how do I buy a helmet?

[jonny jeez]

I am treating myself to a new lid. I've shortlisted a few and am happy with that list (no recommendations required thanks but thanks in advance for all those who are about to ignore this bit).

thing is, my final choice will be dependant upon fit, feel and of course, look.

So my question is, where can one go to try on lids of various sizes and brands. All the bike shops stock a few flavours in one or two sizes but never a good enough range to make a measured selection.

I'm looking at Met, Giro and possible a Mavic or Specialized

 

[smokeysmoo]

Is there a Specialized Concept Store near you? They may have a good selection of their helmets.

If not all I can think is to trawl as many shops as possible trying on what they do have.

Maybe stick to larger chains, (Evans etc) who will probably carry more stock than local LBS's.

Or use the size charts, measure your melon bite the bullet and order online.

Wiggle do free returns don't forget.

 

[slowmotion]

I would guess that a large branch of Evans would be worth a visit.

Edit: scalped by smokeysmoo.

 

[gaz]

I tend to take a cycling cap (I wear one under a lid pretty much all the time) and just walk into a cycling store and try on any I like, if there aren't any, i'll move onto the next. Not much help if you know roughly what you are looking for.

 

[jonny jeez]

I tend to take a cycling cap (I wear one under a lid pretty much all the time) and just walk into a cycling store and try on any I like, if there aren't any, i'll move onto the next. Not much help if you know roughly what you are looking for.

I would guess that a large branch of Evans would be worth a visit.

Edit: scalped by smokeysmoo.

Problem is very few shops seem to stock met (if any) so I really want to see if a single place stocks all of my shortlists. Otherwise I'll be at it all day and could travel all over London...who has the time for that?

 

[gaz]

Problem is very few shops seem to stock met (if any) so I really want to see if a single place stocks all of my shortlists. Otherwise I'll be at it all day and could travel all over London...who has the time for that?

That's why I don't look before hand and set my mind on a helmet :P

 

[smokeysmoo]

I'll be at it all day and could travel all over London...who has the time for that?

Being Bolton born and bred, (or bread if you like a Warburtons loaf), I don't know anything about the little village of Londinium TBH, but from knowing shops around here and the metropolis that is Manchester I doubt you'll find one shop that stocks the lot.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Have we established that a helmet may be a dangerous waste of time yet?

 

[EltonFrog]

Have we established that a helmet may be a dangerous waste of time yet?

<pulls up deck chair, sets up BBQ>

 

[ianrauk]

Problem is very few shops seem to stock met (if any) so I really want to see if a single place stocks all of my shortlists. Otherwise I'll be at it all day and could travel all over London...who has the time for that?

I have a Met.. yes I do honest.
They come up a much smaller fit then the Giro's.
I have a Giro too... honest.

 

[BlackPanther]

I've shortlisted a few and am happy with that list (no recommendations required thanks but thanks in advance for all those who are about to ignore this bit).

Maybe you should show us your 'shortlist'.....there could be someone on here who regretted buying one of your choices, for a good reason? On the flip side, maybe you've missed an absolutely cracking make/model off your list? I read loads and loads of reviews, and ended up buying a Specialized Propero II helmet over a year ago. It's now 30 quid cheaper than I paid for it. £70!!!!!! http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/spec...id65939.html?gclid=CMTa94T7zLQCFXDLtAodFHYAIg I wouldn't have known that if I hadn't looked due to this thread....thanks!

I think the essential things to look for in a helmet are comfort/lightness and adjustability. I ride all year, so a 1 handed dial for size adjustment was on my list....no faffing if you wear a necktube/skull cap. The propero II is ace!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Evans or Specalized concept store and be ready to try on loads and walk a lot between stores. If cycling in winter, then take your skull cap (as previously) suggested - useful if you can get it underneath!

 

[Kies]

I have a Met, the look a bit bigger than say a Giro, but it matches my bike :giggle

 

[gaz]

I have a Met.. yes I do honest.
They come up a much smaller fit then the Giro's.
I have a Giro too... honest.

You have one of these?

 

[boydj]

There's such a thing as too much choice. Go to a large store with a reasonable selection and try them on. If you get a good fit, then job done. If not, at least you will have eliminated a few any you can check the web for stockists of your other choices.