Helmet problem

223rem said:

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 <[email hidden]> wrote:
: 223rem <[email hidden]> 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. agbu.une.edu.auvelo.htmlOpen ↗

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 said:

:> 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 said:

223rem said:

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.