(Part 2) Best bike helmets & accessories according to redditors

sounds like you want/need a full face helmet of the sort that the more aggressive mountain / bmx riders wear. In the event of an unexpected spill, it would protect your face/jaw and the sides of your head better than a standard bike helmet. I wouldn't recommend boxing headgear-- different sort of impact

Get my helmet and you’ll be all matched up!

Some chinese crap off amazon

Aerostich sells one that connects to your helmet strap, easy to see when they try to take your helmet off.
http://www.aerostich.com/clothing/helmets/helmet-accessories/rescue-facts-emergency-packs.html
Another of the same: https://wizarddistribution.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=2740#.WpCm-2inHrc



There are also some that stick the the side of your helmet: http://www.idformyhelmet.com/homepage/what-is-it/for-motorcyclists/
See also: https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Helmet-Vital-Medical-Cycling/dp/B001DZLEVK

https://www.amazon.com/Giro-Savant-Road-Bike-Helmet/dp/B005QZID3A

I like this one I got off amazon!

I use an uvex urban helmet, and really like it.
It's not too big or fancy, and relatively stylish as far as bike helmets go.

amazon link

For a long time, I preferred the wind in my hair, freedom of less equipment to tote around, and thought I could handle any situation (overconfidence) without major physical damage. This goes back decades, long before esk8, but since purchasing my first Boosted board, rode over 1k miles without a helmet until I took a fall that was unavoidable and (among other injuries) included bouncing my eyebrow and jaw off the pavement. Long story short, I now appreciate proper protection, but value light weight, comfort, breath-ability, slim profile, and reasonable price. I bought the helmet below and couldn't more highly recommend. The adjustable visor can be removed, but I ended up putting it back on. It helps perfectly hold a powerful headlamp in place and sometimes useful in blocking high beams pointed in your direction (if you have ever used a baseball cap to do the same, you know what I'm talk'n about). I actually liked the original paint job/styling, but know a buddy with equipment, so had it powder-coated with this pretty sweet charcoal color with reflective properties.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E5OMVAY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• Dynacraft Men's 26" 21 Speed Alpine Eagle Bike, 18.5"/One Size, Black/White
  
  
• Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 1-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
  
  
• Schwinn Aereos Adult Bike Helmet

I agree it is a bad idea to hang things from handlebars, I have a helmet strap that I use for my lid while shopping, if it is just a couple of bags, I just loop their handles in the strap and have the shopping bags slung to my side.

My first helmet was a giro fixture MIPS. I smacked it good enough on a crash that I had to replace it. I'd clearly gotten overconfident Haha.

https://www.amazon.com/Bell-4fortoy-MIPS-Bike-Helmet/dp/B07GT81L98/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3ONX0OWNOZ04E&keywords=bell%2B4forty&qid=1550284999&s=gateway&sprefix=bell%2B4&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1

This is what I'm currently wearing. Still in that general price range. Just aim for something with MIPS, a 1 piece tightening system, and that fits your head.

If you don't jump straight to downhill, that should be plenty for you.

I live in NYC with bunch of reckless drivers. So I got a full face helmet.

and these fairly priced knee, elbow and wrist guards

For gloves, I got this as I will not be wearing the wrist guard because I'm more of a commuter than a fun rider so I need my hands fully functional at all times.

And finally, these reflective vest for the night zombies.

My helmet - Limar 777 Superlight

Alright. This is gonna be really long, so feel free to only respond to certain parts or just ignore it completely.

I'm so excited because I've been looking around online at all kinds of MTB stuff for a while now and I actually feel like this is the thing I've been looking for in life to be passionate about. I can actually feel that adrenaline and those endorphins you guys talk about whenever I see a first-person video posted here, and I'm not even the one riding. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself, but I can't help but be extremely excited nonetheless.

I've watched quite a few basic to intermediate technique videos and I think I'm finally ready to give it a shot. Now I just need to decide on what kind of gear (especially the bike) to get, and that's where I definitely need your help. I'm not sure what information is helpful for this, so I'll just provide a buncha info.

My physique: Male - 20 years old - 6'3" - 175 lbs. - can competitively run a 5k - I'm more on the lean side than the muscular side.

Bike: Yeah I really have no idea what to even look for here. I saw the google doc on all the bikes and it was great to see all the options, but I haven't got a clue as to what I should get or whether or not to buy used or new. I'm definitely hoping to go on the cheaper end here as I'm just a college student (limited budget) and I'm only just now starting to ride. However, this is something I think I'd be willing to invest a solid amount of money into. Any suggestions?

Helmet: I definitely want to get a full-face helmet because I don't want to have to deal with any dental problems. I'll compromise comfort for teeth. I've read a lot of good things about this SixSixOne helmet, and it's relatively inexpensive, so I'm leaning toward that at the moment. I'd like to try it on somewhere first, and work from there. Same goes for the goggles. Although I saw a low-priced Thor pair on that same amazon page, I think I should see if they're comfortable first.

Gloves: I have no idea here. I'll probably shop around, but any starter suggestions would be much appreciated.

Any other advice about apparel such as pads or just general clothing that you like to wear while you ride would be much appreciated as well. Also, is it a good idea to get some compression shorts?

Other questions: Are there any exercises you might do specifically off the bike to help you out when you're riding? What do you bring in that backpack of yours when you go riding? What do you think is the best way to transport your bike long distances?

Also, on the off-chance that anyone knows of any good trails in the Indiana University area or the Northern Indiana/Southern Michigan area, I'd love to know about them.

Any other advice that you'd like to give would be appreciated as well.

If you've made it this far, I applaud you. Sorry for bouncing all over the place, and thank you so much for reading all this. I'm really excited to be joining this community and can't wait to get into such a cool sport.

I have a Giro Venti. I like it, but it doesn't look like they make them any more...

It looks like Giro replaced it with the Bishop.

I prefer an over the helmet cover. https://www.amazon.com/Jandd-FHCW-YL-Helmet-Cover-Yellow/dp/B002P707F4

SixSixOne, only set me back $75
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OCZ1RQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I wear this with some cheaper thor goggles and they fit well together. This helmet lets your dome breathe well, and the best part is how much more peripheral vision it allows than any other helmets I've worn in the past.

Am I the only one that rocks full face? I’m sure we’re all doing top speed on this pretty consistently.

I’m rocking the Bell Super 3R https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GT6QLTT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BsUNDbXC43C4Z

I really like these and have one on my helmet. I used to get them from a motorcycle track day organizer as they were mandatory to be on every riders helmet, figured it would also be of use on my mtb lid.

Helmet with built in magnetic sunglasses. I have prescription sunglasses but it's always a pain to put on yeah one more thing for my daily commute. The built in helmet sunglasses make it so I don't have to.


Wantdo Bike Helmet with Removable Magnetic Goggles Visor Mountain Road Bicycle Helmet Adjustable Adult Cycling Helmet BMX Helmet for Men Women Youth White Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MLNWWT1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cK5pDb6ZX10DQ

So you admit visibility is important, but you don't want any lights on your person? Because the higher up on your vehicle profile, the further back you can be seen. That means your head, unless you've got ape hangers for handlebars or something.




[LIVALL BH51M Smart Bike Helmet] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQV4S7D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HcXXCbSKB0Z7G](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KQV4S7D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HcXXCbSKB0Z7G)




Also is this a Christmas tree helmet, it's what I got because I don't like the lumos and I wanted turn signals. Lots of people make light up helmets.

My husband's head is 64cm... yeah, it can be hard to find a hat. You might need to go to a bike store in a larger city than the one where you live. Or order online.

My son's head is that way, too. At age 3 he outgrew his youth helmet and we took him to the bike shop and he had to get an adult helmet. He wears the same helmet I do, except I'm an adult woman - and my head is not small - but at 58cm at least I don't struggle finding hats or helmets.

Try this one http://www.amazon.com/Giro-Venti-Bike-Helmet-Black/dp/B002LSVL70

Also have a huge head. I have this Bell MTB helmet and it's really nice. Not cheap but the chinguard pops off, and it has a liner (MIPS) that supposedly better protects against twisting forces. In general I suspect you want a mountain bike rather than motorcycle helmet.

https://www.amazon.com/Bell-Super-Adult-Helmet-Medium/dp/B07GT8TM26/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2WQ61PJ1OIW75&keywords=bell+full+face+helmet&qid=1569975729&sprefix=bell+full+face%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-5

Seattle here. Rain, I can work with rain.

A.) Fenders. Planet Bike hardcore.


B.) Shop safety glasses. Tada! Windshield. Little bit vented, not batman or racketball style


C.) Helmet cap: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002P707F4


D.) Yellow rain resistant jacket. I have an older model of this that was on sale. http://www.amazon.com/Canari-Cyclewear-Eclipse-Jacket-X-Large/dp/B00487LWLC/


E.) Increase bike's reflectivity. http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-reflective-tape-97562.html


F.) Hardcore proper rain, go rain pants. I have expensive ones because I hate rain pants but I've made peace that I hate being wet worse and I live in a wet climate. I have hiking rain pants and rain jacket made by mountain hardware. I love them but they are expensive; but it isn't more than a month or two of gas for the car.


G.) Monsoon season, I switch to waterproof work boots. Some people put garbage or grocery sacks on their feet, but I'd rather just have appropriate insulated footwear for the nasty weather.


H.) 40 degrees and below, I wear a balaclava. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZG7RGM


I.) Safety glass anti-fog. Cat crap: http://www.amazon.com/EK-10003C-Cat-Crap/dp/B002ZNA488/


J.) I also make sure the schwabe marathon tires still have some grip and tread. They have a reflective sidewall. I also make sure I have at least two lights forward and two to the rear.


H.) Gloves: I wear some pearl izumi gloves. I had some boring leather gloves from homedespot that worked fine. In cold weather I'll wear some hotfinger gloves which I found on a trip to Boston.

One probably doesn't need all this, but it keeps me getting on the bike rather than garaging it. I like the options too, too hot? Remove underjacket and just use cycling jacket. I hate how cycling gear somehow makes the price go up, but some of it actually does the job really well, colored visibly too.

This is the helmet I have and I am eventually going to get a second one. I wear it mountain biking as well. You forget it's there, and it's even gotten compliments.

I considered that, but my helmet (Bern Macon) has air vents and a good deal of curvature on top, so I didn't think I'd be able to get good adhesion with my camera mount.

(edit: link added)

I didn't until I found one I thought looked right for me. I bought a Bern Macon and wear it every time. I always thought the ones with all the contours and vents and shit looked faster than I am and it prevented me from getting one for quite a while.

I found a great deal on a decent helmet from Competitive Cyclist. It was a Limar helmet, pretty light, sits down on my giant dome so I'm not so mushroom headed. It also has a insect netting in the front so creepy crawlies are not in my hair.

It's the same helmet I was wearing when I had a bad accident. The helmet likely saved my life...even though I had a severe concussion and almost a month and half of pretty bad post concussive syndrome to deal with.

Get one you're comfortable with that meets safety standards and that you'll actually wear.

Here's the link to the one I bought, it's $25.

https://www.amazon.com/Limar-777-WHITE-SILVER-SIZE/dp/B00CGGGCBW

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: Limar 777


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|




To help add charity links, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

I have a Giro Savant helmet and it vents really well IMO. It can be bought on Amazon for $65-$105 depending on size and color.