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review

SH+ Shabli

7
£99.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Light helmet for the money, but one-size-fits-all might-not-suit-all
Weight: 
222g

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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.

SH+ Bike Helmet Senior Shabli - inside.jpg

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.

SH+ Bike Helmet Senior Shabli - worn back.jpg

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.

SH+ Bike Helmet Senior Shabli - worn.jpg

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

road.cc test report

Make and model: SH+ Shabli

Size tested: S/L 55-60

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.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

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

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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