Helmets

Peppa Cig

Best place to try/buy helmets in midlands?

Or Dublin.

Would need to try on rather than online to ensure correct fit.

Hopefully stores will be open soon.

Thanks

dubal2008

BIKEWORLD,COTTERS, and MEGABIKES is where I have visited recently and both have a great selection

Wonda-Boy

Peppa Cig wrote: »

Best place to try/buy helmets in midlands?

Or Dublin.

Would need to try on rather than online to ensure correct fit.

Hopefully stores will be open soon.

Thanks

Highly doubt stores will be open soon TBH but anyway.....

Crossans is only 40 mins from Dublin well worth a spin, you also have BIKEWORLD, Cotters and Megabikes around the corner.

You also have RPM in Drogheda and Kennedys in Drogheda. Also Overlanders in Gorey have a decent selection.

I know you said midlands but after this lockdown you will be gumming for a spin.

I personally would try on instore and order online.

dubal2008

If everybody was to try on in store and order from a lad working from his mothers kitchen then every bike shop will close or stop selling clothing and helmets,,, it maybe cheaper buy online but it will simply close every retailer, I,m a firm believer in shopping local and if the price is cheaper online then ask for a discount and see what the shop says. OK Rant Over ......

Japcati2020

Would ya like a dose of corona with that "hemlet" you are trying on there?
I'll throw it in for free with the "hemlet"......but only for you.
2 other lads tried it on there earlier on,but they didn't like it..
Sure 1 of them had a fierce aul cough on him.......snorting all over the place so he was.......

Mjolnir

I'd highly doubt anyone would let you try on a lid with the pandemic. Way too much of a risk of contaminating their stock and other customers. They're not going to open a new lid for everyone that wants to try one and risk losing the stock or getting someone sick. It'll be a long time until the shops are going to allow people to try on gear again.
Go on youtube look up the head shapes and reviews then use the companies measuring guide.
Did it for a shark and my icon lids and both are a perfect fit.
If you have the most common head shape just measure and order.

Peppa Cig

Fair points regarding trying helmets on in current situation.

My only reference for helmet is current Caberg Duke Size XL.

It’s too tight on face and forehead. Also not enough room at chin.

Sounds like I have a freak shape fat head. Maybe I have

Any suggestions for this freaky shape welcome.

Would prefer a flip up helmet.

roroliam

Doyle's Motorcycles Athlone, great people.

Acquiescence

Peppa Cig wrote: »

My only reference for helmet is current Caberg Duke Size XL.

It’s too tight on face and forehead. Also not enough room at chin.

Has it had much use?

Peppa Cig

Acquiescence wrote: »

Has it had much use?

It’s the brothers and is more or less new so has yet to be broken in.

Wonda-Boy

dubal2008 wrote: »

If everybody was to try on in store and order from a lad working from his mothers kitchen then every bike shop will close or stop selling clothing and helmets,,, it maybe cheaper buy online but it will simply close every retailer, I,m a firm believer in shopping local and if the price is cheaper online then ask for a discount and see what the shop says. OK Rant Over ......

I agree, but shops here in Ireland take the absolute piss. I buy alot of stuff and would haggle the worm out of a birds mouth but retailers take the piss as the lack of competition is so small.

Bikeworld is a prime example, just before the lockdown I bought a Oxford 3XL optimiser was in there looking for that an the Oxford Big Boss Alarm disc lock.
The price difference on the charger was 45 euro ffs, and the difference on the lock was 20 euro.....so before you give it socks saying buy local I think the locals should stop ripping people off. And Bikeworld is not the only place akin to this...certain other shops not so far away will only give you a good deal if you in the popular clique and do regular trackdays etc.

I did buy my full RST Adventure gear in Bikeworld only after haggling with Ray and getting a good deal. Did not match online but had the full selection there to use.

I really would not mind paying a little more for the privilege of having stuff in stock (Im not a monster) but dont take the piss.

Mjolnir

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

I agree, but shops here in Ireland take the absolute piss. I buy alot of stuff and would haggle the worm out of a birds mouth but retailers take the piss as the lack of competition is so small.

Bikeworld is a prime example, just before the lockdown I bought a Oxford 3XL optimiser was in there looking for that an the Oxford Big Boss Alarm disc lock.
The price difference on the charger was 45 euro ffs, and the difference on the lock was 20 euro.....so before you give it socks saying buy local I think the locals should stop ripping people off. And Bikeworld is not the only place akin to this...certain other shops not so far away will only give you a good deal if you in the popular clique and do regular trackdays etc.

I did buy my full RST Adventure gear in Bikeworld only after haggling with Ray and getting a good deal. Did not match online but had the full selection there to use.

I really would not mind paying a little more for the privilege of having stuff in stock (Im not a monster) but dont take the piss.

Agree with ya there. I'd never buy a lid here, why pay that much extra (I know a lot of it is tax) for it when I can wait for two weeks.
Got my RST blade jacket for €100 less online than any shop around.
I understand that brick and mortar have over heads, and associated costs but if you can't compete I'll buy elsewhere. Unless I desperately need something ill save the money and wait for delivery.

nigeldaniel

I know some do not like shops or their prices but I find the shops best. One reason only, getting the size right. I got stuff online a few times and no matter how much attention I pay to the size its always a poor fit when I get the gear. Helmets in a shop, I have an LS2 flip-up that I like best. Got it in Cork 2 years ago. Dublin is a bit too far for me so I have no idea about the bike places up there. Cotters have a good website and that all I can say. The main shop I use is Sprocket and Hubs in Adare.

Del2005

Mjolnir wrote: »

Go on youtube look up the head shapes and reviews then use the companies measuring guide.
Did it for a shark and my icon lids and both are a perfect fit.
If you have the most common head shape just measure and order.

I used to have Arai lids and never had any issues with them. Bought a Shark lid and even after getting my head measured and trying on in the shop it had a pressure spot on my forehead that made riding for any longer than 30 minutes painful. Swapped to Carberg and no issues no matter how it's on.

If you're buying the same brand lid you can buy online but if you're changing brands you need to try on in store for a decent amount of time.

BaronVon

I got kit last year, and I found the Irish shops to be the same price as online. I got a Shoei helmet in Megabikes for the exact same price as Helmetcity. Service in Megabikes was class.
I got a Dainese textile suit in Bikeworld which was only marginally dearer than sportsbikeshop.co.uk, and I was happy to pay the difference to be able to walk out of the shop with the gear there and then.

dubal2008

Baron, How do you find the Shoei helmets for fit and noise level, i,m looking at buying a GT Air 2 when this virus stuff is all over

Wonda-Boy

BaronVon wrote: »

I got kit last year, and I found the Irish shops to be the same price as online. I got a Shoei helmet in Megabikes for the exact same price as Helmetcity. Service in Megabikes was class.
I got a Dainese textile suit in Bikeworld which was only marginally dearer than sportsbikeshop.co.uk, and I was happy to pay the difference to be able to walk out of the shop with the gear there and then.

When it works out like that then perfect. I would gladly buy all my stuff in Ireland....but as I said in an earlier post, dont take the piss charging 30% on top of the profit you are already making with the RRP :rolleyes:

Wonda-Boy

dubal2008 wrote: »

Baron, How do you find the Shoei helmets for fit and noise level, i,m looking at buying a GT Air 2 when this virus stuff is all over

GT AIR 2 is a fantastic lid, serious money. I would look into the equivalent Arai lid also....and pick the best fit. Unless you just really like the Shoei's. I find the Shoei lids an arkward fit for my bonce!

Really nice lid all the same.

dubal2008

I have found just looking at them and the ease of opening the visor and venting that the Shoei is far easier and feels a lot better build quality as I was first contemplating the Arai, guess when the shops open again i'll be shopping around

BaronVon

dubal2008 wrote: »

Baron, How do you find the Shoei helmets for fit and noise level, i,m looking at buying a GT Air 2 when this virus stuff is all over

I can only compare it to an Arai. I got the Neotec 2, and it fits me much better than the Arai. In Arai I'm halfway between an XL and 2XL, so neither fit me 100%. The Shoei XL is a perfect fit for me, so probably a slightly larger fitting than Arai, IMO.

BaronVon

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

When it works out like that then perfect. I would gladly buy all my stuff in Ireland....but as I said in an earlier post, dont take the piss charging 30% on top of the profit you are already making with the RRP :rolleyes:

Yeah, I was actually quite surprised myself.....

Breezin

I would say most local dealers would be prepared to haggle and meet half way. They know they're outgunned by the online warehouse merchants, so they'd be dumb not to (doesn't rule out some actually being dumb).

I did this a while back and got a really good discount, only to find they hadn't got my colour. I would have much preferred to have bought from them.

JCbiker

Id be an XL in a helmet also.

I have an AGV compact ST, built in sun visor and a flip up lid too. Only thing I found was it was a bit heavy on long journey's.


https://m.motoin.de/Helmets/Flip-up-helmets/AGV-Compact-ST-flip-up-helmet::44505.html?language=en&country=IE&refID=02&gclid=CjwKCAjwm-fkBRBBEiwA966fZECyVt2q23NqdSgA9pbD5gKif-za0WdNtmZ_i3r7JmxHZvSrLq7yMhoCtSgQAvD_BwE
¹

Peppa Cig wrote: »

Fair points regarding trying helmets on in current situation.

My only reference for helmet is current Caberg Duke Size XL.

It’s too tight on face and forehead. Also not enough room at chin.

Sounds like I have a freak shape fat head. Maybe I have

Any suggestions for this freaky shape welcome.

Would prefer a flip up helmet.

listermint

dubal2008 wrote: »

Baron, How do you find the Shoei helmets for fit and noise level, i,m looking at buying a GT Air 2 when this virus stuff is all over

Coming from the Shoei QWest on to the GT Air 1 I just picked up a few weeks ago. I found the GT fit slightly tighter but I have to attribute some of that to the age and fill compression in my QWest.

I went for the Air 1 for two reasons. The 2 has a built in section for shoeis OEM bt kit that I don't need nor want and the 2 is heavier than the 1.



The Air is the nicest helmet I've owned. Very happy with it.

dubal2008

That's great to hear, I thought there was more differences between the two models and also I considered that if in the future I want some form of communication that the Air 2 was better to get initially...

listermint

dubal2008 wrote: »

That's great to hear, I thought there was more differences between the two models and also I considered that if in the future I want some form of communication that the Air 2 was better to get initially...

Yeah i already have a Sena 20S system so i have no need for the slot on the rear, just tranferred my Sena into the Air fit perfect.

I think there is 1 other difference, the vents in the top of the Air2 are fixed open, they are slideable on the older model.

UrbanFret

JCbiker wrote: »

Id be an XL in a helmet also.

I have an AGV compact ST, built in sun visor and a flip up lid too. Only thing I found was it was a bit heavy on long journey's.


https://m.motoin.de/Helmets/Flip-up-helmets/AGV-Compact-ST-flip-up-helmet::44505.html?language=en&country=IE&refID=02&gclid=CjwKCAjwm-fkBRBBEiwA966fZECyVt2q23NqdSgA9pbD5gKif-za0WdNtmZ_i3r7JmxHZvSrLq7yMhoCtSgQAvD_BwE
¹

I have the same lid. Bought it off sportsbikeshop, much cheaper than the link above. Good helmet, but if you ride with it flipped up I find it's like a sail and really hard on my neck.


https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/319369

listermint

UrbanFret wrote: »

I have the same lid. Bought it off sportsbikeshop, much cheaper than the link above. Good helmet, but if you ride with it flipped up I find it's like a sail and really hard on my neck.


https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/319369

Are they even meant to be ridden with that flipped up . I'm not sure that's the purpose of it. Flip is for stationary chat or going into shops etc. Driving at 60kmph it would obviously drag.

macplaxton

listermint wrote: »

Are they even meant to be ridden with that flipped up .

We it can be, as if you read the small print, that particular lid linked is dual-homologated.

• Homologated in the closed and open positions

There aren't many flip-fronts that are, but they are out there.

https://billyscrashhelmets.co.uk/all-about-dual-homologation-motorbike-crash-helmets/

listermint

macplaxton wrote: »

We it can be, as if you read the small print, that particular lid linked is dual-homologated.



There aren't many flip-fronts that are, but they are out there.

https://billyscrashhelmets.co.uk/all-about-dual-homologation-motorbike-crash-helmets/

I'd imagine that text comes with limits....


Why anyone could think you could put a sail on your head and not get a neck injury is beyond me

macplaxton

UrbanFret wrote: »

but if you ride with it flipped up I find it's like a sail and really hard on my neck.

You need to do more training UrbanFret

UrbanFret

listermint wrote: »

Are they even meant to be ridden with that flipped up . I'm not sure that's the purpose of it. Flip is for stationary chat or going into shops etc. Driving at 60kmph it would obviously drag.

You could well be right in which case it's no wonder it's hurting my neck after a 1/2 hr or so. :D:D

UrbanFret

listermint wrote: »

I'd imagine that text comes with limits....


Why anyone could think you could put a sail on your head and not get a neck injury is beyond me

I think I should buy one of these, It flips right back to the rear of the helmet . Anyone here have one.




https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/421072

Peppa Cig

UrbanFret wrote: »

I think I should buy one of these, It flips right back to the rear of the helmet . Anyone here have one.




https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/421072

This one flips right back to. Got it delivered from SBS on Friday but too small so will have to go back.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/475465

UrbanFret

Peppa Cig wrote: »

This one flips right back to. Got it delivered from SBS on Friday but too small so will have to go back.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/475465

Nice looking lid that.

nigeldaniel

Peppa Cig wrote: »

This one flips right back to. Got it delivered from SBS on Friday but too small so will have to go back.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/475465

That can happen, they will be well used to helmets going back so you will have no isses there.

UrbanFret

nigeldaniel wrote: »

That can happen, they will be well used to helmets going back so you will have no isses there.

Unfortunately the courier will not lift the helmet to return it. You will have to return at your own expense.:(

listermint

UrbanFret wrote: »

Unfortunately the courier will not lift the helmet to return it. You will have to return at your own expense.:(

Parcel motel.

UrbanFret

"In light of our courier now closing their collection point network due to the Corona virus, we are unable to offer you a free returns label unfortunately.

Can you please confirm if you would like us to arrange a collection from your home address?

Thank you and apologies for any inconvenience caused."

So I replied saying collection from my home address would be fine and here's the reply.

Thank you for your reply.

Can you please confirm your preferred collection address and date? then

Thank you for your update.

Unfortunately, DPD have confirmed that they are no longer able to collect from Ireland or Northern Ireland at present due to the virus. We keep receiving updates frequently and of course, I did not realise this was the case, apologies.

Like most of our customers residing in Ireland, the return will have to be at your cost unfortunately.

If I can be of any further help please do not hesitate to contact me.

Apologies for any disappointment.

Peppa Cig

UrbanFret wrote: »

Unfortunately the courier will not lift the helmet to return it. You will have to return at your own expense.:(

yep. SBS returns always at buyer expensive from IE.

Parcel motel best option.

Peppa Cig

nigeldaniel wrote: »

That can happen, they will be well used to helmets going back so you will have no isses there.

Never any hassles with return to SBS. Great to deal with.

nigeldaniel

UrbanFret wrote: »

Unfortunately the courier will not lift the helmet to return it. You will have to return at your own expense.:(

I forgot that, it's true that Couriers can be a different story.

galwaytt

Peppa Cig wrote: »

This one flips right back to. Got it delivered from SBS on Friday but too small so will have to go back.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/475465

I have the EvoOne for the last few years, and it is the first ever helmet I've bought that I didn't have to modify to get to fit. Not as quiet as a Schuberth but a) the Schuberth is waaay over-priced and b) the Shark is homologated to use open or closed (Schuberth and many others, aren't).

As for where to buy, I tried it at the NEC and looked online, and at the last minute just thought I'd try Cotters: almost matched the UK price and the day I was there the Shark truck was there for advice. I had one warranty issue with the first one and I thought they'd fix it, but they just gave me a span new one without quibble. I didn't even have to post it - they has someone in Galway on a particular day.

I bought Oxford pants in a local Galway shop (Ivors) for same-as-online, just by asking.

Ditto for TCX boots in Doyle's.

I'm all for online, but with family in retail, it's not hard to see why retail could oh so easily disappear and then we're all fupped. Live retails has costs that online does not, so I don't begrudge some markup.