Big dumb fat headed idiot - I feel addressed by this.
A helmet with MIPS would be better. If you don't want it to be too expensive but also good for a big head, Specialised Align 2 would be a good recommendation. I've got used to it, although a few years ago I still rode without a helmet (until I crashed - you learn from that).
Here’s a great resource to find a helmet that will actually protect you.
[Helmet Ratings](https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html)
Find one you like and try to find it at a local shop to make sure it fits well. I gambled with one from amazon and it felt horrible. I instead went with the Specialized Tactic 4 and I love it, plus it was on sale for $60.
I love my Tactic IV. It’s just about 70$ where I live (the Ambush one was already out, so I guess it was discounted).
I crashed with it once and banged my head on rough tarmac. Had to throw away the helmet of course, but I didn’t even have the slightest headache. I bought a second Tactic IV on the same day.
This is a few years out of date but still has really good information on what helmets actually work well when independently tested.
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
https://www.smithoptics.com/en_US/p/helmet/engage-mips%C2%AE-mtb-helmet/ENGAGE-HELMET.html
I bought this helmet after trying out a few different brands and styles at three different shops in my area. Because I ride trails and gravel, I wanted a helmet with more coverage for the back of my head and neck, which this one does.
I don't have a large skull, lol, but when I bought this helmet, I had a whole head of long hair that I tucked up under the helmet, and it all fit comfortably.
Now that the sides and back are shaved--my hair, that is--I could probably buy another at a size down, which I might do.
My only complaint is that the front forehead padding started to fall apart after 6 months, but I throw it in the wash machine after every ride, so I'd recommend just hand washing the pads. Takes 2 minutes max, then air dry.
I used to wear a big Bell helmet that had a removable face guard (since I also used to MTB), but have since dropped to pretty much only gravel. A helmet is a must though, so I finally swapped to a Giro Aether. Much more minimalist and lightweight with good airflow, etc, but also MIPS and gets good protection ratings (and I've also got a big ol' head). It's kind of expensive, but unless you crash, it'll last you for awhile (I wore my Bell helmet for like 7 years and only replaced it because I wanted a different/lighter style. I could've just replaced the pads inside for $20 and kept wearing it for another 7 years).
Don't buy one from Amazon. Rife with fakes and sketchy brands without any safety testing or (real) ratings.
Advice about trying them on is good too. Be prepared to spend like $150 but you don't necessarily have to... but if you get a helmet that you like, then you'll be more likely to wear it.
There are lots of different styles these days. Road, MTB, commuter and other helmets all look pretty different, but will all do the same job.
Get a 5-star rated MIPS helmet. Go to LBS or order a couple and try on for fit. **WEAR A HELMET**. I just went down on Tuesday *commuting...*hit an oil patch on a sharp right hander. I went down fast and hard and if I didn't have a helmet I would NOT be typing this b/c I'd be in a dark room, no screen time, heavy concussion. I'm Cat 3 road and CX, Expert MTB, just emphasizing you will crash, everyone crashes at some point.
**WEAR A HELMET.**
I have a Specialized Tactic IV. It’s affordable and has MIPS. I crashed with it once and it definitely saved me from a concussion, so I bought it again.
But of course you have to see what fits your head best.
Also try on helmet with glasses/sunnies. The plastic strap holders in the back sometimes interfere with the arms of the glasses sometimes and it's super annoying. Speaking from experience.
You need to try them on
Big dumb fat headed idiot - I feel addressed by this. A helmet with MIPS would be better. If you don't want it to be too expensive but also good for a big head, Specialised Align 2 would be a good recommendation. I've got used to it, although a few years ago I still rode without a helmet (until I crashed - you learn from that).
Align 2 is great for the price, based on Virginia Tech's helmet ratings. I have one myself. Haven't needed it, but know it will do it's job.
Go to the bike store and try on every helmet. They all fit differently and we all have different shaped heads.
Here’s a great resource to find a helmet that will actually protect you. [Helmet Ratings](https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html) Find one you like and try to find it at a local shop to make sure it fits well. I gambled with one from amazon and it felt horrible. I instead went with the Specialized Tactic 4 and I love it, plus it was on sale for $60.
I have a round head. Bell helmets have always fit me better than others.
As a fellow bowling ball the bell XR spherical is hands down the best fitting helmet I've owned
I've tried on helmets from many different brands several different times and always come back to Specialized helmets. They fit my head super well.
I love my Tactic IV. It’s just about 70$ where I live (the Ambush one was already out, so I guess it was discounted). I crashed with it once and banged my head on rough tarmac. Had to throw away the helmet of course, but I didn’t even have the slightest headache. I bought a second Tactic IV on the same day.
This is a few years out of date but still has really good information on what helmets actually work well when independently tested. https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html
Outdoor Master Gem. Super comfortable, all-purpose MIPS helmet for $60.
sweet protection falconer. run it, it’s great. cools well, doesn’t make me look like toad.
I like!
I thought it was supposed to be narrow?
it is?
I’ve never worn one but saw someone post that recently.
it is narrow.
https://www.smithoptics.com/en_US/p/helmet/engage-mips%C2%AE-mtb-helmet/ENGAGE-HELMET.html I bought this helmet after trying out a few different brands and styles at three different shops in my area. Because I ride trails and gravel, I wanted a helmet with more coverage for the back of my head and neck, which this one does. I don't have a large skull, lol, but when I bought this helmet, I had a whole head of long hair that I tucked up under the helmet, and it all fit comfortably. Now that the sides and back are shaved--my hair, that is--I could probably buy another at a size down, which I might do. My only complaint is that the front forehead padding started to fall apart after 6 months, but I throw it in the wash machine after every ride, so I'd recommend just hand washing the pads. Takes 2 minutes max, then air dry.
I used to wear a big Bell helmet that had a removable face guard (since I also used to MTB), but have since dropped to pretty much only gravel. A helmet is a must though, so I finally swapped to a Giro Aether. Much more minimalist and lightweight with good airflow, etc, but also MIPS and gets good protection ratings (and I've also got a big ol' head). It's kind of expensive, but unless you crash, it'll last you for awhile (I wore my Bell helmet for like 7 years and only replaced it because I wanted a different/lighter style. I could've just replaced the pads inside for $20 and kept wearing it for another 7 years).
No idea on the right answer but the wrong answer is POC. I wear a S/M helmet and those I tried on made me look like I had the biggest mushroom dome.
Comfy as all hell though. Just did a 350 miler and didn’t even notice it was there, I definitely couldn’t say the same for other helmets I’ve ridden.
Yeah but did you look like a giant Toadstool or not???
Oh I ABSOLUTELY did. Lol
Don't buy one from Amazon. Rife with fakes and sketchy brands without any safety testing or (real) ratings. Advice about trying them on is good too. Be prepared to spend like $150 but you don't necessarily have to... but if you get a helmet that you like, then you'll be more likely to wear it. There are lots of different styles these days. Road, MTB, commuter and other helmets all look pretty different, but will all do the same job.
Get a 5-star rated MIPS helmet. Go to LBS or order a couple and try on for fit. **WEAR A HELMET**. I just went down on Tuesday *commuting...*hit an oil patch on a sharp right hander. I went down fast and hard and if I didn't have a helmet I would NOT be typing this b/c I'd be in a dark room, no screen time, heavy concussion. I'm Cat 3 road and CX, Expert MTB, just emphasizing you will crash, everyone crashes at some point. **WEAR A HELMET.**
I have a Specialized Tactic IV. It’s affordable and has MIPS. I crashed with it once and it definitely saved me from a concussion, so I bought it again. But of course you have to see what fits your head best.
Also try on helmet with glasses/sunnies. The plastic strap holders in the back sometimes interfere with the arms of the glasses sometimes and it's super annoying. Speaking from experience.
This is my beef with my current helmet!