and save the helmet. This is the wrong way around. The helmet sits centered on your head level all the way around. 3. When trying on a helmet try this fit test. With the straps buckled grab the helmet and try to pull it down over your eyes or up off your forehead. If you can do either of these things either the helmet is too big or the straps are too loose. If you crash the forces you helmet will encounter will be very strong, you don’t want your helmet being ripped off just when you need it most. One last thought on the cost. Back in the day Bell ran an ad that said. If you have a $10 head buy a $10 helmet. Go to your local bike shop and look and try on different helmets. Find one that fits. Then worry about price. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/15 "2013-02-17T23:09:40Z")
Great info, y’all. 'Preciate it muchly. ---
**Author:** ![ticker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/16 "2013-02-17T23:45:57Z")
I think it is worth mentioning that with bike helmets less is more, by which I mean the more you pay the less you get. Competitive cyclists (and wannabes) are willing to spend $$$s for bigger ventilation holes and shave off a couple of ounces. Cheaper helmets do not mean a compromise in safety. Obligatory helmet tale: in a collision with an idiot/blind driver I landed with my chin and helmeted forehead on the asphalt. Helmet ended up with huge crack in it. I ended up with grazed chin, no concussion and I still have a face. I also got a new bike courtesy of drivers insurance. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2013, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/17 "2013-02-17T23:55:19Z")
> [@ticker](#): > > I think it is worth mentioning that with bike helmets less is more, by which I mean the more you pay the less you get. Like bikinis, right? Big, old-lady bathing suits are cheap. Bikinis that use as much fabric as a hankie can cost in the hundreds. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/18 "2013-02-18T18:40:33Z")
Riding a bicycle with a motor attached. (See eBay) Going about 15-20 mph. Pulled some dumb stunt, like pop clutch, accelerate, brake etc… at the same time. Hit the ground. Hit my head. (Not to mention, elbow, knee, hip, foot, shoulder.)I was stunned for a few seconds. Got home, the helmet was split, with the part of the helmet where my head hit was flapping like a flag. Moral: No helmet, no **handsomeharry**. ---
**Author:** ![rhubarbarin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eb9ed0/32.png) [@rhubarbarin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhubarbarin)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/19 "2013-02-18T20:34:05Z")
I wear a[Pro-tec](http://www.pro-tec.net/helmets.php#all) skateboarding helmet; it’s designed to withstand repeated, lower-speed impacts, unlike bike helmets which have thicker foam meant to ‘crack’, to better handle high-speed impact. There’s debate over skateboarding helmets being ok for cycling but due to my style of riding I feel it’s enough protection. It covers much more of my noggin than one of those stupid-looking vented cycling helmets. Plus, I like the way it looks. It gets a bit hot in the summer but my head is freakishly unsweaty so it’s not an issue. And it’s warm in winter! My bike has been my main form of transportation for a couple years now but I’ve never been in an accident. I’m careful, follow traffic rules, don’t act like I’m in a car, don’t go very fast (I ride in downtown Philadelphia, and people aren’t driving fast either) and don’t ride with distractions like headphones. Most cyclists I know in the city never or rarely wear a helmet. I know a lot of people who’ve been in bike accidents with injuries, and I know a lot of people who smash a couple helmets a year because they like going (IMO) way too fast, but I don’t personally know anyone who has been brain injured or killed because they weren’t wearing a helmet. Shit does happen, though. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591/20 "2013-02-18T21:17:51Z")
Since there have been a couple of posts mentioning crashes, one other very important point: \*\*If you crash it, trash it! \*\* Even a lower speed crash may damage the structure but you might not be able to see it. You don’t want a partially good helmet if you have another crash. Also, they don’t last forever. Environmental factors (sun, smog, sweat, etc.) degrade them over time. I’ve seen anywhere from 2-5 years before it should be replaced. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-selecting-a-bike-helmet/650591.md?page=2)