General advice, new helmet

Gambatte

Wasn't sure which forum to put this on.

Looking for a good general purpose helmet. I do some MTB but the bulk of the mileage now is on the roady.

So why this forum?

Most of the mileage is commuting.

I’ve noticed that, on the hills, even though its quite well vented, the current MTB type helmet still retains a lot of heat, which is the main reason for a new one. Probably be fine in winter?

I was looking at such as the Giro Hex. But thought I‘d ask on here before parting with any cash.

MTB style isn’t necessary, just a peak can be useful?

Any suggestions what to look for or avoid? Rocloc system any good?

Whatever I end up with, I will be trying it on for size fit first.

ddraver

yes the roc loc system is good...most peaks can be removede for the road (peak comes to low when you lok up...apparently)

you just have to go to the shop n try em on, sneak out saying they re not what you want if neccewssary and buy em online (but you ll be going to hell so you will)

Cunobelin

The most important thing about a helmet is fit and comfort...

After that look at the "standard" these are explained at http://www.bhsi.org/index.htm#standards It is surprising just how much better some cheap helmets are than expensive ones when it comes to the protection offered.

Personally I would not touch a helmet that only passes EN1078, I only buy helmets that pass the SNELL standards.

Gambatte

Anyone know of anyone in the sheffield/rotherham area who stocks Giro, especially the Hex?

I want to try them first. Even if I didn't, med is upto 59cm, large is from 59cm.

My head's 59cm :?:

Jacomus-rides-Gen

I'm a fan of the Specialized range of helmets - they all are Snall rated, and fit brilliantly. That said, I landed headfirst on a Giro Athmos from a 25mph wipeout and it stood up to the test admirably. Giro are not tested by Snell, so only conform to the piddly Euro classification.

>>> I know I might have been fine without a helmet, and there is no proof it actually saved me, but looking at the gravel scars in it, and what happened to the rest of my body, I'm jolly glad I was wearing one.

I'm still pro-choice, even if I don't understand the non-wearers rationale <<<

I've now gone back to wearing a Spesh Decibel on road, and a Met Parachute for XC.

buddha

Hello Gambatte. Long time no speak
I use my Hex on the roads as well as off. Mostly in the Surrey/Kent hills FYI.
It's okay most of the time and for commuting, but on (the occasional) hotter days I have to stop every 10 miles or so to squeeze the pads dry. Got mine for £35 from Cycles-UK
TBH I'm considering getting a Spesh Decibel. My GF has the 2006 model, which I tried. Much cooler as it has a wide vent on the forehead.

Gambatte

Best I've found for the Hex seems to be £39. Even at that sizes seem to be limited to S.

The Decibel looks fine, probably be stretching the budget tho.

Jacomus-rides-Gen

2006 model Decibels are selling at £70 at Wiggle and Evans - it is a brilliant helmet if you can afford it.

I found this helmet around the £40 mark you seem to be looking at. I don't know anyone who has it, but I really rate the brand.

Personal choice is important though, so do make sure you try things on and spend plenty of time fiddling about with the straps to get the best fit possible.

Gambatte

Ta Jac, I’ll check that one out. The budgets probably a bit higher - £50, £60 at a push and from Wiggle (£5 voucher...)

mazcp

Gambatte wrote:

Anyone know of anyone in the sheffield/rotherham area who stocks Giro, especially the Hex?

I want to try them first. Even if I didn't, med is upto 59cm, large is from 59cm.

My head's 59cm :?:

Maybe you could try JE James on Bramall Lane? There's also Decathlon on Moorfoot, less than a mile from them, but I don't know if they they only sell their own brand or not.

Gambatte

Popped into JEJ (Rotherham) on Friday, they’ve not stocked Giro for ages apparently.

Decathlons getting to be one of my favourite shops. Just wish they’d get a better online presence. They’re a none starter in this area unfortunately

Gambatte

Well, I phoned round and although there are places that stock Giro round here, none stock the Hex.

Thought about going to Halfords and trying the Havoc as a size comparison, but discounted it.

I’ve had a good look around and whilst phoning a couple of shops asked advice as well as talking about stock. Ended up I’ve visited JEJames on the way home to try one possible type on.

It seemed to fit noticeably better than my others do and I reckon the venting will be markedly improved. At least, I can see more of my bald head thro the vents.

So, the search is now over.

Not a Giro

Got a..


Met - Veleno

graham_g

I've not been wearing one all summer but relatives put pressure on so I got one which I now wear for longer rides and will proabably wear when it starts to get dark on the commute. Picked up a specialized aurora for £56; ventilation is very good - better than I expected and leagues ahead of the old Met i have. Went for this for the Snell rating and also the ventilation - this is the only cheaper spesh helmet with the same vent system as their posh race one (decibel?). Comes with peak but I don't use that and I've found the adjusting straps pretty good.

daniel_b

Another vote for the Aurora - bought one last year, very comfy, very light, and secures nicely at the back of the head.

Mine had a removeable peak as well, so happy ot use for road and off road.

Very nearly bought an Atmos this year, but couldn't justify it in the end, and spent the money on more worthy items, such as a shiny trackpump etc etc

Dan

spasypaddy

i wear the havoc, which if pricing was anything to go by are comparable helmets. I use it on the roads as i'm now a roadie and its superb. Its got good airflow but i do still sweat in it, as i'm sure you will in all helmets...

BentMikey

I bought an atmos this year, but I use it for skating. Don't think it's worth wearing a helmet on the bikes, and I only hope it'll save me from some road rash in a skating crash.

Jacomus-rides-Gen

An Athmos is a bit of an odd choice for a skater isn't it Mikey?

The most common impact area for a skaters head is at the back (as far as I can remember), which is why the skillet/pi$$pot helmets for skaters come down so much further. The most common impact area for a cycling head is just above the temple on either side (again, I read both of these in the same magazine quite a while ago, so feel free to correct if I'm wrong)

I know you have a lot of material to hand regarding helmets not being proved to save anyone, and I am pro-choice.

I do so on the belief that they aren't useless, I don't kid myself that they are anywhere nearly as effective as my motorbike helmet, but they do have to potential to reduce the severity of a blow to the head, and any reduction is better than none in my eyes.

I have also crashed at high speed, landing first on my head, and if nothing else the helmet protected me from gouging huge gravel tracks out of my skull - it was one of those bl00dy chip-sprayed roads, so score another point for the helmet.

hehe, ok one more reason, I'm a bit vain and think that they look cool