Aesthetically Pleasing Helmets
05-16-11 | 10:53 AM
#26
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
I think they're all equally silly looking.
I like Uvex, a German helmet company that I think provides a LOT of bang for your buck. They have a great retention system and I really like their dial in setup.
I like Uvex, a German helmet company that I think provides a LOT of bang for your buck. They have a great retention system and I really like their dial in setup.
05-16-11 | 11:11 AM
#28
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
All equally silly looking? No, I disagree. The ones that look silly are the ones that pretend to be something other than they are. I accept that some people don't think helmets are necessary. And I hope they're right; I hope mine remain as unnecessary as they've always been. But meanwhile, I will wear one, not because I think it looks great, or feels great, but because I believe I am safer with one on my head.
Therefore the best looking helmet, in my opinion, is the safest.
Now, I understand that the jury is out, on whether a helmet is really that helpful in the event of a crash. So let's not go there. I still figure a helmet that's sufficiently visible, by being bright yellow and highly reflective, will reduce the likelihood of a crash; so I put a bright yellow reflective cover on any helmet I own. I also figure my safety depends on my awareness of my surroundings; so I put a rear view mirror on any helmet I plan to wear.
Pretty? I dunno. Maybe not, but then that's not really the point. It's not a fashion statement.
Therefore the best looking helmet, in my opinion, is the safest.
Now, I understand that the jury is out, on whether a helmet is really that helpful in the event of a crash. So let's not go there. I still figure a helmet that's sufficiently visible, by being bright yellow and highly reflective, will reduce the likelihood of a crash; so I put a bright yellow reflective cover on any helmet I own. I also figure my safety depends on my awareness of my surroundings; so I put a rear view mirror on any helmet I plan to wear.
Pretty? I dunno. Maybe not, but then that's not really the point. It's not a fashion statement.
05-16-11 | 11:12 AM
#29
Rustbelt Rider
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,105
Likes: 390
From: Canton, OH
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1420 - 1978 Raleigh Professional - 1973 Schwinn Collegiate - 1974 Schwinn Suburban
+1, they are all goofy looking. I do think that the brands that attempt to hide the goofiness just take said goofiness to a higher level.
Danggit! RHM beat me to it.
Since I am editing my post, I own a Trek Vapor. It was their cheapest model, it fits ok and looks pretty stupid. The thing that really bugs me is the excess straps flap in the wind... I should cut them. The first day I wore my helmet, I landed on my head... it was actually pretty funny.
Danggit! RHM beat me to it.
Since I am editing my post, I own a Trek Vapor. It was their cheapest model, it fits ok and looks pretty stupid. The thing that really bugs me is the excess straps flap in the wind... I should cut them. The first day I wore my helmet, I landed on my head... it was actually pretty funny.
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Last edited by mkeller234; 05-16-11 at 11:17 AM.
05-16-11 | 11:13 AM
#30
I have always avoided all types of head gear because I'm afraid that it will restrict blood flow to my hair follicals and I'll go bald. I'm 63 and I still have my hair, so that proves that I was right all along.
05-16-11 | 11:19 AM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 3
From: Toronto
Bikes: Pinarello Veneto, Pinarello Montello, Bianchi Celeste
I like the look of these, but could never afford one:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/VIVA-...warded)/970355
https://www.behance.net/gallery/VIVA-...warded)/970355
05-16-11 | 11:26 AM
#32
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
I like the look of these, but could never afford one:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/VIVA-...warded)/970355
https://www.behance.net/gallery/VIVA-...warded)/970355
05-16-11 | 11:27 AM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Likes: 39
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Helmets were always used as an effective symbol for battles in wars which one might consider bike racing would be. The have attached plumes, feathers, horns, skulls, dragons, spikes, eagles, national colors, and shaped them to look agressive to keep the morale up and maybe scare the other side that might not have as nice a headgear. Helmet eesthetics not important?? Tell me that when someone finds evidence that a TDF team wearing Skid Lids or Bell Bikers won a single stage!
Chombi
Chombi
05-16-11 | 11:38 AM
#34
The space coyote lied.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,841
Likes: 11,033
From: dusk 'til dawn.
Bikes: everywhere
Man, I LOVE the looks of that Casco Attack! If someone could make something similar-looking for around $50 I'd be all over it.
I hate helmets that have all the spiky and/or bulging stuff on the back. Just a plain round helmet please.
I currently wear a nearly C&V helmet : Mid-90s Giro Hammerhead SC.
I hate helmets that have all the spiky and/or bulging stuff on the back. Just a plain round helmet please.
I currently wear a nearly C&V helmet : Mid-90s Giro Hammerhead SC.
05-16-11 | 11:38 AM
#35
Thread Starter
Curmudgeon in Training
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 11
From: Rural Retreat, VA
Bikes: 1974 Gazelle Champion Mondial, 2010 Cannondale Trail SL, 1988 Peugeot Nice, 1992ish Stumpjumper Comp,1990's Schwinn Moab
We're getting a bit too much of the helmet necessity discussion in here. Let's keep it to looks.
05-16-11 | 11:43 AM
#36
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
Likes: 371
From: Philadelphia, PA
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
I like Uvex because it's comfortable and convenient. It fits well, has lots of aeration and has passed the same tests the others pass. I think they look about as goofy as every other helmet out there.
05-16-11 | 11:54 AM
#37
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
But I have to agree with Aaron again, it's going to be a losing battle. It's a question of how we dress, and why we dress the way we dress. In the case of the helmet, there are two closely related points here: First, I wear it for practical, rather than aesthetic, reasons. Second, loud gaudy coloration (which I, personally, consider ugly) makes the helmet safer, and therefore more practical; an unobtrusive (and perhaps more attractive) helmet would, for this very reason, be less practical.
Last edited by rhm; 05-17-11 at 06:39 AM.
05-16-11 | 11:54 AM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Likes: 39
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Man, I LOVE the looks of that Casco Attack! If someone could make something similar-looking for around $50 I'd be all over it.
I hate helmets that have all the spiky and/or bulging stuff on the back. Just a plain round helmet please.
I currently wear a nearly C&V helmet : Mid-90s Giro Hammerhead SC.
I hate helmets that have all the spiky and/or bulging stuff on the back. Just a plain round helmet please.
I currently wear a nearly C&V helmet : Mid-90s Giro Hammerhead SC.
Almost looks like the racers had a big chunk of swiss cheese on their heads, specially from the back! Yecchhhh!!
Chombi
05-16-11 | 12:09 PM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 24
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Bikes: many
I really like the look of my Wife's Bern Brighton in Gloss Purple. As far as aesthetically pleasing it does it in a nice classic style that doesn't look out of place on a C&V bike or a modern bicycle.
There are a number of modern helmets that don't look too unappealing visually. I think what I like about the Brighton (other than the purple color because I really dig purple) is the built in visor cap with the liner. The visor really makes that helmet and gives it a touch of being a hat and not so much a spaceman spiff look of many modern helmets that just turns me off aesthetically. My wife just bought this helmet at the end of last year's riding season to replace a helmet so old it could rightly claim credit to C&R status in and of itself. It was the older brainpan shaped softshell beer cooler with the fabric cover. My wife really wanted the impact protection of a helmet in case of a spill and I was dubious as to the ultimate efficacy of that old POS helmet as well as the negative neck-twisting effects of the helmet sliding along on the pavement wearing such an ancient fabric-covered monstrosity.
I like the Styling of that Bern and will probably be soon buying one for myself as my current helmet is falling apart from the sweat and will need replacing sooner or later. I like the Macon and Brentwood styles -I'll probably wait and see if one goes on sale/clearance this fall.
There are a number of modern helmets that don't look too unappealing visually. I think what I like about the Brighton (other than the purple color because I really dig purple) is the built in visor cap with the liner. The visor really makes that helmet and gives it a touch of being a hat and not so much a spaceman spiff look of many modern helmets that just turns me off aesthetically. My wife just bought this helmet at the end of last year's riding season to replace a helmet so old it could rightly claim credit to C&R status in and of itself. It was the older brainpan shaped softshell beer cooler with the fabric cover. My wife really wanted the impact protection of a helmet in case of a spill and I was dubious as to the ultimate efficacy of that old POS helmet as well as the negative neck-twisting effects of the helmet sliding along on the pavement wearing such an ancient fabric-covered monstrosity.
I like the Styling of that Bern and will probably be soon buying one for myself as my current helmet is falling apart from the sweat and will need replacing sooner or later. I like the Macon and Brentwood styles -I'll probably wait and see if one goes on sale/clearance this fall.
05-16-11 | 12:10 PM
#41
The space coyote lied.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,841
Likes: 11,033
From: dusk 'til dawn.
Bikes: everywhere
Found a pic of my current helmet. Got it on super clearance in 1997 or so. It's got a bit of an Alien bulge in back but not too bad. If it was all black it would look pretty good.
05-16-11 | 12:12 PM
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 24
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Bikes: many
Ehhh...aesthetics with a helmet is a losing battle. Let's be honest, we all look, well, uhhhh...special...in helmets. I think things that are saftey based are saftey based decisions, or, in the case of a helmet, a comfort based decision. In other words, I don't ask myself which brake pad looks best...I ask which one grips the rim well.
I like Uvex because it's comfortable and convenient. It fits well, has lots of aeration and has passed the same tests the others pass. I think they look about as goofy as every other helmet out there.
I like Uvex because it's comfortable and convenient. It fits well, has lots of aeration and has passed the same tests the others pass. I think they look about as goofy as every other helmet out there.
05-16-11 | 12:21 PM
#44
Patina Avoider
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,298
Likes: 1,088
From: Maryland, USA
Bikes: Drysdale/Gitane/Zeus/Masi/Falcon/Palo Alto/Vitus
Waiting for the inevitable "what is your head worth to you" comments...
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Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 198? Vitus 979. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 198? Vitus 979. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
05-16-11 | 02:51 PM
#46
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,723
Likes: 4,174
From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
I started a similar thread a few months back, basically asking for pics and no pontificating, though I didn't exclude ugly helmets. For further reading: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...lassic-helmets
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-Randy
'72 Cilo Pacer (x2) '72 Peugeot PX10 72 Gitane Gran Tourisme '73 Speedwell Ti '74 Motobecane Grand Jubile '74 Peugeot UE-8 80 Colnago Super 81 Univega Super Special 82 Zinn 84ish Mystery Custom '85 A.L.A.N Cyclocross '85 De Rosa Pro '86 Look Equipe 753 '86 Look KG86 '89 Parkpre Team Road '90 Parkpre Team MTB '90 Merlin Ti
Avatar photo courtesy of jeffveloart.com, contact: contact: jeffnil8 (at) gmail.com.
-Randy
'72 Cilo Pacer (x2) '72 Peugeot PX10 72 Gitane Gran Tourisme '73 Speedwell Ti '74 Motobecane Grand Jubile '74 Peugeot UE-8 80 Colnago Super 81 Univega Super Special 82 Zinn 84ish Mystery Custom '85 A.L.A.N Cyclocross '85 De Rosa Pro '86 Look Equipe 753 '86 Look KG86 '89 Parkpre Team Road '90 Parkpre Team MTB '90 Merlin Ti
Avatar photo courtesy of jeffveloart.com, contact: contact: jeffnil8 (at) gmail.com.
Last edited by gaucho777; 05-16-11 at 02:54 PM.
05-16-11 | 03:00 PM
#48
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,306
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
True.
And you look adorable without it, too.
And you look adorable without it, too.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
05-16-11 | 04:03 PM
#49
)) <> ((
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
the catch 22 is that the better looking helmets are the hotter ones. so do you want do look cooler or be cooler? i suppose you could have 2 for both occasions.
this met camaleonte is decent for looks:
but i would get this lazer 02 for temperature/price/looks combo:
this met camaleonte is decent for looks:
but i would get this lazer 02 for temperature/price/looks combo:
