Despite being aware of the Tweed Run for years, 2026 was the first time I participated in it.

Although I was tweeded up from the neck down, wearing a modern cycling helmet spoiled the look. It’s again to seeing a gladiator in a movie who forgot to take his wristwatch off as the camera zooms in for the “kill”. Once the illusion is spoiled, there’s no “unseeing” it 😉. I remarked that many Tweed Run cyclists were wearing tweed cycle helmet covers that aped flat caps & deerstalkers.

So after a little investigation, I found BEG bicycles sold them as both a complete solution- a helmet with the cover already fitted to it- or just a cover only. I opted for the latter option, the “BEG Bicycles CASQU’ EN VILLE HIS AND HERS Sherlock Deerstalker Style Tweed CAP ONLY“

Being a bit anal retentive about safety, and in particular HELMET safety, I opted for the “cover only” option so I could fit it over one of my own cycle helmets which I have a high level of confidence that will offer some protection if I dump on my Penny-Farthing. I figured with (3) helmets, the tweed cover should probably fit at least one of them.

Fitting on the Helmet:

This is what the inside of the Deerstalker helmet cover looks like on the inside. Note the 6 metal grommets to allow heat to vent and the snaps:

And it did fit one of my cycle helmets- but ONLY 1 of the 3; the Sweet Protection “Falconer 2Vi” in size M/L (56-59cm):

Although it comes with snaps, I was just able to pull the cover over the helmet and it fit snugly enough.

You can see a small amount of the Sweet Protection “Falconer 2Vi” peeking out, but to me this is an acceptable trade-off.

I cycle to most events. In the case of the Tweed Run, that’s 30+ miles to it, cycling around London during it, and cycling MORE THAN 30 miles returning home as it finishes in a different location than the start. Since I’m travelling on some seriously busy, fast roads out and back and I want a helmet with some excellent impact protection.

Price:

At the time of writing, the Tweed cover-only option was £65. The helmet AND the tweed cover was only slightly more; £98.

If you’re cycling in the Tweed Run, I highly recommend BEG Cycle’s “CASQU’ EN VILLE HIS AND HERS SHERLOCK DEERSTALKER STYLE TWEED CAP ONLY“. The cover is great quality with metal grommets and should see you through many Tweed Runs. Also, was a pleasure doing business with BEG cycles, who called me to ensure that I was aware I was only buying the cover and not the complete helmet & cover to avoid any potential confusion. 10/10 for BEG’s customer service!