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School-age kids
August 2007
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Ratings Bike helmets

Bell Citi
Bell Citi
Bell Trigger
Bell Trigger
Schwinn Intercept
Schwinn Intercept
Bell Boomerang
Bell Boomerang


Availability
 Most models at stores through December 2006.
indicates Quick Pick.

Within types, in performance order.

Models with the same score are listed alphabetically.
Excellent
Very good
Good
Fair
 Poor
 

Brand & model

 Price Overall score Test results
Quick picks

Small type: similar model(s)
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ADULT

Bell Citi CR Best Buy

 $45
79.

Bell Slant CR Best Buy

 50
79.
 

Specialized Aurora

 100
77.
 

Bell X-Ray 

 100
68.
 

Giro Atmos

 190
68.
 

Giro Havoc

 60
68.
 

Specialized Air-8

 60
67.
 

Trek Interval 2 Sport

 60
66.
 

Trek Vapor 3 Sport

 50
66.
 

Serfas Cosmos Plus 

 35
65.
 

Louis Garneau Equinox

 35
64.
 

Bell Metropolis

 70
63.
 

Louis Garneau Chrono

 90
48.
 

NOT ACCEPTABLE
 

Trek Anthem C Elite Anthem C Elite WSD 

 125          
 

YOUTH

Bell Trigger Alibi

 30
65.

Schwinn Intercept CR Best Buy

 17
60.
 

Specialized Air Force

 35
60.
 

Louis Garneau Grunge-X

 40
55.
 

Uvex Cartoon

 40
54.
 

Serfas Rookie 

 30
51.
 

Bell Star 

 10
46.
 

TODDLER

Bell Boomerang

 30
63.
 

Giro Me2

 30
51.
 

Louis Garneau Babyboomer X

 30
46.
 

BMX STYLE
 

Bell Faction

 30
44.
 

Giro Makai

 40
44.
 

Mongoose BMX Hardshell MG-119

 17
38.
 

NOT RECOMMENDED
 

Pro-tec Classic

 30
16.
 Discontinued.


Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based primarily on impact absorption, retention-system strength, ventilation, and ease of use. Impact absorption refers to how well the helmet absorbed the forces of an impact; it’s based on tests at various impact speeds and on various impact surfaces. Retention system refers to how well the helmet’s straps, buckles, and other hardware met our strength criteria. Ventilation is our evaluation of vent design and how well air flows through the helmet to provide cooling while riding. Ease of use is our judgment of how easy the various buckles and adjustments were to use. Price is approximate retail.