A different kind of helmet thread

[ere-tis]

(the kids do wear lids)

I'm not really sure how much protection a helmet would provide in the even of an accident,
but as I always make my daughter wear one on her bike, I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't wear one myself.

 

[Neil]

Note: If I let my hair grow it would look like sideshow Bob's hair <--- A la my avatar picture thingy

You say that like it's a bad thing.

 

[Russell]

Surely the whole point of 'protection' is to allow you to take risks you maybe shouldn't.

Applies to lots of areas other than cycling.

 

[ferrus]

I've just moved into a new place and 2 weeks ago went out for a first little ride. Within 5 minutes I was pitched over the bar breaking an elbow and mashing up my face on the road, 12 stitches needed to a gash above the eye. I'd only popped into the village so had nothing but a flat cap on..

For most of the past 20 years I haven't worn a helmet 'cause of dreadlocks and it's definitely hampered my skills. I wouldn't say I feel invincible with a lid but I've certainly been much more tentative without.

Serious head injury can happen in the most apparently-innocuous situations - so what's the point in owning a quality lid if you're not always gonna use it.

I'll be wearing mine every time from now, stupid flat cap in pocket :roll:

 

[suburbanreuben]

What about funny beards? Do you feel more gnarly if you have, say, a plait coming off your chin?

 

[FluffyChicken]

Wearing one has not made me think I'm less* destructible.

I still bleed when I hit the rocks.
I still hurt for a week at all the joints from palm to palm up my arms and around my shoulders when trying to be superman detached from the bike that had other opinions down a narrow sloppy muddy steep slope chasing after the modern bikes.
(as sponsored by my last ride)


I'd still do it without a helmet.



*ok I lie, I do feel I can barge through and under tree branches much quicker. but that's about it.

 

[cyfa2809]

To me its the same and thats because my helmet is 'working', by this i mean i dont notice i am wearing it although it is good for remembering you have it on to bash into that branch you wouldnt with your 'ed.

 

[ferrus]

What about funny beards? Do you feel more gnarly if you have, say, a plait coming off your chin?

you are more gnarly, at least in the chinnal region.

 

[Neil]

Surely the whole point of 'protection' is to allow you to take risks you maybe shouldn't.

Applies to lots of areas other than cycling.

Far from sure I buy the rationale.

I'd like to think the intent is to actually take away, or very much reduce risk of harm from certain activities - as opposed to purely letting you get away with taking more risks.

Example: there's a complete disconnect between things like seatbelts, airbags, pretensioners (and other supplementary protection systems), plus the advent of greater protection and solutions for children, infants, and babies travelling in vehicles; and, say, enhanced protection (like headgear) or other safety improvements, for riskier pursuits, like: downhill mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, mountaineering, and the like.

I fear you're conflating motivation, there.

 

[David B]

But then shaving your head makes you harder, you're noggin is more vulnerable so you've gotta be tough to protect it.

Flawed argument that can be summed up in 2 words: Ross Kemp.

David