A simple question: Do you wear a helmet?

[Norm]

I have worn one on and off for years. And tellingly, in all that time I have never suffered from scrofula.

Mine cured my athletes foot almost completely. I still get wind, though wearing a helmet has reduced the frequency of the more malodorous occurrences,

 

[Bromptonaut]

Fell off the Brompton on 3 July. Broken neck of left femur - required pinning under GA - cracked clavicle and (very) extensive bruising. Should I have been wearing a helmet?

 

[ComedyPilot]

No

 

[StuartG]

Small children are very much more prone to head injuries than adults.

FTFY

Its a bit like fitting your kids with bouyancy aids in the swimming pool .. but not wearing them yourself

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Yes, always. I'm currently looking to buy a new helmet suitable for both road and light off road. Any suggestions on a reasonably priced quality helmet.

what's your reasonably priced budget?

Whatever, get one with a Specialised badge on it, you'll be fine

 

[StuartG]

Whatever, get one with a Specialised badge on it, you'll be fine

I'll sell Specialized badges @ £9.99 or Ultra-Specialized @ £19.99 (comes with a bit of foam stuck on the front ...)
Medical insurance not included.

 

[Teuchter]

Normally I don't wear a helmet.

I know I'd be much safer if I did wear one though... when walking down six flights of office stairs in my SPD shoes at the end of the day.

I do wear one in winter when there's a risk of black ice causing the sort of low speed off that they are actually designed to protect you from though.

 

[StuartG]

I do wear one in winter when there's a risk of black ice causing the sort of low speed off that they are actually designed to protect you from though.

I don't ride on ice 'cos I've come off - and seen others come off - too many times. Too many times they are ambulance jobs. I'm sure anyone riding the roads for many years has had the same experience.

The damage? Legs and hips, maybe an arm and wrist. Most happen at relatively low speed when making a turn (and ice should never come as a complete surprise). Gloves are a real help when you are trying to cushion the fall. But protecting the lower parts and retaining mobility is not really possible. If you think you need a helmet in case of ice its better to take the bus that day ...

 

[Rob3rt]

Yes

 

[Teuchter]

If you think you need a helmet in case of ice its better to take the bus that day ...

To be fair, last winter I started to adopt that approach after coming to the conclusion that even though I was travelling on relatively busy roads, there simply wasn't a route available that wasn't thick with ice. Walking with the bike in places was difficult enough.

Fresh snow on the other hand can be great!

 

[StuartG]

Fresh snow on the other hand can be great!

Yep the problem here in London is we get so little of it. It is not worth getting a pair of studded tyres. Now with those and a 'step-thru' Dutch style bike might be the answer to urban snow and ice riding. My SPDs and 23mm slicks are definitely NOT the way to go

 

[numbnuts]

A helmet is like a first aid kit, it is there if you need it
I have both

 

[Fnaar]

If it's icy, or compulsory in a sportive. Otherwise not.
And contrary to my sigline, I don't have a purple one.

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Sent mobile phone stylee

 

[lordloveaduck]

A helmet is like a first aid kit, it is there if you need it
I have both

I use toilet roll.

 

[Teuchter]

Yep the problem here in London is we get so little of it. It is not worth getting a pair of studded tyres. Now with those and a 'step-thru' Dutch style bike might be the answer to urban snow and ice riding. My SPDs and 23mm slicks are definitely NOT the way to go

This is what I use when it's bad instead of my road bikes...

1978 Raleigh 3 speed. And yes, it does still have steel rims but I will probably replace the front with an aluminium one to cut down the braking panics when it's really wet. A lack of sharp braking ability is probably beneficial in the snow and ice!

I was wearing a helmet that day... it helped to keep my woolly hat over my ears.