Probably the stupidist question on the planet. I'm a total newbie here. Just bought my first mountain bike yesterday. First bike ever actually. Never had one growing up. I'm 43 and completely bald. I shave my head by choice. (didn't like the Gallagher look). I'm going to go to the LBS tomorrow to purchase the rest of my gear. helmet, riding shorts, gloves, computer, etc. My question, do they make and if so what do you reccomend as THE most comfortable helmet? With no hair to help cushion the fit of the helmet I'm hoping to find one that A. is comfortable to wear and B. (might not be possible) one that own't leave too huge of "padding marks" on my noggin for hours after I take it off. I plan on commuting to my recording studio which is about 6 miles away and I don't want to meet with clients with padding marks on my forehead or side of head. Or, does anybody ever wear one of those "do rags" to cover up their bald head and then put their helmet on? And on the same subject, should I wear sunscreen on the noggin if I don't use a "doo rag"? Boy will I have some funny tan marks!! I'm a good sport so if you feel like hammering this thread I won't mind at all. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Ken
Stubacca
05-27-05, 11:55 AM
Helmet fit is very personal e.g. I like Bell helmets and find Giro uncomfortable, my father-in-law can't stand Bell and wears Giro helmets (there are other brands available, but these are the two most common). Go to the LBS and try on different helmets at a pricepoint you're comfortable with.
I have a balding head and keep what's left very short. I always were a wicking skull cap, mostly for comfort issues. With no hair, there's nowhere for the sweat to be absorbed, so it just runs down your face and gets quite frustrating. The skull cap actually keeps my head cooler than without, and I don't have to put sunscreen up there.
*edit* never had a problem with padding or skull cap marks on short rides... 2+ hours and there might be a line there from the skull cap that takes 10 mins or so to disappear. I wouldn't see this as a major issue between different brands.
djken
05-27-05, 12:06 PM
Awesome! Thank you! I did a google search on wicking skull cap and the first listing was REI which is where I'm going tomorrow to get everything! Very cool! I didn't even know that they were called that. I'll get one of those and then go with what feels the most comfortable when I try on different lids. And won't even have to worry about sunscreen. Thank you again!
Ken
Stubacca
05-27-05, 12:14 PM
And won't even have to worry about sunscreen.
Not on your head, at least. Still a good idea to slap some on face/ears/neck/arms/legs. :D
I like the Headsweats Coolmax skull caps.
djken
05-27-05, 12:32 PM
Very good point. I will definately need lots on the rest of me that is exposed to the sun. I found the Headsweats Coolmax on REI's site. Looks like I'll be getting that one! Thank you!
genec
05-27-05, 12:38 PM
I wear a hat under my helmet... others have recommended skull caps or "dew rags" as my brother calls 'em. Get a good well fitted helmet and then aquire a bunch of hats and dew rags to fit your style and needs.
Cerberusgl
05-27-05, 12:40 PM
A lot of the helmets out there have removable pading so they can be washed and the adjustable fit systems are nice compared to buying s m l and then sticking in extra pads to make it fit. You can find some '04s on sale right now try Giro Havoc, but try several different models and brands before making a decision.
billh
05-27-05, 12:53 PM
Not on your head, at least. Still a good idea to slap some on face/ears/neck/arms/legs. :D
. . . but not your forehead, else it will sweat into your eyes, ouch!
Stubacca
05-27-05, 12:56 PM
. . . but not your forehead, else it will sweat into your eyes, ouch!
Been there, done that!
In any case, there should be virtually no forehead skin exposed between a properly fitting helmet and a pair of sunnies...
djken
05-27-05, 01:02 PM
. . . but not your forehead, else it will sweat into your eyes, ouch!
I was sitting here thinking of how to put sunscreen on my forehead without it stinging my eyes. I live in Seattle where it doesn't get all that hot all that often (yesterday it did get to 89 and today supposed to be 91). I sunburn quite easily so I'm not sure how to protect my forehead unless just a very light coating of high SPF will do the trick?
genec: I'm going to try a bunch of different ones on and then get a half dozen or so of the under helmet hats or skull caps. That way I can make sure I have clean ones when I go riding.
Cerberusgl: I wasn't sure if they made them with "add on" padding so you get that comfy fit. Thanks! I'll try a bunch of different brands. I've read that Giro's and Bell's are very good. I will be going to REI and Gregg's Greenlake Cycle. Both supposed to be very good LBS (well, REI isn't really a LBS but they do tune-ups and maintaince work)
Thanks for everyone's feedback. Now I'm not nearly as concerned as I was last night when I was sitting here wondering if I would be comfortable on the noggin while riding and if I'd have helmet marks all over my head. I'm looking forward to getting outfitted with all the "bike toys" for my ride. Thanks again!
Ken
Stubacca
05-27-05, 01:17 PM
I was sitting here thinking of how to put sunscreen on my forehead without it stinging my eyes. I live in Seattle where it doesn't get all that hot all that often (yesterday it did get to 89 and today supposed to be 91). I sunburn quite easily so I'm not sure how to protect my forehead unless just a very light coating of high SPF will do the trick?
Just took one for the team and looked like a complete dork in the office testing this, but....
With my helmet on (Bell Influx) and my sunglasses on (Rudy Project - I never ride without these, just change the lenses for different light conditions), there is only about 1/4 inch of skin exposed between the helmet and glasses, and this would virtually never get any sun exposure since it's under the overhang of the helmet (styrofoam at the front is maybe an inch deep, and there's also the visor). The skull cap covers all the skin that would be exposed by the vents.
I don't think I've ever put sunscreen on my forehead when cycling, even for 7 hour + rides.
djken
05-27-05, 01:50 PM
Just took one for the team and looked like a complete dork in the office testing this, but....
With my helmet on (Bell Influx) and my sunglasses on (Rudy Project - I never ride without these, just change the lenses for different light conditions), there is only about 1/4 inch of skin exposed between the helmet and glasses, and this would virtually never get any sun exposure since it's under the overhang of the helmet (styrofoam at the front is maybe an inch deep, and there's also the visor). The skull cap covers all the skin that would be exposed by the vents.
I don't think I've ever put sunscreen on my forehead when cycling, even for 7 hour + rides.
Stubacca: you are GOD and I am not worthy! (bows in the direction of Stubacca with arms extended). Talk about above and beyond. Thanks. All worries are now taken care of. I had hideous images of those people you see at the beach who have been wearing visors and have tan lines from where the visor strap was on their noggin. I mean, I'm not THAT image conscious but I do work in the entertainment industry and didn't want those dreaded white "no tan" lines. Now I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will not have to be one of "those" people! Thank you! Hopefull your co-workers didn't look at you wondering, "what the heck is he doing now?". :)
djken
05-27-05, 01:56 PM
Hey Stubacca, which Rudy Project glasses do you have? I just looked at Performancebike.com and they have a zillion diff models. Those are on my list as well. Thanks!
Ken
Stubacca
05-27-05, 02:20 PM
Stubacca: you are GOD and I am not worthy! (bows in the direction of Stubacca with arms extended). Talk about above and beyond. Thanks. All worries are now taken care of. I had hideous images of those people you see at the beach who have been wearing visors and have tan lines from where the visor strap was on their noggin. I mean, I'm not THAT image conscious but I do work in the entertainment industry and didn't want those dreaded white "no tan" lines. Now I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will not have to be one of "those" people! Thank you! Hopefull your co-workers didn't look at you wondering, "what the heck is he doing now?". :)
No problemo!
Everybody here already things I'm weird enough for having my bike behind me in the cubicle... just giving them a little more weirdness to fuel their thoughts!!! :D
Stubacca
05-27-05, 02:26 PM
Hey Stubacca, which Rudy Project glasses do you have? I just looked at Performancebike.com and they have a zillion diff models. Those are on my list as well. Thanks!
Ken
Rydon. I have a set of yellow lenses for them too for winter/cloudy days, and a set of clear for night riding. Takes about a minute to change the lenses, and RP have a great lens replacement policy (send in your old lenses and $14.95, and they send out a new pair) and I've heard really good warranty service. My wife has a set of Rydon SXs - a little bit narrower. Stick with the models in their technical performance line (http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/products/sunglasses/technical.htm). Some of the other models (e.g. the Jekyll) don't have the adjustable nosepiece (their more of a fashion frame).
2manybikes
05-27-05, 02:28 PM
I wear a hat under my helmet... others have recommended skull caps or "dew rags" as my brother calls 'em. Get a good well fitted helmet and then aquire a bunch of hats and dew rags to fit your style and needs.
I've read that a baseball cap with a button the top is dangerous. They say the botton can get pushed into your skull in an accident.
djken
05-27-05, 02:35 PM
I've read that a baseball cap with a button the top is dangerous. They say the botton can get pushed into your skull in an accident.
That's gotta hurt!
djken
05-27-05, 02:37 PM
Rydon. I have a set of yellow lenses for them too for winter/cloudy days, and a set of clear for night riding. Takes about a minute to change the lenses, and RP have a great lens replacement policy (send in your old lenses and $14.95, and they send out a new pair) and I've heard really good warranty service. My wife has a set of Rydon SXs - a little bit narrower. Stick with the models in their technical performance line (http://www.rudyprojectusa.com/products/sunglasses/technical.htm). Some of the other models (e.g. the Jekyll) don't have the adjustable nosepiece (their more of a fashion frame).
Sweet. On the Performance site right now checking them out. Thank you for all the help! Jeeesh, I sure will be one dressed out rookie on the bike trails!
KevinCCAD
05-27-05, 09:24 PM
If the helmet doesn't come with a built on visor then you could look for those flexible foam ones that stick on and have velcro so they can be removed. I think those might be safer in a crash since it won't try to twist your head if you're going face first. Although the big helmet companies probably have to meet a standard on how stiff and attached the visors can be.
operator
05-27-05, 10:40 PM
If the helmet doesn't come with a built on visor then you could look for those flexible foam ones that stick on and have velcro so they can be removed. I think those might be safer in a crash since it won't try to twist your head if you're going face first. Although the big helmet companies probably have to meet a standard on how stiff and attached the visors can be.
Actually they don't, which is a problem. People have reported face injuries from the visor not detaching on impact, or shattering in their faces. I still wear my visor in spite of it.