Who Makes Bilt Motorcycle Helmets?

Have you ever wondered who stands behind the Bilt motorcycle helmets? The answer may surprise you. Cycle Gear, a prominent name in the motorcycle gear industry, is the brain behind Bilt.

Since launching the Bilt brand in 2011, Cycle Gear has revolutionized affordable motorcycle helmets by designing and partnering with overseas manufacturers to cut costs.

In this article, delve into how Cycle Gear's savvy approach in choosing manufacturing locations, from China to Pakistan, ensures Bilt helmets remain wallet-friendly while still offering the quality new riders seek.

Engage in the story of Cycle Gear's journey with Bilt, and uncover what makes their helmets a favored choice among budget-conscious bikers.

Who Manufactures Bilt Motorcycle Helmets?

Bilt motorcycle helmets are manufactured by Cycle Gear, a prominent company in the motorcycle gear industry. Cycle Gear launched the Bilt brand in 2011, aiming to offer affordable and reliable riding equipment.

As a large retailer, Cycle Gear operates 98 stores across 31 U.S. states, providing a wide reach for its products. The company plays an integral role in the design and production of Bilt helmets, ensuring quality while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

By directly partnering with overseas manufacturers, Cycle Gear eliminates the middleman, which significantly reduces manufacturing costs and allows them to offer value-priced helmets to their customers.

• China

• Pakistan

• Bangladesh

• Vietnam

• India

Cycle Gear's strategy of cutting out the middleman is a key factor in maintaining the affordability of Bilt motorcycle helmets. By collaborating directly with manufacturers in countries such as China and Pakistan, Cycle Gear minimizes additional costs that typically arise in the production chain.

This direct partnership not only helps keep prices low but also allows for better control over the manufacturing process, ensuring consistent quality. This approach aligns with Cycle Gear's mission to make protective gear accessible to new riders without compromising on safety or performance.

The History of Bilt Helmets and Cycle Gear

Cycle Gear introduced the Bilt brand in 2011, marking a significant entry into the motorcycle gear market. The initiative aimed to deliver value-priced motorcycle helmets and gear, filling a gap for riders seeking economical options without sacrificing crucial safety features.

Bilt quickly became known as Cycle Gear's in-house economy brand, targeting new riders who required quality protective equipment at an accessible price point. This strategic launch allowed Cycle Gear to expand its product range and cater to a broader audience within the motorcycle community.

Cycle Gear's mission revolves around providing affordable, quality motorcycle gear to riders across various experience levels. As a leading retailer in the motorcycle gear industry, Cycle Gear operates 98 stores in 31 states, ensuring significant market presence and accessibility for customers.

Their business strategy focuses on direct partnerships with manufacturers, which eliminates intermediaries and reduces costs. This approach aligns with their mission by maintaining affordability while upholding performance and safety standards, making motorcycle riding gear more accessible to entry-level riders.

Year	Event
2011	Bilt brand launched
2015	Expansion to 98 retail stores
2020	Introduction of new helmet models

In addition to Bilt, Cycle Gear offers a higher-end brand known as Sedici. While Bilt caters to the budget-conscious segment, Sedici provides European-inspired designs with a focus on premium quality and advanced features.

The distinction between these two brands allows Cycle Gear to serve diverse customer needs, ranging from cost-effective to premium options. Sedici's lifetime guarantee further positions it as a more upscale choice, contrasting with Bilt's commitment to delivering affordable, reliable gear for riders entering the world of motorcycling.

Quality and Reputation of Bilt Motorcycle Helmets

Bilt motorcycle helmets are backed by a five-year warranty, offering a significant assurance of quality for buyers. This warranty period is notably longer than those provided by many higher-priced brands, which often offer shorter protection durations.

The extended warranty reflects Cycle Gear's confidence in the durability and reliability of Bilt helmets, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious riders who still prioritize having a reliable safety net.

Customer reviews of Bilt helmets reveal a spectrum of feedback, illustrating both positive and negative experiences. While some riders appreciate the affordability and accessibility of the brand, others have expressed concerns regarding durability under extensive use.

These mixed reviews highlight the balance Bilt aims to strike between cost-effectiveness and performance, catering primarily to new riders or those seeking an economical option without a hefty price tag.

• Broken elastic on riding boots

• Stitching problems on glove liners

• Longevity of helmet materials

• Overall build quality concerns

Bilt's positioning as an entry-level brand plays a crucial role in its market appeal. Designed to provide essential safety gear at a price point that lowers the barrier to entry for new riders, Bilt helmets allow enthusiasts to get started with basic protective equipment.

This strategic positioning helps foster responsible riding habits from the outset by offering gear that meets fundamental safety standards without demanding a significant financial investment.

Balancing affordability with quality, Bilt helmets serve as a practical choice for those who prioritize cost over advanced features.

While they may not offer the same level of sophistication as some premium alternatives, the brand's commitment to maintaining reasonable quality at a lower price point ensures that new and budget-conscious riders can access necessary protective gear.

The five-year warranty further underscores this balance, providing peace of mind that the gear will perform as needed over time.

Safety Features and Helmet Certifications of Bilt Helmets

What safety certifications do Bilt helmets meet? Bilt helmets are crafted to adhere to widely recognized safety standards, ensuring they provide reliable protection for riders.

These helmets typically meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) certification, which is a standard requirement for helmets sold in the United States. DOT certification mandates strict testing protocols to confirm that helmets can withstand significant impacts, protect against penetration, and remain securely fastened during accidents.

By aligning with these certifications, Bilt ensures that its products meet fundamental safety requirements, making them a dependable choice for budget-conscious riders.

What specific safety features do Bilt helmets offer? Bilt helmets incorporate several key features designed to enhance rider safety and comfort. Impact resistance is a critical aspect of Bilt helmets, with materials and construction techniques focused on absorbing and dissipating energy during a collision.

Ventilation systems are another important feature, promoting airflow to keep riders cool and prevent fogging, which can impair vision. These features are essential in maintaining both safety and comfort, especially during long rides or in varying weather conditions.

Feature	Description
Impact Resistance	Designed to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a collision.
Ventilation	Promotes airflow to maintain comfort and prevent visor fogging.
Secure Fastening	Ensures the helmet stays in place during an impact.
Lightweight Design	Reduces rider fatigue and enhances comfort over extended periods.

Why are certifications and standards important for helmet safety? Certifications and standards play a crucial role in helmet safety as they establish a baseline for performance and protection. Helmets that meet these standards have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their ability to protect in the event of a crash.

This provides riders with confidence that their equipment can withstand real-world conditions. For brands like Bilt, adhering to these standards while maintaining affordability is a testament to their commitment to rider safety. By prioritizing certifications, Bilt helmets offer an accessible entry point for new riders, ensuring they start their motorcycling journey with essential protective gear.

Comparing Bilt Helmets to Other Brands

When comparing Bilt helmets to other brands like HJC, cost-effectiveness is a standout factor. Bilt targets the entry-level market, providing helmets that meet basic safety standards at a price point that's accessible for new riders.

In contrast, HJC, known for its extensive range of helmets, offers models that span from affordable to high-end, with advanced features such as superior ventilation and noise reduction.

While Bilt focuses on delivering essential safety with minimal frills, HJC presents a broader array of options, catering to riders who may seek more specialized features and are willing to pay a premium.

Bilt's pricing strategy is designed to undercut many competitors by delivering helmets that fulfill safety requirements without inflating costs with premium add-ons.

This strategy aligns with their mission to make motorcycle gear accessible to new riders. While brands like HJC and others may offer helmets with advanced technological features and materials, Bilt's approach prioritizes affordability, which is a significant advantage for riders concerned about budget constraints.

This strategic pricing allows Bilt to occupy a unique position in the market, drawing in customers who prioritize cost over sophisticated features.

• Sedici

• LS2

• Scorpion

Choosing Bilt helmets offers both benefits and limitations. The primary advantage lies in the affordability and the assurance of a five-year warranty, which is reassuring for budget-conscious riders.

Bilt helmets provide necessary protection without the added expense associated with high-end brands. However, the trade-off for this cost-saving can be seen in the lack of advanced features that may enhance comfort or performance in more demanding riding conditions.

Riders seeking helmets with cutting-edge technology or enhanced comfort features might find Bilt lacking compared to premium brands. Nonetheless, for those initiating their motorcycling journey, Bilt offers a practical entry point into essential protective gear.

Final Words

Bilt motorcycle helmets, manufactured by Cycle Gear since 2011, are designed for riders seeking affordable gear without compromising safety.

Created as an entry-level option, Bilt helmets combine essential safety features with competitive pricing. The helmets meet standard safety certifications and offer a five-year warranty, a notable feature for budget-friendly gear.

For those curious about who makes Bilt motorcycle helmets, Cycle Gear's strategy effectively balances cost and basic durability, creating a viable option for new riders.

FAQ

Who makes Bilt motorcycle helmets?

Bilt motorcycle helmets are manufactured by Cycle Gear, a company that partners with manufacturers in countries such as China and Pakistan to create affordable helmets.

Who is the owner of Cycle Gear?

Cycle Gear is owned by J.W. Childs Associates, a private equity firm.

Are Bilt helmets made in the USA?

Bilt helmets are not made in the USA. They are manufactured in partner countries like China and Pakistan.

Are Bilt helmets ECE certified?

Bilt helmets meet standard safety certifications, but not all models are ECE certified. Check individual models for specific certifications.

Are Bilt helmets Snell approved?

Bilt helmets are not Snell approved. They focus on essential safety standards at budget-friendly prices.

Does Bilt offer a helmet with Bluetooth?

Yes, Bilt offers helmets that come equipped with Bluetooth for seamless communication and audio streaming while riding.

What distinguishes the Bilt brand from Sedici?

Bilt provides entry-level motorcycle gear focusing on affordability, while Sedici, also a Cycle Gear brand, offers higher-end, European-inspired designs.