Which Type of Helmet

[Cush]

This is not another should we are should we not wear helmets thread. I leave that to the individual to decide. I do and that is my choice.
My question is, is there any disadvantage in using an "Urban Helmet" i.e one that looks like one out of a war movie as apposed to the normal road helmet. I have had the same road helmet for two years and to be honest, it has never felt really comfortable or secure. Now I am thinking of changing it and have been looking at the so called Urban helmets. Most of my riding is local 5-20 miles with a couple of 40-60 rides once or twice a month, all done at a sedate 8-10 MPH average (SWMBO junior has ruled out the one's that look like a centurions helmet)

 

[marzjennings]

The one problem I see with most 'urban helmets' is lack of ventilation slots. Like BMX helmets and skate lids, they could get pretty hot in warm weather.

 

[Booyaa]

I wear a Giro Reverb which is classed as an urban helmet and have never felt it too hot, plenty of ventilation in it.

 

[Cush]

Booyaa. The Reverb is one I have my eye on. Can you put a light or camera on it?

 

[slowmotion]

The best helmet for a hot urban environment is the one left at home, or the one removed and slung on the bars halfway through the journey.

If you like a sweaty head, ignore the above.

 

[Boon 51]

Is there a comfortable helmet?

Just to clear things up... crash hat..

 

[inkd]

Sorry Boon but you left that one open to so many double entendre

 

[Leodis]

I use a Met commuting helmet, less vents and padding at the front to stop sweat, well stop more like act as a sponge and start smelling.

 

[Cush]

I should have been out for a planned early morning ride but the rain is pelting down and this afternoon I am scheduled to take a neighbor out walking in to the hills to see a new bridleway bridge that is being built, so I don't want two soakings in one day.
Yes there is a comfortable helmet, I hardly noticed I was wearing my last one, which I had used for over eight years but a fall on the railway lines in Bristol docks dented it nicely. I suppose the comfort and use thing is linked to wearing hats and caps. I have always worn head gear, caps at school, beret in the forces, flat caps and stetsons since. So a bike helmet is just a natural extension. Slowmotion I really don't want this to descend in to another for or against debate helmet debate. I just want to know peoples opinions on helmets like the "Reverb" for what is really leisure cycling.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I'm curious as to why you want to go for an ''urban'' style helmet after the more standard one was comfortable. I had a quick look at the Giro site and saw no claims about greater safety or robustness. Hard things like boulders and hard shoulders (and railway lines) are still going to damage the helmet if you fall heavily.

 

[Cush]

Difficult to put a finger on that one. The Bell I have at the moment is not as good a fit as my old Met and while I normally put practicality before anything else I like the look of the urban helmets but are they as practical as the traditional road helmet? As with most things relating to cycling clothing and accessories the difference between what you pay on line and what you pay in the shop is vast and helmets are one of these things I feel it is best to try on first, so the dilemma is two fold. Do I go to my LBS or large chain and try the fit and then pay over the odds or take a punt on line and save as much as £20 (yes that is the difference between the cheapest online and the RRP)

 

[Booyaa]

Booyaa. The Reverb is one I have my eye on. Can you put a light or camera on it?

I would think so, there are three vents that run at the front middle and back so with the right mounting you could do it.

I had a seizure on my bike in January and came off onto the road, the Reverb ended up with a squashed bit to it as I landed on my head, thankfully no damage to my head. A clear case of advantages of a helmet, without it I would have at least had a large hole in my head. So it is pretty solid too.

 

[Cush]

Thanks for that Booyaa I should be coming through Hamilton on Thursday, getting the early train to Glasgow and then riding back to Carlisle with an overnight stop at Abington Services.(70 miles the day before my 70th )

 

[samsbike]

I think the only issue is ventilation. In hot weather I find my mtb helmet hot. The other thing is weight lighter is better for me.

Places like wiggle, chain reaction etc do free returns so you can buy a couple and return what doesn't work for you.

 

[Booyaa]

Thanks for that Booyaa I should be coming through Hamilton on Thursday, getting the early train to Glasgow and then riding back to Carlisle with an overnight stop at Abington Services.(70 miles the day before my 70th )

Not a problem. Might pass you on the way as I will be commuting from Hamilton to Glasgow on Thursday morning. Good luck with the ride.