Helmets

[porshiepoo]

OK I've never owned a cycling helmet in my life. Whenever I've ridden a bike I've always been naughty and ridden without but now I have to invest in one due to the amount of cycle work I am going to be doing.

Where do I go to get a decent one? Is one much the same as the next??

I live in the scottish highlands and we literally have no shops (the nearest decent ones being 2 hours drive away). We have a Tesco and an Argos, am i likely to get a decent one from either of those???

 

[ianrauk]

Why is it naughty not to wear one? It's not against the law not to wear one.

 

[porshiepoo]

I know it's not a legal requirement I just assumed it would be frowned upon.
I still have to get used to wearing one though cos i have to take one with me to China, so any tips as to what to get and where?

 

[amnesia]

Everything you need to know (and quite possibly lots you don't) is here... http://www.cyclehelmets.org/

As long as it is made to a certain standard, and all major manufacturers I reckon will be in the UK, then the next important thing is the comfort of the fit. In my (limited) experience they vary massively and one shape may not fit all. Weight is the next consideration.

I personally ALWAYS wear my helmet when on my bike, except when on my turbo trainer, obviously. I have seen what can happen if you 'forget' to wear one.

Everyone will have their own opinions, but IMO it should be mandatory to wear a helmet on the public highway.


Daniel.

 

[fossyant]

Depending upon average temps in China when you are riding, get a well vented one, and use it with a skull cap or buff under to soak up sweat.

 

[yello]

Fit is the most important thing. It has to be comfortable otherwise you wont want to wear it.

So I suggest you visit a couple of well stocked bike shops and try on as many as you can and find one that suits your head shape. Any helmet you buy (from a bike shop) will have passed the required safety tests for the UK. If you want a higher rating, look for Snell rated helmets, they are apparently are a higher standard.

Price wise, what you are paying extra for is usually comfort and features; a cheap helmet will be as effective as an expensive one. Things like venting are worth paying for, especially if you are going to be cycling in the heat.

Seriously, whilst people will offer a number of opinions and recommendations on the subject, it is best that you make up your own mind, decide what you want and find the helmet that suits you.

 

[Arch]

I know it's not a legal requirement I just assumed it would be frowned upon.
I still have to get used to wearing one though cos i have to take one with me to China, so any tips as to what to get and where?

If you have a lot of time, and a taste for conflict, search the forum for helmet threads..

It's not as clear cut as you might think. Personally, I'm a sometimes wearer, and against compulsion.

 

[ianrauk]

good point Arch.
I'm an always wearer and against compulsion.

If you have a lot of time, and a taste for conflict, search the forum for helmet threads..

It's not as clear cut as you might think. Personally, I'm a sometimes wearer, and against compulsion.

 

[amnesia]

For £30 you can't go wrong with this http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/protection/helmet-standard/product/chamonix-helmet-10108

As long as it's comfortable you won't get better for 'not much money'.

Just found it online for under £23 !!

 

[freewheelwilly]

OK I've never owned a cycling helmet in my life. Whenever I've ridden a bike I've always been naughty and ridden without but now I have to invest in one due to the amount of cycle work I am going to be doing.

Where do I go to get a decent one? Is one much the same as the next??

I live in the scottish highlands and we literally have no shops (the nearest decent ones being 2 hours drive away). We have a Tesco and an Argos, am i likely to get a decent one from either of those???

Measure your noggin and get online.

Wiggle
Cycle Surgery
Evans Bikes

etc,,,

 

[NorfolkNewbie]

I wear a helmet - I am a relative new beginner. I just feel safer with on one... !

Mine is a Raleigh one, it cost me £18 or something like that from my local bike shop. All the LBS in my area only stock Raleigh, I don't know if they have a deal or whether they just genuinely think they are the best...!

 

[knackeredknees]

Thanks for the info. Amnesia, I'm going in search of a Specialised Chimonix helmet tomorrow.

 

[ufkacbln]

Measure your noggin and get online.

Wiggle
Cycle Surgery
Evans Bikes

etc,,,

Then realise that if you have an oval head you should have bought Giro, or thatthe Giro you bought is uncomfortable as you have the wider head that would have been better served by a MET... or the wider head that Specialized design.

Helmets should always be worn and fitted before purchase as if it is not fitting properly and comfortable it will not offer the protection it should.

 

[wafflycat]

Then realise that if you have an oval head you should have bought Giro, or thatthe Giro you bought is uncomfortable as you have the wider head that would have been better served by a MET... or the wider head that Specialized design.

Helmets should always be worn and fitted before purchase as if it is not fitting properly and comfortable it will not offer the protection it should.

+1

Example - my head is MET shaped.

 

[very-near]

+1

Example - my head is MET shaped.

This doesn't look Good WC. I wear a Met lid as well and drive a LWB A class merc like yours. We could be twins separated at birth