On Mon, 10 May 2004 10:32:56 +0200, Walter Mitty wrote:


Hmm. Just bought a cycling helmet for my last short tour which
encompassed quite a bit of city cycling. Never wore one before : don't
think I will again.

The added noise and irritation that the helment causes more than offsets
the "possible" help it gives in case of a spill by deducting from my
usual spacial awareness.

I don't know. I still refuse to believe that the helmet won't help in a
spill, but wonder if the %chance of it helping offsets the % increase
in likelihood of an accident due to lower awareness levels.

I've walked away from two accidents because of cheap, but effective $20
Bell helmets, and I've also had a hundred facial stitches and dental
reconstruction because I didn't wear one...

Fit is everything, I've got a huge melon and the cheap Bells actually fit
me the best. I don't even feel like I'm wearing anything, and they keep
the rain off of my glasses, the sun off of my shaved skull, and best of
all redirect the sweat from my eyes.

Fit fit fit! You really shouldn't be buggered by the thing, and it
should "disappear" after a couple minutes of use. Make sure it sits low
enough in front and you don't wear it like a bloody yarmulke.

I do think those old "leather hairnets" looked a hell of a lot cooler
though!





It's your choice certainly--I often do go helmetless for a short jaunts
and I'm aware of the risks, but do try out a few more lids.

btw, I'm not really accident prone--just put in a lot of urban miles and
a lot of night miles (with full lights, but still...)