Is This Helmet Okay?

[Craiigman]

Got my bike couple weeks ago now, and I got a helmet, it's a skate helmet, but I've tried to kill two birds with one stone (since I skate as well) by getting this:

http://www.routeone.co.uk/Store/Skateboard+Action+Sports/Type-is-Helmets/product-is-69824

I read this: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069837

"a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened"

Would that helmet be okay?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

In terms of the regulations there is no problem with that helmet. In terms of cycling you may find it on the hot and sweaty side as it has fewer vents than a dedicated cycle helmet. If you're okay with that there is no problem.

 

[ufkacbln]

Quickly.....

Legally for sale in the UK a "Cycle helmet" needs to pass a standard EN1078, although there are other standards that are far more rigorous and would (theoretically) offer better protection.

This helmet passes EN1078 and is therefore "suitable" for cycling, and also passes the tougher CPSC standards.

After that the points are whether it is comfortable, fits, properly adjusted and stays in place in the case of an accident.

 

[Hawk]

It's good to see you're doing some research and making an effort to be a good cyclist.

Helmets are one of the most controversial issues in cycling.

One point I'll clarify - that Highway Code page says you "should" wear a helmet - it doesn't say you "must"; this means it's effectively optional advice and not a legal requirement. That is, you are not required by law to wear a helmet.

That helmet meets the EN1078 which is generally considered to be a standard for collisions between cyclists and stationary objects. A higher standard-meeting helmet may be worth looking in to and they can cost in the same price range.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/align-helmet-ec019730 seems to be better rated for protecting you and will probably be better for keeping you nice and cool, maybe more comfortable too.

Happy cycling

 

[Red Light]

That helmet meets the EN1078 which is generally considered to be a standard for collisions between cyclists and stationary objects. A higher standard-meeting helmet may be worth looking in to and they can cost in the same price range.

All the standards are based on collisions between the helmet and a stationary object. Its just that the higher standards cover hitting the stationary object at a marginally higher speed.

 

[Andy_R]

Helmets do not make safer cyclists! Being aware of what's happening around you, being predictable, and hazard perception makes safer cyclists.

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

I'd agree with Phil that you'd probably get very hot in that.

 

[ufkacbln]

Not to turn this into a Helmet Debate!

Each standard not only measures the effect of impact at different speeds, but also at different angles and on different shaped surfaces. If you are really interested then have a look here

EN1078 is one of the weakest tests and the easiest to pass. The standard is no longer accepted for racing in the US as they consider the helmets that only have EN1078 certification to be ineffective.


There is some evidence that you are better off with a rounder helmet as vents and "snag points" (protrusions on the helmet) can contribute to injury and even cause the helmet to come off in an accident.

There is also an argument that the more ventilated the helmet the less material there is to absorb an impact, and the remaining material is denser to retain structure. These helmets are arguably less able to absorb the energy of an impact.

If you are happy with the TSG than carry on with it