All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Good point. Appearance is very subjective. While looks aren’t the most important factor, it’s still a factor. Considering most all helmets bring a similar level of protection and safety, fit is the biggest deciding factor.

The TLD A1 fits well for me, but I do find it lacking for ventilation sometimes. That’s what has me considering the A2.

With two votes for the Bell Super I’ll give it a look. I assume the Super 2 is the non-full face version? I know the chin guard is removable on the 3, but I’ll never use it. None of my riding or terrain warrants a full face.

 

@backcountryj
Ive been using Bern. On #2 currently. Allston I think.
Fits well. Wouldnt say mushroom... but, hey, what do I know, I wear a full face all the time on the big bikes... no matter which I am riding.


Been away from this thread for a while.... feel kinda dirty...
Havent pedaled either bike since Sept. Been working, prepping for winter, or its been WET.
Taking a road trip home(Corpus Christi) for Xmas and new year week, and debating on tossing one of the bikes on the rack. Not much riding in the city though...at least as far as I know.

I still need to get my hands on a cheap cap, and sort out a way to mount a bike on the side...

 

Love that cap man, so much want...

If you’re looking for slim, Bell isn’t it. I’ve run a few, and their protection is good but they’re definitely not slim and light.
The POC Tectal is slim and light, but expensive. The new A2 is also a killer lid, and recently named one of the safest you can get by Virginia Tech. It’s also much improved in terms of venting over the A1. 90% of picking a helmet should be fit, and if you know the TLD fits, I’d stay on brand.

I just retired a Bell Super DH, Kali interceptor, and a 6D ATB1-T. Currently running a POC Tectal Race Spin and a 100% Aircraft, just ordered the TLD Stage.

Here's the test:

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

 

If anyone was concerned with the DECKED system and track mounts...

 

The Bell Supers (no number, or 2, 3 just refers to generations) all take the optional chin guard or it can be bundled in the purchase as an R model. However I just checked their website and it looks like they have been replaced by other models except for the 3R. So I’d echo what others suggest and get the new TLD. You know it fits. Plus the graphics are cool.

 

It’s pouring rain, but I did get out Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

oh....and I’m a Smith Helmet fan.

 

Fox Proframe all day. Trail or bike park (it's DH certified). I do also have a Giro Disciple and Fox Rampage Comp for those exceptionally gnarly days.

 

Thanks for the input, but as I mentioned I have no need for a full face.

The Poc Tectal, Leatt DBX 3.0, and the Sweet Bushwacker II are what I’m looking at if I don’t go with another TLD A2. Unfortunately I can’t get any of those on my head prior to purchase.

The A2 is the safe move, and cheapest due to some promos, but the others are attractive just to change things up a bit.

 

3rd gen x 1up usa x Santa Cruz

 

I saw a while back people were asking about shorts and the Zoic Ether was recommended. I see they're on sale at REI.
https://www.rei.com/product/129346/zoic-ether-shell-bike-shorts-mens

 

Picked this up yesterday!

 

SB130? I think I’m going to get a used one next week.

 

You never notice with the breathability, weight, and visibility. To each their own though...

 

SBs are soooo nice

 

Yep, local shop had this one on closeout since it was last year's. Using the savings to upgrade a few things on it.

 

Where are you seeing deals on the A2?

 

Make that 3 votes @backcountryj!

And I can attest to the durability that that helmet kept my dome safe when hitting a tree at full tilt. 4 of my ribs and my shin were goners in the wreck, but my head still work good.

 

BFCM19 gets you an extra 25% off sale items at troyleedesigns.com. I get a little extra off through work, but even the 25% off gets the A2 price lower than the other helmets I’ve mentioned.

 

Tied with the SB140 for my favorite bike to ride that is currently released. I've ridden them back-to-back, on the same trail, on the same afternoon and I can honestly say that neither is better than the other. The SB130 climbs a hair better and rolls a hair faster, but the SB140 is just stupid-fun on the descents.

This is how I compared them to my friend who supplied the bikes for me to demo. They are a journalist who regularly reviews bikes-
The SB130 is like that sweet girl you like and think is going to be great long-term relationship material.
The SB140 is that hot girl you picked up at the bar who wants to go home with you tonight.

I own the SB140 now...

Another friend recently demoed the 140 and compared his ride to a squirrel on fire. Seems like an appropriate description.

 

I’m selling my custom bike rack for the bed. I can’t post in the market place yet. So pm me for details