Ebay

[Afrank]

I am in the market for a new helmet again. And have once again run into what I have just now decided to call, the ebay conundrum. Namely, do I buy from a place where I know I'll get a genuine piece of gear but pay more (LBS or good online dealer like Competitive or arts cyclery), or go with something I find on ebay that is much cheaper.

I'm always a bit hesitant with the big items like helmets on ebay. There's lots of helmets for real cheap, but I don't want some Chinese knockoff.

A couple that I'm watching at the moment.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331233527955

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161333598623?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261496497705?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Thoughts? Advice? Experiences with this?
Thanks in advance.

 

[avanti]

The problem with buying an helmet on-line is whether it will fit you properly. I buy stuff on-line (including eBay) but buy my helmets at Performance Bike, REI, or LBS for good prices when they have sales.

 

[winkybiker]

Can't imagine buying a helment off ebay. On-line of it is a known size? - sure - but only from a reputable source. What price your comfort and your brain?

 

[King Boonen]

A helmet is something I would never buy on eBay, Craigslist, Gumtree etc.

I'd hesitate to buy online anyway as you can't test it for fit, although I did just buy my full face on line and I'm very happy with it. That was more because nowhere stocks them anyway.

Buy either locally or from a reputable online dealer and take the hit in cost. Your brain is worth it.

 

[nowhereman]

I am in the market for a new helmet again. And have once again run into what I have just now decided to call, the ebay conundrum. Namely, do I buy from a place where I know I'll get a genuine piece of gear but pay more (LBS or good online dealer like Competitive or arts cyclery), or go with something I find on ebay that is much cheaper.

I'm always a bit hesitant with the big items like helmets on ebay. There's lots of helmets for real cheap, but I don't want some Chinese knockoff.

A couple that I'm watching at the moment.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331233527955

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161333598623?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261496497705?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Thoughts? Advice? Experiences with this?
Thanks in advance.

Sorry to give a counter opinion to all the other forum folks who have been responding to your query. But contrary to their "opinions" there is nothing wrong with buying from ebay. I have experience, this is not just an "opinion". As long as you diligently look over the sellers feedback.And if possible buy from a seller that promises that they accept returns if you are in any way dissatisfied. This counterfeit thing is way over done, especially with helmets.( Although I am hesitant on buying sunglasses on ebay) The seller of the Giro helmet has 100% positive feedback and has sold other giro helmets, and that is a good indicator. You showed another seller with NO feedback. That one is a No-No. And the seller with the Lazer, on a quick look, had no other helmets on it's sold list, I'd want more on one like that. A critically important factor is, KNOW YOUR SIZE for this variety of helmets, because sizing varies. I have bought many helmets on Ebay and have NEVER had any problems with any of them. But I have always tried them on for sizing at local shops. E-bay is not the place to be finding out about sizing.

 

[DirtyWorks]

There's lots of helmets for real cheap, but I don't want some Chinese knockoff.

But, not willing to spend less time visiting an LBS and pay a marginally higher price in exchange for confidence the product is the real thing?

I don't understand this, and yet I see it all the time.

 

[Afrank]

Re. size, for me size isn't a problem. I know anything sized in the 55-59 Cm range will fit me well.

 

[Afrank]

But, not willing to spend less time visiting an LBS and pay a marginally higher price in exchange for confidence the product is the real thing?

I don't understand this, and yet I see it all the time.

I'm perfectly willing to spend the time and more money (if required) buying a helmet at the LBS. I've bought my last 2 or 3 helmets from the LBS.

The only problem is I (like most people I'm sure) do want a very good quality helmet. But helmets are expensive, the best are going to be all well over 200 dollars. And the next level down in helmets can still be close to 200. That's a lot of money to spend on something that could be useless after one crash. And to be completely honest, money's tight for me right now.

I think buying from ebay can be an okay source, you just have to know what your buying and analyse the authenticity of the source your buying from.

 

[hiero2]

I'm perfectly willing to spend the time and more money (if required) buying a helmet at the LBS. I've bought my last 2 or 3 helmets from the LBS.

The only problem is I (like most people I'm sure) do want a very good quality helmet. But helmets are expensive, the best are going to be all well over 200 dollars. And the next level down in helmets can still be close to 200. That's a lot of money to spend on something that could be useless after one crash. And to be completely honest, money's tight for me right now.

I think buying from ebay can be an okay source, you just have to know what your buying and analyse the authenticity of the source your buying from.

Re: the bit about "useless" after one crash? If the helmet hit the ground - discard it. Not could be - is. That IS the whole point. It just saved you. Honor that and retire it.

But I have to ask - why are you crashing so much that this becomes a priority? Are you trail-riding, and talking about dumping yourself over a root? But you likely didn't really hit your head there if you did. Maybe got some dirt on the helmet or an external scrape.

As for Ebay, nowhereman has given you very good advice. Although, I tend to agree with the opinions saying stick with somebody you know and trust.

Last point - you don't need to go with the expensive models. You get the same protection from the inexpensive models (or >98% same in most cases). I think there are a few hi-end models that are hi-end because they contain greater safety features, but sfaik, mostly it is about looks and comfort.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Sorry to give a counter opinion to all the other forum folks who have been responding to your query. But contrary to their "opinions" there is nothing wrong with buying from ebay. I have experience, this is not just an "opinion". As long as you diligently look over the sellers feedback.And if possible buy from a seller that promises that they accept returns if you are in any way dissatisfied. This counterfeit thing is way over done, especially with helmets.( Although I am hesitant on buying sunglasses on ebay) The seller of the Giro helmet has 100% positive feedback and has sold other giro helmets, and that is a good indicator. You showed another seller with NO feedback. That one is a No-No. And the seller with the Lazer, on a quick look, had no other helmets on it's sold list, I'd want more on one like that. A critically important factor is, KNOW YOUR SIZE for this variety of helmets, because sizing varies. I have bought many helmets on Ebay and have NEVER had any problems with any of them. But I have always tried them on for sizing at local shops. E-bay is not the place to be finding out about sizing.

Giro doesn't authorize online, discounted selling of their product. So ya gotta wonder where the guy got his product...in spite of 100% feedback.

Bike shops love the 'try on then buy online', customers. My favorite were the guys that asked all the questions, bought online, found out it was a POS, then wanted me to warranty..easy to show those guys the door.

If ya crash and want to do the crash replacement gig..need proof of purchase and if it's from a discounted flaebay/online discounter..may not get it from Giro.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

I'm perfectly willing to spend the time and more money (if required) buying a helmet at the LBS. I've bought my last 2 or 3 helmets from the LBS.

The only problem is I (like most people I'm sure) do want a very good quality helmet. But helmets are expensive, the best are going to be all well over 200 dollars. And the next level down in helmets can still be close to 200. That's a lot of money to spend on something that could be useless after one crash. And to be completely honest, money's tight for me right now.

I think buying from ebay can be an okay source, you just have to know what your buying and analyse the authenticity of the source your buying from.

Hit your head, throw it away.

 

[Afrank]

But I have to ask - why are you crashing so much that this becomes a priority? Are you trail-riding, and talking about dumping yourself over a root? But you likely didn't really hit your head there if you did. Maybe got some dirt on the helmet or an external scrape.

You know, I've asked myself that very same question. But it's not actually as bad as it sounds. It's actually been a while since I've had a serious crash. This time was just a dumb mistake. I was stupidly looking down and hit the side of a parked car, bounced off and went down. But I have had some bad luck with crashes in the past.

 

[Afrank]

Hit your head, throw it away.

Not to worry, I do. By that I just mean basically that helmets are fragile. Even the most minor of knocks can render it time to throw them away and get a new one.

For example, I gave my mom a new Giro Aeon (bought from Competitive Cyclist) for Christmas. Me and her slid out on some ice coming around a corner (slowly I should add) one cold morning. I guess she knocked the helmet on the ground when she slid out, because I discovered a small crack in it later.

It was a very minor fall, but it still caused a crack in the helmet.

 

[hiero2]

Not to worry, I do. By that I just mean basically that helmets are fragile. Even the most minor of knocks can render it time to throw them away and get a new one.

For example, I gave my mom a new Giro Aeon (bought from Competitive Cyclist) for Christmas. Me and her slid out on some ice coming around a corner (slowly I should add) one cold morning. I guess she knocked the helmet on the ground when she slid out, because I discovered a small crack in it later.

It was a very minor fall, but it still caused a crack in the helmet.

It doesn't take much. In all likelihood, that helmet would have been fine to use, even in another crash. The reason for the caution, is that after it has been damaged one does not know. And that whatif could be a big gotcha.

Back when I was doing advocacy, the helmet wars were full-on. I used to tell people, and it is literally true, that if you unscrewed your head, then dropped your head from the height of your shoulders, you could cause a fatal
concussion. Of course, in normal life this doesn't happen so easily, as our bodies absorb some of the impact - we dissipate force by partial impact (slowing down one bang at a time) - we dissipate force in a fall by redirecting it through our bodies (like a judoka falls). Your mum, being older, may be more rigid and not in as good physical condition. All things that lead to falls generating more serious injury as we age.

Probaby not telling you anything you don't already know, so I'll shut up now!