probably been done before but....... helmets? yes or no?

[jax13]

I'll be totally honest in saying that self preservation (in the event of an accident) doesn't enter my head when i go out. no pads / shins, helmet, gloves etc.

I mainly ride on the road at the moment as i wanted to get fit first before i went off road but am slowly increasing my off road distances and as such, the likelihood of having a spill. having said this, I can't help but notice the vast majority of other riders seem to be helmetted at the very least, even those who are just out for a gentle trundle with the other half in tow.

so - the question (as daft as it sounds) how much difference would a helmet make? If i bought one, I would probably be looking at the budget end of the market (probably a giro skyline / indicator after a brief look on CRC) but realistically, what protection would they offer in the event of a skull first accident?

 

[BerthaPog]

Suggest you start reading the links here:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?clie...oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=sr9PTIu5H5KI0wTX5PSRBw

Try to avoid anecdotal evidence ("helmet saved my life" type stories).

Enjoy

 

[Neil G]

Can't ride any bike now without one

Got used to using one 100% of the time riding BMX really, IMO retarded not to.

 

[Pickle]

Yes, all the time, even nipping down the shops.

I insist my kids do too, even riding round the garden. Its second nature to them now.

I had a big off when I was 14 on the BMX track and broke my shoulder and collar bone....after landing head first. It split my helmet into 2 pieces, and I swear to this day I'd either be dead or brain damaged if I wasnt wearing one.

Hats off (no pun intended) to Specialized for making such a good quality lid.

 

[barry2017]

A cycling forum is a bad place to ask this question.

I do offroad, but not on road. You have to weigh up the evidence (there is a lot of it both for and against) and make your own decision, really.

 

[brocklanders023]

I wear mine at all times. Simple fact is you're less likely to brain yourself with one on.

I wear gloves for comfort but no other body protection as I'm from Yorkshire and we eat rocks for dinner followed by blocks of steel for pudding.

 

[jax13]

A cycling forum is a bad place to ask this question.

surely this is the best place? If i asked on one of the landrover or shooting forums i use the chances are it wouldn't get quite so many first hand, properly thought out explanations.

I am pretty sure i will pick one up, especially for using offroad at first and see how i get on with it, the next question is fairly straightforward - are they one size fits all or do i need to get my swede measured somewhere?

 

[kaiser]

I do, because it may help in a crash. But I don't believe it is the panacea for safety some helmet fascists proclaim.

 

[Pickle]

A cycling forum is a bad place to ask this question.

surely this is the best place? If i asked on one of the landrover or shooting forums i use the chances are it wouldn't get quite so many first hand, properly thought out explanations.

I think Chris was being slightly sarcastic, as in 'you already know the answer your going to get'

I am pretty sure i will pick one up, especially for using offroad at first and see how i get on with it, the next question is fairly straightforward - are they one size fits all or do i need to get my swede measured somewhere?

Differing sizes, and then fine tuned with internal pads of differing sizes plus strap adjustment. Go to a cycle shop and try a few to see what suits your head the best. They will be happy to help.

 

[legrandefromage]

I choose not to wear one but am a little concerned that the courts deem them necessary when dealing with accidents despite them not being a legal requirement.

A forum member advised a few of us that they are worth 30% more in any compensation claim.

If I was racing, I would wear one but having survived the last 25 years without one I'll carry on as normal.