Minimalist Bike Helmet. Where? What? How?

CiB

I've signed up for the Blenheim Palace 100 miler in a few weeks but am miffed at being forced to wear a helmet - it's in the entry T&Cs. Initial temptation to wear one of my kids' hats perched atop my baldy bonce has been replaced with a more sensible idea. If I've got to buy one, I'd like one of those old-fashioned minimalist jobbies, the ones that look like half a dozen rubber pipes stretched across the head, hairnet style. Anyone know what they're called or where to get one? I've Googled the entire internet including some foreign countries this weekend, and can't find what I'm looking for.

No lectures about helmets please. a) it's been done to death, and b) it's been done to death. It'll end in a squabble, and we don't have squabbles on here.

Wallace1492

The old style you talk about prbably does not conform to the up to date standards, and will probably not count.

Get one of these:

bigmat

I believe they used to be referred to as "hairnets". No lectures, but honestly....

roger_merriman

sadly I don't think those old ones would cut the mustard, as I don't think they would have had the same certs.

for charity rides I have a cheapy helmet, for a 100 mile sportive I might think about spending the dosh on a cool on ie well vented.

It's another thing that puts me off sportives.

ride_whenever

the old leather ones, we've got a couple at the lbs where i work, more as a curiosity thing than anything else, pm me if you really want one though and i'll see what we can do.

They aren't BS or SNELL so they almost certainly wont count. Pop round all your local shops and try out what they have to find one that fits well.

always_tyred

ChrisInBicester wrote:

I've signed up for the Blenheim Palace 100 miler in a few weeks but am miffed at being forced to wear a helmet - it's in the entry T&Cs. Initial temptation to wear one of my kids' hats perched atop my baldy bonce has been replaced with a more sensible idea. If I've got to buy one, I'd like one of those old-fashioned minimalist jobbies, the ones that look like half a dozen rubber pipes stretched across the head, hairnet style. Anyone know what they're called or where to get one? I've Googled the entire internet including some foreign countries this weekend, and can't find what I'm looking for.

No lectures about helmets please. a) it's been done to death, and b) it's been done to death. It'll end in a squabble, and we don't have squabbles on here.

A modern helmet has less contact with the bonce than one of those old things.

MTFU and just buy a reasonable helmet, otherwise you are just making a point and will end up looking like a bit of a nob.

UndercoverElephant

Always Tyred wrote:

MTFU and just buy a reasonable helmet, otherwise you are just making a point and will end up looking like a bit of a nob.

I personally think your helmet should help in making you look like a knob. Mine says "Bell" on it

BigJimmyB

If the rules say you need a lid, get a lid.

Modern lids are comfortable, light and protective - get on with it and get one OR...don't do the ride.

Simples...... :roll:

CiB

Right. So I need a lid, in which case I'll get one. I don't like em, don't have a good one, but the rules say I have to wear one so I will. It's not big 'picking a fight' statement; I'd rather not wear a helmet for a Sunday ride on quiet roads but as they insist I'd fancied the leather 'hairnet' thing. That's clearly not feasible so I'll get myself a proper hat instead and be done with it.

In deference to the helmet police, if I find a good one that I can wear without really being aware of wearing I might even take it up full time. Who knows. Need to find one though first. I'll do the Evans / LBS thing but any recommendations of helmets that don't look like alien space craft or pink ice creams, bung them here.

TIA.

prawny

I'm liking the Bell Array for my next one. Fit nice int' shop and bargainous at Ribble.

Sadly I ain't got £50 spare ATM. If you just want a cheap one for a one off, the specialized align looks good is comfy (again only tried on in the shop) and is less than £30.

I've got a Giro Indicator - tis Poo!

osucowboytc

I recommend the Uvex FP1. It is light and actually cooler wearing it than without. You won't even know it is there! Plus, it has great protection. I "tested" one out at 45mph (70kph) and it protected beautifully!

wgwarburton

Hi,
What do the T+Cs actually specify? BSI? Appropriate? Suitable? I had a look on the site but couldn't find them.

Their website shows several helmetless cyclists....

Seems a slightly strange requirement, to me...

Cheers,
W.

rhext

Bet you it's a condition of their event insurance!

roger_merriman

rhext wrote:

Bet you it's a condition of their event insurance!

I think thats normally why.

gabriel959

rhext wrote:

Bet you it's a condition of their event insurance!

I wonder why!!! I thought helmets offered no protection. In fact I though wearing one will increase your chances of getting hit by a car by at least 100x and that if you fell off your head will spin off into rotational injury madness.

If you want a really cool helmet (in the sense of keeping your head cold!) get a Catlike Whisper Plus, Cervelo Test Team uses it, so does Euskaltel and Xacobeo pro teams. I like it aesthetically as well so that is cool x2

wgwarburton

gabriel959 wrote:

If you want a really cool helmet (in the sense of keeping your head cold!) get a Catlike Whisper Plus...

..but that costs twice as much as my bike did...!

You should be able to pick up a used helmet from ebay or a charity shop.

Cheers,
W.