What road helmet to buy?

aircooleddude

Hi all,

I have just taken delivery of my Giant TCR Alliance Zero and am deperate to get out on it. I'm looking for a good helmet and was wondering if naybody has any recommendations. Is there a difference between mtb helmets and road helmets? I have seen some specialized helmets (Chamonix etc) that have got really good reviews on here and are cheap. Also, I have been looking at the Giro range. I know Specialized have met the Snell standard so are technically 'safer. Is there anything anyone would recommmend as Evan's Cycles seem to have some great buys. Thanks!

sicrow

The main difference is that road helmets don't have peaks and generally have more gaps for air to get to the head - regarding the type then its simple providing they meet the saftey standard then it's the one that fits you best rather than the one that looks the best.

Mark Alexander

Personally, I trust Met helmets. They have a discount replacement under 3 years if you have an accident. I've cracked a few and my squidge is still in on piece... :?

Not Another Hill

Lots of people prefer different helmets. Generally, the more you pay the lighter it is and usually has a better and more adjustable is the fitting system within the shell. However there are very good helmtes at the £30 - £40 mark. A lot may depend on the way it fits your head shape. I tried a fair few helmets before I bought (all prices) and found that the Bell Sweep R was the helmet that seemed best fit for me. I've recently tried the new Specialised one and liked that fit (but not the price).

Try different makes and see which feels best.

cougie

different heads suit different brands - always buy for comfort - not online based on a review.

Frank the tank

cougie wrote:

different heads suit different brands - always buy for comfort - not online based on a review.

Very sound advice. For e.g. Specialized helmets and my bonce just do not mix.

Frank the tank

cougie wrote:

different heads suit different brands - always buy for comfort - not online based on a review.

Very sound advice. For e.g. Specialized helmets and my bonce just do not mix.

Frank the tank

cougie wrote:

different heads suit different brands - always buy for comfort - not online based on a review.

Very sound advice. For e.g. Specialized helmets and my bonce just do not mix.

Mark Alexander

Yep, got the message Frank lol

punkypossum

Specialized seem to be one of the few that DO agree with my head - which is why I got a Specialized Propero to go with my new Trek 1.7 8)

weapons

I managed to get a Giro Ionos (on Cycle 2 work scheme mind, there was no way I was paying £130 for a Helmet!).

Really good fit, very well ventilated. So well ventilated in fact that I can't wear it in winter as my head just gets too cold! My less ventilated and cheaper Giro Eclipse does me for commuting.

giant_man

As cougie says always try before you buy. You might want to have a look at the Bell Sweep R which not only looks good but also imo is great value

http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/europe/p ... p?prodID=0

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productde ... ELLZHEL290

TopSpin

I picked up the Giro Ionos in the Evans sale last week. Still was an expensive £59.99 but convinced myself it was a bargain as the 2009 list price is £159. It's very comfortable I have to say. The guy in the shop said the helmet is designed to not give you headaches. Now that was likely just marketing speak but it was a nicer fit than the Giro Monza which I also own. You do need to try them on as many have said, the Giro seem to work for me whereas the Specialized give me a bit of a mushroom head! Might be the other way for you.

nferrar

Def try before you buy, personally I use a Giro Havoc off-road and a Spesh S-works 2D on road. Sending the Spesh one off shortly for accident replacement (£50), it did it's job though

giant_man

TopSpin wrote:

I picked up the Giro Ionos in the Evans sale last week. Still was an expensive £59.99 but convinced myself it was a bargain as the 2009 list price is £159. It's very comfortable I have to say. The guy in the shop said the helmet is designed to not give you headaches. Now that was likely just marketing speak but it was a nicer fit than the Giro Monza which I also own. You do need to try them on as many have said, the Giro seem to work for me whereas the Specialized give me a bit of a mushroom head! Might be the other way for you.

Ahh good old Evans sales techniques. I'm sure it gives your temples a good massage as you're riding too!!

brixtonbiker66

Did you not get the helmet liner thing they supply with the helmet for winter use with your Ionos?? It fits inside and blocks all the air vents at the front and top.

weapons wrote:

I managed to get a Giro Ionos (on Cycle 2 work scheme mind, there was no way I was paying £130 for a Helmet!).

Really good fit, very well ventilated. So well ventilated in fact that I can't wear it in winter as my head just gets too cold! My less ventilated and cheaper Giro Eclipse does me for commuting.

Frank the tank

Mark Alexander wrote:

Yep, got the message Frank lol

Don't know why the reply popped up three times, even I am not that opinionated.

aircooleddude

Hi all - many thanks for your advice. I went and tried a mixture of Giro and Bell helmets and went for the Bell Slant which I found to be very comfortable. Thanks again!