Is this Helmet any good.

robertxxx

BBB Kite Helmet

BBB Kite Helmet



I got one when i got my bike but don't know if I'll keep it or get a better/lighter one. It was only 40 euro,

Icyseanfitz

should do the job no problem, BBB is a good brand

BostonB

Most important is finding one that fits.

MagicMarker

A helmet is a helmet, if you get an expensive one you're only paying for pretty colours and added ventilation.

BTH

MagicMarker wrote: »

A helmet is a helmet, if you get an expensive one you're only paying for pretty colours and added ventilation.

What you mean only? Surely looking good is the main purpose of cycling.

doozerie

MagicMarker wrote: »

A helmet is a helmet, if you get an expensive one you're only paying for pretty colours and added ventilation.

Yes and no. If you are concerned about whether a helmet is any "good" then about the best you can do is to check what safety standards that it conforms to. The european standard, EN1078, is a minimum requirement for any helment sold in this part of the world. However, the US and Australian standards apply more stringent requirements in some areas - the US one, for example, requires that a helmet be capable of withstanding a greater direct impact (for one of the tests) and so is arguably better. From what I have read, I believe that the Australian one may be even more stringent again though I've never looked at the details of the tests they carry out. Depending on your point of view it may be a better bet to buy a helmet which conforms to one or both of the US and Australian safety standards as well as, or in addition to, the european standard - such a helmet may or may not cost more. I've seen at least one Giro helmet for sale here which listed on the box that is meets the US standards, for example, so such helmets are available here.

At the end of the day though its really a question of whether your helmet is "good enough", which is anyone's guess really and at least partly depends on whether you believe that the safety standards for bicycle helmets are actually useful or not i.e. do the tests really reflect real world scenarios or are they just a box-ticking exercise for helmet manufacturers? The thing that you can determine though is whether the helmets fits you well and is comfortable. If it doesn't fit you well it is unlikely to provide the protection it should if you crash, if it is uncomfortable you are less likely to wear it in the first place.

The fit mechanism varies a lot between different brands of helmet so you may find that some brands simply don't suit you at all. And the type of fit mechanism will play a big part in the price of the helmet, as you might expect. Similarly the shape and sizing of helmets can vary a lot between brands too so the shape of your head may rule out certain brands as they'll be too uncomfortable even before you start fiddling with the fit mechanism. And, the basic safety structure of the helmet differs too between different brands, with many of them claiming to use a design that'll provide you with the best protection - obviously they can't all be right but the nature of the safety structure will be reflected in the price, though the highest price does not necessarily mean the best/safest/most robust safety structure.

Right, rambling aside, here are my personal experiences of a few particular brands and models, though obviously everyone's mileage may vary:
* Met helmets fit my head reasonably well and the fit mechanism is basic but works well enough. The pads on my models have been consistently rubbish though but you can buy replacement pads when they fall apart, which they will. At around 100euro for the Stradivarius UL I'd say, for me, it was reasonable value but a bit on the pricey side.
* The fit mechanism of Giro helmets has a good reputation but as a brand it doesn't fit my head shape well. At least some models come with spare pads and a liner for the winter months.
* Some Catlike models fit my head reasonably well, with a reasonable fit mechanism. Mine came with spare pads of varying thickness but no spare forehead pad which I expect to be the first one to actually bite the dust. It is a very well ventilated helmet which is great in the summer but requires an extra layer in the winter. At about 150euro for the Catlike Whisper Plus it is expensive - I do prefer it to my Met helmet but the Met is better value overall.
* Lazer helmets use a very different fit mechanism which is reputed to be flexible enough to accommodate any shape of head. I haven't worn mine on the bike yet but the fit feels close to, but probably a bit better than, my Catlike. The real test will be on a longish ride though, as any discomfort or niggles will become very obvious after a couple of hours. Lazer helmets are not cheap but I can't comment yet on whether their price is justified (for me). I've got the Helium which retails for about 180euro or so though I got mine for 130euro. I've read some impressive anecdotes about the effectiveness of the Lazer helmet substructure in crashes, but anecdotes are no proof of anything really.

So, in short, I would suggest considering the following in your choice of helmet: safety standard it conforms to (for perceived effectiveness), fit (for effectiveness and comfort), ventilation (for comfort), weight (for comfort), whether it has replaceable pads (for economy/longer life of helmet), whether it is compatible with your glasses/sunglasses (i.e. can you wear your glasses/sunglasses when wearing the helmet). Consider style and colour if you are concerned about how it looks.

C3PO

Agree with Doozerie - hemet fit varies hugely between brands and some size adjustment systems are a pain in the ass! Personally I find Bell helmets fit my head really well and I love the look of my Catlike Whisper Plus but it doesn't fit nearly as well and the size adjustment is quite awkward! So try lots of different brands and find the one you like best!

Raam

Hit it with a hammer and let us know.

robertxxx

I brought that one back as i knew i wouldn't really ware it and i got this one at a good price.

gman2k

I have a Uvex myself like the one above (sans High Road colours) and it is very light, so much so that you'd be afraid to drop it! But is is comfortable to wear.

petethedrummer

The most important thing when buying a helmet is try on a few and select the one that makes your head look least like a mushroom.

Hail 2 Da Thief

Is there anywhere that sells insect mesh for helmet ventilation holes?

gman2k

Hail 2 Da Thief wrote: »

Is there anywhere that sells insect mesh for helmet ventilation holes?

I find these work well