Buyer’s Guide: HELMETS
Helmets come in lots of different styles and specifications, but where do you start when looking for a new one...
When looking for a new helmet, it can be a challenge to know where to start. Do you want open, full, jet, modular, touring, street… the list is endless. Some helmets may be promoted as ‘touring helmets’, but what does that actually mean? What features make it a touring helmet as opposed to just a ‘normal helmet’? The team here at MoreBikes has done a fair few miles, and worn our fair share of helmets, so we’ve put together a list of things to look for if you’re looking for a new touring helmet…
FULL FACE
If you’re looking for a ‘touring helmet’, then the likelihood is that you’ll be putting in some decent miles while wearing it. We’d suggest looking for a full-face helmet for the most protection available. If you’re going to Europe and will be experiencing tolls, etc., then you might want to look at a modular helmet that can legally be worn while riding as a full-face and open face.
VISION
As you could have guessed, having a good field of vision is one of the top things to look for in a helmet. Look for lids that have a wide field of vision, an antiscratch visor and also one which is Pinlock compatible or which comes with anti-fog coating. While we’re talking about visors, be sure to get one with an easy mechanism – one you can use with a gloved hand. This one on the Spartan GT Carbon can be done with just one finger.
COMFORT
High levels of comfort start with a good fit, so be sure that the helmet is a comfortable fit. SHARK Helmets offer different thicknesses of cheek pads, which make sure you get a customised fit. Good ventilation is also extremely important when looking for a touring helmet – be sure to check for air inlets and outlets that are adjustable. Even better if they can be opened and closed while on the go. We’d also recommend looking for helmets that feature a removable and washable interior so you can keep them fresh and clean.
AERODYNAMIC
Many riders associate having an aerodynamic helmet with race helmets as opposed to touring. However, cleverly designed helmets ensure that the air movement around the shape is as smooth as possible – meaning less wind noise. Something that’s always welcome! This Spartan GT Carbon has ‘SHARK Skin’ plates on the side visor attachments to smooth this airflow even further, too. We’ve all had it, when you turn a corner and the sun is trying its best to blind you over the top of a hedgerow. An easy-to-use integrated sun visor is a must as it means you don’t have to pull over, put some sunglasses on and then carry on riding – or worse still, just squint. Look for a sun visor that can easily be deployed and put away while you’ve got your gloves on, and check it covers your full field of vision.
WEIGHT
While not as important as on a race helmet, the weight of a touring lid can also make a difference. Wearing it for hours on end can take its toll on your neck muscles – an average human head already weighs around 4.5-5kg so look for light options to help that neck muscle fatigue.