dekindy
01-28-2012, 09:23 PM
My Bell Sweep does not fit well but I can use it as a Winter helmet worn over headbands and balaclavas.
The Giro Ionos fits better and is very highly ventilated but is somewhat bulky, the straps are not comfortable, and does not accomodate my new sunglasses frame well.
I looked at Lazer Genesis/Helium well as the Specialized Prevail but both are as expensive as the Ionos so I decided I would wait until the Ionos required replacement before spending that much money for a helmet. Have read many reviews about the Giro Aeon but have not seen it in person so I was going to give it a look before the next purchase.
Enter the Uvex Boss Sports Race. It lists for $120 but has many unique features and combines the best of many helmets. I was able to find a NOS 2010 model for $65 plus tax so the price was right.
First of all it fits my head. However I think it will fit most heads. The suspension system is like the Lazer top of the line models. The suspension system suspends from the helmet frame and completely cradles the head so it tightens around your whole head instead of jamming the back of your head against the front of the padded helmet frame. And it is also height adjustable with 7 different notches. It has a traditional adjustment knob that has a very smooth action and the 54-60 size range is broad and fits to size. The helmet fits well with nothing on my head, a headband, thin balaclava, and a thick balaclava. The height adjustment can be changed in a second to accomodate the various thickness of your headwear.
The chin strap push button system has 6 position adjustment capability that can be tightened when your chin strap gets slack in the summer or needs loosenig on a long climb and can be manipulated with one hand. It is the only one of it's kind and makes the Lazer Magic Buckle look a little silly as far as innovations go as the Uvex buckle has apparently been around a long time. After I got the strap adjusted for Summer wear I only had to actually adjust the strap to accomodate the thickest balaclava and then that was only for comfort as I could have worn it with no adjustment at all, it would have just been a little uncomfortably tight. The chin strap also has a sleeve that holds the excess strap that is normally retained by a rubber o-ring on other helmets and provides a very smooth, comfortable surface against your chin.
And the straps are really comfortable also and the retention system does not interfere with my sunglasses frame. It also has a built-in bug screen on the front vents.
The only thing that I am not sure about is the ventilation. A reviewer that seemed credible says that it is very well ventilated but not as well ventilated as the "tops of the tops" of other brands. The LBS owner that I purchased the Boss from says it ventilates better than his older model Sweep so that was enough for me to take a $65 chance. I really can't wait to wear this helmet on the road! If it is as comfortable as it appears it is and ventilates well, I may be contacting the LBS to get the one remaining in stock if it is still there in a few months.
The Giro Ionos fits better and is very highly ventilated but is somewhat bulky, the straps are not comfortable, and does not accomodate my new sunglasses frame well.
I looked at Lazer Genesis/Helium well as the Specialized Prevail but both are as expensive as the Ionos so I decided I would wait until the Ionos required replacement before spending that much money for a helmet. Have read many reviews about the Giro Aeon but have not seen it in person so I was going to give it a look before the next purchase.
Enter the Uvex Boss Sports Race. It lists for $120 but has many unique features and combines the best of many helmets. I was able to find a NOS 2010 model for $65 plus tax so the price was right.
First of all it fits my head. However I think it will fit most heads. The suspension system is like the Lazer top of the line models. The suspension system suspends from the helmet frame and completely cradles the head so it tightens around your whole head instead of jamming the back of your head against the front of the padded helmet frame. And it is also height adjustable with 7 different notches. It has a traditional adjustment knob that has a very smooth action and the 54-60 size range is broad and fits to size. The helmet fits well with nothing on my head, a headband, thin balaclava, and a thick balaclava. The height adjustment can be changed in a second to accomodate the various thickness of your headwear.
The chin strap push button system has 6 position adjustment capability that can be tightened when your chin strap gets slack in the summer or needs loosenig on a long climb and can be manipulated with one hand. It is the only one of it's kind and makes the Lazer Magic Buckle look a little silly as far as innovations go as the Uvex buckle has apparently been around a long time. After I got the strap adjusted for Summer wear I only had to actually adjust the strap to accomodate the thickest balaclava and then that was only for comfort as I could have worn it with no adjustment at all, it would have just been a little uncomfortably tight. The chin strap also has a sleeve that holds the excess strap that is normally retained by a rubber o-ring on other helmets and provides a very smooth, comfortable surface against your chin.
And the straps are really comfortable also and the retention system does not interfere with my sunglasses frame. It also has a built-in bug screen on the front vents.
The only thing that I am not sure about is the ventilation. A reviewer that seemed credible says that it is very well ventilated but not as well ventilated as the "tops of the tops" of other brands. The LBS owner that I purchased the Boss from says it ventilates better than his older model Sweep so that was enough for me to take a $65 chance. I really can't wait to wear this helmet on the road! If it is as comfortable as it appears it is and ventilates well, I may be contacting the LBS to get the one remaining in stock if it is still there in a few months.