Counterfeit Bike Helmets

[MikeDD]

I saw this recently on the news: https://abc7ny.com/counterfeit-bike-helmets-put-you-at-risk-/5321780/

Specialized has 14 employees chasing down counterfeit bike helmets.

 

[ebikemom]

Yikes!

 

[drewberz]

I didn't know that bicycle helmets had safety standards.

I know for motorcycles, I see the DOT, FMVSS, ECE and SNELL stickers all the time, but for bicycles.. nothing.

Taken from here: "For example, all bicycle helmets manufactured after 1999 must meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bicycle helmet standard (16 C.F.R. part 1203); helmets meeting this standard provide protection against skull fractures and severe brain injuries when the helmet is used properly..."

Spesh employees found $49M in counterfeits too!!!

 

[harryS]

I do need a new one. I always figured a Bell helmet over the counter is a sure thing. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

https://helmets.org/standard.htm

This is one of those situations where it is quite literally a no-brainer (pun intended) to buy either direct from the manufacturer or from a reputable local bike shop.

Nutcase makes some nice helmets.

 

[MikeDD]

I thought I would give this thread a bump after reading on other threads about people buying cheap helmet or complaining about the cost of some helmets.

The higher cost of some helmets may mean they actually earned the certifications on the helmet.

 

[Asher]

Helmet prices have no relation to quality. But you can find highly rated helmets here, based on authoritative research:

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

 

[drewberz]

I still don't understand why on earth people decide to buy counterfeit helmet.

I can understand why some posers may want to purchase counterfeit Gucci, Hermes or Louis Vuitton products, but Specialized??

Is having Giro, Specialized or Bell logo give you that much of prestige? If I were to purchase a cheap helmet, I would care less if it says something like "ABC Helmet" , "Super Helmet" or whatever the no-brand helmet names.

Because from what I understand, it is not the case where buyers were scammed hundreds of dollars on counterfeit helmet, they're knowingly purchasing fake brand name helmets.

I don't think most people knowingly buy counterfeit helmets the way a person knowingly buys a counterfeit Louis Vuitton bag. I think they make their way into consumer hands unwittingly via eBay etc.

 

[emtbdude]

Helmet prices have no relation to quality. But you can find highly rated helmets here, based on authoritative research:

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

More expensive helmets (at least within a manufacturer's line) definitely offer more features and additional protection. As you pay more, you will get features such as:

-additional sizes and colors to fine tune fit and appearance

-larger visor

-adjustable visor

-upgrade to MIPS

-additional venting

-lighter weight

-wicking, anti-microbial pads

-one piece removal, washable pads

-bug net

-camera/light mount

-better coverage

-full face coverage

-sunglasses/goggle mount


The last time I bought a helmet was in 2105 and the 2019 models are far superior with a much more comprehensive set of features.

 

[erider_61]

Free helmet that came with my Voltbike is a DOT motorcycle helmet. I prefer a higher end helmet that actually has been tested to higher speed standards.

 

[bob armani]

Anytime I purchased a bike helmet, the first thing I would always look for was the (CPSC) certification labeling and a well known brand like Bell. However, I have never hit my skull on anything to date to even know how well I would be protected. That said, I have no way of knowing how effective they actually are.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I didn't know that bicycle helmets had safety standards.

EN 1078, entitled Helmets for pedal cyclists and for users of skateboards and roller skates, is a European standard published in 1997. ... Compliance with this standard is one way of complying with the requirements of the European Personal Protective Equipment Directive (PPE; 89/686/EEC).

We have standards for everything in Europe

MET

MET are famous in Europe. KASK are respected very much yet these are very expensive, used by professional cyclists and equestrian. Funny thing, the company is Italian yet the word KASK means exactly "a bike helmet" in Polish.