Suggestions for cycle helmet?

O

Oakandacorns

Senior member
 Berkshire
I'm in the market for a cycle helmet. Planning on cycling from Ravenscourt Park to Richmond town centre in a few weekend's time (my friend is turning 30 so to celebrate (haha), we are cycling. She did say let's get lunch in the town centre so that got me more interested ;). Okay, so you keen cyclists, what am I looking for in a helmet? I have quite thick hair so need one that will be comfy yet snug. Any recommendations on brand / models?

Cheers in advance. :)
 
I'd go to your local Tescos and read through a few cycling magazines to see what they say - or use the web. There must be some differences in materials used, weight and certainly looks etc. but I would think the main thing is comfort and whether you would use it or not - if you feel a berk in it you will never use it so get something you feel ok in - wearing it is the important thing - good luck and enjoy your cycling :thumbsup:
 
Well I can't help I'm afraid, I've an ernomous head apparently so there was only one helmet I could choose when I came to purchase. And I look like a mushroom when I'm wearing it. :|

I'm still amazed at how many people choose not to wear them. Particularly bemuses me when when I see a father and son out for a ride, and the kid has a helmet on but the dad doesn't. What message does that send to your child? Better to look like a mushroom than to end up with a cracked skull I say.
 
Steve220 said:
Road or MTB?
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Dare I say, I don't wear a helmet when mountain biking. It's only little terrain and I only bomb it when going downhill. Truth be told, I only got back into it after cycling alot when I was about 12. I'm only 17 now.

I can't be bothered to search for the old helmet, which my mum swears is in their garage. The materials will have deteriorated! But having that one is better than no helmet in her youth!

I'm looking for one to do the cycle from RP to Richmond, which I was told includes a tow path along the river, but I guess a helmet for mainly road is what I am looking for? Sorry, what are the main differences?
 
Thanks Paul. I'm quite excited about getting a bike for a cycle ride in London, though I am a bit shite scared already, silly drivers

srhutch said:
For you, one with daisies on. :evil:
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Ha!! You're a poo poo :x .
 
I'd recommend the Giro Ionos. Not cheap, in fact I paid £130 about a couple of years ago. Great fit, comfortable, superb ventilation, comes with a liner for cool days. I've been wearing helmets for over 20 years and it's the best yet. Classified as a road helmet but the only difference is it isn't supplied with a naff plastic peak.
 
They are basically all good if you just do casual riding. Try some on as different makes can fit different head shapes better! (same as motorcycle helmets).

Have a look here for some different makes. I use Specialized myself (not sold on Wiggle).

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/road-helmets/
 
Oakandacorns said:
Steve220 said:
Road or MTB?
Click to expand...

Dare I say, I don't wear a helmet when mountain biking. It's only little terrain and I only bomb it when going downhill. Truth be told, I only got back into it after cycling alot when I was about 12. I'm only 17 now.

I can't be bothered to search for the old helmet, which my mum swears is in their garage. The materials will have deteriorated! But having that one is better than no helmet in her youth!

I'm looking for one to do the cycle from RP to Richmond, which I was told includes a tow path along the river, but I guess a helmet for mainly road is what I am looking for? Sorry, what are the main differences?
Click to expand...

A mate of mine cracked his head open going downhill on his bike and he lost control at speed. That was years ago. I've been mountain biking since i was 15, i'm not 29 and i don't skimp on helmets as they could potentially save your life in extremes. As much as it pains me to say, go to Halford, they usually do a good range, if not, find your local bike shop (yellow pages will help) and go visit them. They will happily recommend one for you. Road helmets tend to be much lighter than MTB helmets and don't have peaks.

As a matter of caution, i replace my bike helmet every 5 years, just bought my new one this weekend :D as well as replacing some other parts

1262A882-014F-495A-9FCD-A60D6AE4780A-3981-00000408F52525AE.jpg
 
By the way, I don't wear a helmet for commuting as I rarely have to go on the road on my trip (all cycle ways) but I would never ride offroad without one! I have too many scrapes on my MTB helmet as proof to that one!

I usually wear a helmet if I go out with the local bike club on my road bike. You never know who your riding with! :P
 
Breaker said:
By the way, I don't wear a helmet for commuting as I rarely have to go on the road on my trip (all cycle ways) but I would never ride offroad without one! I have too many scrapes on my MTB helmet as proof to that one!

I usually wear a helmet if I go out with the local bike club on my road bike. You never know who your riding with! :P
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If you cycle all the time then you might as well wear it on cycle ways.
 
Steve220 said:
As a matter of caution, i replace my bike helmet every 5 years, just bought my new one this weekend :D as well as replacing some other parts

1262A882-014F-495A-9FCD-A60D6AE4780A-3981-00000408F52525AE.jpg
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Posh bugger, 991 chains ain't cheap either! And nice 661 Kyle Straits (or whatever they call them now).


I'd suggest what Breaker says, try on as many as possible as heads are all different shaped. I get on well with Giro and MET helmets but not so much with Bell or Specialised. The Giro Hex is a great not-too-expensive helmet, I use one for commuting and it's nice and ventilated too.
 
Wear a helmet whatever riding you do - I have two friends that ended up in hospital with head injuries cycling sedately but hit by car drivers not seeing them - one hit when the car drove straight out their driveway (friend buried his head into the bonnet) and the second pulling out of a junction with the friend right in front of them (friends head smashed into tarmac) - can you believe it! :o
 
Thank you everyone for your replies :thumbsup:

I just realised that I was being a bit of an idiot. Or a bit blonde. Or just plain thick. I DO know the difference between a mountain bike helmet (like big facial ones the hardcore ones) and a road helmet which is more streamlined and more similar to what young kids have normally. Sorry for the oversight!

Anyhow, you're right, I need to get to a shop and try some one. The only places I know of locally are: Halfords and Evans (in Reading town centre - bleurgh, traffic). So, who knows of anywhere within close distance, e.g. 20 mins drive of Maidenhead, please??

I think the
Lillywhite said:
I'd recommend the Giro Ionos. Not cheap, in fact I paid £130 about a couple of years ago. Great fit, comfortable, superb ventilation, comes with a liner for cool days. I've been wearing helmets for over 20 years and it's the best yet. Classified as a road helmet but the only difference is it isn't supplied with a naff plastic peak.
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Lillywhite, what does the peak do? Sun shield? Windshield? I'm known for bursts of speed on the bike when I get out of Miss Daisy mode (yes even for a few seconds believe it or not, srhutch!)
 
Do as others have suggested, go try some on you'll be amazed at the difference in fit and feel.
Just make sure it's comfortable.
 
Oakandacorns said:
Lillywhite, what does the peak do? Sun shield? Windshield? I'm known for bursts of speed on the bike when I get out of Miss Daisy mode (yes even for a few seconds believe it or not, srhutch!)
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The black plastic peaks are usually retained by MTB riders and have a limited benefit to stop rain dripping from the helmet on to any spectacles or protective glasses. No self respecting road rider would be seen spotting this peak and it can easily be removed. :thumbsdown:

Apart from full face Downhill MTB helmets there isn't any real difference between MTB and road helmets although some people believe road helmets have more apertures and therefore greater ventilation.
 
I have just purchased this one to replace my old helmet, it's got an adjustable dial at the back to ensure a good fit, comfortable when riding and pretty cheap too.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/align-helmet-ec019730
 
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