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review
Helmets
Louis Garneau Sharp helmetLouis Garneau Sharp helmet

Louis Garneau Sharp helmet

8
by Liam Glen
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jul 10, 2012

1
£69.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Aggresively styled performance helmet that looks great and fits well for the money
Weight: 
280g
Contact: 
www.evanscycles.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Despite its mid-range asking price, the Louis Garneau Sharp certainly looks the business with its large vents and aggressive styling. You could easily be forgiven for mistaking it for a lid costing well into three figures.

Credit for this can be attributed to the full in-moulded construction of the Sharp – you won't find any cheap-looking exposed foam here. Beyond the looks, this construction method also means that the helmet can withstand a lot more abuse before getting damaged and dinged – a bonus when doing a lot of travelling. Ultimately, this means that the Sharp should maintain its integrity for longer, leaving you safer in the long run.

Coupled with the full plastic coverage, the Sharp's actual shape adds to the sense of security as it comes down low over the sides and rear. At times, I found that these side 'wings' interfered with my glasses when putting them on, but that's a minor quibble and I'd personally much rather the added protection.

Size wise, the Sharp runs a little large for its stated size, but doesn't look massive or ungainly when actually on the head.

The 'Spiderlock SL2' retention system does a good job of taking up any slack and ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. A discreet dial actuates a rack and pinion system for easy one-handed adjustability whether tightening or loosening. The Spiderlocks's unique cradle design also ensures a near unlimited amount of vertical adjustability to suit any shape of head. This system, so simple and obvious in terms of execution, is one of the best that I've yet to try.

If I have one gripe with it though, it's that it does look a little flimsy. The thin plastic arms rotate around a push fit joint which looks like it could potentially pop if the load was high enough. Indeed, a quick test revealed that it was possible to separate this joint with bare hands by just pulling the pieces in opposite directions. I've yet to properly crash the Sharp, but it complies with all the usual tests.

Verdict

Aggresively styled performance helmet that looks great and fits well for the money.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Louis Garneau Sharp helmet

Size tested: Black/White, Medium

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?

Coming in 4th from top in terms of Louis Garneau's road helmet range, the Sharp is well and truly a "mid-range" helmet. As such, it will appeal to any cyclist looking for a good quality helmet that looks the part without costing an arm and a leg.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Weight: 10 oz/285 g

Certifications: CPSC-ASTM-CEN AS 2063

Vents: 22

In-Mold Construction: Industrial process binding the front liner and outer shell for increased durability

Super MSB Technology: Ring shaped plastic protection at the base of the helmet reinforces the perimeter for enhanced protection.

U-Bar Technology: Highly inspired by the Exo-Nerv technology, the plastic shell is made with U-shapped ribs (plastic is folded 6 times). These ribs act like a complex exoskelton that reinforces the helmet's structure

Integrated Strap System with Inner Nerves: Internal frame system reinforces the helmet's structure and enables huge vents to be created without jeopardizing protection.

Spiderlock SL2: Lightweight rack-and-pinion system, micro-adjustable using only one hand, offering extreme comfort and stability.

Steplock Divider: Cam locking device to quickly adjust strap position.

Sealed Airdry Padding: Washable sealed adjustment padding for enhanced durability, and ergonomic design for optimum comfort.

V-Pro System: Receptacle molded into the helmet in order to put on and off the visor as often as you wish. Removable plastic plugs are included to fill the holes when not used.

S: 6 1/2-7"; 20 1/2" - 22"; 52-56 cm

M: 7-7 3/8; 22" - 23 1/4"; 56-59 cm

L: 7 3/8-7 3/4; 23 1/4" - 24 1/2"; 59-62 cm

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

The full in-moulding is a more advanced construction than usually seen at this price. The result is a really "bombproof" feeling helmet that should survive the rough and tumble of typical travel.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

For the level of coverage provided, the Sharp is also reasonably light and its ample vents make it pretty good in hot weather too.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The full plastic shell should prevent any foam from getting damaged, prolonging helmet life. The strap system looks like it could potentially be an issue in a crash.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

It's not going to set the world alight, but the comfortable strap system means that it feels quite light on the head.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

The Sharp features ample padding on both the helmet itself and the strap system. The result is a very comfortable lid.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Given its performance and some of its features, the Sharp is really great value.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 20  Height: 190cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Giant TCR Advanced 2  My best bike is: Canyon Ultimate CF7

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, sportives, mtb,

 

Sharp
road helmet
Louis Garneau
Helmet
Liam Glen

For 5 years, racing was my life and I went all the way from a newbie bonking after 40 miles, to a full-timer plying my trade on the Belgian kermesse scene. Unfortunately, the pro dream wasn't meant to be and these days, you're more likely to find me bimbling about country lanes and sleeping in a bush on the side of the road.

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