stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I have decided I'm going to make more of an effort to cycle to get fit, I will be cycling on an evening when I get in from work so the roads are quite busy so I'm going to buy a descent bike lid. I don't know which one I should buy that would offer protection if I did have an off.

Any ideas on which would be good for me? I don't want to break the bank so say a £50'ish limit?

dpb

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/g...3/rp-prod94089


This is what I got, when I had to, for triathlon. -you have to wear one

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I was actually looking at a Giro Savant lid which isn't a million miles from that one

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

Triathlon, you must be in good shape Its the swimming that would always kill me on those.

andy97

iTrader: (1)

Try wiggle, chain reaction, tredz. Helmets vary drastically in cost, look at sites like bike radar for reviews. Regrettably cycles helmets are next to useless in a major accident.

Get a decent pair of padded cycle shorts if you are doing more than 10 miles, you will appreciate the comfort. If you don't fancy the look of Lycra shorts get MTB shorts to go over your padded shorts

dpb

They'll fish you out if you show signs of going under .

jonc

There are generally two types of cycle helmets, road and MTB. Road helmets are lighter and have more ventilation, MTB are slightly thicker in that the vents are slightly smaller or have less and cover the back of the head more. But at the end of the day you need one that fits best so try them on at the store first to see which is more comfortable.

I bought one of these recently when Halfords had a 3 for 2 offer. Met Crossover

CrisPDuk

I use one of these most of the time;

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/g...3/rp-prod93745

Its very good a fending off low hanging branches

Unless I'm riding mostly on road, in which case I wear an old Bell Venture

scoobynutta555

What bike do you have?

dpb

That looks like hat soldiers would wear in the second world war!!!

Turbohot

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

Its a Kona coiler, to be honest there is a really dodgy stairwell at the end of my street that you would never want to walk as its really over grown and its a friggin mess. It ends with say 100foot of stairs all well over grown. I would actually like to just blast down this in one go but its pretty steep even adding all the stairs.


I have a go pro with a helmet cam so it will be fun to see what happens if I have the ***** to go full out on this stairwell

CrisPDuk

It works like one too, really handy for fending off flicked up stones on dirt tracks

LDNSTi

I started cycling again with my new job. That was about three months ago and I havnt regretted it. The cycling I mean lol. But it's always dangerous sending me into a cycling shop . Already I'm saving for a new bike lol.

A cube agree gtc.

dpb

Nice looking bike that.
Some reason assumed you'd be on a road bike Steve, not that it makes any difference

LDNSTi

I'm no expert in cycling believe me. But, all I can say is, get the right sort of bike. I started off using my mtb for work. My route is all main roads and pavements etc. Then I used my friends road bike. Wow!!! So much more efficient. Lighter, quicker, less rolling resistance, more nimble and so on. You put in less effort and get more gains lol.

scoobyverysoon

iTrader: (1)

this is a very good for the price http://www.evanscycles.com/products/...elmet-ec043571 dont forget quidco cashback too

also install strava on your phone or use a garmin to give you that little push no doubt them stairs have a leader-board

just put some slicks on the mtb if you want more speed - ive upset many a racer boy on my mtb with both slicks and 2.4" chunkeys

CrisPDuk

I have a spare pair of wheels with slicks on for road riding, it makes a huge difference to the effort expended, cornering feels safer too

I also swap the 44T front ring for a 48T, I don't do fast pedaling

r32

Same as motorbike helmets, get a reputable make, try it on before you buy as a poor fitting helmet isnt as good as it should be.

Needs to be comfortable, so go to a good local bike shop and see what suits you. Find the right size and if you want to get it over the net to save a few quid you know what to order.

Next thing is it wont help if its sitting in a cupboard at home or hanging on your bars. Use it. Good pair of cycling gloves always useful as should you come off the reaction is put your hands down............. gravel rash is painful.

Enjoy

CrisPDuk

That is where Halfrauds are of some use, they have a good selection of helmets available to try. You then make note of which one you like, and by it cheaper from somewhere (anywhere) else

Can't agree more about the gloves too

Rob_Impreza99

iTrader: (3)

Steve

It just depends what sort of riding your going to be doing, i do x-country and towpath riding and don't wear a helmet. If your going to be on the roads a lot then you'll probably need one, i tried one once and it was like having a big mushroom on your head.

Giro helmets are massive mate, the one i tried was a Savant and it was huge. The Fox Flux is a better helmet, not as big but very comfy.

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/pr...FW_HtAodulYAAQ

CrisPDuk

Each to his own I suppose Rob, but I wouldn't dream of doing cross country or towpath riding without a lid on, as a minimum

It only takes one momentary distraction in slippery conditions and you are down, and there's usually plenty of rocks and stuff around to bang your head on

Rob_Impreza99

iTrader: (3)

Their is nothing to damage mate, my head is already fecked anyway

scoobyverysoon

iTrader: (1)

I fount halfrauds useless for my daughters helmet they tried fitting an adults helmet to her

now decathlon took the time and made sure one fitted her so fair play to them

I buy tenn outdoors items through cycle clothes online like there winter and summer gloves there very good quality at a very good price

plus ive fell off a few times 1 time was with new SPDs on and forgot to unclip and the only time I didnt wear my sixsixone knee pads and I scraped my knee

CrisPDuk

Fair enough, those that know me would probably say I'm the same

billythekid

I use a MET lid. Terra in black.

Also, get some good quality gloves. If you go down the first thing to hit the deck will be your hands.

I always wear shades when I ride my bike too - Wiley Bricks at the mo - as they have a full seal around the eye so you dont have to worry about any water / mud in your eyes and also keeps the wind out of your eyes.

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I think the idea of a good lid is a better one for me as about 16 years ago I had a very serious head fracture and I was always told by the surgeons if it happened again they would need a neurologist

I was definitely going to buy some gloves but I was more thinking of keeping my hands warm as I never gave a thought to gravel scrapes

Clarebabes

I have a Giro helmet and use it for both road and mountain biking. I like it, it's white and goes nicely with my white MTB and red and white road bike. Accessories gotta match gurls!

CrisPDuk

Make sure you get gloves with decent padding on the palms as well as the knuckles, nine times out of ten you'll put your hands down palm first during an off

dpb

http://www.koo-bikes.com/2013-giro-u...ng-helmet.html

This is going cheap, don't know what it's like