Cycle helmet

Dangermouse

Dangermouse

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I need one, Eileen needs one............there are loads on the market starting at about £8 to over £150.
The normal ones are between £20 and £50 but seem to all look the same and are manufactured to the same standard, Polycarbonate with a very thin plasic outer shell so whats a good but safe buy for us both.
I am thinking Giro and Eileen likes the Bell.
 
In my experience, you need to treat them like a new camera - try them all and get the one that fits best!!! They all have a slightly different shape inside, and everyone's noggin is slightly (or very in some cases) differently shaped too.

I have Giro (Switchblade full face) and Specialized.

Depending on what I'm doing though, I don't always wear one.
 
We dont use them at all but need them for safety in Scunny so nothing too expensive but also something stylish without looking like we have a turtle strapped on our noggins, and I will ask about shoes later Spencer haha
 
Dangermouse1964 said:
We dont use them at all but need them for safety in Scunny so nothing too expensive but also something stylish without looking like we have a turtle strapped on our noggins, and I will ask about shoes later Spencer haha
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Don't get me started on shoes - I have more shoes for different sports than all my other shoes/trainers/slippers put together!!! 4 pair of specific cycling shoes, 3 pair of cricket shoes, walking boots and shoes... but not a single pair of footie boots :)

Style is important though with helmets - otherwise you look like a giant mushroom. But comfort should be the 1st concern, if it's uncomfortable, you wont wear it.
 
Specialized and Giro make good ones - used them for years (and replaced them, broken or not every two years) - after a while you forget you're wearing them - don't skimp on style and comfort, as the one time you'll actually need it will be the one time you don't wear it if it's badly-fitting or you think you look stupid wearing it...
Good helmets cost between £80 and £150...what's your life worth...

Remember - most cyclists don't crash as a result of their own mistakes on the road, but because of other people's mistakes...so don't just think "I'm a good cyclist, I don't need a helmet..."
 
Arkady said:
Specialized and Giro make good ones - used them for years (and replaced them, broken or not every two years) - after a while you forget you're wearing them - don't skimp on style and comfort, as the one time you'll actually need it will be the one time you don't wear it if it's badly-fitting or you think you look stupid wearing it...
Good helmets cost between £80 and £150...what's your life worth...

Remember - most cyclists don't crash as a result of their own mistakes on the road, but because of other people's mistakes...so don't just think "I'm a good cyclist, I don't need a helmet..."
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Thats good advice to anyone needing a helmet, and they are essential when riding on the roads these days.

Spencer I agree.... if its a poor fit I wouldnt want to wear it, and as you both say the style is very important and not just posey if it looks good you will want to wear it.

After the tour of Britain tomorrow we are going to some shops to try some leading brands on, will let you know how we get on.
 
Arkady said:
Specialized and Giro make good ones - used them for years (and replaced them, broken or not every two years) - after a while you forget you're wearing them - don't skimp on style and comfort, as the one time you'll actually need it will be the one time you don't wear it if it's badly-fitting or you think you look stupid wearing it...
Good helmets cost between £80 and £150...what's your life worth...

Remember - most cyclists don't crash as a result of their own mistakes on the road, but because of other people's mistakes...so don't just think "I'm a good cyclist, I don't need a helmet..."
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Very good advice, when i used to cycle long distance i wore one all the time (Giro) now i just use my bike for work, or the occasional run out, about a month ago i went out for a leisurely ride, no helmet as i didn't own one, anyway ended up coming off partly my own fault, but cracked my head good and proper, felt it bounce off the ground :lol: anyway needless to say i now own another helmet, yes they don't always look very flattering, but neither does your mouth when your sitting in a chair dribbling, get the best you can :)
 
I've used a number of these over the years, I've always tried to stick with what feels comfortable, but also looks reasonable.

In my case I've had both road and Mtb helmets - in colours to match the bike :thinking: :lol: yes, I was/am that daft!

Brands I've used include Specialized, MET, Rudy Project and Giro. I've always found these makes the most comfortable having tried numerous others. My dad has always bought Bell helmets because their sizes are slightly larger and a more comfortable fit for his big head :)

A Comfortable helmet will get worn time and time again, an uncomfortable one will never leave the box. Go to a shop, try on anything they have that takes your fancy - forget colour initially, these helmets usually come in a range of colours and if they don't stock the colour you want, make a note of the model/make and search the internet. I'm sure someone will have one.

One thing to remember is that like most things, you get what you pay for. be that looks or build quality. I personally wouldn't consider buying a helmet below about £40, but I use one anytime I go out on the bikes
 
I`ve got a blue and silver helmet......

F`nar.

I`ve only recently got back into cycling, never bothered with one as a kid - (long time ago) Now, I wouldn`t be without one. I tried quite a few in the shop, and there was definite differences between the fits. Ended up with a specialized one in the end.
 
I've never quite understood Cycle helmets

I ride a motorbike & wear a full-face helmet that protects everywhere, cycle helmets 'seem' to protect the top of your head & not the easily damaged squishy front & the bit that kills you at the back.

In all my years on a bike I've never heard of soembody landing on the top of their head :shrug:
 
Arkady said:
Specialized and Giro make good ones - used them for years (and replaced them, broken or not every two years) - after a while you forget you're wearing them - don't skimp on style and comfort, as the one time you'll actually need it will be the one time you don't wear it if it's badly-fitting or you think you look stupid wearing it...
Good helmets cost between £80 and £150...what's your life worth...

Remember - most cyclists don't crash as a result of their own mistakes on the road, but because of other people's mistakes...so don't just think "I'm a good cyclist, I don't need a helmet..."
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Wouldn't neccesarily agree with good ones being above £80 - pretty much anything will have passed fairly rigorous testing, you just pay more for lighter weight and more venting in my experience - but would definitely agree with the rest. The other important point to make is that if it doesn't fit right it probably won't work properly either!

As for them not working... Well I can't really speak for on the road, but I've crashed a few times with a lightweight XC helmet on (well, various ones!) and they've been worth considerably more than their weight in gold. That's included face first, side impact on rocks, off the back of the bike...
 
Consider the crash replacement policy from the manufacturer, i know spesh will replace new for old for £30 quid, also you might consider getting a fitting with a buff underneath if you think you will be riding through the winter.

Your ears will thank you come November

pace
 
mrgubby said:
I've never quite understood Cycle helmets

I ride a motorbike & wear a full-face helmet that protects everywhere, cycle helmets 'seem' to protect the top of your head & not the easily damaged squishy front & the bit that kills you at the back.

In all my years on a bike I've never heard of soembody landing on the top of their head :shrug:
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While that is to some extent true (you're unlikely to land on top of your noggin) there are full face variants available for cycling (I have one). They offer nowhere near as much protection as a motorcycle helmet, but in my mind they offer more protection than none, and will hopefully prevent a loss of very expensive and painful to replace teeth :D

However, when off road and trail riding they offer some protection against whacking your head on trees, branches etc - although there is some evidence to say that in some cases like this (depending on speed and weight of impact) they can actually do more harm than good.
 
flyingmonkeycorp said:
Wouldn't neccesarily agree with good ones being above £80 - pretty much anything will have passed fairly rigorous testing, you just pay more for lighter weight and more venting in my experience - but would definitely agree with the rest. The other important point to make is that if it doesn't fit right it probably won't work properly either!

As for them not working... Well I can't really speak for on the road, but I've crashed a few times with a lightweight XC helmet on (well, various ones!) and they've been worth considerably more than their weight in gold. That's included face first, side impact on rocks, off the back of the bike...
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Lighter and more comfortable - generally better-looking too...don't underestimate the percieved 'geek' factor - if kids (especially) think they look stupid in a helmet they'll never wear the things...

I have destroyed by crashing about five helmets in my time, in road collisions and MTB accidents...face was unharmed in all of those...
Generally, if you think about it, yank on the front-brake too hard in a crsis moment, so the risk of an endo is quite high...I swap my brakes to the Euro-style with the left brake operating the front...
In one road accident (car pulled out in front of me - I go over the bonnet into the road), I landed so hard on my head that I blacked out for a second or two, tasted copper and saw stars...had to sit still for 20 mins before I could walk again...
 
Bought a couple of Bell jobbies that are highly rated and been rated here, the Bell slant for me at £70 and the Bell Vela for the Missus at £60.....the Giro was a great lid but was far to bright for my taste and yes they do it in Matt gray (no stock)...............but I needed a helmet today and the Bell was only 3 quid dearer, so a lightweight helmet for £70 bargain ...................and the Vela IS nearly the same, hard shell but very light weight, but white
 
the more pricey you go you get more aero features and lightweightness.. like you say theyre all manufactured to the same standards one shouldnt be any less safe than another.

so its personal preference really, best bet is to find your local friendly (not halfrauds) bike shop and try a few on for size and comfort.
 
neil_g said:
the more pricey you go you get more aero features and lightweightness.. like you say theyre all manufactured to the same standards one shouldnt be any less safe than another.

so its personal preference really, best bet is to find your local friendly (not halfrauds) bike shop and try a few on for size and comfort.
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We went to our local shop (where the bike came from) and we were dissapointed, they only stocked the very cheap range so we decided to buy at Halfords and the range was superb so no moans about Halfords from me and the staff were helpfull, a bit more pricey but still a pleasant buying experience:thumbs:
 
whats the score on helmets legally speaking?

I don't ride massively often and it tends to be pootling places and just wondered if I needed a helmet ot make lawman happy
 
Another vote for the Spesh range...:thumbs:

I managed to land on my bonce last year and i'm sure i'd have had a spell in hospital if I hadn't have been lidded up. I managed to smash a 4" wide section of the helmet off, the local Specialized store replaced it at a reduced cost under the accident policy :)
 
david1701 said:
whats the score on helmets legally speaking?

I don't ride massively often and it tends to be pootling places and just wondered if I needed a helmet ot make lawman happy
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You dont need by law on the roads, but you will 99% of clubs will require you to wear one on club rides/races.

As far as i know all helments have to meet the same safety rating, but they feel different to wear for a number of reasons, shape, weight, vents etc

The more expensive ones tend to be lighter from person experiance, main thing is how it feels to wear. I dont really notice i am wearing mine.
 
Not a legal requirement for riding, but as has been stated - all racing, club-rides etc require a helmet to be worn...

Plus, let's face it - you're just bloody stupid if you don't...
 
sorted, If I use my bike more I'll buy one but else its a fair bit of cash to drop every 2 years and I aint used my bike this year at all :D
 
david1701 said:
sorted, If I use my bike more I'll buy one but else its a fair bit of cash to drop every 2 years and I aint used my bike this year at all :D
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You only need to replace it if you use it...or crash it...if you only wear it three times a year, it'll last for ages as long as you wash it before storing it and keep it in a dark, cool place...
Human sweat does weird things to the plastic and foam components over time - I keep forgetting to wash my eye-glasses and have to replace the rubber bits every year as they inevitable rot (go all sticky and horrible) over the winter months...
And putting a skanky helmet back on after it's been 'growing' for six months is no fun at all...

Watch out for corrosion on shiny alloy components as well - sweat causes a funny white frosting to appear over time and leaves a series of tiny grey 'veins' in the metal after removal...

Most of the bigger companies offer a partial cash-back or discount on replacement helmets in return for the crash-damaged items - helps with R&D...
Specialized and Giro used to offer 20% off a replacement helmet in those circumstances...
 
Well my Bell vela helmet is so comfortable I don't even know i've got it on and it keeps your head cool with all the vents. So consequently every time the bike comes out so does the helmet,I feel a lot safer cycling to work now amonst the maniac drivers that are on the road.
 
ive got a giro helmet of some discriptions, comfy, light, well vented and cost about £30 and isnt in a garish colour (its grey and silver). ive also got a 661 'potty' type helmet for winter rides which cost about £15 and is nice and snug in winter.


buffs are great for wearing under helmets in the winter, keep the weekers warm!
 
Arkady said:
You only need to replace it if you use it...or crash it...if you only wear it three times a year, it'll last for ages as long as you wash it before storing it and keep it in a dark, cool place...
Human sweat does weird things to the plastic and foam components over time - I keep forgetting to wash my eye-glasses and have to replace the rubber bits every year as they inevitable rot (go all sticky and horrible) over the winter months...
And putting a skanky helmet back on after it's been 'growing' for six months is no fun at all...

Watch out for corrosion on shiny alloy components as well - sweat causes a funny white frosting to appear over time and leaves a series of tiny grey 'veins' in the metal after removal...

Most of the bigger companies offer a partial cash-back or discount on replacement helmets in return for the crash-damaged items - helps with R&D...
Specialized and Giro used to offer 20% off a replacement helmet in those circumstances...
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aaaah I didn't know that, thought they needed binning rain or shine like hard hats do
 
david1701 said:
aaaah I didn't know that, thought they needed binning rain or shine like hard hats do
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It's expanded polystyrene inside a hard outer shell, which is only there for looks and to prevent minor scrapes affecting the integrity of the helmet...

There was one Specialized model about 10 years ago which had no outer shell and was particularly good, comfy etc. but looked very tatty after a few months' use...

Expanded polystyrene will still be lurking in landfill sites after we're all gone to dust...

I only swap mine after 2 years use (and I mean extended use) because they generally look like shi'ite after that amount of time and because the straps get all gunky and smelly because I forget to wash the damn things...

My race-helmets I used to swap every year...
 
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Not quite the same stuff as your disposable cups are made of, but close enough - the expense comes from making them the right shape and density to absorb impact in the right places, to be comfortable to wear and to channel airflow over the head to keep you cool...early Netto helmets seemed designed specifically to channel all the sweat right into your eyes...horrible things...
 
there's a review of cycle helmets in this months what MTB, and there's a specialized one which is about £49.99 which got realy good reviews.
 
wez130 said:
there's a review of cycle helmets in this months what MTB, and there's a specialized one which is about £49.99 which got realy good reviews.
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...and generally, last season's designs are about 1/3 cheaper the following year, so don't be afraid to look around for bargains...ask when the new models are coming out and plan any purchases for just prior to that as shops try and unload old stock...
 
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