Cycle helmet advice

LoraN

I have Primark and I can say that is pretty good.

Altarf

JustAnotherSaver wrote: »

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.

mysterymurdoch

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!

Zzelonzi

Big thanks for this topic!
I'm just looking for a cheap but good helmet

Richard53

JustAnotherSaver wrote: »

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.

wealdroam

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:

Bicycle Helmet Standards

Altarf

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

wealdroam wrote: »

Perhaps this is the list you are looking for:

Bicycle Helmet Standards

Thank you. I hadn't seen that before.

Richard53

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.

esuhl

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...