"B Yen" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <
[email protected]>, Mark Hickey <
[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Thought y'all might get a kick out of the results of an encounter with a pickup truck (whose
> > driver didn't think to check for traffic in the bike lane he was crossing). I didn't see him
> > until it was far too late to do anything about it...
> >
> > The good news is, more permanent damage to the truck than my bike!
> >
> >
http://www.habcycles.com/bikecrash.html
> >
> > Just in case there was still anyone out there unaware I have a VERY hard head... ;-)
>
> I was at the LBS, & checking out some helmets with side protection. One looked like yours, with a
> removable bottom portion. ($149) Another one was a downhill helmet, it looked practically like an
> auto-racing helmet.
>
> Some BMX/Downhill helmets
>
>
http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/main/product/bellistic.html
>
>
http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/main/product/scuffle.html
>
>
http://www.bellbikehelmets.com/main/product/trailrider.html
>
> Wouldn't these helmets give you better chance of survival, with added protection?
>
> I've got an old Bell (circa '84), & I'm thinking of getting one of the above. It sounds reasonable
> to me, or is it overkill?
As with most things, there is a tradeoff. More 'protection', or more comfort.
You could wear a NASCAR helmet, and have very good protection to your head in the unlikely event of
a crash, but be very, very uncomfortable doing it. Too hot, too heavy, restricted vision. Or, you
could wear the head the way it was designed, bare, and have less protection, but better vision,
cooling, with zero weight. Different styles of helmets fall at varying points along that line.
The thing that makes downhill helmets bearable is that a) it is racing, and
b) it is for short duration. Commuting in the summer with one of those, you'd take it off after a
couple of blocks.
Hardshell BMX helmets the same. Yes, they are probably 'stronger' (greater penetration resistance),
but probably somewhat more uncomfortable (hotter) for everyday road riding. BMX is generally lower
speed, shorter duration. But still...they are only certified to the same CPSC standards as all other
bike helmets sold in the States. Very few bike helmets are actually certified to a higher, Snell,
standard. And higher price != greater protection. Higher price = style, color, vents, better
integration of te microshell, bragging rights. If you MUST buy a highend helmet, get last years
model. 1/2 price, same except for the color.
Be cognizant of what a bike helmet is actually certified for. Reduce the max G-load to the head to
below 300g's in a 2 meter fall. Basically, a 14mph impact. And any reputable (there is no
independant test, the manufacturer certifies his own product) bike helmet sold in the States meets
the same CPSC standard.
Ya pays yer money, and ya takes yer choice.
Pete
