helmets

Ask the MB: Tag Heuer and Ruby Helmets

April 21, 2010

Q: Love the site, I check it on a daily basis. I wanted to weigh in on the whole helmet/scooter issue. I live in Paris and drive a Vespa Gran Turismo, and I just bought this helmet, which I thought you would like. Let me know if you think I made a mistake. The most popular helmets in Paris are Ruby (http://boutiqueruby.com/?lang=eng#/main) but I am not sure about wearing a 1000€ helmet with a picture of Karl Lagerfeld kissing it.
--Tonio

A: Tonio, you definitely did not make a mistake. But even at more than twice the price, don't dismiss that Ruby. It's limited edition (100), by being covered in tweed makes for desirably nubby fall/winter head protection, and it's unlikely Lagerfeld will be kissing it while you're tooling around the Marais.

Ask the MB: Helmet for a Stella from Genuine Scooters

April 16, 2010

Bell Bandito via bellhelmets.com, $39.95 — Bell Bandito via bellhelmets.com. $39.95.

Q: I'm going to be getting a scooter soon, hopefully. It'll be a four stroke Stella from Genuine Scooters -- retro sexy and good for the environment. My question is, what kind of helmet should I get? I definitely don't want something full face covering. I was looking at Davida's "Classic" helmet line, but those are not approved for driving on US roads apparently. But what else could match a ride this amazing?
--Mark

A: Nice choice, Mark. That Stella is so well-designed (especially if you are getting it in green) that we can totally forgive its practicality and environmental friendliness (and the fact that Genuine Scooters refers to green as "avocado"). You are headed in the right direction on helmet choice too. Ultimately, you're piloting a scooter, not a rocket ship, so the less helmet, the better. That's why we like the Bell Bandito. It's simple, streamlined, and it will let you feel the wind against your face and your ears.