![]() Bicycle Helmets for the 2. Season. A slip- plane addition to some helmets sold in bike shop took off in bike shop helmets in late 2. Bell bought a large chunk of the MIPS patent holder company. The slip- plane layer makes it easier for the head to move about 5mm (0. We still regard MIPS as unproven technology unless you have a helmet that couples so closely to your head that you can't move it even a quarter inch. Your scalp is nature's MIPS. ![]() We have more on that on our MIPS page. For the US market the CPSC standard is required by law for any bicycle helmet. Without comparative test data we usually do not know if a particular model exceeds the requirements of the standard and offers superior protection. Most of them probably do not, even those that provide additional coverage. There are unpublished indications that the lightest and thinnest helmets do not perform well when impact levels exceed those required by the CPSC standard. Consumer Reports has a 2. When measuring men and women's heads, there is no significant difference in the skull shape, location of skull features or the scale of the ears, eyes and nose between men and women. Some other manufacturers just say their helmets are made for men and women. Their women's models are not just pastel color and graphics changes, but different helmets made with different molds. Sizes are smaller, but there is more room for hair. Some Specialized models have more space for ponytails in women's models, created by reducing the EPS liner profile in the rear and narrowing the rear stabilizer. We won't speculate on what that might do to the protection, but are sure the helmets still meet the CPSC impact standard. The ideal is a helmet that meets both standards. We have a page listing helmets certified to both standards. Dual certification to bike and skateboard standards is the biggest advance in skateboard helmets in recent years, denoting superior protection verified in lab testing. For many buyers we think the fitting service is well worth the extra you pay in a bike store. The exception would be the Bell True Fit models in discount stores, with easy adjustment. For an idea of what the lowest prices would be without any fitting help you can check Amazon, Ebay or other Internet retailers, including their shipping charges to compare. Prices in markets outside the US are generally higher at current exchange rates, particularly in Europe. Stabilizers add some stability and comfort but are not part of the retention system and are not tested for strength in labs certifying helmets to standards. They can not substitute for careful strap adjustment, although you may think you have adjusted the helmet correctly because it seems more stable. With a hard blow the helmet can still be knocked out of position or even fly off if the straps are not adjusted correctly. Prices are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, the price you might pay at your local bike shop with fitting services included. Discount store and Internet pricing will usually be lower. There are often deals on closeouts of prior year models either online or in bike stores. Many of them are also demonstrated on You. Tube videos, and many sites have detailed reviews. It has the usual large bolted- on visor, but with plastic mounting screws designed to shear off on impact or if the visor is snagged, although the force level necessary to shear the pins is not noted. The web site says it is . The retail price is $6. Worth a look because it meets the downhill standard. The LA Times has published a good article about the design, and its competitors. See Moon below. They use a compact basic helmet with small round vents, and sell separate covers that disguise it as a hat. They are more hat- like than most similar brands. According to the company's video, they are produced as a cottage industry with a lot of manual labor, using an elastomeric foam that they say meets the CPSC standard. ![]() It is designed to be thinner than most helmets. There are models shaped like ladies hats, leather caps, cowboy hats and many other styles, all hand- made and all with the same small vents in the crown. The hats could be a snagging hazard, and according to the web site they are attached securely enough to withstand a 3. CPSC standard for snagging. See our page on hat- style helmets for more. Sized to fit heads from 1. The basic helmet is $6. The FAQ page says . If you are in a serious collision which caused impact to the helmet, please return it with the cost of shipping. We will replace it with a new helmet shell. They distribute a wide variety of bike parts and accessories, and have been expanding to new markets. In Europe they have 2. Some part of their helmet line may reach the US as well. ![]()
![]() High end models have anti- bacterial pads and insect mesh in the front vents. Most have reflective rear stickers. BBB attempts to position itself as a value brand. ![]() ![]() A review of bicycle helmets for the 2016 season. Summary: Our review finds no radical safety improvement this year that would compel you to replace your current. Driving Directions to Asilomar SB Asilomar State Beach is adjacent to Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove. Asilomar Conference Grounds is at 800 Asilomar Avenue in Pacific. Recessed strap anchors, visor. The vents are very large. It has the usual high end points at the rear, nicely recessed strap anchors and flip- open strap adjustors. ![]() ![]() The colorful tail with peacock statues beautifies the whole garden or lawn. There are metal, stone and led lighted peacocks to décor.There is a visible white option. Retail is about 2. With visor it's the Everest at about 1. Also comes as the Fenix without the carbon and aluminum for about 1. Moco with a visor for a little more. Also comes for a little more as the Taurus with visor. Also available as the Police model in white with Police markings. Available only in size medium. Can be found for less than 1. They also own the Giro brand. They have been making bicycle helmets since 1. We spend more space on their line than most others because people want the info. You can find full descriptions of it on our MIPS page. We regard it as unproven technology, but Bell bought a large chunk of the MIPS patent- holder company, and that provided much of the impetus for the buzz about MIPS that began last year. In 2. 01. 6 the MIPS holding was not included in Vista Sports' purchase of the Bell/Giro bicycle brand, but the marketing blitz is already underway. Bell has 1. 3 MIPS models for 2. As with other MIPS models we have seen, we note a lack of slip- plane coverage in the rear, a frequent impact area, on Bell's models. There is also a . You will find them in the big- box discount stores or on the web. We cover them below the bike store line. It attempts to make fitting easier and more automatic, and in our testing it succeeded. You can check it out on our True Fit page. We consider it their most significant achievement in recent years. It is not available in bike stores, only discount stores like Target and Wal- Mart. Their toddler helmets and their mass merchant line have taped or glued- on shells. All of the models below come in white or at least one bright color combination. We found that the straps on many Bell models would not stay in place when adjusted despite their . Some models now come with Icedot stickers, a means of linking to an emergency call system. Bell's big BMX visors are held by nylon bolts, designed to shear off in a crash. Their new camera mounts are also designed to shear, and Bell is chairing an ASTM task group to develop a standard for when the mount should pop off if you snag it. It is now on some adult models, presumably for seniors and others with loose neck skin. Has a soft cap- like visor. Retail is $1. 25 with MIPS. Comes as the Annex Shield with a clear face shield for $1. A less- expensive version is available as the Hub without the sliding visor or MIPS for $7. Has a ratcheting tab buckle that readjusts the chin strap every time it is fastened, and could be snugged up while riding if sweat causes the strap to slacken. It comes standard with a pair of blinking LED lights built into the rear stabilizer, and it accommodates the optional Bell/Blackburn Flea series of very small head and tail lights, including one that comes with a solar charger and a . For 2. 01. 5 there are hi- vis white and yellow options and reflective decals. Retail is $6. 5. Bell has a You. Tube video up on the Muni. Round and smooth exterior with large blocky vents. Has the rear shape that promises additional coverage, but has to be checked on your head to see if that holds true when the front edge is one finger above your eyebrows. There is an XL size that fits heads up to 6. With women's graphics it is the Rush. Retail is $7. 5, or $9. MIPS. It has vents you can close with shutters for downhill segments if you believe that will improve your performance, and at least one hi- viz yellow option. A large section of the front has no vents, and other vents neck down as they pass through the liner, raising questions about the cooling airflow. Retail is $2. 40. There is an optional clear or tinted aero eyeshield that is magnetically attached and can be stowed in the helmet for $4. For 2. 01. 6 it has a . Retail is $1. 75. It has reasonable vents and a well- rounded compact shape. For 2. 01. 5 there is a . In women's graphics it is the Strut, the youth version is the Octane and the child version is the Buzz. For extra- large heads it is the XLP fitting heads up to 6. All have a one- size- fits- all ring fit. Retail is $4. 0 for any of them. They are among the least expensive Bell models for adults and youth sold in bike stores, and probably among the better values in the Bell lineup, along with the models in Bell's discount line listed below. With visor it is the Traverse, or women's Coast. This is a second value helmet in Bell's line, retailing for $4. MIPS, and $5 more for the visor versions. Has a lower shell for full cover. The retail price is $1. Volt XC with visor at $1. In 2. 01. 6 it is the women's Soul. It has enough edges and ridges to retain design interest. Bell is pitching it to mountain bike and city riders. For 2. 01. 5 there is a visible hi- viz orange option as well as white. Vents in the Sequence are larger than the very similar Variant below, and considerably larger than the Muni. So is the price, at $8. The Slant was one of only four helmets rated by Consumer Reports in their June, 2. Best Buy tag. The design looks dated now. Retail is $5. 5. Has nicely recessed strap anchors.
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