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Cycling mask question

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Old 06-26-09, 01:16 PM
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Cycling mask question

Hey guys,

Regarding anti-pollution cycling masks, all the ones I've seen are described as "HEPA-type" (rather than pure HEPA-filter) and either protect you from particulates or gasses but not both. I found this one

https://ultimatecyclemask.com

Does anyone use this? Is it any good? It looks quite big/bulky. I cycle in town quite a lot these days and would really like to protect myself.
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Old 06-26-09, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by nightmage
would really like to protect myself.

Use this
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Old 06-26-09, 01:46 PM
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What do you wear when you sit in your office, walk, or drive your car, or sit at home?
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Old 06-26-09, 01:49 PM
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lol wut
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Old 06-26-09, 01:53 PM
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Someone needs to post the captain Picard picture....
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Old 06-26-09, 01:55 PM
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The IOC won't like this.
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Old 06-26-09, 01:58 PM
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There are so many things I can / want to say, that I'm just going to leave it alone...
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Old 06-26-09, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by broerie
use this

haha!

You in Beijing or something?
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Old 06-26-09, 02:07 PM
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I think it could be used to simulate altitude training. Plus it does a descent job of concealing your face in case someone sees you.

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Old 06-26-09, 02:10 PM
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bandana?
__________________
cat 1.

my race videos
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Old 06-26-09, 02:11 PM
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Hmmm... is this compatible with camelbacks?
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Old 06-26-09, 02:12 PM
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That looks like a good solution to that pesky guy in the paceline who always farts.
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Old 06-26-09, 02:14 PM
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Your V02 Max percentage will go down a few points, you dont want that.
Embrace the pollution!
What doesnt kill you only makes you stronger, just look at Lance!!!
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Old 06-26-09, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Velton
haha!

You in Beijing or something?
Actually I'm from London. I'm quite surprised at the negative response from fellow cyclists. I quite often get a sore throat after riding around in town for a few hours, which I don't get when out in the countryside. I will assume though that no one who has posted thus far has bought a mask...
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Old 06-26-09, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by wanders
I think it could be used to simulate altitude training. Plus it does a descent job of concealing your face in case someone sees you.

I prefer

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Old 06-26-09, 02:24 PM
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I've got a lawn leaf vacuum that kicks up a ton of dust when I use it. I have those dust masks just fit over your mouth and nose. After using them for 20 minutes in the yard I feel like I'm suffocating and going to pass out. I can't imagine trying to wear anything that restricts airflo in any way while cycling.

Like mattm said, try a bandana and see if affects you breathing. If it doesn't, go for the full on gas mask apparatus.
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Old 06-26-09, 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by nightmage
Actually I'm from London. I'm quite surprised at the negative response from fellow cyclists. I quite often get a sore throat after riding around in town for a few hours, which I don't get when out in the countryside. I will assume though that no one who has posted thus far has bought a mask...
Don't ride in the city then. Wearing a respirator while cycling is just plain stupid.
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Old 06-26-09, 03:02 PM
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Most of my commute is pretty pollution free, but occasionaly a dirty car or truck passes and I would like to pull something like that over my face for a couple of minutes. However the 2 straps around the head would prevent me from riding with it hanging from the neck ready to put over my face when needed. I dont know if it would be effective for the microfine particles put out by diesels - these do the most damage.
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Old 06-26-09, 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by nightmage
Actually I'm from London. I'm quite surprised at the negative response from fellow cyclists. I quite often get a sore throat after riding around in town for a few hours, which I don't get when out in the countryside. I will assume though that no one who has posted thus far has bought a mask...
The people on this forum are a bunch of a-holes that will belittle anyone who isn't exactly like them.

Wearing a mask is not only smart, it can be fashionable as well. I started wearing a mask for pollution and pollen but now wear it all the time. As a matter of fact, I'm wearing it right now. And that's all I'm wearing if you know what I mean.
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Old 06-26-09, 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by GP
Is that helmet DOT approved?
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Old 06-26-09, 05:19 PM
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A physical exam is a required component of fitting a respirator. Many people can not tolerate the added load to the respiratory system.
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Old 07-03-09, 05:33 PM
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OK chaps,

Thanks must be given to GP for encouraging me to purchase a mask. I ended up going for the one on that site as it said it was made by 3M which is a reputable company (never heard of respro ).

In short: the mask is awesome.

In long...

Pros:
  • I no longer get a sore throat
  • -I can't smell a thing (NOTHING!!) when wearing the mask
  • It's an extremely comfortable fit
  • It really works against my hayfever
Cons:
  • It's a little bulky
  • I look like Darth Vader in a lab
  • You feel some resistance to breathing (about 5%?)
  • Not tested the filters in the rain, they look quite soft

@wanders: I don't know what your mask is like but after heavy cycling for 45mins+ I feel fine. You also suggested using a bandana, I think this mask is much easier to breathe through than just tying one of those around your mouth...

@AndrewP: It actually has two straps for your neck and two for the head attachment. When I'm getting my bike ready I just have it hanging off, I suppose you could cycle with that? The manual says you can use the straps in an alternate way to achieve the same but I haven't looked into that. Either way there is quite little resistance so I doubt you would mind wearing it the whole time.
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Old 07-20-09, 02:57 AM
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Originally Posted by nightmage
OK chaps,

Thanks must be given to GP for encouraging me to purchase a mask. I ended up going for the one on that site as it said it was made by 3M which is a reputable company (never heard of respro ).

In short: the mask is awesome.

In long...

Pros:
  • I no longer get a sore throat
  • -I can't smell a thing (NOTHING!!) when wearing the mask
  • It's an extremely comfortable fit
  • It really works against my hayfever
Cons:
  • It's a little bulky
  • I look like Darth Vader in a lab
  • You feel some resistance to breathing (about 5%?)
  • Not tested the filters in the rain, they look quite soft

@wanders: I don't know what your mask is like but after heavy cycling for 45mins+ I feel fine. You also suggested using a bandana, I think this mask is much easier to breathe through than just tying one of those around your mouth...

@AndrewP: It actually has two straps for your neck and two for the head attachment. When I'm getting my bike ready I just have it hanging off, I suppose you could cycle with that? The manual says you can use the straps in an alternate way to achieve the same but I haven't looked into that. Either way there is quite little resistance so I doubt you would mind wearing it the whole time.
A further update... I have used the mask regularly for a few weeks now, I love it. No fumes, no sore throats. I feel great and I don't even feel it any more. It works fine in the rain too. My only regret is that I hadn't found it sooner. If anyone is wondering whether or not to switch masks or just get this one outright then I can't recommend it enough.
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Old 07-20-09, 03:11 AM
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Old 07-20-09, 08:35 AM
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I've seen a few people in NYC with masks. I have really started to notice the horrible air quality in the city lately as I've alternated cycling in the city and way out on Long Island.

Just this morning I was trying to enjoy my commute but wind from the north as I headed into the industrial ****hole that is the Williamsburg/Greenpoint border literally soured things, if you know what I mean. Not quite ready to make the leap but I am keeping it in mind.
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