Bell Ghisallo

The most important thing when buying a helmet is proper fit. Without that, you won't get the full protection which is the whole point. If you are buying your first helmet, go to a good bike store, and if… you get good knowledgeable service, then pay them the few extra bucks and get the right helmet that is properly adjusted for you. I see so many cyclists with helmets that aren't fitted properly. It is not rocket science to fit a helmet, but you should know how a well-fitting helmet should sit and feel to get the benefit of the protection. In short, this helmet leaves nothing more to be desired, in my opinion. I've been cycling with two brands of helmets since 1989. I've almost always bought the models that are the top of the line (at least near to the most expensive). My reasoning has been, they are more adjustable for better fit, they are better ventilated and usually look better... and how much is my head worth in comparison. I commute on my bike to work so I save the amount of the helmet in gas and gym fees in no time at all. Bottom line, Bells and Giros fit me comfortably. Other brands might fit you better. If they do, buy them. During the years I've gone through quite a few helmets, thankfully never because I've needed them to absorb the energy of a collision... knock on wood. I change them about every 3-4 years, and keep the old ones (a few more years) that are still nice for guests who arrive with out helmets... an old helmet (within reason) must be better than no helmet. About 5 years ago we moved and my helmets got displaced amongst the hundreds of packed boxes, so I went into a bike store looking for a cheap helmet that would work until I found my $250 Giro which fit like a glove and was cooler in the summer than not having a helmet on. I found two Bells that were on sale for about $30- $40 and bought one for me and one for my wife. The fit was great and the price even better. Ventilation was above average... not as cool as my high end, but still comfortable. The thing is that even after I found my high end Giro, I kept using it for three years, and sold my Giro to a friend. Lesson learned... maybe. Well, this June it was time to get a new helmet and the Bell Ghisallo caught my eye (on Amazon) because of the great ventilation and a sale price. I can tell that this helmet is going to be a bit cold during winter cycling (I live in Sweden... will have to get a winter cover) because it is so well ventilated, but now in the summer it is fantastic. The fitting system (straps etc) were also really easy to adjust and in about 2 minutes this helmet disappeared from my consciousness. The straps are a bit stiff still but that makes fine adjustments a snap... and nothing that a little sweat won't fix in a few days usage. If Bells fit your head, I highly recommend this helmet. By the way I also bought a Giro Animas for my son. He gets to start using it when he starts school this fall. It fits great too... we have the same size which is nice :-)

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I've had a Bell Ghisallo since 2001. It's comfortable, cool, and fits well (for some reason Bell fits my head, and Giro helmets to not). The big bonus came yesterday when I was riding to work and a car… hit me. I broke a rib, punctured a lung, bruised my hip and shoulder, got a serious case of whiplash, and cracked my Ghisallo helmet. The helmet did it's job perfectly; My head is completely unscathed. The patron saint of cycling was with me yesterday for sure.

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I ride a road bike and have really put this helmet to the test. I crashed about 3 years ago and landed on my head. The helmet did exactly what it was supposed to do...... it broke. My head was totally fine.… I bought the exact same model. Fast forward to last week. I am in a paceline going 25 miles per hour. One of the guys crashed in front of me and there was nothing I could do, but crash. I flew over the handle bars and smashed up everything. I think I landed on my head first or second, but I really can't say. I hit hard. My helmet broke...... perfectly. My head was totally fine. I just received my third Bell Ghisallo helmet today. It is cool with the big vents and compared to some models, cheap. I never ride without a helmet and neither should you!

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