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cmanno
Amateur Forum Rider
USA
90 Posts |
 Posted - 10/24/2003 : 20:05:42
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I need help, I am new at trials and only have full face MX helmets. What are the best helmets for trials? Is it ok to use any typeface? Is the DOT/Snell rated suggested for this sport?. I have seen alot offace helmets that look like the ones I have seen trial riders using. I did check out the HEBO's really cool! Really expensive!(Looks like a streetface with a visor) Thank you in advance.
CZM |
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JTT
Intermediate Forum Rider
Canada
170 Posts |
Posted - 10/25/2003 : 21:16:25
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Basically anything will work. Venting and weight is the biggest issues. At slow speeds there is very little wind for cooling effect.
You will rarely see Snell or DOT markings on trials specific helmets, as they are usually made in Europe and carry European standards.
Trials specific helmets are more robust than a bicycle helmet, but not nearly what a good MX or street helmet is, but doesn't really need to be either I guess. I've seen several riders at events using bicycle helmets in fact, although I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
I use a Hebo myself although not the megabuck carbon model, good fit and comfortable venting and weight. Hebo also has a new line of "poly" helmets that look very nice, are light weight and moderately priced (under $200 Cnd), with most of the features of the higher end lids. I wouldn't consider a poly MX or street helmet, but wouldn't think twice about a poly trials helmet. |
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williams73
Novice Forum Rider
United Kingdom
31 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2003 : 04:07:35
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Hi there,
I have an old 'Yes' lid, its a cheapish italian thing. Its anface MX lid, with a removeable chin guard, that I have removed.
When I got it dedicated trials hats were few & far between and tended to be pretty pricy as international trials regs didn't demand you wore one (Except in youth classes).
Regs have been brought up to date, and with ten years of mandatory helmets for competition, theres a lot more choice about.
I'd say definitely go for a Trials hat - only reason I haven't bought one yet is becouse I'm loath to spend money!
They dont come as far down your neck, so you can lift your head back further, useful when you are standing up & leaning over the bars going up a climb etc.
They are lighter, and less bulky, and have more clearance round your face to improve periferal visability, and less pronounced peaks, for the same reason.
Only thing better, as far as riding in the thing is concerned is a polystyrene cycle helmet, and I keep thinking about getting a couple of these for the hot weather.
Aparently FIM regs allow you to use these instead of conventional hard shell helmets now, and when the suns out and you are sweating buckets, they make a lot of sense.
Again, lighter and even less constrictive to movement & vision than a true trials hat.
BUT, they are fragile, and one good knock on a rock or tree stump will wreck one - hence the idea about buying a couple and treating them as disposable, which given that they are often about 1/10th the price of a hard hat, is feasible to do.
Think that at the end of the day, it comes down to what you are most comfortable in, and how much 'ultimate' protection you want.
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DGShannon
Forum Admin
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2003 : 12:14:05
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When I first started, I was fortunate enough to win a gift certificate from MotoSoup.com that allowed me to buy most of my trials gear. I purchased two NZI helmets. One regular and one carbon fiber. I have to admit, that after being on your head all day, the extra light carbon fiber model is a pleasure. Between the two helmets, I now have about 3 years useage. The helmets, and liners, have lasted well, but the buckles on the chin strap rust up from the sweat. Also, the liners are not removeable which makes cleaning all the more difficult. Also, the replacement visors are way over priced. All in all, I have been happy with the NZI, but will probably try out another brand with my next purchase.
Darrell Shannon |
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bwc352
Novice Forum Rider
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 17:19:02
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| Just in case this proves helpful to someone, I just got an Xpeed Capella helmet (it was suggested by some members over at the trialscentral bb). I normally wear an XL helmet. In fact all three of my previous helmets have been XL. Anyway, I had to exchange my Xpeed for an XXL and even that's snug. Other responses at trialscentral have indicated they have had a similar experience, so perhaps they generally tend to be smaller than is typical. Anyone buying an Xpeed might want to consider getting a size larger than they normally wear. |
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jesster
Novice Forum Rider
Canada
15 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 18:31:25
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I have an XPeed Capella, nice helmet, pretty light, fairly cheap, but the liner isn't removable, and after a while, it can start to stink. Washing it is a pain, and I haven't had success with sprays.
"Jeez, that rock sure didn't LOOK that steep!!" |
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The link building services that are provided by an Link building company include directory submissions, monitoring results, ranking reports, and maintenance of rankings. The more time you spend feeling out prospective companies styles and personalities, the happier you'll be with whichever Link Building company you choose Bigmac
Intermediate Forum Rider
USA
114 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 20:30:35
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I'm wearing a Hebo carbon fiber model - pricey, but it's very light, well-vented and has a removable/washable lining (which pays dividends for me because I sweat buckets full, and my helmets quickly get a little, uhhhh, gamey if I don't keep 'em clean!). It was a little uncomfortable the first couple of rides, but it's breaking in quickly and getting better. Like williams73 said, trials helmets are cut differently than 'regular'face helmets - lighter, higher in the back, more peripheral vision and a smaller peak/visor.
As far as cleaning, Motorex makes a spray/foam helmet cleaner that works great - spray it in and wipe it out, and it keeps your helmet fresh-smelling.
Mac
'02 GG 280TXT |
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sam
Novice Forum Rider
11 Posts |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 21:38:08
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Manno,
Go to MOTORCYCLESUPERSTORE.COM, look at there helmets with removable face gaurds, I bought one called CYBER and it was 70.00 bucks shipped to my house. They have another helmet with better graphics for 50.00 but were out of my size at the time. Also, look at there ATV boots they have trials friendly soles and are priced under a hundred, I'm going to try a pair! One other thing go to CAMBRIABIKE.COM and check out there FOX Mtb LEATHERS, I purchased a pair and they are very comfy for 49.00!
sam |
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Donna Smith
Expert Forum Rider
USA
399 Posts |
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Ridgrunr
Novice Forum Rider
15 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2004 : 22:54:28
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I've been in the same position, needing a new helmet. Here's my experience. I don't like the full faced helmet when riding Trials. I wear them (have three two Shoei's and a Zeus) on my road bikes, and sometimes on the ATV, but don't like the reduced visisbilty and weight for Trials. Plus they are really hot at the low speeds we ride at.
Every helmet I've owned has been a medium.
Started with a Shoei. Dot and Snell approved. Great protection, fit well, but was REALLY heavy, and hot. My neck would ache after a day of riding with it.
Next went with an NZI fibreglass. It was $199. It was pretty light, but never did fit very well. Pinched the tops of my ears, made worse with my glasses. Cheap interior, started breaking down in a hurry, and the buckles rusted. I never did like the way it looked when I saw others wearing them. Bought it on a whim at a national. Sort of have a short bulby shape to the back that makes the rider look kind of like a bug.
Next I tried the Bieffe. It was $169. Was my favorite helmet so far, but it also pinched my ears. I always had to reach in and tuck my ears in. I don't know, maybe I just have big ears. Like I said, glasses don't help. It was vented too, but sure seemed hot. I sweated like a pig in it, and took it off every chance I got. That's what led to it's demise. It held up well till I hung it on my bars and the bike fell over pinching the lid between the metal bar end and a chunk of granite (between a rock and a hard spot don't ya know!). Bieffe protected the bars well, but got a nasty star shaped gouge in the exterior of the helmet in the fall and the bar end and clutch lever chewed up the interior pretty good. So I was forced to replace it. Would probably still be wearing it if it hadn't taken the fall.
So after an exhaustive internet search, I decided on and bought a new white Xpeed Capella. It's DOT approved. Looks like a sport specific Trials helmet, and is vented. It has some shape to it with some style lines, so it doesn't just look like half an egg shell like some do. It has a short bill which isn't isn't too long like you see on some helmets (the new Bell is one I can think off off hand). I like a short bill to shade my eyes a little, but not a long one which made me miss that low over hanging branch which smacked me in the forehead and cleaned me off the bike (been there done that got the five). It's light too, lighter than the Bieffe or the Shoei. Probably about the same as the NZI. It seems that some Capellas that folks get have the quick disconnect strap, but mine didn't. Does now though as I took the one off the Bieffe. Can't beat the price at $60. Has lots of padding and fits snug, but not too snug. The medium is a little more snug than the medium Bieffe was, but that's ok cause the Bieffe seemed to roll on my head some whenever I dropped off a hard down which would cause me to have to reach up and push it back.
All helmets will start to smell after awhile. Trials is a sweaty sport. When I can't take it anymore, I take mine into the shower with me and shampoo it out. Make sure you rinse it out good, then I set it in the sink and let it drip out. It takes a day or two for it to completely dry out, but it'll be fresh as a new day...until you go riding again.
I'll ride with the Capella in it's first meet this Saturday. I'll know more about how it works then. |
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bagger
Amateur Forum Rider
USA
61 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2004 : 23:34:21
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| ridge,buy one of those half helmets like the harley guys wear.it will allow your big ears to hang out and when you come to a big rock or log you can just wiggle them and float up and over anything in your way |
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Ridgrunr
Novice Forum Rider
15 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2004 : 12:22:09
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Bagger, I knew one of you guys would come up with the answer. I just can't believe you got there before Sendero or Ringo! With the Harley lid I could also use them like rudders for those tricky tiny course changes. Ever steered Cessna with the doors? |
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bwc352
Novice Forum Rider
USA
34 Posts |
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Donna Smith
Expert Forum Rider
USA
399 Posts |
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clarkp
Amateur Forum Rider
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2004 : 22:06:36
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cmanno - be careful with the 'bicycle' helmet idea... they are absolutely not allowed in competition in my area. So, if you think you might try your hand at the Novice line at an event someday, check the club regs about that.
I have the NZI carbon (very nice and light) but the carbon Hebo's look the coolest - and remember what Fernando says, "it's always better to look good than to ride good"... or something to that effect.
NTTA
www.cygls.org
Plano, TX |
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Donna Smith
Expert Forum Rider
USA
399 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2004 : 18:34:22
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| A few of you have mentioned the Xpeed Capella. (I had never heard of it before reading this thread.) How's the venting? |
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