tekknoschtev

Lesson: In an attempt to avoid one collision, swerving into another cyclist has defeated your best intentions, especially when said cyclist goes end over end and slides along his head.

I didn't realize until after I had finished getting to class, and lamenting over the twisted stem, torqued handlebars, messed up brake levers and who knows what else that I had slid on the pavement ON MY HEAD! The collision was very low speed, but the guy who swerved in front of me to avoid hitting a pedestrian (due to lack of paying attention, I'm sure) has a new wheel to be buying. It was pretty much a t-bone situation with my tire and the side of his wheel. He was apologetic, and I was in shock of sorts so I didn't ask questions beyond assuring him that I was fine.

Get to class, and after cleaning up the blood from my leg (not as bad as it sounds, but I like keeping the blood INSIDE of me) I noticed that the top of my helmet had scratches all over it and was crinkled in one spot (likely the point of impact) and I thought to myself "dang, I'm glad I listened to mom on this one!" as well as "dang, now I've got to get another one." Its probably safe enough but for the price its not worth risking it in case something like this occurs again.

So, tonight or tomorrow I'll be swinging by Meijer or WalMart or heck, even the MSU Bike Shop to buy a new helmet.

NOTE: This is not meant to be a thinly disguised criticism of those who don't wear helmets. I'm not trying to advocate that you wear one. But, I am glad I had one and that I was wearing it after I saw that the top of my head would have been bald much sooner than otherwise planned (I'm doomed, only 22 already with the receding hairline, but like blood I'm hanging onto the hair as long as I can!).

elTwitcho

I smashed headfirst into the pavement wearing a helmet earlier this summer. I too consider it the best piece of cycling equipment I own.

Glad you're alright dude

bengreen79

Replace it with this model.

Danre

Ned_Detroit

Are posting from East Lansing?

uke

Glad you're all right. I'm in grad school (you should join us on the college commuter thread), and I'm one of the few people I see wearing helmets around campus. I know all too well the sense of invincibility that comes with being young, but I also know anyone on a bike is one crash away from a feeding tube. Be safe out there.

bikinpolitico

Let us not forget the Don King helmet: https://austinbikeblog.org/?p=395

Riotgeer

Last week a pedestrian ran across on a "don't walk" from behind the person waiting for me pass- she smacked into me- fortunately there were only minor injuries. I did land with a thunk on the side of my helmet and I was very happy that I wear it. When I left for work the next day, I discovered that the foam had separated from the outer shell- I'll be needing a new helmet. I hate my spare, but it works.

I'm originally from EL- hows the commuting there? Does MSU have it's own bike shop?

tekknoschtev

Commuting on MSU's campus can be crazy at times, but that's what happens when you cram 50,000 people into a 6 square mile campus and tell them all to leave and begin class at approximately the same time. But riding around EL and Lansing is decent, just gotta stay out of the "bad" parts (only once have I felt threatened).

And yes, MSU has its own bike shop now. Interestingly, they don't try to gouge you and with parts and labor I'm getting my cassette replaced this afternoon for cheaper than it'd cost me to buy the cassette itself (not including the necessity to pay for the special tool as well as shipping for both) online.

bengreen79

Nope, Badger country. I just noticed the original poster was.

tekknoschtev

Here's to hoping I never have to use my new helmet. While at the bike shop picking up a cassette tool, I decided to pick up a helmet. It cost me more than the old one because the old one came from Walmart, but this one is much much nicer than the old one. I bought a Bell Solar, and DANG this is sweet. Definitely better air flow, and it fits so much better too. This doesn't have the visor like my old one and I may regret that but given its better qualities I think I'll live.