Road Cycling - Sunglasses tucked under the helmet straps? Why?

In a recent Velonews article about roadie fashion snobbiness, the author remarked that the snobs look down on " fashion faux pas such as sunglasses tucked underneath the helmet straps."

Is there a reason for doing this? I gave it a try once and found that If I took my helmet off without thinking about the glasses the straps threw them to the pavement. Now that does not seem like a good idea. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt: is there a safety reason for this custom or is it just another example of bike snob semiotics?

Rich

P.S. The author of the article concluded with the following: "So lighten up. At the end of the day you're just an overgrown kid riding a toy outside in your colored underwear."

What I said was not clear. I meant that I tried wearing the straps under the sunglasses (I usually where them over the sunglasses) and found it awkward.

Rich

I usually already have my sunglasses on before I pop the lid atop my head so instead of juggling the sunglasses afterwards I just leave things where they fall. During the times I've put on my sunglasses after my helmet (or removed my sunglasses with my helmet still on and went to put them back) and forgotten to tuck the temples under the straps, I've had problems with the glasses sliding around a little or generally just not feeling secure. And yes, I have accidently ripped them off my face by having the straps on the inside and taking off my helmet before my sunglasses. I really don't understand why the cycling-snobs would want it the other way around either.

I didn't realize it was a "snob" issue, but I've always tended to wear my sunglasses over the helmet straps. Simply because I like how having the straps snug around my face feels, which the sunglasses help.

If there's some coolness factor to that, well it's certainly news to me. Sounds kinda silly, but then much of the roadie culture is IMO. :p

Oh yeah, it only takes forgetting once to then remember to always take the sunglasses off *before* the helmet.. well, in the case of expensive sunglasses, anyways. :D

Ron

Putting aside the snob issues there probably a few reasons for this.

My reason is: If the helmet straps are (properly) tight then with the arms under the straps you'll find many sunglasses dig into the side of your head. I can not use Oakley M frames unless the arms go outside the straps. Either it hurts or the straps push the glasses off my nose.

I've got the routine down of removing my helmet and sunglasses in one step so dropping the glasses is not an issue.

Originally posted by F1_Fan

My reason is: If the helmet straps are (properly) tight then with the arms under the straps you'll find many sunglasses dig into the side of your head.

Hmmm... you must have those straps fairly snug. I was always told to allow for two fingers worth of slack at the chin.

Agree with F1 fan - straps outside means the sunglasses dig into your head - not very comfortable. As I wear Oakleys I find the rubber grips very adhesive, even when sweating (apparantly they're supposed to grip better then). This is with khoun's "2 finger" test.

Originally posted by khuon
Hmmm... you must have those straps fairly snug. I was always told to allow for two fingers worth of slack at the chin.

Yes... I like my helmet tight. The straps are barely loose enough to drink and eat.

Originally posted by F1_Fan
Yes... I like my helmet tight. The straps are barely loose enough to drink and eat.

Well... I guess that could be a bonus if you ever crack your jaw. :D

It's just one of those things. I think functionally over the straps makes for easier glasses removal on the fly on long hill climbs where the sweat is really dripping off. I just pop them off and stick them in my helmet vents to keep them out of the way.

Over all it's really not a big deal one way or the other and shouldn't cost you any respect with hardcore roadies.

Now, not shaving your legs is a whole other story...

It appears that the helmet and sunglasses issue is a matter of personal comfort and preference. I can't even imagine judging someone on whether they wear their sunglasses on the inside or outside of the straps. Sounds a little immature to me.

Thanks, everyone. I was glad to hear some good sense expressed here. My question was mostly for idle curiosity, since my dermatologist has already taken me out of the fashion competition. I have to keep the tops of my ears covered when I ride because I've already had to have two non-cancerous growths, from sun damage, removed. The only practical method is the doo rag under the helmet. Eek! Thus, it's just easier for me to push my shades under the strap and under the doo rag. I experimented with over and under, then asked "Why?", and gave up on that.

Rich

Hey call me a REBEL but I'm gonna wear my straps on the outside. Just the way I prefer it and the way it feels most comfortable TO ME!! The snobs can just KISS MY GRITS!! So there! :p :D