nad12

Hi.
I'm looking to start cycling again, just to and from the train station (3 miles away). I will be using my Hybrid.

I need to purchase a helmet so would like your recommendation on a suitable helmet please. This should be a quick question and answer post.
When I last cycled my helmet the helmet I had was the size of a four slice toaster, and being the colour white it made it look even bigger.

I would like something a little more subtle. I have narrowed it down to either, unless you can suggest another helmet, the following two helmets:
Bell Stratus (non MIPS) (Sliver and Light Blue):
Link missing as can't post URLs or images.

Specialized Align MIPS (Black):
Link missing as can't post URLs or images.

Both will be around the £45 mark. I understand the Bell Stratus to be a £100 RRP helmet (even though it's the non MIPS version) and the Specialized Align MIPS helmet RRP is less costing than the Bell - so I'm expecting the Bell to be a better quality helmet if it costs more.

Bell Pros:
Bigger discount - so should be the better helmet.
Bell Cons:
Not MIPS.
Silver and Light Blue for the price I can get it at.

Specialized Pros:
Has MIPS.
Is Black - so slimmer looking.
Specialized Cons:
Looks bulkier.

Just another quick question. I have some 3 in 1 oil spray (like the spray can that WD40 comes in).
Is 3 in 1 oil spray the same stuff as the 3 in 1 drip (non-spray) version, and can it be used on a bike chain?

Thanks.

TiHabanero

I will be the first to dive in on this one.

MIPS is great should you need it in the right set of circumstances. Not all crashes will benefit from MIPS (if it can be phrased that way). The Stratus helmet is a nice lid, and if it were me, it is my choice. The Align is ugly and the vents are small. Nuff said.

indyfabz

Don't buy one that does not fit well. Helmets can be like saddles. Fit=very personal.

nad12

Hi.
Thanks for your replies.
Okay, well the deals I saw for the Stratus and Align helmets have now finished, well the Stratus helmet was sold out a short time after posting my thread, so didn't really have more than an hour on that to buy it.

I've actually decided not to go with a road helmet as maybe a MTB style helmet will provide better protection. I'm only cycling to the train station (three miles away) so I won't getting in one of those aerodynamic positions like roadsters do.

What about the following helmets, is one of them a clear winner:
Fox Flux MTD helmet (2019 non MIPS)
IXS Trail XC - H. Rey edition (2019 non MIPS)
Scott Vivo MTD (2019 non MIPS)

They all have roughly the same shop price. The Flux looks quite bulky in photos online. I like the look of a MTB helmet, over a road helmet, but would like a slim looking version of one.

Any suggestions..?
Thanks.

TiHabanero

I like the Scott, however any of these will do on a 3 mile ride.

ExPatTyke

The helmets will all do the same job. Try them on before you buy, and buy the one that fits securely and comfortably. A helmet that's the wrong size or not adjusted properly won't give the same protection, so do go to a good bike shop - it'll cost more than buying online but it's worth it.

Incidentally some people will say a helmet is of little or no use, but speaking from experience involving an ambulance trip to A&E with a dented helmet I think it's money very well spent.

And yes, the 3 in 1 spray oil is similar to the oil in the can. It's ok on the chain, but does pick up dirt quickly which makes it thicken into a black gunge on the chain. There are better oils - see what your bike shop's got in stock. For what it's worth I'm using Muc Off Ceramic at the moment; cost less than £10 and it's lasted well.

nad12

Thanks for the replies again.

I had a Scott previously so went for the Scott again.

Phil_gretz

Stop right there. It's rarely a good idea to spray oil. Because... some of the oil winds up where you didn't intend it to. This is especially true on a bike that you want to ride, where errant oil can wind up on your rear rim's brake track.

Actually, oil is dripped onto each individual joint along the chain, one half link at a time. That's the way it's done. Carefully.

As for helmets. Fit. Adjustability. Padding. Airflow. Weight. Other aesthetics like color. It has to fit. It has to be able to perfectly accommodate your funny head shape. You'll need to replace pads periodically, and maybe to suit the fit/adjustability part. It must breathe. Good helmets do these things. Poor helmets don't do them as well.

Leisesturm

Occam's Razor paraphrased: the simplest, most direct solution is the best. Practical application? Well given a half dozen different helmet makes and two to three models in each ones line ... how practical is it to work through each one? How many bike shops do you have to visit if each shop only carries two brands? Maybe I sound judgemental but my wife (blind) asked me what brand our helmets were, she wanted a new one. I told her: Giro. She went online and 15 or 20 minutes later told me she bought a helmet. When it arrived I looked it over. MIPS. "Sweets, how much did you pay for the helmet you just bought?" $49 she tells me. I'm thinking no freaking way. But so it was. A Giro Register, current year (the ones I had bought us 12 years ago were previous year leftovers) is $49, and you can have it the next day if you are a Prime customer. She got hers in neon green/yellow but I have checked, and it is available in two other colors. I think a cyclist needs a good reason to choose a different color than Hi-Viz Neon green, however. I'm thinking of getting one for myself so we will be matching on our tandem. Speaking of aesthetics ... all helmets are about the same thickness! All helmets are a minimum of 1" THICK. Find me an exception, I triple dog dare you. Are you more concerned with how you look wearing a helmet than how well it keeps your brains inside your skull? Seriously? Does this really need to be debated? Don't bet against my wife. When she buys something it's usually dead on the line where price meets bang for the buck and usually 4 or more stars out of 5 with over 200 reviews. Giro Register for the win.