I'm looking for a new helmet to replace my old/cracked/obsolete Giro. There's a few that have caught my eye (mainly because I've seen them discounted), Cratoni Titan, Giro Feature and Bell Variant. All three seem like they'll offer plenty of protection.

I'm wondering whether the Giro might be a touch warm and whether I'll look like a weekend warrior in it. It would actually be ideal for coaching in but I don't want to be buying two helmets.

The Cratoni seems light at around 260g but still with plenty of protection. As for the Bell, well I know they fit me and no doubt do the job but they're not very inspiring.

Anyone use any of the above or anything else I should point my mouse towards ?

Ta

Fox Flux

I recently bought a Cratoni Zethos and it's not a great fit. I need to sand down two ridges that dig in or add padding to them. Don't know if the Titan will have the same problem.

I recently bought a Cratoni Zethos and it's not a great fit. I need to sand down two ridges that dig in or add padding to them. Don't know if the Titan will have the same problem.

I did read that Cratoni helmets tend to suit an oval shaped head rather than a rounded one ... narrow side to side and long front to back. Trouble is I've no real idea what shaped head I've got

I have both a Bell and Giro helmet...The Bell is a far better fit for me...suits a fat wide head (62 cm)!

The Giro presses a little at the side of the temples...not unbearable unless riding hard.

The Bell was the Sweep road model. No peak....

Giro Hex... I tried a Specialised Vice as I liked the look and slightly greater coverage, but its just not as comfy. The Hex rules!

Ray Young wrote:I recently bought a Cratoni Zethos and it's not a great fit. I need to sand down two ridges that dig in or add padding to them. Don't know if the Titan will have the same problem.

I too recently bought that same helmet (after Ray's Bargain Alert mention) and it's the comfiest helmet I've ever had - I'm very happy with it.

I'd had a run of 4 Giro 'Indicator's in a row as I knew they fit and are cheap but I fancied a chance and I'm glad I did.

I suppose I have the right shaped head (and none of that pesky hair to get in the way!).

I'll second that vote for Giro Hex. Only affordable thing that does the job and fits my weird shaped head.

I'm wondering whether the Giro might be a touch warm and whether I'll look like a weekend warrior in it. It would actually be ideal for coaching in but I don't want to be buying two helmets.

I have a Giro Feature. it is pretty warm but comfy and plenty of protection. I use a specialized something (cant remember model)in the warmer months.

Probably doesn't add much to the conversation, but I use a Giro Zen for general mountain duties (lots of protection, mountain biker styling) and a Giro Prolight (less protection, roadie styling) for when it's warm and/or I have an eye on saving weight*

The Prolight is an amazing lid, which they sadly don't make anymore. At 175g it's literally half the weight of the Zen, has much better vents and is just dead comfy. You don't know you're wearing it half the time. Really good for when you're on the bike all day. Why Giro stopped making it, I've no idea :?

So, anyway, in conclusion - get the lighter one if you're going to be wearing it all day. No point lugging weight around needlessly


* which is most of the time to be honest

flatfishy wrote:Fox Flux

+1 for the Fox Flux

very comfy and quite light with lots of ventilation

ticks all my boxes

Giro savant. Lots of top end features, good ventilation and 260 ish grams I think. More xc and roadie styling but it works for me. Good retention system.

a bit roadie but I love my KASK helmet. I think its a K50. sooo comfy

Met Kaos Ultimalite - good coverage, good vents and low-weight (and comes in pimped out white)

Had a Met Kaos UL but due to a moment of poor judgement cracked it (hanging off a belt whilst riding - arse!). Replaced it with a cheaper and only marginally heavier standard Kaos and it was just as comfy and airy.

Have a Bell Variant. Turned out I fall between their L and M sizes so fit, whilst comfy was never as good as subsequent Kaos. Was a nice lid otherwise.

Giro Phase here.

Easily popped off visor for road rides. I also had a Spesh tactic but the visor was fixed and really cut down your line of sight.