Helmets

I taken up biking again but when I couldn't find one in the house that fitted, didn't think any more of it and went riding anyway. Starting to think now that I should probably get one but don't want to spend loads on it. Does anyone know if a pretty standard one from Halfords will do?

Cheers,

Ed

I have taken up biking again this year and have really got into it.  I got a Giro helmet from halfords for about £40 I think.  It fits great, is nice and light and no one gives me funny looks at the trail centres.  They have cheaper ones too, so you can get a decent lid without it costing the earth.  

All helmets will do the protective job reasonably well but cheaper ones (especially no-name ones) won't have good internal venting. For something decent, look at the big brands at one of the online sites like http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=74192

Sizing is exactly as they say on the helmets. Mountain biking without one is pretty stupid (and really not something you see unlike road biking)

There's mountain biking and mountain biking.  Cross country on reasonable tracks is quite reasonable to undertake without a helmet, technical stuff where you are entirely likely to fall off, or stuff with lots of low hanging tree cover where you'll bash your head against branches, makes more sense to have one on.  Downhill work without one (but the sort of full-face thing the BMX folks are wearing in the Olympics, not an EN1078 standard helmet) is kinda mad, but OTOH it's kinda mad period from where I'm standing...

Like footwear, fit is paramount.  If a lid doesn't fit reasonably well it won't afford you the specified protection.  The padding and adjustable cradle will take up some slack but the basic right shape is fundamental, and you get that by trying on in person, just like boots.

For old helmets, note the general advice that they should be replaced every 4 years or so if they've lived a quiet life.  If they've taken a hit, straight in the bin.

Pete.

Like boots. Try them for fit. Cheap will work, expensive are nicer. Get one with a peak or your mates will laugh.

I would make sure that you choose a MTB lid.  They come further down the back of your head than a road helmet.  

It's all about fit imho.  Try lots on & choose the one that fits the best.  I find a lot of mtb-specific helmets are a bit heavy & over-engineered.  No big deal for short rides but as I'm into long distance stuff I usually wear a lighter helmet marketed at roadies.  There's an argument for the lower coverage of some mtb helmets on the back of the head, but I don't find there's generally that much difference.

Though you're less likely to hit the back of your head, and the more it covers you the less comfortable it is. And when that amounts to more sweat getting in your eyes on a tricky downhill it's less clear cut.

More vents == more comfort, but also more chance of branches getting caught in the vents.

You''ll have guessed by now: "you choose, you lose"...

Pete.

LOL.  Even the MTB ones seem great to me now!  I have less than fond memories of the monolithic Bell helemt my parents insisted I wore when I was 13 when I started getting into time trailing and racing.  Having said that it was 23 years ago!

Go to a local bike shop and ask for advice they will normally help you find one that fits.

Some even have crash replacement discounts if you crash/damage when it comes to replacing it.

Personally I like Specialized helemts but there are plenty of other makes.

Edd, I got a Specialized Align cycling helmet for £30, not reduced or anything. I commute everyday on my bike and it is comfortable, wide range of fit (crew ajuster thing in the back) so works with a hood or a beanie as well. Ventig is good as well. Good for mounting lights on in winter as well if you cycle all year round and come off the trail in the dark.

The more you spend on the helmet the lighter it will be. So it is not the smallest or lightest but it meets all standards and at ~310g it wont break your neck to wear it

Was passing Go Outdoors and managed to find a Raleigh one for £8 reduced from £20 with the discount card

Cheers for all your help

Ed

Nick P 10:

Where did you get that from?

Helmet and shades are de rigueur for mtb...without them you look like your off to work at wilko`s   Align helmet  £27 from Freeborn bikes inc delivery..