There’s one thing everyone can agree on. Helmets are dorky. But what can you do? Depending on who you ask they either: A) Do nothing to protect you, or B) Are essential for safe cycling.
I err on the side of caution. I figure that if I go over the bars and bash my brains in, at least my obituary can say, “Yes, he was wearing a helmet.”
But none of my cycle style icons wear helmets. The suave racers from the golden age had their tiny cycle caps. The utilitarian riders in Amsterdam pedal around unprotected, as seen in this lovely photo-essay. The Fixed-wheeled Couriers in this film appear happy to show off their scars.
Next time I need to upgrade my helmet, I’m going outside the cycle world:
Rock Climbing Helmets. They are designed to protect your head from rocks! Plus, most of them come with a spot to mount a headlamp. For your night commute.
Equestrian Helmets. I assume that these would work. Horses are taller than bikes, right?
A friend of mine wears equestrian helmets on his bike. But you really need an old English 3-speed to pull it off.
A good compromise helmet is sold by Jorg & Olif:
http://www.jorgandolif.com/pdfs/US_orderguide_scout.pdf
By: William on September 21, 2007
at 6:29 pm
Hey! I’d wear that! Thanks for the link.
I also have found this comprehensive list comparing hemets in different sports. If you are into lists…
http://www.helmets.org/other.htm
By: jfink on September 24, 2007
at 4:59 pm
Finally, someone with the same idea!!
I wear a rock climbing helmet on my various cycle tours:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w157/KyleAndrewArcher/DSC00050.jpg
http://bp0.blogger.com/__DjrcD0RPZY/RswTpRQFoHI/AAAAAAAAAJo/pGf_p5gseN8/s1600/Copie%2Bde%2BDSC00384.JPG
http://bp0.blogger.com/__DjrcD0RPZY/RsVxRBQFn1I/AAAAAAAAAHY/LKPz1ctj3eg/s1600/DSC00320.JPG
By: Kyle Archer on December 29, 2007
at 5:01 pm