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The Helmet Update

Volume 36, #5, June 15, 2018

All issues index


Counterfeit Helmet Seller Convicted




Back in 2014 a Kentucky man bought counterfeit Specialized S-Works Prevail, Giro Aeon, and Catlike Whisper helmets from Ali Baba and sold them on Ebay for prices well below retail.

The helmets were tested and did not meet the CPSC standard. They lacked internal reinforcing and broke apart in normal testing.

The seller has now been convicted of mail fraud and trafficking in counterfeit goods. Details on how Specialized blew the whistle and the US government responded are in this Bicycle Retailer and Industry News article.

We wonder if the regulatory response would be as vigorous today.


The Helmet Update - Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Randy Swart, Editor
4611 Seventh Street South
Arlington, VA 22204-1419 USA
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(703) 486-0576 (fax)
www.helmets.org