.
Interesting LG is the only one with a real “retention” system…
Which one has the tape? I haven’t looked at a meteor, so I can’t distinguish the meteor and the Giro.
The red tape is the Giro Advantage I, 2006 model
The one in the middle is the new 2007 Bell Meteor II which is not available in the US
The LG Rocket has the white graphics
.
Hello Gary and All,
Thanks for posting.
They all look similar although the one with the vents looks cooler if the vents do not cause a lot of drag.
Any other data like which you like best overall, actual weight, wind tunnel tests, certification, availability, etc.?
Here is some info on Giro: http://www.giro.com/main.html
Weight: 390g $161.24
Bell Meteor II: http://www.xxcycle.com/php/boutique/page.php?nom=PRODUITpp&key=4107&FROM=froogle
http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/europe/productDetail.asp?prodID=3
Weight: 315g (like that weight since my neck gets tired) $161.24 Appears not to be sold in USA.
CE Certification
LG Rocket: http://www.all3sports.com/product_info.php?pName=louis-garneau-rocket-helmet-2007
Weight: 419g $169.95 (Has a nice screw on visor)
Cheers,
Neal
So these all provide crash protection like a regular-shaped helmet?
So these all provide crash protection like a regular-shaped helmet?
Any helmet sold in the US will provide crash protection, as it will be required to meet the same standards.
If you look closely, many really are just a simple helmet with a plastic/aero faring. I have an LG and like it just fine…but not sold that it really provides any advantage other than mental.
Looks like the Meteor II would provide the best ventilation. Has there been any change on the rule that you need to wear a helmet approved by your national federation? ie USAT athletes need a CPSC approved helmet and euros just a CE certified one?
I’ve been lusting after a Meteor II since I first saw them but it wouldn’t do me much good at a North American IM…
Looks like the Meteor II would provide the best ventilation. Has there been any change on the rule that you need to wear a helmet approved by your national federation? ie USAT athletes need a CPSC approved helmet and euros just a CE certified one?
I’ve been lusting after a Meteor II since I first saw them but it wouldn’t do me much good at a North American IM…
No change that I am aware. In fact, at numerous USAT sanctioned races last year, I had race officials checking over my LG Rocket to ensure it had the proper CPSC sticker inside.
Thanks for the photos. I really like the look of the Giro (especially now that it’s CPSC certified). Are there plans to make the Meteor legal to race in the US?
"Are there plans to make the Meteor legal to race in the US? "
It is legal now: http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2109
Looks like I’ve got another thing to add to my x-mas list … the only thing is $24 shipping to get it to the US … 
Didn’t I see that the newest model of the Rocket now has some additional vents (simillar slit design like the front ones) on the top now as well?
"Are there plans to make the Meteor legal to race in the US? "
It is legal now: http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2109
But only legal in very limited cases. Its good to know the change to USA cycling and WTC Kona.
However, USAT rules (http://www.usatriathlon.com/Events/Rules.aspx) still state that all helmets must be CPSC certified.
I personally would hold off just a bit if you do USAT races or contact them directly. As I mentioned, I have race officials all summer checking my helmet. The last thing I personally would have wanted was to get in to a donney brook with the officials
Cool to see that comparison! I’d like to see how the new Advantage II will compare to these. We’re expecting them soon in the shop I work. Gary, I’m guessing you’ll have one pretty soon? If so can you post a 4 helmet comparison?
what is a “real retention system”?
To be fair the Giro and the Bell are so snug with the ear fairings that you’d have trouble getting them to come off anyway even without the chin strap.
What is all this talk about CE/CN helmets not having crash protection or real retention systems?
Do you think the bell and the giro don’t have a chin straps? Maybe in europe they just use duct tape?
The CE/CN are crash impact tested helmets, not just a plastic fairing.
I have a bell meteor II and it has a nice “behind the lump in your head” securing device, much the same as giro’s and others rock lock, etc. It also has a chin strap, which is adjustable. The difference between the advantage II and the meteor II is a lot less than you’d think. It’s ashame that USAT is lagging behind other sanctioning bodies by sticking with “if it ain’t invented here, it aint good enough” mentality regarding the CPSC standards. As noted before, USA Cycling says that CE/CN is ok for race as well as Kona.
Gary, you crack me up. Your house has just moved up to second (behind xantusia) in the top ten list of Slowtwitch related destinations. Men would kill to sort through your parts bin.
Thanks for the pics.