I have an odd-shaped head.
I'm sure I'm not alone in this. All humans are different, but not all humans look as bad as I do in a cycle helmet. I have tried many, from cheap and cheerful to wallet-bustingly expensive, and so far failed to achieve a look that doesn't suggest my head is a massive mushroom or that I've donned some sort of ceremonial headdress designed for a Grand Poohbah with a bonce shaped like a traffic cone.
I'm not going to get into the pro-choice argument - I choose to wear one because I do, and I could support my decision with many anecdotes saying how my nut has been routinely saved from bramble/bee/road debris/toilet roll attack by some flimsy pudding bowl. You're probably reading this either because you think like me or are amazed that there is someone who thinks like me. Either way, I thank you - but I digress: cycle helmets exist and are worn, and if you are going to wear one it's nice to get one that is comfortable, unobtrusive, feature-filled and value for money.
I've been aware of the Italian brand Salice, and the many ways to pronounce their name, since they flooded the advert gaps of the Tour de France coverage on ITV a few years back. Their slogan 'Made From Sport' was endearingly off kilter enough to make me remember the brand. I got hold of their Ghibli model via Estrella Bikes while I was test riding one of their Camino Classica bikes, probably because the helmet I'd brought along induced an eye-watering colour clash.
Initially I wasn't sure about the Ghibli as it seemed, Tardis-like, to be somewhat smaller on the outside and ill suited for my Mekon-like head. Once I'd popped it on, however, I was relieved that there was no immediate need to take it off again and check I hadn't forgotten to remove the food packaging from the inside, as I often do with helmets supposedly 'my size'. Even while wearing my customary casquette, there was still enough adjustment in the Time and Space dial at the back to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
The in-molded hard shell exterior wraps neatly around any exposed edges of the helmet, reducing the risk of damage through accidental knocks. It also makes it feel more resilliant and the polished finish is a classy touch. The straps are made more minimal by having perforated middle sections, and the adjustment system is simple and effective. There is even an emergency LED, three mode safety light incorporated into the slick adjustment dial at the rear.
At 270 grams (300g for the larger version) the Ghibli is light enough to make you forget you're wearing a helmet and, with 23 vents, ventilated enough to feel the wind rushing through (what's left of) my hair, or to cool the surface of a cotton cap.
For those who like to go commando, there is a removable, one-piece insect net to keep your scalp free from invertebrate nasties, or at least whole ones. I suspect that, at speed, moths may end up grated into your follicles.
The smooth exterior finish gives the Ghibli a robust look that belies its featherweight feel and, no doubt, helps riders better than me gain an aero advantage. It also makes it easier to clean, should you ever do weird stuff like that. The interior padding can be taken out and laundered - or in my case, killed with fire - then economically replaced.
All in all, at just under £100, the Ghibli is a feature-packed, lightweight, race quality lid with excellent fittings and adjustments. Plus it makes me look less like a cyclist in a bearskin.
Readers who have got this far will also be pleased to learn that Estrella are offering Sportive.com readers 15% off Salice helmets and glasses via their web shop, with free postage. Just enter the code SPORTIVE at checkout.
Salice Ghibli helmet, £99.95 from www.estrella-bikes.com
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