Can you recommend a bike helmet?

[ApplestheHare]

I've recently got a bike to cycle with dd. It's been years since I had one and I've never had a helmet but can't imagine cycling without one. I've been looking for one with MIPS and some sort of lights - any recommendations?

Also, do people recommend helmets for women specifically or unisex helmets?

Helmets are a very individual thing and what suits one head shape won't be right for another. So it's really hard to recommend to anyone else.
All helmets that are CE marked meet the required safety standards but there are lots of variations in weight, ventilation and general comfort.
I've got a few helmets and my personal favourite is a Kask Mojito which is a unisex helmet. I find Kask helmets fit me really nicely but that won't be the case for everyone of course.
This article is quite recent and might hrlp
www.cyclingnews.com/features/best-womens-bike-helmets/

If you have longer hair (long enough to tie in a ponytail or platt) I thoroughly recommend getting a women’s one with a ponytail port. It’s an adjustable gizmo at the back of the helmet that you can thread it through, so the helmet fits comfortably on your head. Discovering ponytail ports were a ‘thing’ was a game changer for me - so much more comfortable and not restricted head movement. If you were specs or cycling glasses/ shades, make sure they ‘work’ with the helmet. Eg one brand I was given, didn’t accommodate my Oakley’s on my face, so it’s collecting dust on a shelf. Other than the good advice above - go for super light. Again the one I mention above (whilst a similar price point to my favoured brand and model) it is noticeably heavier.

Thanks MrsAvocet. It's good to know that people get on with unisex helmets. There seem to be a lot more out there that are for both genders or, going by the look, seem to be more designed for men. It's not that I want a pink one or anything but they're all very workmanlike. I'd seen that article but was beset by option paralysis as they all look good. Ultimately I know it's my head and so safety is the priority, but it's hard to ignore all the exciting features like lights and sunglasses garages!

Ah that's very helpful noodlmcdoodl. Dur to lockdown I have very long hair indeed and had not heard of ponytail ports. I hadn't looked at weight either, which seems silly as I do for my horse riding helmet. I find it strange that the two types of helmet aren't more similar actually.

They just come in unisex sizes. I'd agree best to try them on, say Decathlon or a large bike shop. The biggest safety feature is wearing the helmet at all, so get a comfortable one.

Second trying them on. My friend has one she absolutely swears by - I tried it on once and thought it was an instrument of torture.

Things I find important - lots of vents (with bug catching nets) so I don't overheat. Fully adjustable head straps because I have a small fod and wonky placed ears.

Defo go for a ponytail port model then. I’ve always used Specialized Propero women’s. I’m on my 10th now (I’ve written a fair few off crashing 😂😂). I’m not sure which other brands offer that feature - but if you look at the bigger respected brands like Kask, Giro etc and check out the women’s models.

Biggest safety feature is actually wearing it correctly!! Pointless having it if it isn’t adjusted as it isn’t gonna protect anything. Scary how many folk I see wearing them at jaunty angles, or best (occasionally) back to front!!

You need to adjust the internal fine tuning system (usually a dial on top or at the nape of the neck) each time you put on and remove. To remove, loosen = helmet lifts smoothly off. To put on (before fastening straps) tighten dial. You should be able to turn your head upside down without the chin straps being fastened and your helmet won’t move. It should be covering most of your forehead not sloping backwards and completely straight (not tilting down to one side). Each one will come with instructions.

The first time the straps need to be correctly adjusted, there’ll be a buckle designed to sit under each ear. Then the straps bits needed to be fairly taught running up to the helmet (there’ll be 4 bits of strap). Again I see a lot of folk without the correct adjustment here. Lastly it needs to fasten snugly under the chin. Again I see a lot of folk with dangly fastened straps 🤷‍♀️ Why bother?! Essentially if you crash (this sounds obvious) it needs to remain completely attached to your head, so taking the time to fit it correctly is critical.

I always wear a buff under mine, even in the height of summer. It holds all the annoying wispy bits of hair out my face!!