I’m sure this question has been asked to death so please humor me; what is the word on these two helmets?
I know we can’t get the Specialized helmet in the States but I don’t know why. What about the Bell Meteor II, can we buy this helmet here in the States?
Not yet and not yet. These may as much marketing decisions as other concerns. The helmets are expensive to make, difficult to package in odd shaped boxes and manufacturers are wary of consistent, long term demand.
Giro (Advantage 2) and Bell are sold in the U.S. by the same distributor, Bell Sports in Rantoul, Illinois. As such they have no interest in competeing against themselves by having two aero helmet models (although some other companies like Louis Garneau have several) for sale simultaneously and the attendant additional costs. There is rumor of a U.S. distribution of the Bell Meteor in '09 and they can be purchased from foreign web e-tailers now.
I don’t about the Specialized helmet.
No on both counts - I believe neither is CPSC certified, which is a requirement for helmets that are to be sold in the USA. The Bell is sold in Europe as they only require the less stringent CE certification.
I know we can’t get the Specialized helmet in the States
My understanding is that the Specialized helmet is only availble to sponsored (pro and elite) racers and there are no plans to sell it to the general public.
Thanks for the info.
Has anyone ever held one of these helmets in their hands or put one on their head? Are they heavy? Are they hot?
The Specialized helmet is CPSC approved… but no plans to sell the helmet in the US as of now. Too much of a liability issue, and it’s probably too
I do have my hands on one. I’ve done wind tunnel testing on it, and it’s pretty good when you use the visor that comes with it. I’ve used it in a Half Ironman (Singapore 70.3), which is about as hot and humid as it gets. Didn’t overheat… it’s not too heavy, nor too hot.
While I was out at Specialized in California I inquired as to why the Condor helmet was not available to the public. I was told that it was unable at this time to pass the Snell foundations standards of testing. I was told that Snell also test for items that might cause a spiral injury to the neck and due to the tail on the helmet it might catch on something and cause this type of injury.
Robert Driskell
Advanced BG Fit Technician
Competition Sports
Gulfport MS
Then I stand corrected on the Specialized’s certification - thanks for the info.