Author Topic: deleted  (Read 6917 times)

henders

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« on: July 29, 2014, 04:30:17 AM »
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« Last Edit: June 26, 2017, 09:37:38 PM by henders »

Khan

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2014, 05:34:21 AM »
I think you might find this article very interesting wrt bike helmets.
http://www.vox.com/2014/5/16/5720762/stop-forcing-people-to-wear-bike-helmets

Myself, I have some 80$ helmet that I bought at the bike shop with my bike, and I do like to wear it, but just thought you'd find that article as interesting as I did. It's a bike helmet, I don't know if there is a "BIFL" for it, as if you crash with it, it would be a very good idea to make that be the end of your relationship with that helmet, just like with motorcycle helmets I'd think. Also, there's so much stupid and "uber full hardcore" ridiculousness with bike helmets that you should really look at what your paying for.

Edit: Reread your post. The Giro Aeon 2014 is 224g, with an astounding 28% weight reduction from the prior version!!11!one. This is exactly what I'm talking about. My dumps weigh more then my bike helmet(a 350g Bell Volt).

I commute 6.5 miles to work. I wear shorts, or pants. I never wear bike shorts, and I don't wear any biker clothes when I'm riding for pleasure either. Hat's off to those of you that get full into it, but there's no need to get "into it".  The most pressing need is to get "onto it", which does not take $$$$'s to buy into. I ride a Surly Cross Check.
« Last Edit: July 29, 2014, 05:59:16 AM by Khanjar »

MayDay

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2014, 05:51:29 AM »
I also would think you need to repair it after any crash.  Heck, mine is about ten years old and I am thinking about replacing it just because it has gotten banged around a lot over the last ten years. 

I have heard that the hard shell plastic ones for doing tricks and skateboarding and stuff are supposed to be reusable after crashes, but they look heavy, hot, and uncomfortable to me. 

ak907

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2014, 06:00:48 AM »
Don't be silly and buy into the marketing. You can't buy a helmet for longevity, bike helmets come with instructions telling you to replace them every few years. While I think that is probably overkill, there is a reason. Helmets are single use energy absorption and dissipation devices. The materials they are made of can dry rot/degrade over time.
Spending tons of money on a helmet gets you weight savings first, comfort and breath-ability second. You almost certainly don't need these things unless your some sort of professional racer.
I purchased this one for $30 (now 34):
http://www.amazon.com/Giro-Indicator-Helmet-Turquoise-Tallac/dp/B008Z9H1VO/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1406634896&sr=1-1&keywords=Giro+Indicator

it works great, I love the straps system, which is admittedly a finicky PIA to get adjusted, but after you do so, they are very comfortable, and perhaps more important stay that way. I also found this one for 20:
http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Thrasher-Adult-Bicycle-Helmet/dp/B00012M5MS/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1406634896&sr=1-4&keywords=Giro+Indicator
« Last Edit: July 29, 2014, 06:58:17 AM by ak907 »

hybrid

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2014, 07:31:18 AM »
My understanding is you cannot buy a bike helmet for life, it must be replaced after a serious blow to it because the device is designed to absorb and dissipate one impact and then it is structurally compromised. My bike helmet was $30, have not had a spill yet, and I will likely replace it in a few years when it starts to dry rot.

kendallf

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2014, 08:03:53 AM »
I'll give you a couple of factors that matter over time, in my experience:

First is comfort.  I believe the mid-high end helmets are genuinely more comfortable.  Having a light and ventilated helmet matters, at least here in the South where your head will sweat heavily. 

Second, consider whether the internal padding will come out to be washed.  My helmets reek periodically after a few weeks of summer use.  If it has a removable liner, you can just take it out and wash it.  I have resorted to taking non-removable liner helmets into the shower with me.  :-)

Finally, there's the "buy it for life" issue.  No such thing for helmets IMO, for reasons already outlined above.  Additionally, it seems that the internal webbing retention system on most of the high end helmets will break something in a year or two anyway.  My current main helmet has a wad of duct tape holding one of the side pieces in place.  No idea if that's crash approved or not.  :-)

winstonsmith

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2014, 09:35:26 AM »
You should replace the helmet after an impact (making a helmet for life thing a bit unreasonable).  If you wish to wear a helmet, I think you should focus on fit and styling, otherwise you won't want to wear the darn thing.  If that costs more than an ugly, poorly fitting helmet, it may be worth the extra cost.  I would make sure it is certified (Snell sticker).

-winston

BlueMR2

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #7 on: July 29, 2014, 09:55:40 AM »
I bought an expensive one many years ago, pre-mustache.  Still is in really good shape.  Seems to hold up fine to getting bumped around.  Have not crashed with it (that would force replacement).  Would a cheap one do as well?  I have no idea.

Angie55

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #8 on: July 29, 2014, 10:27:54 AM »
I would think that bike helmets would have a shelf life much like hard hats and motorcycle helmets. The UV exposure degrades the exterior plastic making it brittle. I do not currently wear a helmet but need to look into one.

Suggestions on one with lots of airflow so I don't get hot? I don't want sweaty hair when I get to work or happy hour!

Beric01

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2014, 10:47:39 AM »
Everything I've read says that expensive bike helmets do no better a job at safety than cheap ones, they're just lighter, more comfortable, and more aerodynamic.

I wear a cheap $20 Schwinn helmet that gets excellent reviews. That review = enough said.

NoraLenderbee

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #10 on: July 29, 2014, 10:48:48 AM »
The main differences between an expensive helmet and a moderately priced helmet are styling, ventilation, and weight. Most are made to meet the same safety standard--in other words, they offer equal protection. You don't have to spend a lot of money except for your comfort, which is an individual decision.

cupcakes4all

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #11 on: July 29, 2014, 11:23:57 AM »
I have a surly disk bike (not the LHT) and while it is a great bike, I find the disk breaks to be more of a hassle than they are worth.  I kinda wish I just bought the regular version of my bike for cheaper. I do mostly use my bike for commuting ~20 miles RT and I live in a very hilly area.

matchewed

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2014, 02:58:30 PM »
Yep definitely scratching my head at a piece of protective wear being BIFL. It's meant to protect the noggin and be replaced when it has done so in the event of a crash. Not exactly BIFL more like BIUYNANO (buy it until you need a new one).

NoraLenderbee

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2014, 03:07:35 PM »
I've never had a helmet with a lining. All the helmets I've had just had small pads on the inside, which were usually removable (Velcro).

Thegoblinchief

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Re: Bike helmet BIFL
« Reply #14 on: July 29, 2014, 08:43:03 PM »
I have a cheap Bell helmet and the rest of the family has cheap Schwinn ones. I don't particularly care how I look on the bike, and they're okay ventilation wise.