bike helmets
#26
The other thing to keep in mind when wearing a helmet -- wear it properly -- with the front of the helmet covering your forehead. I see tons of people with the helmet shoved way back on their head, exposing the forehead for full dork effect.
__________________
ugh.
ugh.
#27
Helmet Wearer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
I absolutely will not get on a bike unless I'm wearing a helmet. I've cracked a helmet before falling off and I don't really want to think what might have happened had I not been wearing it, so my helmet goes on before I get on the bike and it stays tightly strapped on my head until I'm back off the bike. I only have one head, so I want to protect it.
So yeah... I wear a helmet... ALWAYS!
So yeah... I wear a helmet... ALWAYS!
#28
If helmets worked effectively in collisions with cars I'd wear one religiously. Unfortunately they don't. The following is from an interview with two pro-helmet doctors whose work was recently published in the BMJ:
This isn't exactly secret, just one of those things most people ignore. Its usually explained on the piece of paper that comes with your helmet, and which you throw away without reading.
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/P2250.htm
Dr Sheikh points out that helmets are not designed to protect the rider in a fall which involves other vehicles. Most adult accidents involve other vehicles.
"The reasoning behind this is that when a cyclist is knocked off by another vehicle, this frequently results in the head being spun and subjected to torsional effects. One consequence of this is that they tend not to hit the ground as cleanly as children who are typically involved in low-impact, non-twisting injuries," said Dr Sheikh.
Dr Sheikh points out that helmets are not designed to protect the rider in a fall which involves other vehicles. Most adult accidents involve other vehicles.
"The reasoning behind this is that when a cyclist is knocked off by another vehicle, this frequently results in the head being spun and subjected to torsional effects. One consequence of this is that they tend not to hit the ground as cleanly as children who are typically involved in low-impact, non-twisting injuries," said Dr Sheikh.
#29
Exactly the same thing that did happen to you: if the liner cracked, the foam didn't compress to provide cushioning and you didn't get any benefit from wearing the helmet. It's extremely common, I'm afraid.
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: NEW JERSEY!
Bikes: 1985 cannondale commuter, 2004 gary fisher ziggurat, 04 serrotta legend ti, 2008 fit chase dehart
i dont ever wear a helmet for numerous reason... one is fitment... none of them do. i do wear one when it is required at certain skateparks on my bmx. and then i where a skateboard helmet... i know i could get hurt but w/e i honestly dont care all that much...
i know i know i'll regret it when i get knocked out.. thats' happened already... and def not during riding on the roads... normally i ride aropund philly on my bmx bike (brakeless) with no paddign of any sort... if you're a good enough rider u can get out of most situations
i know i know i'll regret it when i get knocked out.. thats' happened already... and def not during riding on the roads... normally i ride aropund philly on my bmx bike (brakeless) with no paddign of any sort... if you're a good enough rider u can get out of most situations
#31
That's disgusting!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg MB
Bikes: 2007 Giant TCR, Frankenbike Mtn. bike that I built to my own spec., 1987 Peugot PB 16 fixed gear conversion
I just picked one up today.
The Specialized Air Force 3.
I figured why not, it makes my girlfriend happy and I need one to race anyways so f it.
The Specialized Air Force 3.
I figured why not, it makes my girlfriend happy and I need one to race anyways so f it.
#32
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 780
From: Shanghai, China
Bikes: Waltly Custom Ti // Seaboard CX01 // Dahon Boardwalk
Absolutely I do. I only have one head, so I might as well protect it.
Cycle commuting in Shanghai has a lot of obstacles, so I think it's pretty smart to have the extra protection of a helmet.
Cycle commuting in Shanghai has a lot of obstacles, so I think it's pretty smart to have the extra protection of a helmet.
#34
I wear one, for safety reasons mostly but its also the law in New Zealand. The great thing about helmets though is that I have my main light attached to it, (helmet mounted lights are far better than bar mounted, I have both), also it has one of my many rear lights attached as well.
The visor is handy in dealing with driving rain. Also my mirror is also mounted on the visor.
Drawbacks: I am king of the Freds with a crown like that
I think carrying all this has increased my collar size somewhat
The visor is handy in dealing with driving rain. Also my mirror is also mounted on the visor.
Drawbacks: I am king of the Freds with a crown like that
I think carrying all this has increased my collar size somewhat
#35
Thread Starter
bycikl!st
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis
Bikes: Ross Professional Gran Tour II, Vista Esquire
well i bought one and makes me feel a bit safer and gives my head a cool breeze. i think people are not seeing that a wearing a helmet has helped. i havent heard of many cases helmets doing more damage. if it gives me atleast 1% protection well than its better than none.
#36
me ride bike good
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: outside Boston, MA
Bikes: Trek 4300; Trek 1.5
I wear one whenever I ride my bike off of my street. It does not hinder or impair me at all, is not uncomfortable, and provides incremental safety. I wouldn't rail out against any adult not wearing one, but get a bit pissed when I see kids on the road w/o one.
Overall, I really don't have a reason NOT to wear one, so I do.
Overall, I really don't have a reason NOT to wear one, so I do.
#41
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I wear one. Never really used to (before I started commuting), but a couple years ago my wife was diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder that requires her to take blood thinning medicine, which means she needs a helmet -- the medication makes any head injury potentially much more dangerous. If I was going to try to make sure she remembered to wear one (she NEVER used to), I figured I should, too, so she wouldn't be the only dork in a helmet if we were riding somewhere together.
By the time I started commuting I was already used to it.
By the time I started commuting I was already used to it.
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Likes: 3
I wear one as well. Don't care about the idiotic excuses people make for and against them. I think it helps me and that is all that matters. Wear or don't wear one, I do not care.
What I do know is that my last crash ended up with me ramming my head into the concrete. I ended up with a small concussion and a broken helmet. So, a helmet is needed for this klutz.
What I do know is that my last crash ended up with me ramming my head into the concrete. I ended up with a small concussion and a broken helmet. So, a helmet is needed for this klutz.
#43
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA USA
Bikes: not worth mentioning
Having just fallen recently while not wearing a helmet, I will always wear one now.
Read on for what happened to me:
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/437389-i-fell-down-hard-today.html
Read on for what happened to me:
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/437389-i-fell-down-hard-today.html
#44
my nose itches
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Temple, Texas
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2013 Redline Conquest Disc
I wear one as well. Don't care about the idiotic excuses people make for and against them. I think it helps me and that is all that matters. Wear or don't wear one, I do not care.
What I do know is that my last crash ended up with me ramming my head into the concrete. I ended up with a small concussion and a broken helmet. So, a helmet is needed for this klutz.
What I do know is that my last crash ended up with me ramming my head into the concrete. I ended up with a small concussion and a broken helmet. So, a helmet is needed for this klutz.
In myself, in the bike, I don't know... I tell myself I've been around that corner plenty of time going much faster, but now, every time I'm there I find myself bracing for a fall. Sucks.
#45
my nose itches
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Temple, Texas
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2013 Redline Conquest Disc
i dont ever wear a helmet for numerous reason... one is fitment... none of them do. i do wear one when it is required at certain skateparks on my bmx. and then i where a skateboard helmet... i know i could get hurt but w/e i honestly dont care all that much...
i know i know i'll regret it when i get knocked out.. thats' happened already... and def not during riding on the roads... normally i ride aropund philly on my bmx bike (brakeless) with no paddign of any sort... if you're a good enough rider u can get out of most situations
i know i know i'll regret it when i get knocked out.. thats' happened already... and def not during riding on the roads... normally i ride aropund philly on my bmx bike (brakeless) with no paddign of any sort... if you're a good enough rider u can get out of most situations
#46
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 1
From: Boston
A helmet in proper position should be visible when you look up. Not the visor, but the Styrofoam.
The helmet should be tight, it shouldn't easily move around. Don't give yourself a headache, but don't let your helmet twist either.
The strap should be comfortably tight. A little loose, but you shouldn't be able to pull the helmet far with the strap clasped.
#47
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 1
From: south jersey
when riding, where are you going to put your mirror w/out a helmet?
1979 hit with/out helmet, emergency room-stitches, dad bought Bell-Biker hard shell helmet
1979 - 1999 various helmets, minor events and helmets were consistantly constantly worn
1999/12 buick vs austria-damlier, Bell Image Pro helmet saved grey matter/life (?)
what does it hurt not to where?
i'm domed on Every ride!! i usually leave to mirror back when mtb though.
1979 hit with/out helmet, emergency room-stitches, dad bought Bell-Biker hard shell helmet
1979 - 1999 various helmets, minor events and helmets were consistantly constantly worn
1999/12 buick vs austria-damlier, Bell Image Pro helmet saved grey matter/life (?)
what does it hurt not to where?
i'm domed on Every ride!! i usually leave to mirror back when mtb though.
#48
One of my employees has a traumatic brain injury from a seemingly (at the time) mild accident. It changed her entire life. She went from being a college professor to not even being able to read. Had to relearn the most basic things. She is now a file clerk and on some days even that is challenging. Had she not been an excellent saver and investor before her accident she'd now be living off SSI and other welfare programs paid for by every single one of us.
#49
One of my employees has a traumatic brain injury from a seemingly (at the time) mild accident. It changed her entire life. She went from being a college professor to not even being able to read. Had to relearn the most basic things. She is now a file clerk and on some days even that is challenging.
#50
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: clipped in
Bikes: Pacific hardtail (frame only right now); Weyless SP (frame/fork right now); Jamis Dakar XLT 1.0 custom build-up (fully functional)
The BENEFIT you got from wearing the helmet that got cracked was that it was the helmet that cracke and not your skull!!!
Where does this fecal fallout come from?...





