We think that these helmets will perform well in the field, but we just do not consider the squared-off designs optimum. More Trends Other trends this year include a continued slow movement toward brighter colors, mirroring what is happening in bike colors and colors for clothing and other accessories. Many manufacturers had orange, yellow or some other brighter colors in their mix this year. Visors have lost some ground. The distinction is entirely artificial, since both are designed to the same standard and both may well be used at times for the other type of riding.
Rear stabilizers continue to move down into the medium-priced market.
These devices have been well accepted by consumers, and most manufacturers have been pricing their helmets with stabilizers at the high end, pleased to have a feature that can persuade the consumer to part with more bucks. There are no exciting new materials or advances in technology evident yet in this years' helmet lines. It should be announced soon, but the design is radical enough to make us cautious about its effectiveness. Since CPSC-certified helmets now beginning to arrive in the stores are as good as what's on the horizon in 1999, we don't think there is any reason to delay a purchase waiting for new models. But we do recommend looking for the CPSC sticker rather than taking an old ASTM model unless price is your most important consideration.