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#1
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The original Bell helmet
I have one of the original Bell helmets and reckon it is safer and
more comfortable than anything in the regular market now. However, the polystyrene needs replacing. Do you know if anyone anywhere makes polystyrene liners for the old Bells? BTW, there may be safer helmets than the original Bells if you include these: http://www.vsportgroup.com/gear/helm...lidcarbon.html Anyone had experience with these for commuting - in summer? Keith |
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#2
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The original Bell helmet
"Keith" wrote in message
om... I have one of the original Bell helmets and reckon it is safer and more comfortable than anything in the regular market now. However, the polystyrene needs replacing. I don't know what these are like.. but are you sure it's safer? I mean, safety in most things has improved over time, I find it hard to believe bike helmets did not benefit from research. BTW, there may be safer helmets than the original Bells if you include these: http://www.vsportgroup.com/gear/helm...lidcarbon.html Anyone had experience with these for commuting - in summer? No, but they would be hot unless you were quite slow - the vents are all vertical which only vent heat - they don't allow airflow across the top of your scone. The speed you ride will make a difference.. hippy |
#3
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The original Bell helmet
I've got a couple of Arai helmets that would offer a lot more protection than your Bell. What's more, the heat exhaustion you'd suffer as a result of wearing a full-face motorcycle helmet on a bicycle would mean you'd probably get to try it out. Regards, Suzy -- suzyj |
#4
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The original Bell helmet
"Keith" wrote in message om... I have one of the original Bell helmets and reckon it is safer and more comfortable than anything in the regular market now. They were great helmets in their time. Trouble is that time was 25 years ago, and SunTour VGT rear derailleurs (non-indexed) were also the bee's knees in this time. Modern helmets are probably not a lot safer, but are lighter and have much better ventilation designed into them. Also the strap and support systems on modern helmets are far better. However, the polystyrene needs replacing. Do you know if anyone anywhere makes polystyrene liners for the old Bells? I'd think it would be virtually impossible to get this type of thing done. I generally reckon that a helmet replacement every 4-5 years is about par for the course. On this basis you're well ahead. Go out and buy a good new helmet, I'd recommend something from MET. Their Crackerjack is well ventilated and quite affordable at around $79. BTW, there may be safer helmets than the original Bells if you include these: http://www.vsportgroup.com/gear/helm...lidcarbon.html Anyone had experience with these for commuting - in summer? Hot and possibly heavy. A BMX lid, and BMXers don't commute, they rarely ride much more than 10km. Cheers Peter |
#5
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The original Bell helmet
"Peter Signorini" wrote in message ...
"Keith" wrote I have one of the original Bell helmets and reckon it is safer and more comfortable than anything in the regular market now. Modern helmets are probably not a lot safer, but are lighter and have much better ventilation designed into them. Also the strap and support systems on modern helmets are far better. .... Go out and buy a good new helmet, I'd recommend something from MET. Their Crackerjack is well ventilated and quite affordable at around $79. Thanks, Peter. I looked that the MET Crackerjack and it may be reasonably priced (price isn't an issue for me at this stage) but it still just sits ON my head, not AROUND it. I like the old Bell, as the fastener is easy to use, the straps are comfortable and the Lexan shell is firm and offers a little temple protection. I have not found that my Bell (or any other helmet I have worn) has been uncomfortably hot in summer. After a hard summer ride, it's my top that I want most to remove, not my helmet. My son uses a SixSixOne (admittedly covered with white reflective material) and does not experience any significant heat discomfort. I can imagine accident situations where the firmer shell of the old Bell would offer less protection than a modern thin-skin helmet but, on balance, I can imagine more where the firm shell would be an advantage. Keith |
#6
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The original Bell helmet
"Keith" wrote in message om... Thanks, Peter. I looked that the MET Crackerjack and it may be reasonably priced (price isn't an issue for me at this stage) but it still just sits ON my head, not AROUND it. The more pricey MET helmets come in two different shell sizes IIRC. What size do you take? The larger shell may sit lower on your head. Talk to your LBS and try a few different helmets. I like the old Bell, as the fastener is easy to use, the straps are comfortable and the Lexan shell is firm and offers a little temple protection. I have not found that my Bell (or any other helmet I have worn) has been uncomfortably hot in summer. After a hard summer ride, it's my top that I want most to remove, not my helmet. Yes, but that's probably because your head has heated up. You know the saying for winter camping- 'if your feet are cold, put on a beanie'. You won't appreciate how much better they are until you've used a well ventilated modern helmet on a warm day. I can imagine accident situations where the firmer shell of the old Bell would offer less protection than a modern thin-skin helmet but, on balance, I can imagine more where the firm shell would be an advantage. The reason firm shells were dropped from bike helmets is that penetration injuries are not a major issue. Motorbikers are likely to crash at much higher speeds so their helmet must have a strong shell. Cyclists are killed by the impact, and this is prevented by impact attenuation through an energy absorbing shell ie polystyrene foam. It is this poly liner that will save you, and a solid shell just makes the helmet unnecessarily heavy. Whatever you go with, make sure it fits right. Cheers Peter |
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