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Time for A New Helmet - Recos Please

kimmydctkimmydct
in General Training Discussions
So I have a bunch of moderately cheap road helmets and 1 pointy end aero helmet. It is time to replace some of them and I'd like to get a nice aero road helmet, something that is aero-ish without being a truly tri helmet, but that I won't look like a douche wearing for bike races, etc. image obviously, safety is número UNO, but assuming they all protect the noggin well, thoughts on a good one? Ie comfy, light, ventilated, cool looking of course... thanks!

Comments

  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    I use a Bell Volt for training. Personally I'd go to a bike store and try some on because they fit differently and you'll find one that fits nicely and "looks good" (you know what I mean!). Btw when heading up to the IMWI camp I realized I forgot my helmet at home. So I stopped at WalMart at 7am before the first ride and bought one for $24. I rode 290 miles with that helmet over 3 days and honestly it worked just fine. Almost made me question spending $175 or whatever I spent on the Volt. Almost, but not quite.....
  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    My advice, hold out for a few more months and get a end-of-year special or two. That's how I shop for all my $150+ purchases!

    Like Matt said, try on any helmet; size charts aren't too accurate in my opinion. I've got a fat head, so I've gotta try on any/everything.

    For what it's worth, I'm partial to Specialized stuff, so I've got two Prevail road helmets (purchased at EOY sales last year for 30%+ off retail) and an old Giro Advantage (w/ Louis Garneau visor that I've installed myself).
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow

    I have 2 helmets that I really like, but they are a little different...

    Poc Octal: http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/2193/octal-raceday 

    Pros:

    It is "supposed" to be SUPER super safe to protect your noggin (they are known for Ski racing helmets and Mtn bike downhill stuff).  It's also the lightest helmet I have ever felt which believe it or not actually makes a difference for neck strain over many hours.  It comes in some cool and funky colors if you want.  And it is super ventilated. 

    Cons:  It's dam Expensive.  Some people think it looks funny (but I have some true Roadie buddies that wear it now and those guys are snobs so it must be cool).  It's not really an "aero" helmet (but likely faster than most traditional road helmets).

     

    Giro Synthe:  http://www.giro.com/us_en/synthe.html

    Pro's:  It's a new "aero" road helmet, but it certainly doesn't look like one.  Giro claims it is as fast as the Air Attack, but doesn't look dorky. It's relatively light.  Also comes in cool colors (mine is Matte Black with Red accents to match my bike and EN kit).  I paid $165 for a brand new one on eBay.  It fits me almost perfect.  Nobody will know you are wearing an aero road helmet.

    Cons: Independent testing show that there are faster aero road helmets out there (Giro of course disputes their testing methods).  My Roadie buddy thinks it ventilates just as well as his Giro Aeon, but I found it to be hotter than my Poc.

    Summary: if it's above 75 degrees and humid, I'll prefer my Poc for long rides.   If it's below 75 degrees for IM Wisconsin, I'll be wearing the Synthe (because I can't be wearing a full on pointy aero helmet while riding a Fat Bike...).   If I were doing bike races shorter than 1.5 hours, I'd wear the Synthe in any temperatures for the mental benefit of me thinking it is slightly faster.

  • Robert SaboRobert Sabo
    what size Giro and POC do you wear John? and which POC do you have?
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I guess the link didn't copy properly for my Poc, but it's the Octal Raceday (Mine is White). http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/2193/octal-raceday

    I'm pretty sure the Poc is a Medium. I know the Giro Synthe is a Medium since I just bought it a few weeks ago. I'm a pretty big dude, but the medium size helmet on nearly it's biggest setting seems to fit me well. As a size comparison, I also have a Rudy Wingspan (comes in 1 size) and it fits, but the strap that goes around my head is set about as wide as it will go.

    My old road helmet was a Rudy Project "Sterling" and both of my newer helmets are light years ahead of that from a weight and comfort perspective.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Consider either the LG Course or Bontrager Ballista - both are aero road helmets that have tested well and look good.
  • Robert SaboRobert Sabo
    The POC with MIPS is probably the safest. It's the MIPS technology that adds the anti rotational injury protection(think concussion vs skull fracture and hematoma/blood clot of direct impact).
  • donymodonymo
    +2 on the LG Course. It looks like a road helmet and tested very well for aero
  • Robert SaboRobert Sabo
    The Giro Synthe with MIPS will be out "Fall 2015"
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    Posted By Robert Sabo on 13 Aug 2015 11:50 AM
    The POC with MIPS is probably the safest. It's the MIPS technology that adds the anti rotational injury protection(think concussion vs skull fracture and hematoma/blood clot of direct impact).
    Listen to this man. He's a brain surgeon...
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    Giro Synthe with MIPS is now out:

    http://www.competitivecyclist.com/giro-synthe-mips-helmet?ti=UExQIFJ1bGUgQmFzZWQ6TUlQUyBIZWxtZXRzOjE6MTpjYXQxMDAyMDgwMTA&skidn=GIR00AA-BRIREDBK-M
  • kimmydctkimmydct

    Thanks all! Went to the bike shop yesterday.  Limited selection but since I get a discount as a team member I went with this:

    http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/...-mips.html 

     

    They had the Synthe but not in my size and definitely wanted one with MIPs.

  • Robert SaboRobert Sabo
    I just ordered a Synthe with MIPS from my LBS. Should be in by next week. Glad I went there and tried some helmets on. They had the Synthe without MIPS and the Medium fit best. I thought I was a Large. Brick and mortar stores and knowledgeable salesperson appreciated.
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