Bike Helmets

[Weasel]

I am thinking of taking a trip to switzerland with a bike next spring and all of a sudden realized I don't have a bike helmet. The more I thought about it, the more is concerned my that I haven't got one before now. Most of the time I ride my P2 around town, pretty tame stuff but every now and then do some decent Mountain bike riding or street stuff. So I'm looking at helmets and the standard ones don't seem like cover all that much, just the top of your head.

So I was looking at the full faced helemts, but after talking with one of the local shops they basicly said I don't need and shouldn't get a full faced helmet. Unless I'm doing huge air something like the Giro Xen will be fine. And the Full faced helmets are hot and make it difficult to breathe cause of the chin guard.

Was almost set on the Hex, then found one called a Switchblade (Giro). It has a removable chin guard and is lighter and has more air flow. Its not a full faced helmet but more of a light duty one. Anyone used one of these or had expirence with them? Or should I just stick with the Hex? I think it's the smae as a Xen just not as expensive.

[mdl]

You got money for a bike helmet and a trip to switz and you can't pay you're dues? :D

j/k



I dunno man. I've never worn a bike helmet.. Except on my motorcycle i wear a full face.

[XJ Un-Limited]

My recomendation, a good brand and one that fits you comfortably. Your local bike shop should have some good recomendations for ya too and can fit it to your head correctly.

[Rev Den]

Try them on...find one that fits good, is comfortable, and has a bunch of vents.

The most important thing is to wear it!

Rev

[Starboard M]

What kind of riding are you going to be doing? I agree that the full face helemts get hot and make it very hard to breath. Are you biking around Swiss-land or are you going to be doing downhill on the ski slopes? If your doing downhill, get the best full face that you can get, gloves, shine guards and ellbow guards.

I have the old version of the Bell Bellistic FF Helmet (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47981008&parent_category_rn=4859761&vcat=REI_SEARCH). I like it, and its fairly light weight. It gets very sweaty because it doesnt have a whole lot of vents, but it is very comfortable.

Go to stores and try on several to see what you like the best.

[Weasel]

I've already done the fitting, then Xen Med fit but only after tightening the adjust most of the way up so I'm going with a small, the helmets was comfortable/fine for me. They said most of the Giro fit all the same so I'm good to go there. just biking, this helemt is not just for the trip, it for everthing. Just was planning it and realized I don't have one now. Anyways that not my concern really, but around town now. Trying to get into dirt jumping and urban assualt stuff (hopping, ect) and moutain biking. Not really much downhill racing or huge air. Switchbalde jsut look like a good comprimice between a full faced an skate style helmet. But they don't really sell them anymore, so if they aren't worth it then I'll just go with the Hex.