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My Giro Fathom is getting pretty old now (6 years) and I probably should replace it, I've got a Giro Montaro for the more Trail/Enduro end of the spectrum but I don't really want to be wearing that on the road bike. As with lots of other bits of kit I spend too much time pondering what the best balance is for the type of riding I do. As much as people hate the term as a marketing generated niche lots of gravel specific gear seems appealing for this spread of use.
My Criteria...
- Fit my head (I tried quite hard to try brands other than Giro when buying the Montaro but I struggled to get a good fit with anyone else)
- Look aesthitically pleasing (to my eyes) - styling wise I'm liking the look of 100%, Endura, Abus (love POC stuff but it just doesnt seem to fit me, haven't tried the other brands I list)
- Bright Colour (Orange or something garish)
- not crazy expensive (<£150 maybe?)
- can be run without a peak and not look daft
What do others do for this, just go with an out and out road helmet or ride with something that gives a bit more coverage? are XC lids with peaks really that detrimental on the road (in terms of drag)? It's all I've ever ridden with so I wouldnt know!
A bit of a 1st world problem - the tyranny of choice! Humour me STW!
I can only tell you about my own choice which is the Kask Protone. One of those purchases which must be good because I never think about it! I have two, one in a very nice grey colour.
I get a hot head, so I go Kask Valero, seems like decent coverage
I bought a Giant Rev. Lots of ventilation and so light, you forget it’s there.
(love POC stuff but it just doesnt seem to fit me, haven’t tried the other brands I list)
Might be worth trying a couple of different poc models. The 3 road ones I've tried (Octal, Ventral and Omne) have all had a very different fit.
are XC lids with peaks really that detrimental on the road (in terms of drag)?
In my experience the peak obstructs my vision more in a road position. So much so that I end up with a sore neck if I wear and MTB helmet on road/gravel bike. If you have a fairly upright position on the road bike it's probably less of an issue.
I have a Scott MTB helmet with a peak but the shape doesn’t work with drop bars - the peak obscures my vision and the deeper back digs into my neck due to the angle of my head. I have a POC Omne for road/gravel and if I want a peak, I wear a cycling cap.
Kask Mojito - hottest helmet in the world, but fits really well
Lazer Z1 - bloody brilliant
I recently got a Giro Agilis MIPS helmet for road/gravel. Most comfortable one I've owned so far, though doesn't look to be available in anything particularly loud colour-wise. Usually wear it with a cap underneath which helps keep the rain/sun/bugs at bay.
I use a MET Rivale, which seems to offer decent protection at the back.
Bought this helmet a few weeks ago brilliant fit mega bargain, really rate it.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/poc-omne-air-resistance-spin-helmet-2019/rp-prod184089
Planet X road helmet of your choice £15 or so
i switched from a Kask, just as good quality and better fit
Abus Gamechanger?
I got an L "Bourdeaux red" one for ~£70 around this time last year from the evil Amazon empire. Lovely, non-mushroom fit for my noggin.
My commute helmet is a Giro Savant, another Giro in spares box.
I got a Giro Merit Spherical Helmet a couple of months ago. Really comfy, quite light and Mips. Haven't taken the peak off it but I reckon it will look alright without it. Got a hefty discount at Sigma Sports.
https://www.giro.com/p/merit-spherical-bike-helmet/100000000500000116.html