What to look for in a good helmet

[Kizibu]

Hi - I'm new here but not completely new to cycling. I just haven't done it for 40+ years. Helmets were unheard of last time I got on a bike.

There seems to be quite a range. What should I be looking for in a decent lid (other than not making an old git look like a complete prat)?

 

[yenrod]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Limar_Pro_104_Helmet/5360034638/

This is really light/est around and WELL WORTH IT !

 

[xpc316e]

I have found that comfort depends to a large extent on head shape, and not on the helmet itself once one has reached above the bargain basement headgear.

I would recommend doing some web-based research on how to fit a helmet well (because the people in the shop do not necessarily know how to do it), and then spend a while in a shop with a large selection until you find what you want.

Buying helmets over the net is OK, if you know that a company's shape suits your head, as i do with Bell.

 

[Landslide]

Cleanliness.

 

[Noodley]

Hi - I'm new here but not completely new to cycling. I just haven't done it for 40+ years. Helmets were unheard of last time I got on a bike.

And why would you feel or be any safer now by buying one? :?:

 

[rich p]

There is an ongoing and never-ending debate as to whether helmets are a good thing or not but you make up your own mind!
Which bit of lovely Sussex are you from?

 

[marinyork]

Cheapness.

 

[yenrod]

And why would you feel or be any safer now by buying one?

Your asking that - you should be given a slap across an unguarded face for that - oh sorry theirs your answer

 

[simoncc]

Cheapness.

I agree. I currently wear a Tesco one that I got for £3.40 on special offer. It's comfortable and meets the British standards.

 

[fossyant]

Has to be venting and 'styling' - I won't say style as they all look stupid.

Venting is very important for me as a sweat buckets. Current helmet is a Giro Pneumo, but like the Bell Sweep R (about £60-£65) and the new Bell Volt, but that's over £100.

 

[Jonathan M]

Hi - I'm new here but not completely new to cycling. I just haven't done it for 40+ years. Helmets were unheard of last time I got on a bike.

There seems to be quite a range. What should I be looking for in a decent lid (other than not making an old git look like a complete prat)?

Two things a helmet needs, an approved standard (not sure that you can buy a helmet now without one) and fit.

For me, MET helmets fit really well, but Giro, Bell & Spesh don't. Best go to a bike shop with a decent range and be prepared to spend a while trying them on based on how they fit, before looking at your final choices in the mirror.

 

[Scoosh]

Two things a helmet needs, an approved standard (not sure that you can buy a helmet now without one) and fit.

Apparently, there are 2 standards for helmets - EN 1708 and Snell, which is better.

The Specialized Chamonix is one of the few non-full-face to meet the Snell standard - according to Cycling +. They reckon this is the one to go for ... but it all depends on the fit, as has been stated above.

 

[CeeDee51]

I've got this one http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Giro_Indicator_Helmet/5360032496/
I paid £30 for it, so looks a bargain at the new price.

 

[Muddyfox]

Two things a helmet needs, an approved standard (not sure that you can buy a helmet now without one) and fit.

For me, MET helmets fit really well

I wear a Met helmet as well and can vouch that they are comfy and they seem to have a lower profile than most so it does'nt look like you've got a tit on your head

Next helmet will be a Giro Hex or Xen though

simon

 

[Jonathan M]

I wear a Met helmet as well and can vouch that they are comfy and they seem to have a lower profile than most so it does'nt look like you've got a tit on your head

Next helmet will be a Giro Hex or Xen though

simon

I changed from Giro to MET, and discovered that the Met shape fitted my head much better,so you may need to consider this before splashing out on the Giro.