Helmets

[confusedcyclist]

I spent 30 quid on my lid, it hasn't been put to the test yet thankfully. Watch this space for final verdit...

 

[mjr]

For safety go Snell tested, - which is standard in the states not europe/uk - so maybe look at a states sourced lid.

Sadly, the States weakened their standard to CPSC which is basically the EN standard, so it's no longer enough just to look towards the states: you still need to look at exactly which tests it passed. The actions of helmet makers over that change was one of the things that put me off helmets.

 

[Licramite]

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

I was looking at about the £60 level when I got my Specialized. I was fortunate enough to walk in the shop when the Specialized amnesty was on and got an S2 for free.
The fit system has to work right, and the padding be in the right places.
What surprised me the most was that the adjusters for the 'triangles' at the side were gone and now just fixed, so I think some loss of function to maintain a price had happened. It's still a good fit and very light, with decent ventilation.
I'm a big fan of the Specialized Body Geometry kit and would definitely start there when I'm buying in the future.

 

[Licramite]

sorry I couldn't add text, - catlike look - interesting? the newer helmets do look like they are going for less open structure (noticed they have an internal mesh which is good stops insects biting your head.)
read an article in a racing cycling magazine which quoted manufactures as saying they design high spec helmets to have a foam that only deforms in high speed crashes, (so for 99% of us we won't be going fast enough) might be something to look out for, depends on the sort of cycling you do,

 

[w00hoo_kent]

I'm a big fan of the Specialized Body Geometry kit and would definitely start there when I'm buying in the future.

Point of order :-)
Despite what Cycle Surgery seem to suggest, Specialized don't (or at least didn't last year, and had no intention to change this according to one of their leading lights) have any helmets in their Body Geometry range, despite the helmet guys desperately wanting to be in on the label as it is a big boost for sales. In order to get the Body Geometry rating within Specialized the kit has to prove scientifically that it gives a physical benefit to the wearer, the helmet division have been unable to pass this requirement.
This isn't me saying 'don't buy Specialized' . As others have said, start with a helmet that fits, and work down from there. They will all be a bit hot though. I'm a fan of wearing a buff under it.

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

Point of order :-)
Despite what Cycle Surgery seem to suggest, Specialized don't (or at least didn't last year, and had no intention to change this according to one of their leading lights) have any helmets in their Body Geometry range, despite the helmet guys desperately wanting to be in on the label as it is a big boost for sales. In order to get the Body Geometry rating within Specialized the kit has to prove scientifically that it gives a physical benefit to the wearer, the helmet division have been unable to pass this requirement.
This isn't me saying 'don't buy Specialized' . As others have said, start with a helmet that fits, and work down from there. They will all be a bit hot though. I'm a fan of wearing a buff under it.

Fair enough
Had very good use out of shoes, gloves and saddle so recommend their stuff on that reputation.

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Fair enough
Had very good use out of shoes, gloves and saddle so recommend their stuff on that reputation.

As I never tire of mentioning, I went to see a talk by Andy Pruitt last year. He talked about how desperate the helmet division are to be in on the Body Geometry label but they can't because they don't meet the requirements. I'm very pleased with the saddles and will be looking seriously at gloves this year as they have just changed their design ethos.

 

[Cuchilo]

They will all be a bit hot though. I'm a fan of wearing a buff under it.

Doesn't that make it hot ?

 

[Tojo]

Ah but would you therefore buy a £10000 helmet?

I didn't say that I would spend stupid money, I said I would buy the best one I could afford, meaning not just getting the cheapest I could lay my hands on.

 

[ufkacbln]

The protection is important than the cost

There is a "ranking" where some tests are touger than others so (in theory) will take a harder impact and offer more protection

Hence a Snell rated helmet will be more protective in an impact than a CPSC then an EN1078 certification

A cheap helmet and an expensive helmet wityh the same certification will perform in a similar manner

This article makes an interesting read

 

[lesley_x]

Go and try some on. I notice a big difference in comfort between my £30 Specialized lid I started out with, and the S3 I upgraded to. My head is cooler, it's comfier, there are more options for adjustment build in to the lid. I don't notice it's there.

I tried on various lids of a similar price but my head seems to match specialized perfectly. Giro, kask etc not as comfy for me.

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Doesn't that make it hot ?

Possibly, but I sweat like a pig at the idea of taking the bike out so prioritise the comfort over the heat. Also I don't want sun burnt stripes across my bald head.

 

[roryo07]

I just purchased a Specialized Align helmet for under £30 - Very comfortable and quite affordable!

 

[Justinslow]

Mines a £15 Areo helmet from Planet X, which seems perfectly adequate. My mtb helmet is a specialised vice which cost around £40 a few years ago. The vice is definetly better quality and the Areo a little "rough around the edges". I find that if the adjustable tension band is too tight on any helmet I will start to get a headache, so make sure it's snug but not over tight.