So, Do You Feel Lucky? Well, DO YOU?
Written: Oct 01 '04 (Updated Oct 12 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Nice protection at a nice price. Aerodynamic, cool, three season functionality
Cons: None for me.
The Bottom Line: This helmet does the job at a reasonable price. If you or a loved one rides, please get a helmet.
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| Saxguy's Full Review: Bell Solair Pro Helmet |
I’ve been riding my bicycles for exercise for about 10 years now, more seriously over the last couple. For me, there was never any question as to whether to wear a helmet. I’m generally klutzy anyway. I hoped I would not need one, but I figured, why tempt fate?
On my bicycle, I like flashy clothing but for typical equipment like helmet, gloves, lock and the like, I look for functionality first and then for a good value within that functionality. This helmet certainly qualifies. There is only one legally mandated standard for bicycle helmets, the CPSC standard, which stands for Consumer Product Safety Commission. I have more information on the standard below.
This helmet is very functional. It is light (8.0 oz.), aerodynamically designed, with 18 air vents, adjustable through twin action straps, which are adjustable on either side. It also has removeable and adjustable velcro pads which attach inside the helmet. Like the typical helmet, it has high-impact plastic on the outside and protective styrofoam on the inside. I’ve had no trouble riding in summer heat as it is quite cool, yet . it is adjustable enough for three season use, as it will fit the balaclava I just bought from performancebike.com.
While the helmet has no visor, that’s a non-issue for me as I wear sunglasses with front and peripheral coverage.
I bought this helmet, size L, black, in early 2002 and it has performed well since then. As I recall, I spent around $20 at Nashbar.com. they are now selling it for $14.99
The colors available include white, black, blue or red.
I used the Clint Eastwood paraphrased quote in the article, because I cannot figure out why on Earth anyone would ride a bicycle for fitness without a helmet. Certainly, the best way to protect a rider from an encounter with a car is to prevent it. However, bicycle falls can happen with some frequency and an impact on the ground at high speed could be damaging. Most folks I see on bike trails and the road are wearing helmets. Most of the ones who don’t look inexperienced. Maybe they don’t know better, but they certainly need the helmet. Even more baffling are the occasional experienced riders on road bikes who dust me on the road or the trail, going about 20 mph. My typical spinning speed on each of my bicycles is 15 mph. Those riders should know better and I cannot for the life of me think of any justification for it. Maybe it’s more comfortable? Maybe it’s cooler? I don’t know. I can’t catch up with them to ask. Maybe they feel lucky.
Fortunately enough, I’ve only had one fall where I hit my head. I was wearing a different helmet that met standards, and I was ok after resting for a few minutes.
Like I did then, if you fall or hit your head, you should replace the helmet because the styrofoam is built to protect ONCE.
Please listen to me. If you or someone you know rides a bicycle for fitness or with any sort of regularity, then PLEASE get them (or you) a helmet.
Here is a summary of the CPSC standards:
The standards require that:
1. The helmet does not block the rider’s vision
2. The helmet Does not come off when the rider falls
3. The straps that hold a helmet on the rider’s head do not stretch enough to let the helmet fall off in an accident.
4. The helmet significantly reduces the force to the rider’s head when the helmet hits a hard surface.
A helmet cannot be sold in the US without meeting these standards.:
CPSC offers the following tips on how to correctly wear a helmet:
• Wear the helmet flat atop your head, not tilted back at an angle.
• Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not obstruct your field of vision.
• Make sure the chin strap fits securely and that the buckle stays fastened.
Thanks for reading. God bless.
You might be interested in my recent epinions of bicycle gear and accessories:
Cycle Genius ALX 20 Squared Recumbent Bicycle
Bell Double Gel Bicycle Seat Cover
Cateye Astrale 8 Cadence Bicycle Computer
Performancebike.com Online Store
Nashbar.com Online Store
Nashbar Crochet Bicycle Gloves
Recommended:
Yes
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