Helmet replacement.

[WJNB]

Have owned existing cycle helmet for at least 10 years, a cheapy job ex. Halfords. Not a regular cyclist, perhaps a mile a week at most but I ALWAYS wear it.
No doubt manufacturers encourage replacement every five minutes but what is the genuine unbiased advice & do I need to spend silly money i.e. £50+ ?

[Hanslow]

I'm no expert but I think it comes down to comfort alongside the safety aspect. I'd hope that safety would be to a standardised level to some degree today but most complaints I've seen have come down to comfort, be that weight, heat/air flow and fitment.

I've just placed an order here https://www.planetx.co.uk/news/products/q/date/201... for one of the enduro helmets. Both types seem to get generally good writeups, particularly when compared to the more expensive POC units, and given there's a free front light on offer (which I don't need but good as a backup) thought it worth a punt. Cheap to replace if I ever need to should it do its job and protect me in a fall.

[Xcore]

Planet x seems a bargain, I picked up a TLD a1 for 50 quid

[Adrian E]

The shells do degrade over time - 10 years is probably too long to expect one to perform as originally intended. Designs also move on - I wear a MIPS one (basically a shell within a shell intended to provide better impact absorption) which is probably the most comfortable helmet I've ever had. Mine's a Louis Garneau which were imported by Evans Cycles for a couple of years, then dropped. I paid over £100 for it, but they were knocking them out at £45 when end of line, so fully support the 'buy an expensive one that's end of line' approach. Just make sure you try it on and that it fits properly. It should be stable on your head in both directions without the chin strap done up.

[WJNB]

Thanks for the advice & consequently will definitely replace. As per advice below will try first & not buy on-line. Not bothered about brand or retailer so no doubt something not too cheap from Halfords will do fine.


"Just make sure you try it on and that it fits properly. It should be stable on your head in both directions without the chin strap done up".

[Adrian E]

Worth trying different brands, as it's a bit like buying a motorcycle helmet - some will suit your head shape and others not

Any half decent bike shop should have a reasonable choice - I'm fortunate to have Evans Cycles main warehouse just up the road, so always shed loads of choice!