Helmet Buying Guide
Helmets are designed to protect your head. You don't have to wear a
helmet by law, however it is wise to be as safe as you can whether on or off
road. The Government recognise this and do not charge VAT on helmets.
The best way to assure a helmet fits is to try it on, but following sizing guides gives you a good idea what to buy.
What should you look for?
- Safety - UK cycle helmets have to pass strict EU safety
tests so quality is assured on any helmet you buy in this country. Just to be
clear, in most cases, the body of the helmet is there to provide the protection
(working as a crumple zone). The soft padding inside a helmet is primarily
there to improve fit.
- Fit - Helmets must be comfortable. The best helmets are
the ones you forget you are wearing, as they feel so natural!
- Cooling - large, numerous and well-shaped vents help keep
your head cooler. The more air that gets to your head, the better, for wicking
sweat away and keeping your head cooler.
- Visibility - Helmets can be helpful in allowing other road
users to see you more easily. Light colours, reflective materials and even
lights have been employed by helmet manufacturers to increase visibility.
- Weight - lighter helmets put less stress on your neck and
are more comfortable.
- Price - Spending less that £30 will get you a more
basic helmet, it will usually be heavier with less efficient venting. The more
you spend over £60 will gain you larger vents and lighter weight from
more exotic materials.
Here is our pick of the best buys out there:
Giro Indicator Helmet - £39.99 (Universal 54 - 61 cm size)
Great combination of performance, value for money, and style. Designed as an
all-round cycle helmet, this budget Giro offering shares many features with more
expensive helmets.
- Acu-Dial fit system provides one handed micro adjustment whilst on the move
and ensures a perfect custom fit for every rider
- Advanced strap management keeps everything in place to allow further fine
tuning for a safe and secure fit
- In-moulded body adds strength and protection but no extra weight
penalty
- 20 vents allow cold air in and hot air out to provide cooling and increase
rider comfort
- Additional rear exhaust vents pull air through the helmet even when riding
at slower speeds
- Snap-fit visor helps keep sun and rain away from your face
- Meets CE EN1078 certification
Met Camaleonte Urban Helmet - £39.99 (S: 52-57 cm / L: 58-61 cm)
- In-Moulding Shell Construction
- Reflective sticker at the rear improves visibility
- Lockable side straps divider
- Safe-T Twist adjustment
- Removable visor
- Washable and anti-allergic pads
- MET helmets exceed relevant safety standards present in the UK
- Weight - M: 250g, L: 270g
Specialized Echelon Helmet - £49.99
The ideal helmet for road enthusiasts. This minimalist, road
race-inspired design is the most affordable way to experience the
signature Specialized fit, comfort and ventilation.
- Complies with one or more of the following safety standards for
bicycle helmets: CPSC, SNELL B90A, CE and AS/NZS
- Headset SL fit system with four height positions and
micro-adjustable dial is easy to adjust on the fly
- 4th Dimension Cooling System to optimize ventilation
- Four in-moulded shells and composite matrix reinforcement to
maximize strength and minimize weight
- Wind tunnel tested for maximum cooling
- Light and easy to use U-Turn strap adjusters
Bell Lumen Road Helmet - £59.99
Compact road helmet combining great value with modern Bell
styling. This sleek looking road helmet punches well above its
weight.
- Fusion In-mould with extended rear hard-body coverage
- 22 vents for exceptional ventilation
- Compact shape means improved aesthetics through reduced
size
- CoolMax padding
- Geared Positioning System (GPS) delivers one-handed adjustment
of the dial for superior fit and comfort
- Cam-Lock clips adjust the straps around your ears and face for
a custom fit
- Meets CE EN178 certification
All these helmets offer excellent value for money and crash protection that meets EU safety criteria.
Return to our commuter guides.