Does an expensive helmet matter?

poejollard

Hi all.

Just bought myself a new entry level road bike (Felt Z95) in the sale for £500. I'm so excited! Upon waiting for it to arrive, I am going to go and get relevant accessories and clothing for it, such as new lights, a computer, pedals, shoes, shorts and a jersey.

However I currently own a cheap helmet that I bought for mountain biking a month ago that to be honest I have not used (a Giro Skyline). Is it worth upgrading this helmet to something more? I don't see how, apart from weight and temperature, a helmet that is more expensive will do for protection.

Thoughts?

Grill

I have an expensive head, so naturally an expensive helmet was the only way to go.

jermas

All helmets pass a European safety standard, so probably offer similar amounts of protection. Use the helmet for a while-no need to upgrade if it fits and is comfy.

getnoticed

No, your helmet will be fine.

Replace it if you have a spill or it degrades in any way

Until then happy riding

poejollard

Thanks for all the responses guys! Think I'm just gonna leave it as it is for now. Haha Grill like your style - happy riding all!

prawnlover

people spend a lot for the aesthetics of them usually/aero benefits. noone likes the dreaded mushroom head :evil:

Dmak

Hmmm had mine over 3 years now.

Can someone suggest some reasonably priced slick hats?

cattytown

Your helmet will be fine. The big difference is that road helmets don't have peaks. I understand this is because of the different riding position - it may obstruct vision a little, but may also be affected by wind.

All helmets meet the same standards, so what do you get as you go up the price range? different styling, adjustability, comfort, weight, aerodynamics and ventilation.

Paul.

tlw1

You don't need a new one, it doesn't mean you don't want one

samsbike

specialized are tested to the SNELL standard - does that make an impact on if they are better or not?

sloppyschleckonds

Have you tried riding without a helmet?

stueys

samsbike wrote:

specialized are tested to the SNELL standard - does that make an impact on if they are better or not?

All helmets are tested to EU standards, US helmets tend to be tested to SNELL which some say is slightly more stringent in places. Everyone regards the EU standards as more than adequate to fully test a helmet though.

focuz

madasahattersley wrote:

Love my mojito!

+1 Mojito, most comfortable helmet ive ever had, and no mushroom head either.

cattytown

I am also a mojito fan. Liked the colour scheme of the Dieci better, but Mojito fits rather nicely - it feels secure without the strap fastened.

poejollard

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

Have you tried riding without a helmet?

Yes - I have only worn a helmet when doing some mountain biking. As far as on road I don't on my mountain bike as the commutes have been short. However when on a road bike I will start to wear one as I will be going faster and with less grip etc.

I haven't worn a helmet for long road cycling rides yet so I guess I'll judge the comfort when it comes round to it.

crankycrank

poejollard wrote:

I don't see how, apart from weight and temperature, a helmet that is more expensive will do for protection.Thoughts?

I saw an extensive test of helmets from cheap to expensive about three years ago but unfortunately can't find it anywhere. In any case the test showed that many cheaper helmets offered better protection due to the fact that the heavier materials used did a better job of absorbing hits. Not a universal truth among all helmets within all price ranges but generally yes. What you're paying for in an expensive helmet is lightness, ventilation, better retaining straps, comfort and wearing what the "pros" wear but in some cases not better protection. If I can find the test I'll post it as it showed the results for each helmet by name.

unixnerd

I just bought a Specialized Prevail at half it's normal 160 quid price (they may have some left if you're quick), far more than I'd normally spend. The big difference is that the fit is fantastic, hard to describe but it just stays put and is very comfy. I never felt my old helmet was the right size but even so this is far more adjustable. Also it has far nicer thinner straps made from a good quality material and I find they don't irritate me. So in my opinion expensive lids are better, but wait until you see them discounted and get a bargain.

wishitwasallflat

I had a cheapish (£60) Met and when it got damaged in a crash my missus sanctioned a no cost limit replacement so I got a Giro Aeon = its a night and day transformation. Giro fit, comfort and ventilation is much much better than the Met. I wore the Met for 4 years and thought it fitted ok until I did a few miles with the Giro and realised it never fitted me properly.

unixnerd

That's exactly my experience of upgrading too.

Druidor

I am currently using a cheap Argos helmet. Its a bit bulky and will be getting something more streamlined and lighter like the Carrera Razor soon.

But for now its doing its job.

top_bhoy

Stueys wrote:

samsbike wrote:

specialized are tested to the SNELL standard - does that make an impact on if they are better or not?

All helmets are tested to EU standards, US helmets tend to be tested to SNELL which some say is slightly more stringent in places. Everyone regards the EU standards as more than adequate to fully test a helmet though.

I wish those bloody aussies did.....they operate a rort telling everyone they're standards are superior which allows them to swap a label and charge more than double the rest of the world. <rant over>