Helmetor helmet holder

The Helmetor is a nice idea that's functional and useful enough to just about justify the cost. While few cyclists would consider it an essential purchase, it will keep your lid, plus any bits you want to keep inside it, safe and secure.

• Pros: A nice gift idea, simple to set up and use
• Cons: No wall plugs supplied, doesn't work with helmets that don't have vents

Described as "the only helmet holder" on its website (a bit strange because it definitely isn't, here's another example), the Helmetor comes in four different colourways and has two screws supplied.

The instructions are on the back, which I quickly realised needed consulting after getting the Helmetor screwed in, because it's not immediately obvious how it works. We attached ours to the end of a bookcase in the office, careful to put it on the right way up as per the instructions. At first I just stuck my helmet on it with the shell facing up, then after looking at the diagram, saw the light...

You actually attach it with the shell facing the wall/bookcase, by putting the bottom hook through a vent and then bending it upwards until the top section pops through the same vent.

It doesn't look as good perhaps, but is more practical for a couple of reasons: first, it means no contact between your (potentially sweaty) helmet and your wall, and secondly you can also stick bits like gloves and skull caps inside it. Job's a good 'un! You can always pick a vent further towards the end of your helmet if you want it shell-up, you just won't be able to put anything in it, of course.

My colleague Tass also put one up in her utility room and similarly took a few moments working out how to use it, but was happy with it when all became clear.

A sticking point is that it obviously doesn't work with skate-style commuter, TT or aero road lids with little/few vents (the vents need to be between 30-65mm to fit), but for almost any regular road, leisure or mountain bike helmet it will work fine.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best bike storage solutions

If you have an irrational fear of your helmet being nicked you can also lock it through the hole at the end, which will also help secure it from being knocked off, if it's on a door, for example. You don't get wall plugs supplied, so these need to be bought separately if it's going into masonry.

Helmetor isn't a must-have item, but for someone who wants to make their bike cave a bit neater it's a nice addition, and you might even want more than one if you have multiple helmets to hang. It would also make a decent quirky gift for the cyclist who has everything. Yes, you can buy simple hooks much cheaper from a DIY store, but to my mind this is a really neat idea.

Verdict

A quirky yet functional and practical little device that keeps your helmet safe and secure