I Have a Confession...

[Heltor Chasca]

...and I feel a bit weird about my disclosure as I'm not clear in my mind exactly why I did it but...

...I've just bought myself my first 'road helmet'.

History: I've had two MTB helmets, mainly for aerial hazards like trees. And that's it. I've always toured with a beanie, floppy or a cap. I've only done half a dozen Audax rides and I've just worn a cotton or wool cap. I'm in the minority.

Was I thinking head torch for some up and coming night rides?
Or thinking about the dozies? Extra 'possible' safety?
Or am I following what other people just do?
Fashion victim?

I campaign for the 'normalisation' of cycling and neither of my kids wear one usually.

I'm intrigued by my own self on this occasion.

*rubs chin.

[meic]

At least you will be able to ride Sportives, Charity Rides and other events with a compulsory helmet requirement now.

Not sure that you can get both safety benefits and a mounting for a headtorch simultaneously from a lid.

[pwa]

If you feel better with a lid, fine, but I've done loads of Audaxes (all with a lid) and never thought less of others riding without one.

[LollyKat]

Or am I following what other people just do?

This, I suspect. Will you wear it just for Audaxes or all the time?

[landsurfer]

I've started lots of sportives wearing my helmet but mostly, when warm, i take it off after mile or 2 and clip it onto my Carridice bag ..... i pop it on again a mile or 2 before the finish .... lots of others seem to do the same ... no ones ever challenged me about it ?

[Mick F]

Or am I following what other people just do?
Fashion victim?

I've cycled all my life from the age of three.

It wasn't until fifty years later in 2005 that I bought my first helmet.
Why?
Maybe peer pressure and wishing to conform to the norm.
I now don't wear one, though still have my last one stashed away. I won't dispose of it, because I might be forced to wear it one day.

Why don't I wear one now?
Because I'm now totally bald with alopecia, and the helmet became uncomfortable. Since then, I've worn caps .............. and I'm happier too.

I'm glad my alopecia made me see the light.

[landsurfer]

This may sound daft .....
The helmet has become part of the "uniform" that "Proper" cyclists wear.
MAMIL, Lycra Racer .... the uniform ..... Carbon Bike, Rapha clothing, Kask helmet ....
The need to fit in ....To be one...

I have 2 helmets, they rarely get wet or dirty .... Icy morning .... helmet ... otherwise no.

[ChrisOntLancs]

you know helmets aren't so controversial to a lot of riders maybe you're just starting to see things as they are, that it definitely isn't bad to own one, maybe you'll wear it, maybe you wont, wearing one may or may not save your live, it may make you feel uncomfortable, a lot of things.

to be honest on any occasion that i've ever fallen off my bike it's never been my head that i hurt so i only wear mine because it's green and the unmistakable sign of a cyclist.

just thought i'd get in there with some reassurance before it all kicks off and you're forced to finally pick a side. joking aside i wish this wasn't so much of an issue. it's all about making the rider feel confident and all the things (within reason) they do to get that.

[landsurfer]

it's all about making the rider feel confident and all the things (within reason) they do to get that.

No, not sure about that ,,, i still think its a pack thing .....

[ChrisOntLancs]

it's all about making the rider feel confident and all the things (within reason) they do to get that.

No, not sure about that ,,, i still think its a pack thing .....

yeah i should have reworded that "it SHOULD be all about making the rider feel comfortable"

i've never felt pressured either way, but i do keep an eye on this forum so i know a lot are.

[oldmanonabike]

I think helmets are a waste of space,I wear one on every ride I do, my wife says I have to
Now that's a confession

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Today, lots of twigs and branches down..................ducked under a low branch.....If I get it wrong it brushes on my rucksack.............today there was a loud whack and my helmet partly pushed back .....Saved me getting a gash I suppose.

[landsurfer]

My wife .. The Fair Jules ....
Forces Wife ...
Ammunition Technician ...
Aviation Wepons Engineer .....
Is a member of the "Risk Compensation" approach to life ....
I actually get told off if wear one !!!!!!!

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,

My wife .. The Fair Jules ....
Forces Wife ...
Ammunition Technician ...
Aviation Wepons Engineer .....
Is a member of the "Risk Compensation" approach to life ....
I actually get told off if wear one !!!!!!!

And I bet you go on holiday to do assault course's ............In a mankiny

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1133528/Survival-toughest--Thousands-wade-mud-walk-Tough-Guy-competition-despite-freezing-weather.html

P.S. -Sorry I thought you said "I actually get off if wear one !!!!!!!"

[Heltor Chasca]

Or am I following what other people just do?

This, I suspect. Will you wear it just for Audaxes or all the time?

You can see right through me [emoji4] I think I will wear it for Audax events with steep descents, more than 200km, night events and icy conditions. Well I'll see. For all I know it could be the uncomfortable. At worst it'll keep my long hair under control which can be irritating in the wind.

As stated further upthread I've had a good number of falls and never had a head injury. I even had one where a stalk of grass pierced my lip! Same crash resulted in two broken ribs. According to the A&E doc, that would have been the most efficient fait accompli.☠️