Off to get a helmet :)

[bigjim]

One thing about wearing my helmet is being tall, I often get whacked by overhanging branches when cycling down bike paths and narrow lanes. Especially if it has been raining.

 

[ufkacbln]

This time of year you will want one with lots of ventilation to reduce sweaty head problems.

... and instead get lines of sunburn in a helmet pattern!

 

[ufkacbln]

My understanding is as the price goes up the amount of material used decreases, but still fitting in standard 'safety' criteria, so you get a lighter and better ventilated helmet the more you pay.

Actually the case is that more ventilation decreases the effectiveness of the helmet!

As the material decreases the amount of material able to absorb and dissipate injury decreases compromising the helmets function. Then there is the problem that the material that is left has to be denser and stiffer to retain the shape, so the ability to absorb and dissipate energy is decreased even more!

Modern helmets are unable to pass the impact tests of ten or fifteen years ago. In the late 80's Snell B95 was the gold standard, but there isn't a single modern helmet that reaches this level of protection!

Now add the problem where the vents can catch and arrest the movement of the helmet - this can cause rotational inuries, or cause the helmet to eject. Worst of all is that instead of sliding and losing energy an arrest of motion can cause a sudden transfer of energy to th ebrain causing something called Diffuse Axonal Injury. Increasingly common as helmet design features more and more snag points.

If you are buying a helmet, two points

1. Buy the highest standard helmet you can obtain, and don't touch EN1078 with a bargepole as it is virtually worthless

2. Buy one that is "smoother, rounder, safer" limiting the chance of arrested motion and ejection of the helmet or helmet induced injury

 

[cycopath]

Hi,
I bought a Giro helmet mainly because it was the only one I could find for my head size ( 64cm).I wear a Karrimor skull cap underneath in cold weather and it works a treat.I have also got a rear view mirror which attaches to the vizor and this works well.

 

[wbmkk]

Recently watched the programme Race Across America, with James Cracknell and was shocked to see that he almost died after being hit by the wing mirror of a passing truck.

The helmet certainly saved his life.

Everyone who rides without a helmet 'sort of knows this' but actually seeing it nearly happen to a British superstar (2 Olympics Golds) brings it a bit closer.

Why would anybody ride without one

Regards !

 

[sabian92]

Ended up with this, though it must have gone up coz it was 30quid.
Looks fine, seems well vented, snug fit and comfy.
Went on a detour route home forgot it was there after a mile.

Where did you buy it from? Halfords have it for 25 quid, but I've seen it online for cheaper (only a couple of quid, but still... money saved is money saved!)

 

[aberal]

Recently watched the programme Race Across America, with James Cracknell and was shocked to see that he almost died after being hit by the wing mirror of a passing truck.

The helmet certainly saved his life.

Everyone who rides without a helmet 'sort of knows this' but actually seeing it nearly happen to a British superstar (2 Olympics Golds) brings it a bit closer.

Why would anybody ride without one

Regards !

Trouble is - it's more complicated that arguing the difference between black and white. See here: cycle helmets

 

[ufkacbln]

In 2009 there was a professional runner who suffered a serious head injury whilst on the track..... Why would anyone run without one?

A more tragic case where a runner died from head injuries caused by impact with a truck whilst running - Why should anyone run without one?

 

[blubb]

In 2009 there was a professional runner who suffered a serious head injury whilst on the track..... Why would anyone run without one?

A more tragic case where a runner died from head injuries caused by impact with a truck whilst running - Why should anyone run without one?

Hold on i wanna grab popcorn first.

 

[ufkacbln]

I have already sorted it out - you are welcome to share

 

[- Baz -]

Ended up with this, though it must have gone up coz it was 30quid. Looks fine, seems well vented, snug fit and comfy. Went on a detour route home forgot it was there after a mile.

Good choice. Had mine since last June and absolutely no issues. I just wish they'd make the foam front piece detachable for washing. This is the bit that gets the sweatiest - if anyone knows how do it, please post!

 

[Jezston]

Recently watched the programme Race Across America, with James Cracknell and was shocked to see that he almost died after being hit by the wing mirror of a passing truck.

The helmet certainly saved his life.

Everyone who rides without a helmet 'sort of knows this' but actually seeing it nearly happen to a British superstar (2 Olympics Golds) brings it a bit closer.

Why would anybody ride without one

Regards !

We've already had two threads on this just this week. I suggest you read through both of these and realise what a complex can of worms this is, and what tends to happen when you raise the issue here!

https://www.cyclechat.net/

https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[Browser]

Returning to the original question, I think that less weight and better designed ventillation seem to be what you'll get if you pay more. I find that different manufacturers seem to produce the same shape helmets so pick one which works for you.

 

[ufkacbln]

Returning to the original question, I think that less weight and better designed ventillation seem to be what you'll get if you pay more. I find that different manufacturers seem to produce the same shape helmets so pick one which works for you.

However is this at the cost of less protection?

 

[jefmcg]

2. Buy one that is "smoother, rounder, safer" limiting the chance of arrested motion and ejection of the helmet or helmet induced injury

Does that mean I have a better justification for buying this than "oo, shiny!"?

http://www.bobbinbic....uk/Gold-Helmet