Buying a Helmet in Vegas

[piersuk]

Hi-

Will be travelling to Vegas in August where we'll be renting some bikes for a tour.

We are travelling from the UK and don't favour thecare baggage handlers will take with my helmet.

Considering buying a helmet in Vegas before we collect the rental bikes. I'm guessing there will be a wealth of accessory shops etc.

Google has done it's usual thing and presented sponsor results and the other usual rubbish.

Any links/recommendations/discounts appreciated

Piers

[tprata56]

We have not had a helmet shortage years. You will finds everything you need and more at every motorcycle dealership in Vegas. Besides the dealers you may want to visit the Cycle Gear shop.

[piersuk]

Thanks. I guess I should have posted, where should I start at buying a helmet in Vegas? Where has a better selection?

We only have a day before we start the rental so it would be better to know where to go straight away by recommendation.

Thanks

Piers

[piersuk]

Thanks. I guess I should have posted, where should I start at buying a helmet in Vegas? Where has a better selection?

We only have a day before we start the rental so it would be better to know where to go straight away by recommendation.

Thanks

Piers

[motoreiter]

Why don't you just carry your helmet on with you and avoid the hassle/expense of getting a new helmet?

And what are you going to do with your brand new helmet after the tour?

[Flyingdoctor]

I'm taking my helmet as my carry on hand luggage when I fly to the States later in the year. I wouldn't let anyone handle it especially if it's out of your sight. I'm hoping it will be ok as hand luggage and they don't stop me taking it in the cabin. Has anyone got any recent experience? Often you can rent a helmet at the bike rental place, if you fancy that! Could be one solution though. E-mail them.

[motoreiter]

I just carried my helmet on board an airliner in the US last week. No hassles. Also, I'm not sure that many places in the US rent helmets, because of liability concerns. I tried unsuccessfully to rent one once, although I wasn't renting a bike at the same time.

[piersuk]

Alot depends on the carrier, no matter what they say the airports (in my case Heathrow) enforces :

56cm (22in) tall
45cm (17.7in) wide
25cm (10in) deep.

We are flying with Virgin who despite the limits the airport has decided limit their passengers to:

56cm (22in) tall
36cm (13in) wide
23cm (9in) deep.

They also say only one item of hand luggage. Don't fancy the idea of getting there and having to put the helmet in with the hold luggage.

Thought it maybe easier to spend $40 when we get there and worst case leave the helmet there at the end of the trip?

Piers

[Flyingdoctor]

I'm taking my old Roof helmet just in case they object. I'll leave it in the States and bring some other gear home as hand luggage. It doesn't have a USA snell test sticker but who's going to check that? I'm flying with Continental so we'll see what happens.

[motoreiter]

Originally Posted by piersuk

They also say only one item of hand luggage. Don't fancy the idea of getting there and having to put the helmet in with the hold luggage.

Thought it maybe easier to spend $40 when we get there and worst case leave the helmet there at the end of the trip?
Piers

I was reading in a different thread about a guy who some airline tried to block from bringing on his helmet as second piece of carry-on, so he just put it on and wore it until he got on the plane. Kind of ridiculous, but it worked.

Yeah, I guess if you can get a helmet for $40, no big deal, although I like to use my regular helmet to ensure good fit & protection.

[JMo (& piglet)]

Don't worry, you can take your helmet as hand luggage on Virgin (I did this last year) - I had it inside my empty tankbag which I used to carry all my other cabin/paperwork stuff - no problem.

As for buying a helmet out there - forget $40 cheapies (although I bought a Captain America open face for around $100 - kewl!) - treat yourself to a new Arai... they are not half price (dollars for pounds), but a significant saving - I was looking at a VXPro at $400 (£200), but had just brought my new Tour-X with me, so declined... will get one next time though!

Someone has already mentioned Cycle Gear - they are essentially the US equivalent of Hein Gerike here in the UK - top for choice and good value too...

xxx

[piersuk]

Great stuff, thanks.

I think the issue is which country you fly from, did you fly from the uk?

Thanks

Piers

[JMo (& piglet)]

Originally Posted by piersuk

I think the issue is which country you fly from, did you fly from the uk?

Yep - Gatwick-Vegas direct with Virgin Atlantic - no problem as long as the bag you put it in isn't too oversize...

xxx

[piersuk]

Top stuff, thanks.

Trouble is now I've talked myself into an open face helmet for the Harley hire, recknon it maybe especially as we are there in August.

Piers