One for the Off-Roaders

[John the old'un]

I've just inherited my son's Trek mountain bike which is the mutts nuts.
Need to get a suitable smack hat. Preferably one without a peak.(Cos I reckon they look naff.)
Any recommendations, and should I support Bike Plus?

[Alboy]

I think the Giro Helmets look the best. And agree re the peak looking naf.
Cycle plus or GB Cycles is your best bet.

AL

[Bo-Gilly]

Giro Hex. They're good value, look ok, and I reckon they do what it says on the tin.

btw, I think peaks are removable off most mtb lids. Though they do give added protection to your eyes from mud and stuff.

[Wal]

Yup, the peaks are always removable. Personally I like them, but each to their own.

You can use pretty much any decent helmet for XC riding, in fact there's probably no reason you can't just use your existing road helmet. Most XC racers tend to go for roadie-style lids - some of which e.g. the Specialized 2D are marketed as suitable for both road and XC. Another example is the Bell Sweep XC, which is exactly the same shape as the road-specific Sweep R but with a full bottom shell wrap and removable peak.

Many MTB specific-lids offer greater rear coverage than the average roadie lid and often a less pointy profile at the back. Take a look at the Fox Flux, Met Kaos, Bell Variant and Giro Xen, E2, Havoc and Hex to see what I mean.

If anything helmet ventilation is more critical when riding an MTB as the speeds are lower, so you get less effective cooling. So my advice is to go for the biggest/most vents possible.

No reason not to support Bike Plus - if you can get served. One time I stood at the counter for 5 minutes while most of the staff took an extended tea break. Most times I've been in there though the staff have been pretty helpful.

[Andrew G]

Different lids suit different heads in my experience - my head isn't speacialized shaped - so probably best to stick to same manufacturer as you know you get on with.

Bike Plus with your ACC membership card for a 10% discount unless you can find a cheaper deal online. On the few occaisions I've used my MTB so far I just use my road helmet. Just don't use the pointy TT hat .

[Sylv]

I think I understand that you only have a TT helmet then John is that right

[John the old'un]

[quote="Sylv"]I think I understand that you only have a TT helmet then John is that right

[Ivor]

Depends how hard-core you're going to be i suppose! I just use my commuting helmet.... P.s. Spent the weekend hoofing about in the woods. Great fun. First time in ages.

[Sylv]

[quote="John, the old'un"]No Sylv, I have the pointy hat and a Met Stradivarius for the road. Would that be ok for off roading?