Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - getting used to a helmet

I've been riding brakeless with no helmet for 2 years now.
After some close calls, I decided to buy one. I got a $40 Bell road helmet. Not bad for the price but I am having A LOT of trouble getting used to it. I feel super self-concious about looking stupid (lame, I know). I feel like it sits really high up on my head. My friend told me that's just the way it is but it feels so damn awkward. When I see other fixed gear riders wearing helmets, it only makes me respect them more. Why do I feel so weird wearing one? Has anyone else dealt with this? Maybe wearing a cycling cap underneath would help make it feel more comfortable?

I have never heard someone say "look at that dork riding a bike with a helmet".
I recommend a red bandana in lieu of a cycling cap.

well you should make sure the helmet fits you correctly.

it should sit low on your forehead.

Dude, all the messengers have a cap under their helmets. Don't you do deliveries on your bike?

i deliver myself... to places i want to go...



should have bought a nicer helmet. the lighter and more vented the better.

The advertisements on this thread are suggesting that you need a full-face motorcycle helmet.

you'll feel even more self conscious and lookin' stupid when your mother reaches for another baby wipe to do your daily cleaning because you became paralyzed in an accident that might have been avoided by wearin' that funny lookin' Bell helmit

Oh snap, **** just got real.

In before A&S.

Congrats on deciding to pick up a helmet. It is for the best. Important thing is to find one you like and then be sure to use it.

When I see other fixed gear riders wearing helmets, it only makes me respect them more.

I only respect mtb riders who wear helmets. I think you need to get a better perspective br0.

On a related note. Try rocking the helmet in a public forum. In a grocery store, or down the street. You'll probably get a few funny looks but nothing too bad. Then you should feel very comfortable on the bike in appropriate situations.

I wear it like this whenever I ride. Frankly, I feel badass.

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8aycgmEFN1qazicpo1_500.png

Have you ever thought about putting stickers on it?

I wear it like this whenever I ride. Frankly, I feel badass.

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8aycgmEFN1qazicpo1_500.png
Yea...I wished I looked that good when I wear a cycling cap with my helmet...

in before pics of 'before and after' helmetless accident pics

& i keep my helmet on when im in the grocery store. im too lazy to take it off. dont feel stupid, just the 'fixxy' kids will call you a poser, if you care.

and since were on subject, whats the purpose of a cycling cap? seems to take away all the ventilation as a whole

the cycling cap serves absolutely no purpose

It keeps hair out if your way if you have longer hair, keeps sweat/water from dripping into your eyes, helpful for raining days, also keeps your head warm and blocks the sun for those glasses wearing folks.

My rides dont feel the same without them. I need my cycling cap under my helmet whenever I ride, haha.

molini girl moar

Just turn it into a fashion accessory, like your bike.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/product-apparel/2010-Catlike-Whisper-Plus-Helmet-7857.2805.0.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Google%2BBase&utm_campaign=Datafeed

If your helmet is sitting way up on top of your head, it sounds like it may be too small.

the cycling cap serves absolutely no purpose

If you are really pretty it can keep your hair out of your face and everyone will be impressed with your beauty, helmet or not.

I just use a ripped off T-shirt sleeve in lieu of a cap.

I get two for the price of a dead T-shirt, and some sweet shop rags as well...

Being that I have a 7 1/2" head, I look like this in a helmet:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxOg10G-uyo/SgwZnOIEUkI/AAAAAAAABVg/xuOH4ab8pV0/s400/nintendo+mushroom.jpg

You get used to it. Honestly, no one really cares. It's one of those things where you are super self-conscious about it but no one else ever notices. If you want a less weird helmet, go for a Bern or a skate helmet. Skate helmets are only like $30 new and are great for winter because they don't have as many vent holes.

I slammed Hard on the Dodi about a month ago.
My Old Giro saved my noggin. My brains would be mush if I wasnt wearin a lid that day. :rolleyes:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4942226796_f8ac3c3b0d_b.jpg

Got a Lazer Genesis to replace. I likes it. :)
Ride safe people.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4993060169_eba48e15c4_z.jpg
Oh I only wear a cycling cap if I dont want to wear shades.
I dont wear a cap under the lid on really hot days.
I wear a wool one by SWOBO (the BESTest!!) in the winter.
Oh ye, if you have longer hair it keeps yu from having helmet vent hair after long rides.

But the hardest you can hit your head in a bike crash is like the same speed as gravity from 6' or whatever!!!!

I don't understand the physics of lever arms and radial acceleration!!!1

I've been riding brakeless with no helmet for 2 years now.
After some close calls, I decided to buy one.

I like that your first thought after having close calls was to get a helmet rather than, you know, getting brakes.

I have a taller head and look extremely stupid during those times I wear a helmet. I just try not to look in a mirror if I have it on.

I like that your first thought after having close calls was to get a helmet rather than, you know, getting brakes.

I have a taller head and look extremely stupid during those times I wear a helmet. I just try not to look in a mirror if I have it on.
However silly you think you look in a helmet, it's not as bad as this:
http://www.jcrinc.com/Common/Images/custom/Pubs/PSICU09/PSICU09_photo1.jpg