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Uvex Xenova race
by northernlovely
Priced from £45.99 depending on retailer, the Uvex Xenova Race cycling helmet is probably a little more expensive than the average cyclist would pay (given you can get entry level helmets around £20 in cycle shops and from Argos. However, I think that any cyclist who rides more than once a week should seriously consider investing in ... one.
The style of the helmet is so that it's very comfortable on the head; plenty of air can get to your scalp whilst keeping safe on your journey. It's light on the head, too, it doesn't in any way feel cumbersome or heavy and it's great if you either cycle often or you are going a long distance.
Styled in gloss red, you can get the helmet in a variety of colours, my local independent cycle shop offers red, blue, black and white though I have also seen pink, green and purple on sale.
The strap which goes under the chin is waterproof with a plastic clasp and is very comfortable, and fully adjustable. The inner foam insert is comfortable also and 'hugs' the head. The helmets come in a variety of sizes (in cm) for men and women - your cycle shop should be able to help you measure up.
I've never been unfortunate enough to be in an accident, so I can't vouch for the safety side other than that it feels very sturdy, well made, and I feel safe when using it, which I haven't done as much with cheaper and less well fitting helmets.
Overall I highly recommend this helmet for any rider - it's stylish, it's not too cumbersome, it's fairly priced, and it feels sturdy and safe. I ride mainly on the roads when I cycle to work, so having a helmet which feels safe is the number one priority for me. Read the complete review |
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Uvex Hero Kids
by kama0529
I bought my eight year old daughter a Uvex bicycle helmet when she started her cycling proficiency course at school several months ago. I had never heard of Uvex before this, but it was recommended to me from a friend who know about these things - and apparently it's an American safety brand that is well respected. I bought the helmet ... off of Amazon for £25.00 - which included postage and packaging - and while there were cheaper helmets I really didn't want to scrape on quality when it came to such important safety equipment.
There were a number of Uvex helmets to choose from in terms of style and appearance - and as my daughter is very much a girlie girl, I opted for a helmet that was pink and purple with pretty slashes over it - one that was actually not that different to the helmet in the picture above, except the main part of the helmet was a dark purple. My daughter thought it looked good - which is obviously a positive thing because it means she won't be ashamed to wear it.
The helmet is made of an enforced plastic outer shell which apparently is crack resistant and so would aim to protect the head in the case of an accident. The inside of the helmet is made of a softer material which is designed to accompany the outer shell in order to absorb shock is there was an impact. My daughter assures me that the inner part to the helmet is very comfortable to wear and doesn't get hot and sweaty - and again, it's really important that it's comfortable so that she will wear it whenever she's out on her bike. The whole helmet is really lightweight and weighs just 200g. Although luckily we haven't had any incidents to prove the crash impact shock absorbing capability of the hat, it does seem really well made and so I have no reason to doubt its efficiency.
The helmet is adjustable and so it fits heads of different sizes easily and securely. There is a strap that comes underneath the chin and this does keep the helmet on the head and does not accidentally get knocked off. There is also a LED light at the back of the helmet which would obviously help my child to be seen if she was out when it was dark - not that she'll be cycling in the dark for quite a few years yet!!
Overall, I think this is a great product and I believe it is something that will help to protect her should she come off her bike. It's funky and comfortable design also means that I don't have to battle with her to get her to wear it! Read the complete review |
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Specialized Sierra
by AlmshoeRachy
As part of the Barclays Cycle Hire (BCH) extension to the East, we are lucky enough to now have a stand right outside our flat. In London, the bikes are affectionately known as Boris bikes after our London Mayor. The scheme has been running for a couple of years now with loads of bikes throughout the City and the West End, but I was ... never brave enough to have a go having seen the crazy London drivers in action. Now they are on my doorstep it seemed silly not to try it, but before I did I went to purchase myself a cycle helmet.
I went to Evans bike shop to go and choose one. I didn't want to spend too much money as I wasn't sure I would actually enjoy cycling in London so may only do it once or twice! After standing in front of a wall full of various shaped helmets ranging from £25 to over £200, I picked up the Specialized Sierra helmet. At £30, it was reasonably priced, and complied with a list of safety standards in the US, Europe and Australasia.
I tried on the helmet which has a dial at the back to adjust the size which makes the helmet a nice tight, secure and comfortable fit. The aim of the helmet is to cover as much of your head as possible in order to provide maximum protection. This helmet sits just above my ears, cover almost all of my forehead to my eyebrows, and at the back covers to about an inch above my hair line. Its has a strap which clips under your chin to keep the helmet in place. The clip is a forked clip like you have on rucksacks. It is easy to fasten and the prongs on the right hand strap just need pressing in to their counterpart on the left hand side to secure. To unclip you need to press the prongs together.
It has a nice curved shape to it. I think this is probably to streamline it, but I do not intend to go too fast on the bike anyway! It has plenty of spaces for ventilation without leaving your head exposed. The helmet is comfortable and not too heavy - apparently weighing 278 grams. The helmet feels sturdy, apparently due to the 'In-moulded shell construction for improved strength'.
There were three different colours, blue, black and white. I went for the white version as I thought it would help me to be more visible on the bike.
I have been brave enough to venture out several times now and I am becoming more confident on the bike, but I am amazed by how many people choose not to wear a helmet. In countries like New Zealand it is the law and I am sure it will only be a matter of time before it becomes one here too. It does make me feel safer knowing I have extra protection when on the roads.
Overall I would recommend the Specialized Sierra Women's cycle helmet for general usage. I have found it comfortable, easy to use, and good value for money.
Thanks for reading. Rachy Read the complete review |