Advice needed for getting a good helmet that fits well.

[MrJamie]

I seem to remember an arguement possibly on here that infact some of the more expensive ones were actually less protective because the big vents mean a greater risk of intrusion. Interesting that they seem to get more and more thin or ventilated as the price goes up, but Team GB road cyclists are using those cheap looking ventless helmets. Im sure theres a reason behind it

I bought a Specialized Align one which is good to Snell B95A I think. It's pretty comfortable and doesn't cost silly money, about £30. Does it work....? .....I have absolutely no idea, and I really don't care either!

I noticed when reading someone elses Which? Magazine that the Specialized Align came top of their recent helmet review - not that its probably the best source. I have the Max version and am happy enough with it, same shape and price just bigger to fit my fat head into it

 

[Boon 51]

After an accident that could have been very much worse I have decided to buy a helmet. There are loads on Amazon and other sites but I don't really like buying anything that I'm going to wear online. It is just far too much hassle when things don't fit or are uncomfortable or just do not look like you thought they would.
That said what is the best way of going about buying a helmet (LBS will be my first port of call but if folk know other ways then I'm all ears)? What are things to look out for in a helmet. I'm not made of money but having made the decision to get one I'm prepared to spend enough to get something decent. I'd hate to have finally made the concession to wear a helmet only for it not to be as effective as it could be.

I understand what you mean on getting the right helmet, I did try several and in there own way all fitted but which one was right...
Did you get one in the end?

 

[Cyclopathic]

I understand what you mean on getting the right helmet, I did try several and in there own way all fitted but which one was right...
Did you get one in the end?

I'm still using my old one. It's a Bell so has an adjustable fitting but still not very comfy for that. It'll do for now until I can physically get to a large bike emporium who have lots of helmets to try.

 

[Cyclopathic]

try before you buy - simples.

Don't call me that.

 

[mickle]

After an accident that could have been very much worse I have decided to buy a helmet. There are loads on Amazon and other sites but I don't really like buying anything that I'm going to wear online. It is just far too much hassle when things don't fit or are uncomfortable or just do not look like you thought they would.
That said what is the best way of going about buying a helmet (LBS will be my first port of call but if folk know other ways then I'm all ears)? What are things to look out for in a helmet. I'm not made of money but having made the decision to get one I'm prepared to spend enough to get something decent. I'd hate to have finally made the concession to wear a helmet only for it not to be as effective as it could be.

After your accident which could have been much worse are there any other contributing factors which you think could be addressed to prevent it happening again?

 

[Boon 51]

I'm still using my old one. It's a Bell so has an adjustable fitting but still not very comfy for that. It'll do for now until I can physically get to a large bike emporium who have lots of helmets to try.

I've got to get one for sure I feel unsafe without a crash hat on, I suppose thats doing years on a motorbike..

 

[Zakalwe]

Team GB road cyclists are using those cheap looking ventless helmets.

No vents = more aerodynamic. Could even be a shower cap stretched over the top.

 

[Red Light]

Thanks very much. The articles for standards is exactly the sort of thing I meant when I spoke about an obvious sounding question such that I asked, leading to uncovering some titbits of information that I wouldn't ordinarily have found.

Another informative article written for the CTC magazine by the head of the UK testing lab:
http://www.cyclehelmets.org/papers/c2023.pdf

 

[summerdays]

As others have said try them on - certain brands seem to suit different shaped heads better depending on whether you have a round head or a long narrow one. Also look at the adjustments (the cheapest helmets which I would avoid), only have the basic under chin strap, whereas as the price goes up slightly they get the additional adjustments at the back - check that you find it easy to use.

Size wise think about whether you will be putting a buff underneath. I can just get my head into a Small sized one but the assistant pointed out that if I wanted to use a buff in wintertime that I should get the medium instead.

I'm going looking for a helmet later on - mine needs replacing - I like the slightly rounded smooth look at the back - so it is either going to be another Specialized Tactic for me or I see there is a similar Specialized Andorra (looks like the Tactic with a few lines on it to me).

 

[Robeh]

i have this helmet below good Quality and on sale at the moment..

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/met-estro-road-helmet-2012/

some off the comment's on this thread really are pathetic

 

[Cyclopathic]

After your accident which could have been much worse are there any other contributing factors which you think could be addressed to prevent it happening again?

For my part there wan't a great deal I could have done to avoid this. If I had been more vigilant and actually been expecting her to turn right, across my path then I think I could have lessened the severity of it. It really was one of the very few times that I did not make absolutely sure that the driver had seen me. There was a lot of sun glare off her windscreen and I could not tell that I hadn't made eye contact. Also I couldn't see if she was indicating or not because of the bright sun.
I wasn't being as careful as I usually am but I was by no means being careless. I've been back out on the roads since and the first couple of times have got back after a short ride exhausted from being hyper vigilant but fortunately I am calming down a bit. I don't think it helps to be too wound up or too relaxed.

 

[Cyclopathic]

i have this helmet below good Quality and on sale at the moment..

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/met-estro-road-helmet-2012/

some off the comment's on this thread really are pathetic

Thanks for the link. It's a bit too startrek for my tastes. I'll probably go for a less race styled one and more of the bimbling commuter style of thing.

 

[Cyclopathic]

I've got to get one for sure I feel unsafe without a crash hat on, I suppose thats doing years on a motorbike..

I did think about getting a full face motorbike helmet but it would be too hot...And I'd look like an absolute @rse.

 

[Boon 51]

As others have said try them on - certain brands seem to suit different shaped heads better depending on whether you have a round head or a long narrow one. Also look at the adjustments (the cheapest helmets which I would avoid), only have the basic under chin strap, whereas as the price goes up slightly they get the additional adjustments at the back - check that you find it easy to use.

Size wise think about whether you will be putting a buff underneath. I can just get my head into a Small sized one but the assistant pointed out that if I wanted to use a buff in wintertime that I should get the medium instead.

I'm going looking for a helmet later on - mine needs replacing - I like the slightly rounded smooth look at the back - so it is either going to be another Specialized Tactic for me or I see there is a similar Specialized Andorra (looks like the Tactic with a few lines on it to me).

New to this.. so what is a buff's benefit under your crash hat..

 

[Boon 51]

I did think about getting a full face motorbike helmet but it would be too hot...And I'd look like an absolute @rse.

Funny you should say that, but I have seen guys with motocross helmets on over here, but it could mean that they are just a tight wad..