Best helmet for protection
Best helmet for protection
Author
Discussion

toohuge

Original Poster:

3,466 posts

232 months

Sunday 27th September 2020
quotequote all
All,

Just to give a little context.....

I am looking to get back on the bike, a mountain bike specifically, and I'll be riding around east anglia mainly - so some dirt paths etc. I may go up to Scotland to see a friend and go riding in the highlands, but for the time being, most of the trips will be on local roads / paths.

I used to ride a lot when I was younger, but had an accident when I was 18 resulting in a traumatic brain injury that causes me issues to this day (I'm now 32) - I was wearing a helmet at the time and it saved my life....

Now I am confident enough to get back on the bike - I'd like to get the best protection for my head possible - I don't think a full face is necessary, however I am looking at downhill/mountain bike helmets as they 'look' like they offer more protection.

I have had a quick look around but I have no idea where to start!

Essentially I am looking for the maximum protection and It'd be nice if I could remove the pads to wash them etc. to keep the helmet nice.

Any and all suggestions welcome - not too concerned on budget as I believe the top end are around 150 - but happy to be educated.

Thanks Chris

Piginapoke

5,461 posts

201 months

Sunday 27th September 2020
quotequote all
Well done for getting back on the bike. Thetford Forest is a great place for MTB in East Anglia if you’ve not been.

Any MIPS helmet will look after you:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mountain+bike+mi...


dalenorth

904 posts

183 months

Sunday 27th September 2020
quotequote all
Yeah MIPS will be fine. I also have a full face for those proper dangerous descents.......or Baltic early winter mornings. Maybe get both if you have the budget.

Randy Winkman

19,090 posts

205 months

Tuesday 29th September 2020
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Chris - I cant give any helpful advice on helmets (apologies) but just another message to say well done and good luck. I had a serious head injury 7 years ago but luckily only very minor brain damage which has little residual effect. I still cycle a bit now. smile

lufbramatt

5,492 posts

150 months

Tuesday 29th September 2020
quotequote all
Have a look at this list, lowest score is best:

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-rati...


toohuge

Original Poster:

3,466 posts

232 months

Tuesday 29th September 2020
quotequote all
Thank you for the kind words - it means a lot.

I’ll have a look at MIPS helmets.

Benrad

651 posts

165 months

Tuesday 29th September 2020
quotequote all
As no-one has said it yet, one that fits well and is worn properly is probably very important I'd imagine. I don't know how to ensure both of those are right though.

I can't imagine having to deal with what you have OP, probably feels like you just got on with it but it must have been incredibly difficult, well done

Randy Winkman

19,090 posts

205 months

Tuesday 29th September 2020
quotequote all
Benrad said:
As no-one has said it yet, one that fits well and is worn properly is probably very important I'd imagine. I don't know how to ensure both of those are right though.

I can't imagine having to deal with what you have OP, probably feels like you just got on with it but it must have been incredibly difficult, well done
I agree 100%.

Johnny

9,652 posts

300 months

Tuesday 29th September 2020
quotequote all
Check HEXR.

Different approach, and custom fitted.

Gruffy has one and I'm waiting for mine to arrive.

toohuge

Original Poster:

3,466 posts

232 months

Tuesday 29th September 2020
quotequote all
Thank you gents - the hexr look nice and a little spicy - but very cool.

I’m planning on visiting a bike store as I’d like to try and get one fitted properly etc. I know Covid restrictions are about at the moment but I’ll give some a call.

rastapasta

2,218 posts

154 months

Wednesday 30th September 2020
quotequote all
Randy Winkman said:
Benrad said:
As no-one has said it yet, one that fits well and is worn properly is probably very important I'd imagine. I don't know how to ensure both of those are right though.

I can't imagine having to deal with what you have OP, probably feels like you just got on with it but it must have been incredibly difficult, well done
I agree 100%.
+2
And nicely put Benrad.

Helmet wise Mips, I like Giro and the new Specialized ones have a distress signal in them controlled via an app. the system is called Angi. Maybe something to look into.

indigostr

371 posts

142 months

Friday 2nd October 2020
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I recently purchased this from the giro website. It’s very comfy and light. Hardly notice it’s on even on 2-3 hour rides. Removable cushion for washing.



Ares

11,000 posts

136 months

Friday 2nd October 2020
quotequote all
HEXR are great, but can be bulky and not always a perfect fit first time.

Any MIPS helmet is going to be good. Giros have saved my life twice. I've also just bought a Sweet Protection Outrider MIPS for winter duties - half the price of the Giro.

toohuge

Original Poster:

3,466 posts

232 months

Saturday 3rd October 2020
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Thanks guys! That one pictured above looks ideal!!!

Justin S

3,658 posts

277 months

Saturday 3rd October 2020
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Well done for heading back to bikes. Hope the mojo returns. My advice is go and try some out in a shop. You will be amazed how some seem to fit your head shape better than others. I find Giro are my shape of head although manufacturers can change their designs etc. MIPS style headwear would be definitely on the type to look at.
Good luck !

toohuge

Original Poster:

3,466 posts

232 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
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I got carried away and ordered a giro tyrant in bright yellow biggrin

We’ll see how it fits - but I’m looking forward to riding again

indigostr

371 posts

142 months

Sunday 4th October 2020
quotequote all
Congrats on getting back out cycling again.
Good choice. I used my head as a brake many years ago so since have looked for good protection. Tyrant looks bulky but it’s light with good ventilation. . You can never be too bright.

thiscocks

3,329 posts

211 months

Tuesday 6th October 2020
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Arai GP5

daddy cool

4,058 posts

245 months

Tuesday 6th October 2020
quotequote all
lufbramatt said:
Have a look at this list, lowest score is best:

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-rati...
I needed a new lid, and after having a succession of fairly cheap ones (Giro Hex, and currently a decathlon jobbie) i went crazy and got the #1 in that list, the Fox Dropframe. It arrived about an hour ago.

I ordered an XL as i have a massive noggin (60cm diameter). In fact the L & XL versions are identical, and come with spare pads to make them XL or L respectively, so although the XL seems to fit correctly i'll play around and add some of the larger L pads in to fine tune.