BikeArkansas

I have been absent from the forum for a while. life gets in the way. I was on a group ride last saturday when I made a mistake. The result was hitting a pole used to keep motorized vehicles from using the path. Ended up with a major face plant. Broken eye socket, broken cheek bone, broken bone in my left hand, road rash in several areas, but especially the face and several stitches in my face and left hand. NOT A GOOD RIDE. I was unconscious for a while but did wake up to see all the blood on the path, all mine. The recovery is going OK. The bike, a Trek Madone 6.5, did not survive.

QUESTION: Does anyone manufacture a helmet with a face guard to protect against face plant injury? At this point I do not care about being fashionable, I just want to try to find some protection.

VNA

So sorry about your accident wishing you a speedy recovery.

I would not be surprised the post was dark in color and in the shade--I "see" them on my local bike paths. I have had several close calls!

A way to improve their visibility is to paint a diamond shape at the base and around them and a couple of lines in the median--our eyes are so focussed on the pavement in front of us and not necessarily above.

freedomrider1

sorry about your wreck. Hope you have a quick recovery.

JanMM

Ouch! Heal fast.
Downhill bike helmets are available and may be what you are looking for. For instance, Google found these on Amazon: Robot Check

BikeArkansas

I appreciate your reply. I did call a helmet mfgr about these helmets and was told these helmets would make some difference, but would not keep the face from hitting the surface. I was told the downhill helmet was not the answer That is why i am still searching. I am hoping some lesser known helmet mfgr has invented the type helmet I am seeking.
g.

mr_bill

The closest you'll find is a competition certified helmet, such as ASTM F1952, used together with goggles.

The full face "style" helmets you have no idea if the chin bar does much, if anything. CPSC tests do not test the chin bar.

I'm so sorry that you got caught out badly by one of those f'n bollards - you aren't the first and you won't be the last. This is definitely one of those times you can blame an inanimate object - those things should be removed just about everywhere.

-mr. bill

Jinkster

Well?...this is thinking way outside of the box but I'll tell ya what...I've done a lot of martial arts sparring in days gone by and a lot of dirt bike motorcycle riding....and if there's something that can protect your head and your face from a blow?...check this out...and real affordable as well....

Macho Dyna Headgear Clear Face Shield - Low Price of $34.77

and for bonus points?...if you ever run into any Type A personalities along the way?...you're set.

winston63 

Wow, so sorry to hear about this accident! I've clipped one of those stupid poles before though luckily I wasn't thrown off the bike, but it's easy to miss them. I don't have a clue about the best helmets for face protection though - the linked martial arts gear above looks like it would work provided it didn't interfere with your peripheral vision.

Jinkster

Also..that linked face gear is just the mask for $35...that attaches too the actual headgear that's not included but?...if you scroll down that page?...you can find the headgear along with a whole bunch of other interesting options including steel face cages complete with with the headgear for reasonable prices (most actually cheaper than a decent bike helmet) and to my eye appear would be far more protective than conventional biking lids.

I know if I get into MB'ing to any dangerous level that I feel the need for headgear I know what I'll be wearing...and I say fine...let'em laugh if they like...and if I get challenged on the legality of such?...that's fine too...I'll go enjoy MB'ing my own (safer) way.

MikeD1

Man, very sorry to hear about your crash. I sure hope you have a speedy recovery and find the right protection for future rides.

qcpmsame 

I am sorry you had the crash and were injured so severely, the bicycle can be replaced even though its demoralizing to have one destroyed that way. Take care while healing up and keep us posted on how your recovery is going, please.

Bill

Artkansas 

Ouch!

No suggestions on a helmet, though much empathy on the injury. I hope you heal quickly.

BikeArkansas

One equipment note I was wearing a pair of Liberty Sport sunglasses with perscription lenses. The major impact was on the left side of my face. The left lense has concrete ground into the surface, but the lense did not break or even crack. I was impressed with the glasses.

rumrunn6

someone posted a helmet w face shield recently i think it was a helmet sold for scooters or MTBs. winter riders would appreciate something like that too. a google search for pictures came up with lots of samples but so many protect the eyes from wind and not necessarily the face from fracture. I know some pro basketball players were face shields. not sure if you want to try that. Bell has this stuff

https://www.bellhelmets.com/powerspor...ields-visiors/

Biker395 

Sorry about your crash!

Sorry, but I don't have any advice regarding an appropriate helmet.

spdracr39

We heard about your accident and hope you are back riding with the Mello's soon.

RobertL

Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery!

I've never seen a purpose built cycling helmet/mask like that, but I have seen girls softball teams where every player is wearing a wire type face mask rather like a catchers mask but not as thick and robust. I think that they also wear the same mask with their batting helmet so you might also be able to wear something like that with a regular bike helmet.

A quick search on 'softball players mask' turned up many masks, this one might do the job: https://www.amazon.com/Bangerz-Softba.../dp/B001DXIZHS

a77impala

I empathize with you, eight years ago I ground off my cheek bone and had twenty stitches around my right eye, my glasses frame cut a nice circle above my eye and the lens was destroyed, didn't break though.
I woke up as I was being put in ambulance, still don't remember what happened, think something got in front wheel.
Heal fast, get back on your bike, don't give up. Good luck!

jppe

Good grief! Hang in there Arkansas!

Altair 4

Get well soon! NO suggestions on an appropriate helmet, but I can tell you tht I ride past a number of bollards on the trails here and quite a few of them have scars to prove they've been struck by cyclists. I have a flat bar bike and there's one section that's guarded by two bollards (why they felt compelled to place two is beyond me). Everytime I pass them I play it real cautious. A slight miscalculation would be catastrophic!

Pamestique 

I have two friends who sustained similiar injuries in the same way... so to this day, I am always cautious transitioning onto bike trails.

Sorry for your injury and I hope you heal up totally soon. One thing I learned (as I have face planted a few times myself) if helmet is positioned properly on your head (ie sitting just above your eyes, straight and level not sitting slightly back on your head) and secured porperly to your head, the intend is to cause the head to turn, thus avoiding a full impact. The only way a helmet cannot help is if you land chin first, then lord help ya!

BikeArkansas

Thanks for the encouragement. I am having some second thoughts of riding again, but those thoughts are fading.

mr_bill

If you think the feelings are dissipating consider something like the Bell Super 2R. It has a removable chin bar.

-mr. bill

BikeArkansas

I visited my GP today. He removed the stitches from my face, but the stiches remain for a couple days in my left hand. He was not surprised that I was having a problem with being dizy.
The doctor's overall visit was positive but cautious. It will be at least 3 weeks until I attempt to ride. The broken bone in my left hand is worrisom as is the diziness.
I also visited the bike shop today to consider a new frame!!!

BikeArkansas

A real possability. Thanks.