A helmet Poll for us commuters....
#76
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: nyc
Bikes: gary fisher kaitai, se draft, raleigh record, all pro 3 speed, schwinn cofee, trek 2300, cannondale synapse
1) Giro Hex
2) 60 washingtons
3) got it cause it beats a cracked skull. Will probably replace it when i feel that it is "worn out"....a few years since It has some dents and scratches.
2) 60 washingtons
3) got it cause it beats a cracked skull. Will probably replace it when i feel that it is "worn out"....a few years since It has some dents and scratches.
#77
On a Mission from God
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 5
From: Thibodaux, LA
Bikes: '10 Surly LHT, Rat-rod Klunker, '82 Peugeot PH12 Centennial
I had:
Bell Agressor II, bought around 2001
Paid I don't know, maybe $35 for it?
Got hit by a car 3 weeks ago, it's cracked pretty bad, time for a new one.
Bell Agressor II, bought around 2001
Paid I don't know, maybe $35 for it?
Got hit by a car 3 weeks ago, it's cracked pretty bad, time for a new one.
#78
Fat Guy Rolling
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 1
From: Louisville Kentucky
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
#79
1. Bell Steve McCann Skate board style helmet. Charcol grey
2. About $35
3. I needed a helmet since I commute but I look stupid in the aerodynamic bicycle helmets. Plus I don't go fast enough for aerodynamics to really make a difference. I went with my teenage kids and my wife so they could help pick out a helmet that didn't make me look like a 47 year old dweeb. At least with this one I actually look like I could be a S.W.A.T. cop.
2. About $35
3. I needed a helmet since I commute but I look stupid in the aerodynamic bicycle helmets. Plus I don't go fast enough for aerodynamics to really make a difference. I went with my teenage kids and my wife so they could help pick out a helmet that didn't make me look like a 47 year old dweeb. At least with this one I actually look like I could be a S.W.A.T. cop.
#80
invisible friend
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 955
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, Alabama
Bikes: Gary Fisher Tassajara hardtail mtb, '01 Rans Wave, '98 Raleigh R700, Mid-80's Takara Professional, '91 Bianchi Alfana
I Have 2. A Bell Furio I bought in 2008 for $30 and a Bell Sweep I won last year in a club drawing. I use the Furio for cold weather riding, the Sweep for warmer weather.
I guess I'll replace them after a fall or if they start to look a little rough around the edges.
I guess I'll replace them after a fall or if they start to look a little rough around the edges.
#81
Bell Alchera
$50 at Performance
Crash or end of season
I bought this in 2003, put a couple hunred miles on it and then my knees gave out. I started riding again in 2009 by commuting. I'm not sure how to tell when a helmet needs replacing, but I don't want to risk my life for $50. Actually, I fear brain damage more than death.
$50 at Performance
Crash or end of season
I bought this in 2003, put a couple hunred miles on it and then my knees gave out. I started riding again in 2009 by commuting. I'm not sure how to tell when a helmet needs replacing, but I don't want to risk my life for $50. Actually, I fear brain damage more than death.
#82
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Warwick, UK
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
For everyday commuting etc:
1) none
2)£0
3) N/A
For riding in ice/snow or off road, I have a fairly old helmet somewhere. It's a while since I last wore it so I can't remember the manufacturer. It's probably not the best, but I don't do enough riding in poor conditions to warrant a replacement.
1) none
2)£0
3) N/A
For riding in ice/snow or off road, I have a fairly old helmet somewhere. It's a while since I last wore it so I can't remember the manufacturer. It's probably not the best, but I don't do enough riding in poor conditions to warrant a replacement.
#83
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Westlake Village, CA
I wear a Giro, don't know model.
I think it was around $80 at REI
I'll probably replace it in the next year or so (it's about 3 years old now) with something TBD. I'll try on a few and find one I like.
Paul
I think it was around $80 at REI
I'll probably replace it in the next year or so (it's about 3 years old now) with something TBD. I'll try on a few and find one I like.
Paul
#87
Broken neck Ken


Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,221
Likes: 3,516
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Trek Domane SL6 Gen 3, Soma Fog Cutter, Detroit Bikes Sparrow FG, Trek Mt Track XCNimbus MUni
Bell Citi
On sale
Pretty soon, as it's grungy and falling apart inside and dinged up outside
On sale
Pretty soon, as it's grungy and falling apart inside and dinged up outside
#88
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,067
Likes: 73
From: USA
Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
I have stopped wearing a helmet.
Last summer, after being attacked by two friendly, won't hurt a flee pit bull mix dogs and then laying in the rode with a broken femur sticking through the side of my leg as a result while the "friendly" dogs continued to attack me. Oh, so, after fighting the dogs off and passing out several times in shock and after laying in the rode for at least 30 minutes in 110 degree heat before a person came along and another 15 minutes before a cop showed up, guess what, did he ask me how I was, where it hurt, could I move my leg? Noooooo! Did he ask me if I was in pain, if I needed water, if he could put something between my head and the burning hot road, nope! Guess what he asked me as if to blame me for my broken leg, yep, he asked me if I had a helmet on!!!!!!!!!!!! WTH, the helmet I had used to whack one of the dogs and it came off my head anyways.
Why is it no matter what part of you is scuffed up the first question is "did you have your helmet on" and I am like if you notice it is my aXX and leg that is scuffed up, my head is just fine. What the heXX good would have a helmet done me?
Helmets make my head itch and as for the friendly pit bulls, I got something for them and it is not a helmet.
LC
Last summer, after being attacked by two friendly, won't hurt a flee pit bull mix dogs and then laying in the rode with a broken femur sticking through the side of my leg as a result while the "friendly" dogs continued to attack me. Oh, so, after fighting the dogs off and passing out several times in shock and after laying in the rode for at least 30 minutes in 110 degree heat before a person came along and another 15 minutes before a cop showed up, guess what, did he ask me how I was, where it hurt, could I move my leg? Noooooo! Did he ask me if I was in pain, if I needed water, if he could put something between my head and the burning hot road, nope! Guess what he asked me as if to blame me for my broken leg, yep, he asked me if I had a helmet on!!!!!!!!!!!! WTH, the helmet I had used to whack one of the dogs and it came off my head anyways.
Why is it no matter what part of you is scuffed up the first question is "did you have your helmet on" and I am like if you notice it is my aXX and leg that is scuffed up, my head is just fine. What the heXX good would have a helmet done me?
Helmets make my head itch and as for the friendly pit bulls, I got something for them and it is not a helmet.
LC
#89
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
Bikes: 2014 Specialized Dolce Triple, 1987 Schwinn Tempo, 2012 Windsor Kensington 8
My co workers ask me why I carry a frame pump when I use CO2 cartridges for flats. I tell 'em it's my dog whackin' stick.
#90
Hrumph!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: 2007 Dahon Cadenza w/ Alfine IGH11, modified MEC Desire w/Alfine IGH8,+ 2 ebikes: Bionx PL350 & 36V eZee FHB/Tidalforce frames.
Because a head/brain injury could be life threatening. A compound femur fracture, in comparison, not so much (provided the femoral artery hasn't been severed).
#91
Banned.
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Uncertain
Er, I think his point was that the question was irrelevant given that he hadn't hit his head. But please, let's not have this argument here, there's an enormous helmet thread in advocacy and safety that has been specially provided for those of us who like to do that...
#92
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Kingsport, TN
Bikes: 2007 Schwinn Le Tour
I have stopped wearing a helmet.
Last summer, after being attacked by two friendly, won't hurt a flee pit bull mix dogs and then laying in the rode with a broken femur sticking through the side of my leg as a result while the "friendly" dogs continued to attack me. Oh, so, after fighting the dogs off and passing out several times in shock and after laying in the rode for at least 30 minutes in 110 degree heat before a person came along and another 15 minutes before a cop showed up, guess what, did he ask me how I was, where it hurt, could I move my leg? Noooooo! Did he ask me if I was in pain, if I needed water, if he could put something between my head and the burning hot road, nope! Guess what he asked me as if to blame me for my broken leg, yep, he asked me if I had a helmet on!!!!!!!!!!!! WTH, the helmet I had used to whack one of the dogs and it came off my head anyways.
Why is it no matter what part of you is scuffed up the first question is "did you have your helmet on" and I am like if you notice it is my aXX and leg that is scuffed up, my head is just fine. What the heXX good would have a helmet done me?
Helmets make my head itch and as for the friendly pit bulls, I got something for them and it is not a helmet.
LC
Last summer, after being attacked by two friendly, won't hurt a flee pit bull mix dogs and then laying in the rode with a broken femur sticking through the side of my leg as a result while the "friendly" dogs continued to attack me. Oh, so, after fighting the dogs off and passing out several times in shock and after laying in the rode for at least 30 minutes in 110 degree heat before a person came along and another 15 minutes before a cop showed up, guess what, did he ask me how I was, where it hurt, could I move my leg? Noooooo! Did he ask me if I was in pain, if I needed water, if he could put something between my head and the burning hot road, nope! Guess what he asked me as if to blame me for my broken leg, yep, he asked me if I had a helmet on!!!!!!!!!!!! WTH, the helmet I had used to whack one of the dogs and it came off my head anyways.
Why is it no matter what part of you is scuffed up the first question is "did you have your helmet on" and I am like if you notice it is my aXX and leg that is scuffed up, my head is just fine. What the heXX good would have a helmet done me?
Helmets make my head itch and as for the friendly pit bulls, I got something for them and it is not a helmet.
LC
You can argue that Archduke Ferdinand was wearing a bullet proof vest, but WWI still happened.
Does that mean bullet proof vest are useless, as he was wearing one at the time of his assassination? Problem was, he was shot in the jugular vein.
Moral of the story is, a helmet will not protect against all head injuries (most famous one being the death of Ayrton Senna when a piece of the support structure of a wheel penetrated his helmet visor estimated roughly at 135mph. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_o..._Senna#Autopsy).
However, I still believe some injuries can be prevented with the use of a helmet. Therefore, it increase your odds of survival in some accidents. In my opinion, some is better than nothing.
#93
Hrumph!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: 2007 Dahon Cadenza w/ Alfine IGH11, modified MEC Desire w/Alfine IGH8,+ 2 ebikes: Bionx PL350 & 36V eZee FHB/Tidalforce frames.
I'm not arguing with anyone simply answering the poster's question.
#94
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, Maryland
Bikes: Trek 820 mtb, A no name red steel pipe bike, my commuter
1)What helmet do you use? Bell Ghisallo
2)What did you pay for it? $70
3)And when/what will make you decide to replace it? When there is a crack in it, and usually one fall will do that.
2)What did you pay for it? $70
3)And when/what will make you decide to replace it? When there is a crack in it, and usually one fall will do that.
#95
Born Again Pagan
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 2
From: Southwestern Ontario
Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB
1) Specialized Air Force 3
2) About ~$50 CAD (our stuff is overpriced here; I could cross the border and get the same helmet for about 30 bucks).
3) I'll replace it if I crash, it shows obvious signs of deterioration, it gets too old, or I find a smokin' hot deal on another helmet. I love the idea of the Bell Muni, but I can't justify another $70 CAD for a helmet when my Specialized is less than a year old. Plus, if I bought the Bell, I'd have to buy those oh-so-tempting accessories.
While I'm reluctant to add fuel to the fire, I nevertheless feel a need to chime in on my own reasons for wearing a helmet.
1) My 4-year-old son has been riding with me since he was just over a year old, and I always make him wear a helmet. Not only is it the law in these parts for kids under 17, but I'm trying to set a good example so Daddy wears his, too.
2) As a Respiratory Therapist I've worked a lot with neuro patients who have suffered closed-head injuries, some of which may have been prevented had they been wearing a helmet (even one is too many, IMHO).
3) You can throw all the statistics you want at me, both for and against helmets. Personally, I feel naked without mine; it's akin to riding in a vehicle without a seatbelt on. And, as Mark Twain was fond of saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
2) About ~$50 CAD (our stuff is overpriced here; I could cross the border and get the same helmet for about 30 bucks).
3) I'll replace it if I crash, it shows obvious signs of deterioration, it gets too old, or I find a smokin' hot deal on another helmet. I love the idea of the Bell Muni, but I can't justify another $70 CAD for a helmet when my Specialized is less than a year old. Plus, if I bought the Bell, I'd have to buy those oh-so-tempting accessories.
While I'm reluctant to add fuel to the fire, I nevertheless feel a need to chime in on my own reasons for wearing a helmet.
1) My 4-year-old son has been riding with me since he was just over a year old, and I always make him wear a helmet. Not only is it the law in these parts for kids under 17, but I'm trying to set a good example so Daddy wears his, too.
2) As a Respiratory Therapist I've worked a lot with neuro patients who have suffered closed-head injuries, some of which may have been prevented had they been wearing a helmet (even one is too many, IMHO).
3) You can throw all the statistics you want at me, both for and against helmets. Personally, I feel naked without mine; it's akin to riding in a vehicle without a seatbelt on. And, as Mark Twain was fond of saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
#96
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
Likes: 8
From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
1)What helmet do you use?
Bell Alchera
2)What did you pay for it?
$60
3)And when/what will make you decide to replace it?
The pads get so funky I can't take it anymore, or it will just get old. Hopefully not because I crash it.
Bell Alchera
2)What did you pay for it?
$60
3)And when/what will make you decide to replace it?
The pads get so funky I can't take it anymore, or it will just get old. Hopefully not because I crash it.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
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#97
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: 05 Trek 5200, 07 Trek 520, 99 GT Karakoram, 08 Surly 1X1
"The cyclist was hit head on by the oncoming train. The few parts of his body that remained were strewn over a 3 mile radius. Unfortunately, the cyclist was NOT wearing a helmet."
#98
Banned.
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Uncertain
You can throw all the statistics you want at me, both for and against helmets. Personally, I feel naked without mine; it's akin to riding in a vehicle without a seatbelt on. And, as Mark Twain was fond of saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
#99
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: pike
Bikes: 1 Custom built Colin Laing, a Waterford Paramount & my favorite of the bunch...a 90's TREK women's multitrack, cheap, 21 spds & I can leave her locked up anywhere w/o worrying about theft.
https://www.pocsports.com/
The end all be all or whatever, I got the Trabec on order after tryin a co workes ($145 ($175 for the "race" version & they have a "Commuter" version....it feels like theres nothing on your head, its so damn comftorable + check out all the safety awards/nominations its recieved.
The end all be all or whatever, I got the Trabec on order after tryin a co workes ($145 ($175 for the "race" version & they have a "Commuter" version....it feels like theres nothing on your head, its so damn comftorable + check out all the safety awards/nominations its recieved.
Last edited by FatBaldMen; 08-10-11 at 03:30 PM. Reason: .
#100
Born Again Pagan
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 2
From: Southwestern Ontario
Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB
...However, this:
is no better than saying that you aren't interested in the facts, you just want to believe what you believe. Whatever.
You can throw all the statistics you want at me, both for and against helmets. Personally, I feel naked without mine; it's akin to riding in a vehicle without a seatbelt on. And, as Mark Twain was fond of saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
Peace!



