Got a $10 head ...
 

... then buy a $10 helmet.

I thought of this adage when watching a bit of racing on OLN over the weekend. However, I'm perplexed about helmet usage in grand tours - or really any race.

Now I’m sure that ALL races completed in the states require the use of a helmet, as lawsuits are more prevalent here than doping is in Le Tour - that much I understand. However in Europe, it seems that in some stages, nearly everyone is NOT wearing a helmet. Then, in other stages, MOST are sporting a protective lid - but not all. Even in time trials, some elect not to wear any protection for their cranium, which seems odd, as the rider would lose the aerodynamic benefit of a TT helmet.

So my question is not whether one should or should not wear a helmet. My question is why do some riders sport helmets and some not? Moreover, why would a racer wear a helmet on one stage, and not the next? Are there some racers that NEVER wear a helmet?

Okay it was 3 questions. :D Thoughts????

ok, i'm not an expert on pro racing... but i'll take a guess.

Europe is less liability sue-happy than the US so i think riders have more freedom to do what they want and there is in general more long climbing in Europe where even a vented helmet is hotter than none b/c you don't get much airflow while climbing (low speed). on many European rides or stages there may be very little fast, curvy downhill where riders see a high crash potential plus LONG extended uphills where a helmet is a pain and so many choose not to wear helmets.

as an American now in Europe, when i first came here i did not understand why i always saw so many riders with thier helmets on their bars or waterpack while climbing - now i often do the same on climbs that lasts 30 minutes up to 2 hours where you sweat like crazy and get no airflow.

as for a TT, i see no reason not to wear a helmet, because the relatively high risk of a crash, usually high enough speed for ventilization, etc.

ThanX for the response. Your thoughts seem to mostly mirror mine.

Anyone else have an opinion or thought**********???? :D

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