The original Bell helmet

"Keith" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:

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.

Quoted message said:

BTW, there may be safer helmets than the original Bells if you include
these:
http://www.vsportgroup.com/gear/helmets_dirtlidcarbon.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

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

"Keith" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

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.

Quoted message said:

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.

Quoted message said:

BTW, there may be safer helmets than the original Bells if you include
these:

http://www.vsportgroup.com/gear/helmets_dirtlidcarbon.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

"Peter Signorini" wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Keith" wrote

Quoted message said:

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

Quoted message said:

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

"Keith" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

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.

Quoted message said:

I like the old Bell, as the fastener is easy to use, the straps are

comfortable and the Lexan

Quoted message said:

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.

Quoted message said:

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