Road Bike Racing - TT + cheap helmet = crash.....

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : TT + cheap helmet = crash.....

wjmetz1959
05-12-03, 07:18 PM
Kinda racing - kinda saftey question.... I have a cheap helmet by Troxel I bought on line a few years ago that I was wearing during a TT last Sat. In the aero bars I can peak every 5-10 seconds to see the road but cannot comfortably keep my eyes on the road ALL the time. As a result, I did not see the guy pull out onto the road to warmup for his start. "Whammo!"...then..."Wheeeee" as I skated down the road.
The question is: Should I be shopping for a helmet that gives a better visual? This one rides on top of my eyebrows all the time. Thick up front, too.

Thanks alot.

Bill

Bean Counter
05-12-03, 07:53 PM
Gee, can't always see the road. Kinda answers your own question, doesn't it?
Xavier
05-13-03, 09:32 AM
Of course you should look for another helmet. I think being able to actually see where you are going is very important.

VegasCyclist
05-13-03, 12:18 PM
Originally posted by Xavier
Of course you should look for another helmet. I think being able to actually see where you are going is very important.

indeed....
wjmetz1959
05-13-03, 08:20 PM
Ok - so is there a certain type that is better for TT or am I going to get a lot of " you have to try them and see what works" remarks? ;-)
Xavier
05-14-03, 09:37 AM
Well right now as far as I know there is only one TT helmet allowe in USCF racing. It is the Louis Garneau Prologue model. All others are not legal for racing.

So be careful. Some shops may get a nice Met, Limar or Catlike TT helmet and not correctly inform you.
velo
05-14-03, 12:51 PM
Originally posted by Xavier
Well right now as far as I know there is only one TT helmet allowe in USCF racing. It is the Louis Garneau Prologue model. All others are not legal for racing.

Yes, the Louis Garneau helmet is the only one being made today that is legal. Some from the past that are still around are of course, the Troxel one, and the Bell Vortex.
RainmanP
05-15-03, 10:14 PM
Is that a regular helmet or an aero TT helmet. If it is a regular helmet you may just need to readjust the straps so the helmet sits back a little farther. I have a Giro Pneumo and a very inexpensive Bell. Both suspensions can be adjusted where the helmet practically covers my eyes or so it sits on the back of my head. Getting the straps adjusted for proper fit is a must. If your suspension cannot be adjusted you DEFINITELY need a new helmet.

Besides, you shouldn't be riding with your head down. Not only is it unsafe it is actually less aerodynamically efficient.