Is there an adult bike helmet out there that doesn't look ridiculous?

Question

The ones I've tried on are so huge and heavy---I get a headache from them and I feel like I look ridiculous. After many close calls with spacey drivers on cell phones or drugs, I have gotten to the point where I won't ride my bike until I get a helmet. So any name brands and model #'s that you could suggest would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Personally, I think people not wearing helmets on their bikes look like idiots.

If you have only tried helmets from places like Wal-Mart or Target, they are pretty heavy and uncomfortable, from my experience (had to buy a helmet in a rural area on a camping trip when I forgot mine--it was all that was available).

If you go to a bike shop or a place like REI, you can buy a decent helmet for under $50 and a really nice helmet for under $100. Giro and Bell are the two biggest companies (actually, it is the same company now). Specialized makes some nice helmets as well, and a few other companies, too.

I recommend buying one at a place you can try it on. Different brands fit differently. Some fit round heads better, others fit oval heads better. Some come in different sizes, some are universal with a ratchet on the back to tighten or loosen. If you have been getting headaches, you might be wearing a helmet that was too tight or was pinching somewhere, or it was both and too heavy as well. Occasionally my helmet will pinch a little during a ride, I think my head swells a bit or something. I unclick the ratchet in the back one notch and it is just fine.

Try on a bunch of helmets. You should barely be able to feel it. I have three helmets right now. One cost about $30, a Giro Transfer for everyday commuting. One cost $100, a Specialized Aurora--It sometimes pinches a bit if I don't adjust it just so, but it is pink, so I wear it. And one cost about $135, a Bell Sweep, I got it on sale and have never actually worn it--a spare for when I need to replace one of the others. All are comfortable, but surprisingly, the $30 is most comfortable.

Answer 2

Try a Giro Eclipse. It's light and looks good. You can find one for a little under $100 at some bike shops.

If you want to spend less then $40, a Giro Transfer is a good helmet too.

Giro or Bell make the best helmets for the money. You can buy a cheapo at Walmart, but it's going to be heavy and not as durable. If there is a bike shop or REI near you, go and ask questions. They will help you fit the helmet too so you don't get a headache.

Go to rei.com to see some good models.

Answer 3

All bike helmets look ridiculous, I think you have to acquire a taste for them, But as someone stated go to a good bike shop and buy a helmet there.

They have a better line helmets than a department store and you'll find that alot of the helmets today are fully adjustable size wise.
If the sales people are any good they will make sure the helmet fits you correctly and show you the proper way of wearing one before you leave the store, sounds stupid I know but it's very important.

Answer 4

This is a really funny question. To the best of my knowledge, they all look somewhat weird, but if you've got an old one you might be surprised how much lighter and smaller they've gotten in the last 10 to 15 years.

Lastly I would point out that they don't look nearly as ridiculous as people who've rendered themselves comatose, or para- or quadriplegic for the mere fact that they didn't wear a helmet because, you know, they look ridiculous. I would hope that would be enough to get you over the idea of looking ridiculous, but maybe not.

Answer 5

I live in Manhattan, and I commute, on the street in a Vigor Full face, dowhiller's helmet. I look extra ridiculous, but I not only want to save my brain, I want to keep my teeth as well. The Bell Faction is a great, non-ridiculous looking helmet, and they cost about $45 USD. They don't have the road-racing look, so you may feel more comfortable wearing it. Just wear it. I can honestly say that wearing a bike helmet has saved my life.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Go to a bike shop (a real bike shop, not Wal Mart or something like that) and check out what they have... The newer bike helmets are pretty sleek and depending on how much you are willing to spend can be really sharp looking....

Answer 8

Try bikenashbar.com. They have alot of many different helmets to choose from. I went down many years ago because of some ***-**** in a dump truck. Only part of my body that did'nt hurt was my head. I don't ride without a helmet, period. And I don't care what anyone thinks of how it looks.

Answer 9

biking isnt about making a fashion statement. get one with an adjustable system like RocLock. I have a Giro Havoc that has 27 vents and just so happens to look cool enough for my ugly azz. last thing im thinking about while bombing over roots and rocks at 30+mph is how im looking.

Answer 10

Check out Colorado Cyclist catalog