Helmet - Giro Ionos or Lazer Helium or...

simon johnson
simon johnson Posts: 1,064
edited July 2010 in Road buying advice
..something else.

Can somebody help me decide on a helmet.....anybody own one of the above?

Looking for a helmet that's sleek, cool and not too heavy.

Thanks.
Where\'s me jumper?

Comments

  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    The Ionos is very very cool indeed. And light.

    Sleek? From the side yes. But check how you like the front on view. It can "butt out a little."
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
    https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
    Facebook? No. Just say no.
  • simon johnson
    simon johnson Posts: 1,064
    Thanks Bender,

    I was going to get an online bargain but it would probably be sensible to get down the shop and try these things on. Anybody know of a good helmet stockist in London?
    Where\'s me jumper?
  • Cornish-J
    Cornish-J Posts: 978
    My gf just bought me the ionos in white, looks awesome, not tested it out yet though.
  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    Thanks Bender,

    I was going to get an online bargain but it would probably be sensible to get down the shop and try these things on. Anybody know of a good helmet stockist in London?

    Aye, deffo sensisble. If you can get away with a smaller one (than you thought you needed) that negates the mushroomness.
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
    https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
    Facebook? No. Just say no.
  • nickwill
    nickwill Posts: 2,735
    I've got the predecessor to the Lazer Helium, complete with the same very effective adjustment system. I wouldn't look beyond the Lazer helmet because you are guaranteed a perfect fit, more or less whatever shape your head is. I've used Specialized, Giro and various other helmets over the years, and nothing has come close to the Lazer.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Had the Ionos about a month, sleek it isn't, little bulbous but the best helmet i've ever had ....
  • ScottieP
    ScottieP Posts: 599
    I been using a Specialized S-Works 2D Helmet for the last year or so - it's been excellent - extremely light, well ventilated and a good fit - I love mine ... just replaced the helmet pads for a fiver too and it's like a new helmet again.

    Here's a link to the latest version .....

    http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/Detail/63/men's/2010%20S-WORKS

    Sorry for some reason the link isn't showing properly - but if you copy and paste the link it works.
    My cycling blog: http://girodilento.com/
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    I've had the Ionos for over a year now... Love it.
    The insert for the cooler months is a great touch, too... :wink:
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    if you want lightweight, look at the Selev Blitz. Comes in at around 210g, although the fit may not suit everyone - but I'm really happy with mine..

    Something a bit different...

    http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=H2203
  • Lillywhite
    Lillywhite Posts: 742
    +1 for the Giro Ionos in white/silver. :wink:
  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    I've had an Ionos for the past few years. But am trying to find an Atmos now for my next helemt.

    Very similar to the Ionos but a little less mushroom-like.
  • bigpikle
    bigpikle Posts: 1,690
    recently got an Ionos and have been very impressed after having a mid-range Spesh lid for a while. Good cooling, much better shape and feels a good bit lighter on. Expensive but there are some good deals out there is you search!
    Your Past is Not Your Potential...
  • cogidubnus
    cogidubnus Posts: 860
    Catlike Whisper Plus, Fantastic venting in hot weather and very light. Looks are not conventional though
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Those huge vents on my Ionos were a real help today gotta say .....
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Fit is everything. I'm not overly bothered by how it looks. You definitely need to try them on.
  • Lillywhite
    Lillywhite Posts: 742
    Those huge vents on my Ionos were a real help today gotta say .....
    I agree. Got a couple of hours in before 10 am and the Ionos did it's stuff. :wink:
  • Gazzaputt
    Gazzaputt Posts: 3,227
    Lillywhite wrote:
    Those huge vents on my Ionos were a real help today gotta say .....
    I agree. Got a couple of hours in before 10 am and the Ionos did it's stuff. :wink:

    +2
  • simon johnson
    simon johnson Posts: 1,064
    Just tried on the Giro Ionos and Atmos; the Ionos seemed to dig in on my (neanderthal) forehead whereas the Atmos fitted nicely.....I didn't bother looking in the mirror though. The shop didn't have my preferred colour in stock but should have later in the week.

    Might look up a Lazer dealer in the meantime though. This is my first helmet so I've not much to compare with....
    Where\'s me jumper?
  • RDB66
    RDB66 Posts: 492
    Go try a KasK K10 or the newer Sky one...Best helmet i've ever put on me bonce.
    A Brother of the Wheel. http://www.boxfordbikeclub.co.uk

    09 Canyon Ultimate CF for the Road.
    2011 Carbon Spesh Stumpy FSR.
  • mcrdave
    mcrdave Posts: 501
    I got a Lazer Helium after trying an Atmos first.

    Definitely preferred the way the Helium grips all round your head rather than the 'back of the head clamp' on the Atmos.

    Plus I think the Helium is more complimentary to my thin bonce.
  • simon johnson
    simon johnson Posts: 1,064
    I just got find anywhere in London (central/north) stocking Lazer helmets. Anybody have any suggestions? Could Wiggle them both and return the one I don't fancy.....
    Where\'s me jumper?
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I've had a Lazer Helium for a few months now - the adjustment and security are superb as well as the quality of construction too. Giro are hugely over-priced in comparison and besides, everybody has one.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • leejdavies
    leejdavies Posts: 217
    RDB66 wrote:
    Go try a KasK K10 or the newer Sky one...Best helmet i've ever put on me bonce.

    +1 K10 has got a great and really flexible fitting system. Plus Thanks to sky alot of shops have them in stock to try. Then go online to get it cheaper and more colour options 8)
    Up: Wilier Mortirolo
    Down: Orange Patriot
  • markshaw77
    markshaw77 Posts: 437
    leejdavies wrote:
    RDB66 wrote:
    Go try a KasK K10 or the newer Sky one...Best helmet i've ever put on me bonce.

    +1 K10 has got a great and really flexible fitting system. Plus Thanks to sky alot of shops have them in stock to try. Then go online to get it cheaper and more colour options 8)

    +2
    Way more comfortable and adjustable than any Giro/Specialized (particularly if your head shape is like mine where helmets tend to pinch front and back without feeling secure at the sides) and a really quality item to boot
  • re-cycles
    re-cycles Posts: 107
    Could Wiggle them both and return the one I don't fancy.....
    Check with them to confirm they'll accept a return on a helmet. I tried this last year and the retailer wouldn't accept returns on safety equipment, just a replacement if damaged.
  • Now on my 2nd Ionos - the first was trashed when I came off 18 months ago.

    The only issue I have is sweat points - 'the horns of Ionos' that take over an hour to disappear. Not exactly the best look in the office, and not one I relish taking out of the office on appointments, such as when I have to appear in court.

    I am thinking about changing to the Specialized 2D S-Works for this reason alone.
    There's no such thing as too old.
  • simon johnson
    simon johnson Posts: 1,064
    OK, I'm going for the Lazer Helium over the Giro. I've not ridden in either but without doing so the Helium seems to be streets ahead of the Giro (Atmos) in terms of comfort and quality of build. It's also a little less 'shroom like albeit a bit longer in profile.

    The Roll-Sys tightening system is excellent as is the padding quality. Only downside is that there isn't a set of replacement pads, though you do get a snazzy helmet bag!

    Will be getting some miles in this weekend, so I'll be back if there's anythng to add.

    Thanks people!

    PS I got the helmet from dotbike.com, who were bloody amazing and got the helmet from their supplier, to themselves, to me...posted special delivery, all in two days. And, I saved a fair bit on the RRP, much cheaper than the most widely used online retailers too. Excellent.
    Where\'s me jumper?