Recommend a cycling helmet?

frivolous_fay

Hope this is the right place!

I'm back on a bike and I'd like to buy a helmet. I've had a quick look in my local bike shop and my initial thoughts are...

Are those stupid peaks optional?
Are those stupid peaks useful? (Can you tell I hate them?)
Does this come in Huge? (I have a big head)

I used to have a Bell (10 years ago) but I'm not at all up to date with what's on the market now, and what is meant to be good... and what is overpriced. What is an acceptable price to safety ratio (if you know what I mean)? I started looking online and quickly realised I am baffled by the choice (what's new!)

Could any kind cyclist set me on the right track?

TIA!

Savvy_Sue

I only have an older helmet which doesn't have a stupid peak. So they were optional once ... However, they'd be useful if they kept the rain out of your face, which is presumably what they're designed to do!

Every helmet I've ever bought has come with three different thicknesses of foam insert which gives some 'wiggle room' for smaller or larger brains. however, I'd have thought the cycle shop would be the best place to ask about sizes. and, indeed, designs. If you can get to more than one specialist cycle shop, all the better: if they ALL tell you that helmets by X are superb and worth every penny, they're probably right.

Hopefully a more frequent pedaller will be along before long to advise as well!

custardy

you really need to try a few to see what fits you best.
i like the specialised ones but a few test trys help.some peaks are removeable and some arent.
if you prefer maybe look at skater helmets? maybe a style you would prefer

Sagaris

The most comfortable one I could find came from Tesco! And only about a tenner as well - I think as long as they comply with the current British standard they're ok? Not that I cycle much!

frivolous_fay

My local cycle shops didn't seem to have much of a choice (read: I disliked all the choices )

I may try to track down a Halfords

Dave2112

Generally peaks are for off road helmets - keeps the sun out of your eyes and help to brush away small overhanging branches !!! On a road bike if you're more head down, bottom up the peak will get in the way of your vision. But most are removable anyway.

suggest you try on helmets as each make is slightly different. MET fit me and they do a large size but another make might be more comfortable for you. usually the more expensive a helmet the lighter it is and the more vents there are - ie you get less material for your pound !!! All should pass the relevant BS standard. When you're looking at helmets there will be a label inside with a date on it - this is the manufacture date. You should replace your helmet every three years 'cos of UV? light and general wear and tear. Even though it might have sat on a shelf it's better to get the newest one possible.

Go camping have MET helmets reduced but they are 2005 or 2006 stock so it's something to be aware of.

Fred_Bear_2

When Which? tested helmets in July 2005 the best (and cheapest!) was the Canyon Cruz, about £15. I bought one and it is still available.