Cycle helmet advice

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  • LoraN
    LoraN Posts: 13 Forumite
    I have Primark and I can say that is pretty good.
  • Altarf
    Altarf Posts: 2,916
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    Why would you buy a £70 helmet over a £30 helmet for example?

    The same reason why someone would buy a BMW over an Dacia Sandero or a Rolex over a Casio.

    A polystyrene hat is not the most sophisticated technology, so realistically you have to even question why they would be charging £30 rather than £3.
  • It really is almost entirely branding to be honest!

    It's just not true that cheap helmets are hot or uncomfy. Maybe in the 1990's yes. I have two, and they cost £25 and £30 and they're spot on. An Uvex and a Giro. Both so comfy I don't know they're there, both look alright (no mushroom head). I've never once ever considered matching my helmet to my gear to my bike, though I know a lot of people do. I can't help but ask "why" when I see them, proudly sporting their branded gear head to toe, and pootling along, no team sponsorship or race wins! :)
  • Big thanks for this topic!
    I'm just looking for a cheap but good helmet :)
  • Richard53
    Richard53 Posts: 3,173
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    Now i'm sure they all have to pass tests so the £30 helmet should be good enough
    Johnmcl7 wrote: »
    I agree with Brat, the safety standard all helmets are certified to is fairly basic
    AndyBSG wrote: »
    really basic cheap helmets which may pass the safety criteria
    Not having a dig, genuine question: what are the safety criteria, what tests have to be passed, and who conducts and certifies them?


    I've been around motorcycles for many years and I know that there are many testing schemes and standards for motorbike helmets - SHARK, Snell, ACU etc. The nature of the tests are well-publicised, the results are widely-known, and the manufacturers often quote test and safety standards in their advertising.


    I have never seen anything similar for cycle helmets, and would be interested to hear of there is anything similar for those. I don't think there is, to be honest, but I am willing to be proved wrong.
    If someone is nice to you but rude to the waiter, they are not a nice person.
  • wealdroam
    wealdroam Posts: 19,181
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    Richard53 wrote: »
    Not having a dig, genuine question: what are the safety criteria, what tests have to be passed, and who conducts and certifies them?


    I've been around motorcycles for many years and I know that there are many testing schemes and standards for motorbike helmets - SHARK, Snell, ACU etc. The nature of the tests are well-publicised, the results are widely-known, and the manufacturers often quote test and safety standards in their advertising.


    I have never seen anything similar for cycle helmets, and would be interested to hear of there is anything similar for those. I don't think there is, to be honest, but I am willing to be proved wrong.
    Perhaps this is the list you are looking for:
  • Altarf
    Altarf Posts: 2,916
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    Take a look here - http://www.cyclehelmets.org/papers/c2023.pdf

    I particularly liked the statement "Cycle helmets are primarily designed for falls without any other vehicle involved. In many legal cases I have studied where a cyclist was in collision with a motorised vehicle, the impact energy potentials were of a level that outstripped those that we use to certify Grand Prix motor racing helmets.

    The tests that cycle helmets currently go through mean that they should offer similar protection to a pedestrian who trips and falls to the ground."


    Doesn't seem a great reason to wear a polystyrene hat.
  • Richard53
    Richard53 Posts: 3,173
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    wealdroam wrote: »
    Perhaps this is the list you are looking for:
    Thank you. I hadn't seen that before.
    If someone is nice to you but rude to the waiter, they are not a nice person.
  • Richard53
    Richard53 Posts: 3,173
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    Altarf wrote: »
    The tests that cycle helmets currently go through mean that they should offer similar protection to a pedestrian who trips and falls to the ground."

    Doesn't seem a great reason to wear a polystyrene hat.
    I had heard that the general idea was to protect the head from a fall of 2 metres or less at a speed of 5 mph or less. The tests referenced above seem to support that, broadly.


    I have yet to hear of a reputable study anywhere in the world which shows a reduction of head injury or fatality as a result of compulsory helmet wearing. The Dutch seem to manage quite well without them.


    I usually wear one, partly because my wife likes me to and I don't want to cause her unnecessary worry, and partly because in some weather conditions it is more comfortable to do so. I never put one on thinking it will protect me from significant injury.
    If someone is nice to you but rude to the waiter, they are not a nice person.
  • esuhl
    esuhl Posts: 9,409
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    I've never worn a helmet. Part of the attraction of cycling, to me, is the feeling of freedom. Of silently gliding through the countryside, with the wind in my hair...
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