I have never owned a “pro quality” helmet, or at least one from a reputable manufacturer until today. At $36, it was ideal as my birthday present and being pro-looking, it motivated me to start cycling regularly.
As someone living with a stroke, I struggled with the controls on my Tern S18, the brakes, front and back, the gear switchers, up down, left right. And it was hard as it was just to stay on course down a road with heavy traffic.
For a long time, I put away my $2k bike but now I’m intrigued again by this equipment-rich sport. I can safely say it pays to get into the gear. Don’t settle for the cheapest alternatives that don’t inspire.
The Isode looks and feels roughly cast but not shoddily made. Somehow, they spent less time chamfering the edges of the outer shell and devoted more to the adjustable inner bracing and cushioning, the strap which has microadjust, and the bug trap netting up front. The fit is also excellent on my roughly standard size adult male head. It doesn’t look stupid tho it may look a little crude up close.
This helmet feels light, not tight, and has plenty of vents although it lacks the roll cage MIPS protection now becoming standard. I would go with the MIPS if I could. From experience, I was hit by a toppling log once along a trail, and wearing a boonie hat, it slipped round my forehead, just glancing me. That slipping hat probably saved my life or a trip to hospital. That’s what MIPS can do albeit at much higher force.
Trouble is, here in the 3rd world, replacing a 156RM helmet on significant impact is prohibitive. One reason I started out with a hard shell skating helmet which failed to inspire.
The Tern S18 is a heavy bike. I put it over 10kg roughly, but spec says it weighs more like 16kg. Factoring in my weight of 87kg, and I’m no jockey, it’s a recipe for a high speed crash. The momentum built up from me cycling hard on this beast is no trivial matter to stop. I had to pulse my disc brakes way before making the turn into my road (I cycle to and fro my bike dealer, Van’s Urban, just 3 minutes away). To say I was confident of stopping accurately would be a lie.
Planning on cycling Sundays, early morning just round the block. Have yet to get any jerseys or shorts but IMHO, I can get by with something less professional, more casual. I will wear shoes instead of my usual sandals. May pick up a pair of padded cycling shorts soon. Good if you have ‘nuts’.
79RM was spent, circa $18, on a 2XL pair of Van Rysel cycling shorts from Decathlon. They are a bit tight but do fit -tried them over my briefs back at the shoebox. The padding is extensive around the crotch area and butt. Was thinking I’d not bother too much with shoes and jersey. As long as the critical area is protected. Also better hand wash, as the elastic / Spandex seems a bit delicate.
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