Steele-Bike

I have this problem....

As a bicycle commuter, I am expected to ride my bike to work and also look presentable. But, when I get to work I have this red mark from my helmet that raps around my entire head. I would call it a badge of courage, but others call it "a big red mark on your head". I shave my head, so I don't have problems like "helmet hair", but I have no way to hide this problem. Any suggestions?

ridealot

How about using one of those cycling caps or wrapping a bandana around your head? That is my best guess.

JonR

I hope a bandanna will help. Not sure there's any way to avoid the red mark if the helmet fits as tight as it's supposed to for safety. Many people wear helmets far too loose (and tipped back too far).

Those who remark on the red mark are truly fortunate that they have nothing more grave or pressing in their lives to worry about.

Steele-Bike

I have tried that and it does help somewhat, but not completely. Maybe I need some of that skin tone cover-up make-up...

JonR

Maybe BikeForums could get an advertising link to Revlon....

LittleBigMan

Seems like practical things aren't always fashionable, like comfortable clothes, and fashionable things aren't practical, like high heels, or business suits. It's funny when an inactive person throws on a pre-faded pair of blue jeans to look casual, or a camo outfit when they never hunt. Maybe some bright person can fake helmet impressions on the head to feign being a cyclist.

JonR

When Ba-Dg-Er said "depending on the helmet," it reminded me of how different helmets are in their shape.

Next time you're able to buy a helmet, shop around a lot to find one that matches your head (though I suppose you may already have a perfect match).

I bought a Specialized helmet when my Rhode Gear one bit the dust, and started hating it almost immediately because it is designed for somebody with an elliptical head, not round like mine. My friend Greg, another Roundhead, loves his Bell helmet because it's round-friendly.

Then later I bought an Avenir helmet, and it's a lot better for me.

I still wear the Specialized on occasion, and still hate it. It's a good helmet, but just not my SHAPE.

orguasch

where a baseball cap, or a hat, I alway do,

Chris L

How about growing your hair back and running a comb through it when you get to work.

Just a suggestion.

Chris

orguasch

When I shave my hair, I save a lot of money, that way my passion for bike riding is partially sustain

Joe Gardner

You can always get that Ronco (tm) hair-in-a-can.. Just spray the hair on when you get to work, wash it off when you get home.

Seriously, go for a cycling cap or bandanna. I personally have about 15 of those padded inserts in my helmet, and have no helmet problems. I have noticed that most people may research a bike for days, but only take 15min when purchasing a helmet, I tested 10 helmets before i found the one that fit me best.

MichaelW

When I went shopping for a new helmet, it surprised me that cycle helmets are so different from every other kind of safety helmet. Most other types use an adjustable band of flexible nylon which adapts to the shape and size of your head. Cycle helmets use little bits of padding, or nylon bands than go part way around your head only.
I found a Met helmet that has a continuous adjustable band, and it fits me perfectly. It also has holes large enough to fit a Ulock through and a shell which is moulded, not stuck on, and it was one of the cheapest ones around. Its not often you find something which is altogether better and cheaper.