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IMPACT looks at this season's top training helmets for road cycling.
Of all the equipment required by a cyclist or triathlete, there is no single item that serves a more important purpose than the helmet.
Although the primary purpose of the helmet is preventing head injuries, the industry has turned this piece of safety equipment into a performance necessity that blends fashion and function.
Buying a helmet based solely on the protection it provides is simplified by various consumer protection agencies that establish the standards and ensure compliance as regulated by both federal and international requirements.
In Canada, we have the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) to ensure the products we buy are in fact going to keep us safe. Both the Canadian Cycling Association and Triathlon Canada (the governing bodies for their respective sports) require the use of a helmet certified by either the CSA or the more popular CPSC standard. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) created its own mandatory standard for all bicycle helmets sold in the United States, which took effect in 1999.
Each of the helmets reviewed here and, with very few exceptions, most of the helmets available from retailers, will be certified by either the CSA or the CPSC.
Our team of IMPACT reviewers makes the more confusing and certainly less regulated aspects of purchasing a new helmet for the upcoming season easier for you.
The Helmets
Giant Ares bike helmet, CAD$150.
This helmet looks good. The one-piece, moulded construction carries around the rim of the helmet, making it strong and less prone to cracking than other models that I have used over the years. The weight is a bit high at 318 grams but seems lighter than it actually is when riding. It also seemed to fit a little higher on the head, but this was not a detriment. It has a lot of vents at twenty-two; however, some of the rear venting airflow could be improved a bit. The adjustability was a standout. It had two sizes of pad inserts and was easy to adjust from the rear and the sides of the straps. Giant’s Cinch System was also very easy to use—one of the most customizable-fitting helmets I have used so far. The price point for this helmet is cheaper than many others in this class and is an important consideration.
The Ares comes in five colours and all are pretty standard, so no problem on that score. This would be a great winter, cyclocross, or commuter helmet, where it might get a bit more abuse from the user, and with the added moulding it should hold up for a very long time.
—Dean Stanton
Giro Ionos bike helmet, CAD$322.
Giro has gone all out to create one of the nicest road helmets to ever hit the road. This svelte, 220-gram sleek design almost makes you feel like you have nothing on. Giro is proud of the design features attached to the massive vents, which allow huge airflow without compromising strength. I have always loved the Giro fit system. The rear sliding lock has a very precise setting indicator, which contributes to a comfort that is hard to match. One of the design features that I really liked was the absolute uninterrupted vision. This helmet is for the high-end rider looking for performance. With nine different colours to choose from, a match with that favourite team jersey should be easy. If you are still pondering about what helmet to ride in this summer, consider this: if the Ionos is good enough for Lance, it should be good enough for you.
—Dave Howells
Specialized S-Works bike helmet, CAD$250.
The S-Works by Specialized takes claim to the honour of being the lightest helmet to meet the CPSC standards. This claim has not come easily for the company, as in late 2007 Specialized had a voluntary recall of three thousand units of an earlier model that was also the lightest CPSC helmet at the time.
My standards were high when testing the top-end helmet of the Specialized line, and I was not disappointed. Even with the expectation of testing a lightweight helmet, I was instantly impressed with how comfortable the S-Works felt.
The minimalist feel of the helmet extends beyond just the net weight. The 4X DryLite webbing straps have minimal skin contact and almost go unnoticed. To complete the fastening system, Specialized uses the Pro Fit 360
System, which makes securing and adjusting the helmet quick and simple.
The “Specialized” or “S-Works” logo appears on the helmet no less than five times, which feels a little overdone for anyone who is not professionally endorsing the company.
The helmet is available in thirteen different colour schemes, so you won’t have any difficulty finding one to match your bike. I tested the very bold “King of the Mountains” edition, which forced me to push extra hard during my test ride doing repeats of the Edworthy Park Hill in Calgary.
—Chris Brown
Bell Volt bike helmet, CAD$242.
It comes as no surprise that the Volt was a great helmet for both road and mountain bike riding. Bell has been leading the way with helmet technology ever since the V1 Pro took the market by storm. The fit on this lid was outstanding.
Once on and set, it was no surprise that this 280-gram helmet was a real winner. The Twin Axis Gear, or TAG, fit system was easy to use and, once adjusted, it took comfort to the next level. It was hot during the test period, so I was super stoked with Stream Jet Ventilation channels keeping the airflow high. The visor was easy to snap on and off, but I liked it on best, as it gives the Volt a real racy look that is not over the top. What I liked most about this Bell helmet was that anyone can look good and feel good with the 2009 Volt riding high. With more than ten different colours to choose from, it is sure to find a match with that favourite riding jersey.
—Dave Howells
Rudy Project Slinger bike helmet, CAD$145.
My first impressions of the Rudy Project Slinger were mixed, but after a few solid rides I warmed up to it. This helmet has a slightly bigger profile and fewer vents than others, which I didn’t see as a negative factor. I’d recommend this helmet for early- and late-season riding, as it feels solid and fits well with a toque underneath. The extra weight isn’t a concern. Weighing in at 312 grams, this helmet fits relatively large.
The price point on this helmet needs to be considered. The helmet includes features that aren’t often seen on lower-priced helmets. The retention system is simple but effective and doesn’t compromise either fit or comfort. Even with the larger profile of the helmet, I found it sat a little higher, which allowed for lots of clearance for sunglasses arms or earphones.
The Slinger is available in five mostly conventional, but easily matchable colours.
—Chris Brown
Louis Garneau Diamond bike helmet, CAD$145.
New for 2009, the Diamond helmet is a well-designed lid. This is a super-lightweight design of only 285 grams, with forty vents throughout to help keep your head nice and cool. Besides being light and vented, the feature that I liked most about this helmet was the easy-to-use adjustment dial at the back, equipped with ergonomic padding and adjustable/removable positioning to virtually custom fit and accommodate even the smallest of heads. The chinstraps also have an easy-adjust locking system.
On a more technical safety note, this helmet is equipped with a ring-shaped plastic cover at the base of the helmet to help spread the shock of impact and an inner plastic cover to reinforce the helmet structure. A great-fitting, lightweight helmet adjustable to fit the oddest shaped head. Rider approved!
—Kelli Sherbinin
The Helmet Reviewers
Chris Brown is the current Canadian National Long Course Triathlon Champion. He is a professional triathlete from Calgary, Alberta, with an Ironman personal best of 8:39 and a podium finish at Ironman Canada.
Dave Howells, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a Level 1 Road and MTB coach and owner of BC Bike Fit.
Dean Stanton is a triathlon coach based in Vancouver, British Columbia, with more than twenty-five years in the sport and twelve years of coaching experience.
Kelli Sherbinin, co-owner of Endless Biking in North Vancouver, British Columbia, has more than thirty years experience teaching, racing, managing, working, filming, freeriding, volunteering, and advocating inside the cycling industry.
The bike helmet is a performance necessity that blends fashion and function. |
Neil Hardy makes this comment
Sat 08 Aug 2009 14:23:43 PDT
Ken Go makes this comment
Wed 19 Aug 2009 17:22:35 PDT