Dashel: Stylish Cycle Helmets Made in England

Cycle helmets aren't obligatory in the UK, but when a helmet is lightweight, comfortable and stylish there's every reason to wear one. Dashel make two types of helmet here in the UK. They're similar in looks, but one is handmade from carbon fibre and the other injection moulded by machine. 

Designer Catherine Bedford spotted a gap in the market for high quality and stylish cycling helmets - fashion accessories rather than sporting accessories - British-made with an emphasis on sustainable and ethical manufacture.

Sporting a carbon fibre Dashel helmet with a vintage cycling jersey

These aren't helmets for leg-waxing, Lycra-clad, Bradley Wiggins wannabes whose sweaty sporty endeavours require ultra light weight and vast amounts of ventilation. Dashel helmets are for the commuter, the tourist, the dawdler, the towpath wanderer, the tweed cyclist and trips to the shops or the gym.

With a touch of Jim Clarke or Fangio, they are vintage motor racing in looks - and why not? They are essential where style is a prerequisite; where a cycle racer's helmet is going to look out of place and your outfit is more sartorial than Lycra. And they are recyclable.

With Catherine Bedford, founder of Dashel Cycling Helmets

The carbon fibre helmet is very slightly lighter in weight than the injection moulded model, but both have the same levels of comfort, ventilation and safety. They come in a good range of colours, subtle or bright - I selected a British racing green carbon fibre helmet. It comes with instructions to ensure you achieve a good fit using the removable pads and easily adjustable straps. Once adjusted properly it sits well on the head and is soon forgotten as it's so light and comfortable. 

Prices £79 for the standard model and £185 for the carbon fibre. See Dashel for more information and to buy.

I was sent a helmet for review. This feature is not sponsored and all views are mine.