Helmet problem

Last night I used a helmet for the first time, after many
years of riding. It was ok, and it kept my head warm.

However, the wind noise produced by the straps (or maybe
the openings in the helmet) was extremely annoying.

Does anyone else have this same problem?

223rem wrote:

Last night I used a helmet for the first time, after many
years of riding. It was ok, and it kept my head warm.

However, the wind noise produced by the straps (or maybe
the openings in the helmet) was extremely annoying.

Does anyone else have this same problem?

Of course. Most riders who use helmets accept this actual negative
side effect on safety in favor of the anecdotal positive effect on
safety promoted to them by helmet manufacturers and retailers.

Although it is not as good hearing-wise as going without a helmet, a
full-face motorcycle helmet with ear cups is much quieter than a
bicycle hat, and it has the benefit of proven protection against
closed-head injury. Also, it is warmer than the ventilated helmets
used for cycling.

Chalo Colina

Chalo wrote:
: 223rem wrote:

: Last night I used a helmet for the first time, after many
: years of riding. It was ok, and it kept my head warm.
:
: However, the wind noise produced by the straps (or maybe
: the openings in the helmet) was extremely annoying.
:
: Does anyone else have this same problem?

: Of course. Most riders who use helmets accept this actual negative
: side effect on safety in favor of the anecdotal positive effect on
: safety promoted to them by helmet manufacturers and retailers.

A lot depends on wind speed, direction and helmet fit.
I once experienced some really weird and loud noises from the helmet
when riding in a certain direction under certain wind conditions.

Normally, I don't consider it a problem. I wear a helmet because
it the law and I don't feel its worth getting into arguments with
the police. Having looked at head injury statistics before and
after helmet laws, I wouldn't bother with one otherwise. See
e.g. http://agbu.une.edu.au/~drobinso/velo1/velo.html

But you should make your own mind up. Helmets obviously protect
against wounds to the head and might possibly help in some other
cases. I'd suggest, if you can, borrowing a few different types
from other cyclists to find what sort would suit you, and how
to adjust it to fit well and comfortably. And, of course, don't
believe it will save your life or ride more dangerously or on
more dangerous roads than without it. If you do the latter, you'll
probably increase, not decrease, your risk of head injury!

My experience is certainly that wind noise is hardly ever a
problem.

Happy riding,
Dorre

In article ,
Dorre writes:
: Does anyone else have this same problem?

: Of course. Most riders who use helmets accept this actual negative
: side effect on safety in favor of the anecdotal positive effect on
: safety promoted to them by helmet manufacturers and retailers.

A lot depends on wind speed, direction and helmet fit.

Actually, it all depends on how long your hair is (or isn't.)

I've had the best/worst of both worlds -- from Wild Man of
Borneo, to down-to-the-wood buzz-cut.

But really, hearing the wind zinging thru helmet straps ain't
a problem; it's a way of marking progress ;-)

Or, sometimes, altitude.

I like it. It's biofeedback.


cheers,
Tom

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In article , Chalo
wrote:

223rem wrote:

Last night I used a helmet for the first time, after many
years of riding. It was ok, and it kept my head warm.

However, the wind noise produced by the straps (or maybe
the openings in the helmet) was extremely annoying.

Does anyone else have this same problem?

Of course. Most riders who use helmets accept this actual negative
side effect on safety in favor of the anecdotal positive effect on
safety promoted to them by helmet manufacturers and retailers.

Although it is not as good hearing-wise as going without a helmet, a
full-face motorcycle helmet with ear cups is much quieter than a
bicycle hat, and it has the benefit of proven protection against
closed-head injury. Also, it is warmer than the ventilated helmets
used for cycling.

Chalo Colina

Never tried that; I guess my mental image of riding a bicycle with a
motorcycle helmet was that I wouldn't be able to breathe and would have
steam coming out of my ears. But I sure would be able to ram stuff.