What type of helmet for commuting ?
Last Friday I tried to make a dent in the tarmac by diving head first into it. I didn't succeed but now I need a new helmet. The old one was a 'pisspot' style (lovely name btw). I chose it because it seemed that it's the nature of skateboarding to fall off a few hundred times. Surely the helmets must provide pretty good protection. I don't go fast enough to justify the streamlining of the normal cycle helmet and the extended protection at the back of the helmet could be useful because compared with other cyclists I seem to be going backwards most of the time. And thus I bought a Giro Semi. I was impressed by the helmet in my accident. I landed on the 'forehead' part of it (where the peak would normally be). Apart from a stiff neck and a few grazes I was fine. So which type of helmet should I buy ? Are they all the same really ? I like the headshaped p/p style because it is head-shaped and smooth. In the very old days there was a type of motorcyle helmet which was banned because it was very futuristic and angled and there was concern that the angles would catch and twist he wearer''s head which is bad for the neck. Has there been any research about different styles of helmet. Has there already been a discussion about the pros and cons of different helmet styles ? Should I go for the most protective one - designed with mountain bikers in mind. Or the most expensive ? What happens to the peak of a cycle helmet in a frontal impact ? Does it snap off or twist ? Does it force the helmet up the head ? Also I notice that a lot of people wear something wooly under the helmet making it stand even further away from the head. It this okay ? Wouldn't it let the helmet move about too much ? Sorry to go on.
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Er, I just try a few one and go for one that looks nice and feels comfortable.0
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I got a cheapy Giro Indicator (well 1 1/2 now) - weighs bugger all, cost under 20 quid, doesn't get too sweaty and horrid and the clip at the back doesn't get itchy. I took a head first on the first one at around 10mph and it stopped me from skinning my bonce.0
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I believe the helmets with the Snell rating have been subjected to a more agressive test than the standard CE rating.
Few helmets have the Snell rating though.
My old Specialized does, I think - The new Bell doesn't.
I did, however cover the new one in 3M reflective tape from beseenonabike.com
You had your neck checked out?
I generally get the Osteo. to look at mine - keeps me from locking up or things getting overly tight.0 -
After a Big Bump in January, I got a £50 Specialized one. Looks quite smart but the straps are crappy, always coming loose. I never had any problems in the 7 years of my old Met.0
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My older MTB helmet with a peak is the one I use at night time. Its now covered liberally with 3M scotchlite tape so its a bit more visible - especially the peak as I use that to block the glare of twonks driving with full beams on.0
