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Helmets!
Jul 24, 2013 14:26:44 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2013 14:26:44 GMT
That was a good bit of homework panda, for people like myself without a clue at least.
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Post by stevo on Jul 24, 2013 14:34:47 GMT
Panda, That can be a major failing of Which as they only ever seem to test a few of the most common brand names and nothing out of the ordinary. I remember them testing over ear headphones and not even mentioning Grado (which anyone in the know realise they pretty much make some of the best headphones in the world at reasonable money!)
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Post by phred1812 on Jul 24, 2013 14:52:13 GMT
I had a look at the Which? review. I can't post it on here obviously, but they carried out more rigorous tests than the safety standards require and cover all of the following: Shock absorption: Fastening stress: Stays put: Field of vision: Overall protection: Ventilation: Visible at night: Instructions: Putting on: Taking off: Adjustments: Straps and buckles: One hand opening: Comfort: Overall ease of use: I believe that they had 5 stars for each and if a helmet past the EU test for shock absorption, it got 2 stars, so you can see how demanding they were. The top 3 helmets in their review were all Specialized (Flash, Echelon, Align). Equal to this was Giro Flume (youth helmet). Giro Savant and Specialized Echelon scored highest for shock absorption. Which are quite harsh and will score anything black as one star. So that's the independent view for you. Alternatively, my friend wears one of these: www.wiggle.co.uk/hardnutz-hi-vis-road-cycling-helmet/ as he believes that nothing will hit you if you are wearing one. Another point for the Which report, they didn't test every helmet on the market, they tend to test the market leaders (inc Giro/Bell/Met) and they also recommended to trading standards that one helmet should be recalled (Met Camaletone).
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panda
Domestique
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Post by panda on Jul 24, 2013 15:01:40 GMT
One point I missed, Which? score a helmet which is black as 1 star for 'visible at night', not overall (that would be a bit harsh). I have changed the original post.
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panda
Domestique
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Post by panda on Jul 24, 2013 15:03:43 GMT
Panda, That can be a major failing of Which as they only ever seem to test a few of the most common brand names and nothing out of the ordinary. I remember them testing over ear headphones and not even mentioning Grado (which anyone in the know realise they pretty much make some of the best headphones in the world at reasonable money!) Yes, I agree with you. When I have worked for organisations who get a Which? review, they are usually overjoyed (if the product is good) as it leads to some major sales. But they do pick products that most people are going to see on the high street, as this is their target audience. Still, it seems you can't go far wrong with a Specialized helmet.
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Post by phred1812 on Jul 24, 2013 15:18:08 GMT
I bought my Spez Echelon on the strength of the Which? report. The red and white colour scheme may have clouded my judgement however. Its very comfortable and fortunately never been tested.
post 199 - no its 200!
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Post by cbrdeano on Jul 24, 2013 15:18:29 GMT
Still, it seems you can't go far wrong with a Specialized helmet. I agree - especially when you see the standards they design to : www.smf.org/standards/b/b95std
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Helmets!
Jul 24, 2013 15:31:05 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2013 15:31:05 GMT
panda does the hi viz helmet your mate wears reflect as well, or is it just brightly coloured?
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Post by psyclepath on Jul 24, 2013 15:56:59 GMT
helmet discussions often descend into this, wearing a helmet is indeed a 'no brainer' how someone can imply a tree stump is leass favourable than a kerb is beyond me. pedestrians dont travel at speed, why would they need a helmet? in a car there are airbags to offer protection, shall we just get rid of them? you do what you like obviously, but if a helmet gives you a better chance of protection against impact than that you would get from your skull alone then a helmet is worth it statistics can often be skewed to suit a persons agenda, helmets dont protect against vehicles granted but then its very rare a vehicle will hit your head, its the fall and the lack of control of your head during that fall, at speed, that demands you protect your head I do agree that helmets, on balance, probably make sense, but then so do knee pads, elbow pads, gumshield etc, but wearing one shouldn't be law. Off roading carries (imo) a greater risk of coming off in the first place, I don't obviously believe that a treestump is worse than a kerb stone! Pedestrians suffer more head injuries than cyclists, as do car drivers. That was my main point and is an oft cited and afaik reliable statistic. Anyway, recommendations, my local Sainsburys are currently doing them for £6.49 (my one says "Canyon", though don't think it is the same as the upmarket bike retailer of the same name!), they look ok, have a mesh bit at the front to stop bugs getting in too - I've noticed a few "expensive" ones don't have this feature. They were doing kids helmets too for £2.49 a while ago, so got some for my 2 kids. I just can't help thinking though that my children look stupid in them, helmets are never a great look on an adult, but on a small child they just look plain daft!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2013 16:06:07 GMT
Did you choose that one for any reason? It looks like it offers a bit more protection that a lot of others. I actually prefered the next model up which I used to have until some idiot threw a rock at me and left it with a sizeable dent and me with concusion. The reason for throwing the rock at me was I refused to have sex with a bunch of drunk teenagers (I have limits!) so they took to throwing rocks at me instead. when that one hit me, I ditched my bike and actually went back for a fight with them - probably not the best move in hindsight but it did stop them throwing any more rocks at me! anyhow I actually prefered the Spech S-works team mtb helemt but without a job funds will not stretch to a £160 helmet... so I went with the tactic which was the next most comfortable one for me. I prefer the 2013 models btw, the ventiliation is superb and the new fastening system needs no adjustment. The fastening system at the back is very adjustable, though at first glance you would think it does not adjust vertically, (you just have to be really brave and pull the 2 poppers out of the helmet material and then move them as needed and pop them back into place afterwards). But what is comfortable for me is not necessarily comfortable for you. it is the same story as saddles and padded shorts. my OH hates Spech helmets and has a Giro one. I hate Giro ones and will only have Spech ones because I know they are all that is comfortable for me. I thought you were joking to begin with but you're dead serious. What kind of SOBs through rocks at people :/
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Post by martin122 on Jul 24, 2013 18:20:51 GMT
I have recently replaced my helmet and bought a Carrera pistard in red with rear light built in the back for winter cycling and is also removeable. great helmet
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Helmets!
Jul 24, 2013 18:35:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2013 18:35:30 GMT
I have recently replaced my helmet and bought a Carrera pistard in red with rear light built in the back for winter cycling and is also removeable. great helmet As well as that it's called a pistard, dunno why but i find that funny.
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Post by lowey on Jul 24, 2013 19:45:07 GMT
helmet discussions often descend into this, wearing a helmet is indeed a 'no brainer' how someone can imply a tree stump is leass favourable than a kerb is beyond me. pedestrians dont travel at speed, why would they need a helmet? in a car there are airbags to offer protection, shall we just get rid of them? you do what you like obviously, but if a helmet gives you a better chance of protection against impact than that you would get from your skull alone then a helmet is worth it statistics can often be skewed to suit a persons agenda, helmets dont protect against vehicles granted but then its very rare a vehicle will hit your head, its the fall and the lack of control of your head during that fall, at speed, that demands you protect your head I do agree that helmets, on balance, probably make sense, but then so do knee pads, elbow pads, gumshield etc, but wearing one shouldn't be law. Off roading carries (imo) a greater risk of coming off in the first place, I don't obviously believe that a treestump is worse than a kerb stone! Pedestrians suffer more head injuries than cyclists, as do car drivers. That was my main point and is an oft cited and afaik reliable statistic. Anyway, recommendations, my local Sainsburys are currently doing them for £6.49 (my one says "Canyon", though don't think it is the same as the upmarket bike retailer of the same name!), they look ok, have a mesh bit at the front to stop bugs getting in too - I've noticed a few "expensive" ones don't have this feature. They were doing kids helmets too for £2.49 a while ago, so got some for my 2 kids. I just can't help thinking though that my children look stupid in them, helmets are never a great look on an adult, but on a small child they just look plain daft! I'm not really bothered what it looks like (although I tried to pick one that looked cool(ish)), one day it could save my life so I'll put up with looking a little silly...after all, I do wear Lycra so no one's looking at the helmet (pardon the pun!) I insist my 4 year old wears his helmet when out on his scooter or bike (and he still has stabilisers). I'd prefer to teach him now so when he gets older it becomes second nature to put a lid on before going out on a bike.
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Post by bandit3 on Jul 24, 2013 20:06:22 GMT
A helmet is not going to do anything if you come off at 38mph. nor are they any help in an rta with a vehicle - they are not tested or manufactured to anything like the same specs as a motorbike helmet. Their sole purpose is to reduce the risk of head injury in low speed impacts - i.e. when you have come off your bike of your own accord close to stationary or at low speeds. But I do find the sun visor exceptionally useful! I have a Specialized Tactic (mountain bike helmet) which was around £80. One point to note with Specialized is that if you do kill your helmet in an accident within the first 2 years of its life, you can return it to them and they will give you a 40% discount off its replacement. I used this service earlier this year when I came off my mountain bike and smashed my helmet into 4 pieces... I have the Tactic helmet to no probs on or off road
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2013 22:08:03 GMT
I have the Met Inferno UL 2012 edition in red, white and black that I picked up in a Christmas sale for £40 down from £100. It has 23 vents which was a big selling point as every other lid around my budget seemed too hot for me when trying them on. However, I'm the kind of person who runs hot and can still wear shorts & t-shirt when it's -5/-10 outside! Well I am from the North East I suppose! (Weirdly enough I cope really well in extreme heat too :s) Anyhoo, my lid feels comfy enough and it feels sturdy enough for me to be able to place confidence in it should the need arise. Plus as an added bonus it came with a 3 year warranty. I do have to echo what everyone else has said about a helmet being a very personal thing (we all have different shaped bonces for a start!) so compared to our experiences you may find that YMMV. I'd thoroughly recommend trying on a few first at your LBS or Decca.
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