SH+ is an Italian helmet manufacturing specialist with over 30 years' experience, and this £99 Shabli is its top-end road helmet. It's a comfortable enough lid, but the one-size-fits-all approach means some people at the extremes of the 55-60cm size range might struggle with the fit.
Provided you fall neatly into the size range, though, you'll find it's a reasonably comfortable helmet. I must be at the larger end of the range as I only needed a couple of clicks of the rotary retention dial to get a secure fit.
> Find your nearest dealer here
> Buy this online here
I found it a close-fitting helmet but it didn't prove uncomfortable, and you soon forget you're wearing it. It doesn't allow much space for an, obligatory for me at this time of year, skull hat or cycling cap to be worn underneath.
There's generous padding lining the inside of the helmet, and the chin strap padding ensures no irritation under the chin.
The retention system comprises a large rotary dial that's easy to operate with winter gloves when on the move. There's vertical adjustment too, by clipping the retention cradle into one of the two available holes at the side.
You get enough vents to ensure that it both looks like a more expensive helmet and keeps your head cool. Regarding safety, the helmet complies with the EN1078 standard and is manufactured in Italy.
The Italian colours of this helmet will likely only appeal to fans of Italian cycling, but don't worry, there are other more muted colours available – the website lists 14 different options, so there's something for all tastes. (The buying link above is for a red/white helmet.)
> Check out our guide to the best cheap cycling helmets here
With so much quality now available for under £100, and even less, it's getting difficult to justify spending £200 or more on a top-end cycling helmet. Weight can be a drawback, but here the Shabli really impresses at 222g, which is comparable with helmets costing a lot more – such as the Lazer Z1, twice the price but 238g.
So if you want a light, comfortable and well-ventilated helmet and you've fixed your budget at £100, this is worth a closer look [if you can find it at RRP – our search brought one up at £110]. Provided you fall within the size range, the SH+ Shabli is a comfortable and easily adjusted helmet with good ventilation, in a large range of colours to suit all tastes.
Verdict
Light helmet for the money, but one-size-fits-all might-not-suit-all
Make and model: SH+ Shabli
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
"Top Quality Italian Made Cycling Helmet"
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
- Fusion In-Mold Microshell
- Twin System III Retention System
- Moisture Wicking, Washable Padding by Sitip
- Anti Pricking Buckle
- 26 Air Vents
- Back Reflective Stickers
- Weight 230 grams
- One Size fits all.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
8/10
Very impressive weight for the money.
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
7/10
Provided it fits, it's a reasonably comfortable helmet.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Considering the weight and ventilation, it's very good value for money.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It ticks all the boxes but the limited size range will be a factor for some.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Light for the money.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Limited size range.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Maybe
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe
Use this box to explain your score
Good weight, good ventilation, and great value – the limited sizing is the only real drawback.
Age: 31 Height: 180cm Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, mountain biking
I find it absolutely spine-chilling that you can push someone, not least an old lady, in front of an on-coming car, and walk away free. Just walk...
I struggled to justify it when it went up to £13.. and only stuck with them to ride with mates.. there are other alternatives out there. ...
We'll just carry on riding without licence or MOT, they haven't got room in the prisons to lock us up!
Perversely to what they were intending, this sounds like a call to revolution....
There is a place in London where cyclists *can* do fast laps: The road cycle circuit near the Velodrome at the QE Olympic Park. But it costs money...
£2,299 seems like a bargain for a carbon bike, with 105 and disc brakes in the current market. and the purple colour is lovely
I've read this review 3 times now. If my partner puts her foot down about my n+1 bike problem, this could be a real contender as one bike to rule...
what no entry road? dead end roads or cul de sacs are never no entry, they can't be.
Further to this, out for a bike ride this morning, in one of a number of crap passes I was overtaken on a bend into on coming traffic, solid white...
Hmm, pretty sure mine has? I'll put my glasses on and go check once it comes back out of the stable.