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6 features Halfords experts recommend looking for in a road cycling helmet
Searching for a road cycling helmet? Halfords provides advice on what to look for in a new helmet
Wearing a cycling helmet while on the roads is the best way to protect yourself from minor and major brain injuries in the event of a crash. But with numerous helmets out there, it can be a minefield when it comes to choosing. There are a host of features you should look at, including its fit, ventilation and weight. Read Halfords' recommendations on what to consider when buying a road cycling helmet.
TL;DR: All helmets have to be certified to the EN1078, but aside from this, features can vary significantly between road cycling helmets. Try on a few different helmets to see which brand fits your head shape best, and consider a lighter, more vented model for big or hot riding. To improve visibility to other road users further, choose a light coloured helmet.
1. Protection: What safety certifications should a road cycling helmet have?
Although it’s not the law to wear a helmet while cycling in the UK, road cycling helmets sold in the UK have to comply with the EN1078 standard. Helmets that meet this standard, such as the Halfords Advanced Road Helmet, have undergone extensive testing in various conditions to ensure they sufficiently protect your head in the event of impact. Road cycling helmets may also include additional safety features such as Mips, KinetiCore, WaveCel or Spin.
2. Secure fit: What fit systems can be found in a cycling helmet?
The fit, or retention, system in a cycling helmet ensures you can dial in a secure fit. A rear dial or ratchet microadjusts the cradle surrounding your head, and an adjustable strap that secures under the chin further stabilises the helmet so there’s no excess movement. The Halfords Advanced Road Helmet uses a Fidlock magnetic buckle that makes securing and releasing the strap fast and easy with only one hand.
"Fit is by far the most important feature. Weight and aerodynamics matter, but always come second to a secure, comfortable fit."
Halfords
3. Cooling: How important is ventilation?
There is a huge range of helmets designed for different types of road cycling. Dedicated aero helmets tend to have fewer vents, which are strategically placed to optimise airflow over the head, reducing drag while preventing overheating, whereas climbing helmets maximise the number of vents used to keep your head cool on long, hot rides and in the big mountains. Many helmets sit in the middle in terms of design; Halfords' Advanced Road Helmet offers a good balance of aerodynamics and ventilation, using an aero-optimised shell to smooth airflow, and featuring big vents and internal channels for heat regulation.
4. Weight: Should I choose the lightest road cycling helmet?
If you’re new to road cycling or just after a helmet for commuting and recreational riding, then low weight may not be top of the priority list. Shaving off some grams becomes more important when you’re riding fast or racing competitively and want to keep your setup as light as possible. Saying this, a lighter helmet is more comfortable and can reduce neck ache when in a road riding position, so it’s important to try on a few helmets to make sure you’re comfortable with how heavy it feels.
5. Long-ride comfort: What matters when cycling big distances?
A few factors impact how comfortable a road helmet feels when riding, directly and indirectly, and helmet comfort is very subjective. Different helmets will work on different heads, and trying on a few is the best way to work out which brand and model fits you best. A helmet such as the Halfords Advanced Road Helmet has an excellent fit system that’s height adjustable to cradle a range of head sizes and shapes securely. The weight of the helmet will also impact comfort, so if you’re planning on long rides, then it’s good to go with a helmet that’s not too heavy.
"Comfort, ventilation, protection and performance will depend on what the rider is looking to do. For example, a commuter might want to focus more on comfort, protection, and visibility, whereas somebody looking for a specialist TT helmet will be most concerned with performance."
6. Visibility: How can I stay seen and safe?
Some helmets have integrated hi-vis strips or details that will keep you seen and safe at night. However, not all helmets have these, and they don’t work so well in the daytime, so just as it is wise to wear light or brightly coloured cycling clothing, a white helmet is a great colour to go for, maximising your visibility around other road users.
Protect yourself on the roads with a certified road cycling helmet that fits well and has all the features you need for the type of riding you do. Trying on a few helmets is the best way to work out what’s best, and in Halfords, one of the specialist team members can help you choose a helmet and show you how it should be worn for a secure fit. The Halfords' Advanced Road Helmet is a great value offering for beginners and more experienced riders alike; it balances weight, ventilation and aerodynamics perfectly, with a fit system that will make it feel like it was made for you.
Halfords answers questions on buying a road cycling helmet
What features should I look for in a road cycling helmet?
How a helmet fits is the single most important factor, in terms of comfort and protection, when choosing between different models and brands. All other features will depend on what kind of riding you’ll be doing. Racers may want to prioritise aerodynamics and ventilation, whereas a commuter might choose a helmet offering maximum visibility, comfort and protection.
How do I choose the right road cycling helmet?
It’s important to make sure you buy a helmet that fits you well, so when you tighten the retention system, it feels snug and comfortable. After this, choose a helmet with the features that suit your cycling.
Does Halfords offer expert advice on choosing cycling helmets?
Halfords does not offer professional fit advice when choosing a helmet, but the in-store experts can show you how a helmet should fit and how to adjust the retention system and straps correctly.