Looking for a new helmet for all round mountain biking. Had an Endura MT500 which was OK but never fitted quite right. Got a Spesh Ambush recently as it was cheap and I had a spesh road helmet which fitted well. The ambush fits but god it's massive and for my type of riding (let's call it xc, marathon, down country) it seems too much.
So, recommendations for something light, airy, not the size of a fedora, works well with glasses - I will never use goggles.
Kinda tempted by a fox crossframe, but will people laugh at me? Smith engage felt great but couldn't get it fitted to stop nudging my glasses (radars). Met Terrae looks a possibility. Poc axion?
I just use my road helmet for xc in the South Downs. Not having a peak means I can wear a roadie cap which I find more suitable in all 4 seasons, especially if wearing glasses when damp out.
Only wear the MTB lid when riding technical stuff away from home
I use an Oakley DRT5 which works well for my head, and has a sweat channel thing rather than pads which means no drips on my glasses.
Used to wear a road helmet on the downs too until a mate clonked the back of his head taking a spill on the chalk while wearing his road helmet. He was a bit out of it for a few mins. But cos it was before mandatory HIAs we eventually carried on to the pub .....
A roadie cap would help with the low sun tho i have to admit
I tend not to get on with traditional XC helmets, opting for a road helmet for most of my riding, however I do miss the peak.
I also have a fairly small head so find that riding glasses get prodded by the rear dropdown on a lot of trail helmets, meaning I cant get them to sit right.
I've had success with things like the Met crossover previously, but have been looking more recently at the Giant Path Mips. (actually the Liv one for me as I have long hair), which seems to tick a lot of boxes.
I prefer the greater coverage of a trail helmet to a road or xc lid. It's barely any more weight and you get a bit more protection. If the Ambush is comfy and the peak doesn't get in the way, then I would stick with that. I have a TLD A2 which is probably similar in coverage to the Ambush.
Lazer Coyote MIPS or KinetiCore?
If the Ambush fitted you well, then try those - I found them a similar shape/fit. I tried on a L (58-63cm) Ambush and it looked HUGE on my head. The Lazer in L (58-61cm) is much less bulbous IME. I moved away from Giro as I'm on the cusp between M and L sizes, with the M being too snug but the L not ratcheting tight enough and also the brow interfering with my glasses.
Not too bulbous (and slimming in black):
I normally use a road helmet for all my riding, a LEM Motiv Air but Endura just sent me one of their new Hummvee Mips helmets and honestly it's the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn.
Planet X of your choice £10 at the minute usually £20. Just as good as any silly priced helmet
Lazer Coyote MIPS or KinetiCore?
If the Ambush fitted you well, then try those - I found them a similar shape/fit. I tried on a L (58-63cm) Ambush and it looked HUGE on my head. The Lazer in L (58-61cm) is much less bulbous IME. I moved away from Giro as I'm on the cusp between M and L sizes, with the M being too snug but the L not ratcheting tight enough and also the brow interfering with my glasses.
Not too bulbous (and slimming in black):
I almost bought the Coyote the other week but was swayed by a cracking deal on a MET Roam MIPS at £59 reduced from £160.
Similar to the Coyote in that is not too bulbous yet still has good coverage. Feels more compact on my head than the IXS Trail it replaced. Cools well and no issues with my Vans Wayfarer style sunglasses.
Was initially tempted by a Speedframe but after trying one on I felt like Kryten from Red Dwarf. Same with the two Spesh trail lids.
Looking for a new helmet for all round mountain biking. Had an Endura MT500 which was OK but never fitted quite right. ...
What wasn't right with the MT500 fit?
I just ordered it after a pathetic and silly OTB yesterday wearing a road helmet. I have now reached the age where a bit of extra weight and worse ventilation is worth it.
Current helmet is an S-works evade. It's a bit narrow at the widest point of my head near ears.
Another vote for the Met Roam Mips which is one of the most comfortable helmets I have ever owned. Met call it a ‘Trail Enduro ‘ helmet but it is very light and wholly suited to Xc type riding which is exactly what I use it for
