Helmet advice

Qualitymark · 02-07-2015 01:44PM #1

I really hate helmets, they feel horrible and constricting on. But having come off my bike (slowly, onto my elbow, sore and scary) I got a big lecture from the doctor about the kind of head injuries you get from a relatively slow fall sideways from five feet up. He advised me strongly to get and wear a helmet.
I have an old Lidl one but bits have fallen off, so suppose I'll have to buy a decent helmet. I'm looking at the Nutcase ones, at around €75. I'd be grateful for advice on what's solid, and reasonably cool and light.
Please don't rehearse the arguments about whether or not to wear helmets - there's another thread for that, and I like to take my doctor's advice generally.

07Lapierre · 02-07-2015 01:48PM

Helmets are like saddles, very personal. What fits one person comfortably won't fit another.

Try a few different brands and see which fits best.

The most important criteria is the colour! It must match your socks!

tomasrojo · 02-07-2015 01:51PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

I really hate helmets, they feel horrible and constricting on. But having come off my bike (slowly, onto my elbow, sore and scary) I got a big lecture from the doctor about the kind of head injuries you get from a relatively slow fall sideways from five feet up. He advised me strongly to get and wear a helmet.

There is a very low incidence ofserious head injury in the scenario your doctor is describing. Practically non-existent. Does he recommend you wear a helmet when sitting on a bar stool?

That's all I'll say, as, as you point out, there is a helmet thread.

Nutcase helmets don't have much in the way of ventilation, so I doubt they allow much heat to escape. The large area for graphic design is well used though, so that might make it more attractive for many.

iamdave · 02-07-2015 01:51PM

Probably best to go into a few bike shops and try on a few. Everyone's heads aren't the same shape so best to find something that's comfy for you.

I had a fall myself a few months back and came down on the side of my head but thankfully I just had a smashed helmet afterwards.

Qualitymark · 02-07-2015 01:57PM

tomasrojo wrote: »

Nutcase helmets don't have much in the way of ventilation, so I doubt they allow much heat to escape. The large area for graphic design is well used though, so that might make it more attractive for many.

Odd, looking at the photos http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nutcase-Metroride-Helmet-Multi-Coloured-Technicolor/dp/B00NZ4K2N8/ref=sr_1_1?&s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1435841560&sr=1-1&keywords=nutcase they seemed to have two air, um, places. Though the size says 55cm to 59cm; measuring around my forehead, my head's around 53cm.

If Nutcase don't have ventilation, what helmets do, and are light and comfortable? I like the look of the Nutcase (the plain-coloured, skater-helmet-like ones) better than those spaceman kind of ones as in the Lidl version.

HMathlete · 02-07-2015 02:00PM

I always like the MET brand but €75 will get you a good, light, ventilated lid in any bike shop. Definitely try on a few and if possible get the type which has a twist adjuster for loosening and tightening. It means if you wear a hat for cold mornings you can loosen it and if the head support bothers you it can be adjusted on the fly.

tomasrojo · 02-07-2015 02:03PM

The Bern helmets are sometimes recommended for those who don't like the look of the standard "tour de France" job.
http://bernunlimited.com/shop/bike.html

(That one you link to has more ventilation than the Nutcase ones I've seen before, but in general they go for a "skater"-style design, where the ventilation is restricted to a small area, which is the case even in this more ventilated design. Probably the same for the Bern ones too. The Cyber Insekt appearance of the standard helmets is partly down to ubiquitous venting.)

Qualitymark · 02-07-2015 02:05PM

What bike shop in Dublin has the best range of helmets and least irritable staff?

Beasty · 02-07-2015 02:16PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

Odd, looking at the photos http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nutcase-Metroride-Helmet-Multi-Coloured-Technicolor/dp/B00NZ4K2N8/ref=sr_1_1?&s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1435841560&sr=1-1&keywords=nutcase they seemed to have two air, um, places.

Bear in mind that Amazon will add VAT for deliveries to Ireland. You can usually get helmets a bit cheaper via UK online retailers that are not VAT registered in Ireland (as they can zero-rate as they do for UK customers)

In terms of "safety" a few brands now have MIPS which is a notch up from the current "standard" - you may want to have a look at some of those options

listermint · 02-07-2015 03:12PM

For someone who doesn't like 'irritable' or heavy helmets, your choice of helmet type is very much at polar opposite to lightweight and air flow style helmets.

The BMX style helmets will not be as comfortable or have as much airflow as a conventional 'racing' or sporting type helmet. That is just a given.

2 airflow holes ? man you need them all over...

Tenzor07 · 02-07-2015 03:14PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

What bike shop in Dublin has the best range of helmets and least irritable staff?

Cycleways, Eurocycles...even Halfords!

Qualitymark · 02-07-2015 03:48PM

Beasty wrote: »

Bear in mind that Amazon will add VAT for deliveries to Ireland. You can usually get helmets a bit cheaper via UK online retailers that are not VAT registered in Ireland (as they can zero-rate as they do for UK customers)

In terms of "safety" a few brands now have MIPS which is a notch up from the current "standard" - you may want to have a look at some of those options

Thanks, good advice. Yikes, forgot about Amazon and their fat VAT. I couldn't get that page to show me a helmet, only showoffy Flash stuff. Why is MIPS better, what does it mean, and what brands have it?

Tenzor07 · 02-07-2015 03:56PM

Probably better off buying in an actual bike shop rather than online, some bike helmets may not be a good fit, so at least you can try on for size in a shop..unless you know the make of helmet and are confident it's suitable.

Beasty · 02-07-2015 03:57PM

Available models are in that link I provided

From that website

MIPS sets a new standard in helmet safety. Developed by brain surgeons and scientists to reduce rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head

Not necessarily better in all situations, but can improve things in certain scenarios. I think there is a general view that maybe the standards have been relatively low for some time. Motor racing has made massive strides in improving the protection offered by their helmets and I think we are now starting to see a trickle down of some of the technology they use.

Qualitymark · 02-07-2015 03:58PM

Ah, found this piece on MIPS, interesting

http://www.gizmag.com/mips-helmet-technology/21656/

Is there a sticker or anything saying "MIPS inside"?

As for the fit, I really don't know how to tell if it fits well. Straw hats never fit me well, for instance; I think my head is rounder than the standard oblong hat shape.

Tenzor07 · 02-07-2015 04:00PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

As for the fit, I really don't know how to tell if it fits well. Straw hats never fit me well, for instance; I think my head is rounder than the standard oblong hat shape.

That's why you go to a shop and speak with someone in person who can advise you. You hardly want an ill fitting helmet which could cause you more damage if you fall and hit your head?

Beasty · 02-07-2015 04:09PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

I couldn't get that page to show me a helmet, only showoffy Flash stuff. Why is MIPS better, what does it mean, and what brands have it?

Sorry, missed that bit - had to launch a Chrome browser to get it to display properly

A few of the Poc range have it - most major brands have one or two models - Giro Sonnet, Savant and Sutton, some of the Bells (eg Stoker) Lazers (Nut and P'nut) and Scotts (Lin). there is quire a wide price range - you could do a search of "MIPS" on Amazon to find a few more

You need to check it has the MIPS logo on though as the older versions of these models do not have it

CatFromHue · 02-07-2015 04:29PM

Came in to post about the MIPS ones too.

rtmie · 02-07-2015 04:29PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

Odd, looking at the photos http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nutcase-Metroride-Helmet-Multi-Coloured-Technicolor/dp/B00NZ4K2N8/ref=sr_1_1?&s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1435841560&sr=1-1&keywords=nutcase they seemed to have two air, um, places. Though the size says 55cm to 59cm; measuring around my forehead, my head's around 53cm.

If Nutcase don't have ventilation, what helmets do, and are light and comfortable? I like the look of the Nutcase (the plain-coloured, skater-helmet-like ones) better than those spaceman kind of ones as in the Lidl version.

When I see people wearing helmets like these 51jYpHEsS9L._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg

I always visualise that the wearer has rushed out of the house and mistakenly hopped on their bike when they meant to hop on their polo pony

Domane · 02-07-2015 06:02PM

Like you, I hated helmets as I sweat like a horse and due to my big head (stop sniggering), most helmets don't sit right on me. So I went to a few stores and tried on many and rejected them all as they were uncomfortable and didn't sit right on me, no matter how I adjusted them. However I eventually came across the Giro Savant MIPS which ticked all my boxes, ie it's well ventilated, it fits my bonce well and it's very light, so much so that I don't feel it when I'm out on the bike whereas previously I'd be irritated by my old Abus helmet after a few kms.

You can spend a lot more on a helmet if you want but have a look at the Savant first as it has many of the features of much more expensive lids but is very light. It's actually cheaper here in Eurocycles (€89) than online and if you register with them on their webpage, they'll give you a tenner off your first order. So you can have the Savant for €79.

While your doctor may have been a bit melodramatic with his example, he's right when it comes to protecting your head.

Qualitymark · 03-07-2015 12:14AM

Thanks, I'll hunt out some of these bike shops and try a few helmets on. And I'll definitely look for one with the MIPS system.

Qualitymark · 12-09-2015 04:20PM

Went into Eurocycles and asked about MIPS helmets. The salesyouth asserted confidently that MIPS meant a helmet with a bracket on it, and it would be over €200.

When he finally discovered what he did mean, he said he'd have to order the Giro Savant specially, and it would be €104… I murmured about €89 and €79 on the website, and he said whoever had been charged that had been mistakenly charged for a non-MIPS helmet.

Sure enough, on Eurocycles' site it's showing as €114 now.

It's €100 on Chain Reaction, €117 on Amazon. Anything further occur…?

I'm looking thoughtfully at this on Evans' website - a kids' helmet, which is probably fine for me, as my head, measured at brow height - is that correct? - is 53cm: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lazer-sport/nutz-mips-kids-helmet-ec063146 Is Lazer a good brand?

Billycake · 12-09-2015 06:17PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

Went into Eurocycles and asked about MIPS helmets. The salesyouth asserted confidently that MIPS meant a helmet with a bracket on it, and it would be over €200.

When he finally discovered what he did mean, he said he'd have to order the Giro Savant specially, and it would be €104… I murmured about €89 and €79 on the website, and he said whoever had been charged that had been mistakenly charged for a non-MIPS helmet.

Sure enough, on Eurocycles' site it's showing as €114 now.

It's €100 on Chain Reaction, €117 on Amazon. Anything further occur…?

I'm looking thoughtfully at this on Evans' website - a kids' helmet, which is probably fine for me, as my head, measured at brow height - is that correct? - is 53cm: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lazer-sport/nutz-mips-kids-helmet-ec063146 Is Lazer a good brand?

Not sure if it's of interest to you, but I have a Giro Savant that's never been used you are welcome to if you fancy it. It's xl size and white.
Just had a look at it and it doesn't seem to be MIPS though. I bought it online but it wasn't comfortable on me so I never used it. It's sitting here in the bike room taking up space so if its of use to you I'd be glad to pass it on. I have trouble getting a helmet to fit me comfortably so I know what's it like trying to find one. PM me if you're interested.

Qualitymark · 12-09-2015 06:22PM

Thanks, Billycake, very kind of you, but it wouldn't fit me. I'm more of the xs size. I also definitely want to get MIPS - it seems a huge advance in helmet technology.

Billycake · 12-09-2015 06:28PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

Thanks, Billycake, very kind of you, but it wouldn't fit me. I'm more of the xs size. I also definitely want to get MIPS - it seems a huge advance in helmet technology.

No worries.

Qualitymark · 12-09-2015 07:37PM

But *really* kind of you

conkennedy · 14-09-2015 03:03PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

.... he said he'd have to order the Giro Savant specially, and it would be €104… I murmured about €89 and €79 on the website...

I used to have a a Giro Savant. Good looking helmet, comfortable and I would recommend it. I think I paid 75yos for it.

I don't have it any more because of an accident. I was knocked backwards and hit the back of my head on the ground. As mentioned above, it was a slow impact, less thank 15km/h.

The helmet spit up the back. My head didn't.

It did it's job and I'm grateful for it!

When I went to replace it it was sold out of everywhere I tried. I ended up getting a KASK 50NTA as it's replacement. Cost a little more, but no complaints.

Oh, and as mentioned by another poster, it's better to go to a physical store and try on a helmet (size, looks, fit, comfort) than buying of tinter webs

Qualitymark · 14-09-2015 03:57PM

conkennedy wrote: »

I used to have a a Giro Savant. Good looking helmet, comfortable and I would recommend it. I think I paid 75yos for it.

Yes - but the one I'm looking for has the MIPS system. http://www.mipshelmet.com

tomasrojo · 14-09-2015 04:13PM

If anyone knows of any scientific studies of the MIPS helmets -- lab tests or statistical populations studies -- we could stick them in the helmet mega-thread. Doubt whether there are any population studies at this stage.

Interesting the experience of falling backwards and splitting the helmet. Traumadoc, of this parish, once mentioned a severe neck injury caused by a backward fall that was exacerbated by the helmet levering the skull up from the neck. Not sure bike helmets are really meant to protect the rear of the head, unlike skater helmets. Still, that's more mega-thread stuff than for this thread.

Domane · 14-09-2015 04:52PM

I've got the Giro Savant helmet and I'd recommend it. Lightweight and plenty of air vents to keep you cool. It's €63.99 on Swim Cycle Run

conkennedy · 14-09-2015 08:43PM

Qualitymark wrote: »

Yes - but the one I'm looking for has the MIPS system. http://www.mipshelmet.com

Ah! I see. I didn't know they made them with the added bonus of the MIPS protection.

Helmet advice

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