Bike helmet

NotAGolf

NotAGolf

NotAGolf

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Hi all.

Looking into buying a helmet as I'm really enjoying my riding at the minute and I'm getting a bit faster and more confident so I'm bound to have an off soon!

Was just wondering if someone could tell me the difference between the helmets that are geared towards road and mtb use? At a guess I'd say the mtb ones are a bit more bulky and clunky but offer a bit more protection, whereas the road ones are more streamlined and light?

I want one mainly for mtb use but I do a fair bit of road riding as well. I'd be ok to just buy a mtb one and then use it on the road for those odd occasions wouldn't I? I just do general XC trail stuff, no downhill mentalism!

If that is the case, any recommendations for a lid? I wan't to spend as little as possible as it's a very un-fun purchase, but my head is pretty important so I shouldn't skimp! Was thinking around the £50 mark? Is that respectable?

Thanks.
 
Road ones also have better airflow though them to cool you down (more holes).

If you do more off road then get one for that, but you will get very hot on the road. Mind there is a guy who commutes across London Bridge in an American Football helmet, and another guy I've witnessed more than once on Victoria Embankment in a full face lid and downhill body armour, so you won't be that out of the ordinary.
 
[DOD]Asprilla;16570615 said:
there is a guy who commutes across London Bridge in an American Football helmet, and another guy I've witnessed more than once on Victoria Embankment in a full face lid and downhill body armour, so you won't be that out of the ordinary.
Click to expand...

Lol, wuold love to see that! My brother has an american football helmet, maybe I should give it a go. Maybe get some pads to go with it as well! :cool:

Is there much difference between road and mtb helmets protection wise then [DOD]Asprilla? If they're fairly similar then I'd go for a road one if it's going to keep me cooler. It's not like I'm going to be diving down a rock face on the mtb.

Thanks for the link Dan. Giro looks like a fairly common choice, lots of choice in my budget range as well.
 
I don't really think there is much difference in protection. Road helmets are only tested to ensure they protect a fall from 1m at 12mph onto a kerb. It's not much really.
 
oddjob62 said:
http://i42.tinypic.com/s1t99t.jpg

On topic... have had a couple of Giros (currently a Monza) and they've been very comfortable.
Click to expand...

I've found myself getting very warm in my Monza recently (sweating like a pig would be a better way of putting it) so I might be able to justify an Atmos or an Ionos soon.....

By the time I'm 15 miles into my commute I've got sweat dripping onto the inside of my shades which is pretty annoying.
 
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I use a Specialized Vice both on and off road, very good helmet.

The road helmets are made to be lighter and more ventilated, the off-road ones usually have a visor, both versions are required to be tested to the same standards and safety wise as long as you buy new from a respected dealer all helmets are identical. The more you pay the more holes you get (cooler and lighter) and the better it fits. My helmet actually ventilates better than riding without one - or so it seems to me xD

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/vice-2010-helmet-ec019801
 
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Is there any advantage of having a visor? And is it possible to remove them or they integrated into the helmet?

Currently looking at these three:

Specialized Tactic

Giro Phase

Giro Monza

Think the monza looks the best but it's for the road and will probably look a bit odd off road. Can't make my mind up at all!
 
Visor stops the rain getting on your face / glasses. Roadies don't need them because we go too fast and can dodge rain drops if we have to.

I've got a Monza (and so does Oddjob). They are comfy and pretty cool (in both senses).
 
I'd say it's worth calling into a couple of local bike shops to try some on.

My choice of helmets is very limited due to the size of my noggin - I need a 61-64cm in Met helmets (Testagrossa or Predatore). Giro don't seem to go above 59cm in a lot of models.
 
I like Fox ones, both a full face and XC one. Use the Flux (XCish) on my roadie without the visor and as with Visor as my all day helmet. Definitely not the hottest thing I've ever ridden in, that award goes to a cheapy Bell.
Both fit my head well, what ever you choose don't go mail order unless you've tried it on else where.
 
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