To answer this, IMHO, nothing looks good on a C&V bike, I don't consider it an accessory that coordinates with anything on me or the bike (usually because we all have at least two or more bikes of differing colors). I can't help you in Rome as far as finding a helmet. Over here in the states I went to my local Academy and got the $13 dollar special Bell styrofoam helmet that has a little of todays look but not all the Roadie gaudiness of the expensive ones. And it was one color, black pearl.

I also have my 1980's leather hairnet helmet just in case I ever get over there for L’Eroica.

Otherwise, for my "helmet", I have my one of my classic cotton Campy cycling caps (those I multiples of for different colors ).

Here is a C&V helmet, if you are looking for around 1979/1980 (when I wore one).

https://cgi.ebay.com/Skid-Lid-Bicycle...06398188733665

The English Flat cap has been in and out of style for many years. It's what I wear when I'm riding my English C & V bikes.

Interestingly enough the English Flat Cap was popularized back in 1571 when it became the law of the land in England to wear one or be forced to pay a fine for failing to have one on!

A 1571 Act of Parliament to stimulate domestic wool consumption and general trade decreed that on Sundays and holidays, all males over 6 years of age, except for the nobility and persons of degree, were to wear caps of wool manufacture on force of a fine (3/4d (pence) per day). The Bill was not repealed until 1597, though by this time, the flat cap had become firmly entrenched in English psyche as a recognized mark of a non-noble subject; be it a burgher, a tradesman, or apprentice. The style survives as the Tudor bonnet in some styles of academic dress.

Nope, I can't believe that any headgear manufacturer would ever support a law or peer pressure to force people to buy and use their product?



Tally ho!

I read all 12 pages of that report and I'm shocked that bath/shower helmets were not recommended.

Seriously; "Live and let live" Anyone ever hear about this?

Chipcom, thanks for being the voice of reason. If I'd wanted a debate on safety, lobbyists manipulating government or the usage of public money (which is unlikely, given that, as an Irishman, I really don't have much interest in lobbyists in Washington, the US public health debate, or how the US spends it's taxes in general) I'd have jumped in to one of the A&S threads. But I didn't. All I wanted was some opinions from people who I thought were more level-headed, relaxed and open-minded about all things bike-related than those in other forums. Seriously, someone could have just posted a photo of their plain-looking helmet, with a recommendation and I'd have been satisfied.

I often post questions here, not really wondering if it will p**s people off, but from now on, I'll give it careful consideration. I always thought that, one day, if I posted a boring or stupid question, no one would answer me and that'd be it. I didn't realise it was mandatory for people to click on threads that they know are going to annoy them. I've always found plenty of other interesting threads to tempt me away from doing so.

Thanks, that's what I was after. Stupid as it may seem, I'd often wondered if there was a company out there making helmets that looked more retro.

To the OP and anyone else interested in C&V-compatible protective headwear: do a shopping search for "tweed bike helmet." There are handsome choices from Yakkay (available via eBay) and others.

If one simply addresses the OPs questions, there is nothing to argue about. If one wants to preach or change someone's mind, by all means take it to A&S. I just don't think these threads have to devolve into that, one can just state their preference and be done with it.

Think of it as a saddle thread.

Hey man, the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked. Asking the question isn't what causes the problem, it's the baggage that usually comes along with the answers.

That's what I wanted! Why you like something, and why. Nothing more!

BTW: SM Rolls rule, Brooks drool!

You do realize that if I am the voice of reason, the end times are here, right?

It sounds like I might need a helmet for that.

okay, I REALLY don't want to be the heavy and start chastising people here, locking threads,
making rude comments, abusing my uber-powers but. . .
you guys are forcing me into this. So I'll state this once.
THIS IS NOT A&S.
discuss C&V helmets, and modern helmets that look C&V.
do not discuss:
a) why you should/shouldn't wear a helmet;
b) the evil empire of Bell/Giro/Catlike/Skid-lid;
c) How a helmet saved your life and why everyone should have one (or two!).

okay? clear enough?

and Chip you can be the voice of reason, once one gets past the
cynicism and sarcasm (which are good things).

Marty