Bell Bicycle Helmets?

[Kelemvor]

Well, stopped by Wheel and Sproket on the way home frmo work today to see what they'd recommend for a cheap bicycle helmet. They picked out a Bell Ukon FS which they sell for $39.99.

Anyone know anything about this helmet?
http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/productDetail.asp?prodID=11

Of course Bell has MSRP of only $34.99 so I won't be buying from W&S but the helmet felt nice and was a lot ebtter than the crappy one I tried on at Target the other day...

Any reasons to stay away from this helmet? Not for racing, just for maybe riding to work or on the local trails.

 

[dsfunk]

bell is a trusted brand for helmets

 

[Baked]

I have a Bell. They all work the same I guess. I mean do you seriously think you can survive a head-on collision w/ a SUV by wearing one of those $200 helmets?

 

[Kipper]

You should probably stick to an ANSI or Snell-certified helmet. As far as I know these are the signs to look out for a good helmet...

 

[jonnyGURU]

Most helmets are both ANSI and Snell. All Bells are ANSI and Snell.

The primary difference in the Bell's and their different price ranges are:

1. Weight. The lighter, the more expensive.

2. Air flow. The more expensive ones have more holes cut in them for better air flow, yet still pass safety standards. Fells REALLY good on a long, hot, sweaty ride.

3. Comfort. The more expensive ones have better fitment devices in place. The cheap ones tend to just come with blocky pads. The better ones come with pads that are contoured to fit around your head. The really nice ones have all sorts of neat gadgets to keep the helmet on your head.

So.... Go to the store. Try it on. Does it feel light? Does it seem like it'll keep your head cool? Does it fit snug on your head? If yes, then buy it.

 

[Blastomyces]

Get a nice Giro on ebay. You can get last years model for about half off.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: jonnyGURU
So.... Go to the store. Try it on. Does it feel light? Does it seem like it'll keep your head cool? Does it fit snug on your head? If yes, then buy it online and save some cash.

Fixed that to show my normal process. Now to just find the best deal. And try to figure out the difference between the '04 and '05 models since the '04s are at least half off in some places.

 

[rchoo]

ask this guy.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/eagle.html

 

[Kelemvor]

That guy seems a bit on the looney side... Was wondering what all the scotch tape was for but then I read the page....

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: dsfunk
bell is a trusted brand for helmets

Agree ...

IMHO, jsut make sure you get one that goes down the back of your head and covers your whole skull. The extra $10-$20 could save you from serious problems later on.

 

[Kelemvor]

Just talked to Bell and the '04 Ukon and the '05 Ukon are the same except for the colors available... So for 50% off I guess it's an '04 for me.