Helmets: to air or not to air - Triathlon Week

alpinechic · 01-10-2006, 05:02 AM

Is it worth spending $150 - $200 (US) on a helmet? People at the bike shop I frequent say it is, especially here in hot, humid, Florida because a "better" helmet provides more ventilation. Do more ventilation holes in a helmet really make a difference?

sfricks · 01-10-2006, 08:37 AM

Hummmm... That's a good one! Mine costs $99. I can't mentally justify more than that. I don't make my decision on how many holes it has. i decide by fit. It could cost a grand but if I can't wear it for 6 hours it doesn't matter :)

Spike10 · 01-10-2006, 12:48 PM

My helmet cost around $45 for a Bell with plenty of vents and I can wear it all day long in August on the longest of rides. Scott's right, get one that fits and is comfortable, you can always dump cold water on your head :)
Spike.

thj02003 · 08-06-2006, 05:40 PM

Did you ever buy a helmut! I would be interested in knowing which one you bought. I am also in Orlando so where you bought it would also be helpfull as well.

alpinechic · 08-07-2006, 07:18 AM

thj02003:

I did buy a helmet. I got suckered into getting a $190 Giro Atmos from David's Cycle in Lake Mary/Heathrow. I also recommend Orange Cycle and David's Cycle in the College Park area - they are bigger stores and have a wider selection of merchandise. However, where you go somewhat depends what brands you are looking for - for accessories, all stores will have the big brands. For bikes, David's in Lake Mary carries mostly Trek while Orange Cycle seems to focus on Specialized. Google either of these for their web sites and locations.

As far as the helmet, I love it. I fell for the "it's the one Lance wears" line and the cute "pod" carrying case it comes in.

thj02003 · 08-07-2006, 10:47 AM

Thanks for the information. Have you done your first tri yet? Are you using a coach to train? I am currently training for my first marathon with FitOrlando. I eventully want to do a tri but right now I am focusing on getting some miles built up.

alpinechic · 08-08-2006, 06:32 AM

No, not using a coach but at some point I'd really like to do so. I completed the first Olympic distance race of the Central Florida Triathlon Series in Clermont, FL in June. I should have done the sprint as I wasn't remotely prepared for the swim...nonetheless, it was fun!

Which marathon are you training for? I've never heard of FitOrlando...I'll have to look them up! I run with a group out of TrackShack. My husband and I are training for the Chicago Marathon in October and the "Goofy Challenge" -- the Disney half followed by the Disney full marathon -- in January 2007. I also ran the Marine Corps last year, which was a GREAT first marathon, and the Disney earlier this year.