Triumphrat

dollardriven · 05-18-2004

looking at Roof helmets...they claim "huge reduction in wind noise" anyone with experience with Roof? Is there a U.S. dealer?

SpiderTex · 05-18-2004

no clue...

uptil now, Schubert seem to be the only "confirmed" silent helmet. With Shoei as a close second...

AAA · 05-18-2004

At the end of the day the wind-noise will depend a lot on how the lid fit you, and the type of bike (how much wind is actually going past your helmet, and how much is directed around??)

I only have Shoei & Arai experience (probably the cheaper models), and to me it seemed the Arai was quieter (though I went from a 4 yr. old Shoei to a new arai).

To preserve hearing I'd opt for earplugs - though I may be a special case, as I've gone to concerts wearing earplugs.

Many Roof lids look cool, though...

yerguy · 05-18-2004

Hey Dollar,

You said you were looking at Roof Helmets. Where did you see them????? Is somebody near you carrying them??? Could you, would you find out who the importer is???

I stumbled across an ad for them in Brit Bike a while back and spent several hours trying to learn about them, but found they are available in the UK and Europe only. No North American distributors last time I checked.

They seem to be rather pricy, but they also seem to be well made. I love the built in "sunglasses" feature and they are the coolest helmet I've ever seen.

Ol' Dolson would love them, he'd look just like an F-18 pilot!!!! But then again he'd probably be feelin' so "racy" that he'd start painting "roadkill" symbols on the flanks of his bike like the fighter jocks do!!!! I can see it now, lil' vinyl stickies of bunnies and baby squirrels plastered all over the side of his bike. "Oh Don, you mean, mean man...How can you?? (sniff, sniff)

But I too would love a major reduction in noise and the Roof appears to be the sleekest helmet in production.

Tell me more......

Dan'l
So. Calif.

ctballos · 05-18-2004

Wind noise can tire you quick. I rode all last year (6k miles) on a TBS with a $125 Bell helmet and the wind noise and buffeting almost did me in. This year I bought an 03 ST and the fairing diverts the buffeting but only some of the wind noise, same helmet. Then I read about ear plugs... WOW. Properly fit ear plugs not only save your hearing but cut almost all the wind noise. My ride has become incredible. I almost feel as though I am flying.

ctballos

bikerdawg · 05-18-2004

Tricktape.com used to import them, but I just checked their site and they no longer carry them. They said because of the weak dollar, it wasn't beneficial to import them any more. They do have a link to designerhelmets.com. They will be able to help you out. They are an interesting looking helmet.

dollardriven · 05-19-2004

I saw the Roof Helmets on their website. They will sell them direct to US customers.

Solace · 05-19-2004

Not that anyone will likely be pulled over and checked for this, but does anyone know if ROOF lids are legal in the US?

They don't (and wouldn't, of course) carry a DOT rating. They meet the new Euro standards, but our regs say DOT or it's not legal.

Perhaps a silly concern, but being an aerospace rules guy, I felt is was worth mentioning. Regardless, I really dig the concept and look of them.

Solace

dollardriven · 05-19-2004

Good question? maybe they haven't been tested by the DOT and that is the reason no US dealers. If they meet the Euro that is good enough for me safety wise.

05-20-2004

The Euro/UN standard exceeds DOT, but it is still not recognized in North America. You may want to reconsider since your insurer will not cover you in an accident due to illegal headwear.

Notwithstanding, the ROOF looks outstanding but I've heard that its quality assurance leaves much to be desired.

Not to slam ROOF as I too looked into purchasing one, but in a nutshell, there are cheaper, better and yet legal helmets available by other manufacturers.