Gloves and helmets.

[Alex Edwards]

Hey, do you guys find gloves necessary and what is your opinion on types of helmets? Do you find that you need gloves due longer ride times and bumps at higher speed because of the power and extra endurance bikes give?

What is your preference on helmet types and are specialised helmets necessary (EG. Road bike and Mountain bike)?

Just want to see your thoughts!

 

[Admin]

Hi Alex! I like wearing gloves because it adds more padding between me and the bike when going over bumps and it also keeps my hands and fingers warm and functional when it gets cold.

Keep in mind... I'm the guy who rides a full suspension ebike in the city because my neck and back get sore... I'm just sensitive. I used to commute to work in Austin each day and sometimes it was hot so I used fingerless gloves like these, other times I would use the full length gloves when it was cold and this really helped to keep my fingers from getting numb and slow on shifting and braking. I like bright colors so I got some cool ones from Fox like these (good for when you do hand signals and want people to see you). That's why I also wear bright colored glasses.

In terms of helmets, I own a basic Specialized Propero II but also like the way Bell fits. I think it all depends on the shape of your head. Try some on in person and consider buying a cycling cap like this to put underneath. It will keep the pads in your helmet from getting dirty and sweaty (wash the cap, instead of your helmet) just make sure you test helmets WITH the cap on underneath because it adds to the size of your head

I also got a basic cycling jersey that is brightly colored and well ventilated and I've seen many people with the reflective vests. All of this extra stuff can cramp you style a bit (in my opinion) but having been hit by cars while riding... it makes you think twice about cool vs. safe.

 

[Alex Edwards]

Hi Alex! I like wearing gloves because it adds more padding between me and the bike when going over bumps and it also keeps my hands and fingers warm and functional when it gets cold.

Keep in mind... I'm the guy who rides a full suspension ebike in the city because my neck and back get sore... I'm just sensitive. I used to commute to work in Austin each day and sometimes it was hot so I used fingerless gloves like these, other times I would use the full length gloves when it was cold and this really helped to keep my fingers from getting numb and slow on shifting and braking. I like bright colors so I got some cool ones from Fox like these (good for when you do hand signals and want people to see you). That's why I also wear bright colored glasses.

In terms of helmets, I own a basic Specialized Propero II but also like the way Bell fits. I think it all depends on the shape of your head. Try some on in person and consider buying a cycling cap like this to put underneath. It will keep the pads in your helmet from getting dirty and sweaty (wash the cap, instead of your helmet) just make sure you test helmets WITH the cap on underneath because it adds to the size of your head

I also got a basic cycling jersey that is brightly colored and well ventilated and I've seen many people with the reflective vests. All of this extra stuff can cramp you style a bit (in my opinion) but having been hit by cars while riding... it makes you think twice about cool vs. safe.

Oh, I like the idea of the riding cap.

Just a dumb question but what is Amazon really, in Australia we don't really have/use it... is it like ebay or is it like a online shopping centre from different sources? And do they ship to Australia?

 

[Brambor]

I will consider moving to Australia now. Tasmania here I come. Amazon is online shopping from various sources.

 

[Alex Edwards]

I will consider moving to Australia now. Tasmania here I come. Amazon is online shopping from various sources.

Ha ha, isn't amazon any good? Or do you truly want to move to Australia . Its great here but some laws and geographical isolation (High postage costs and 250w motors(Only E-Bike Related)) can occasionally ruin the fun!

 

[Drock]

Oh, I like the idea of the riding cap.

Just a dumb question but what is Amazon really, in Australia we don't really have/use it... is it like ebay or is it like a online shopping centre from different sources? And do they ship to Australia?

Amazon is pretty much like a Online Walmart. They try to provide customers with inexpensive merchandise directly to you door. Mostly stuff that you would buy at Target/Kmart/Walmart, but they're trying to get into produce/groceries.

Edit: RE helmets, for me I try to stick with anything I can get (I have a giant head). Personaly I like a little bit of back of the head protection. The guy at my local shop said that the secret for expensive helmets is that they have more ventalation (more vent holes in the head).

 

[MarcD]

I wear gloves when I am riding my regular bike, but not the new e-bike. I find that I can go 1.5 to 2 hrs without fatigue in my hand pretty easily, after that I start to numb up, so I wear fingerless gels by Pearl Izumi in the summer and lobster claws in the winter. My favorite helmet is a Lazer O2, but that is such a personal thing, you really need to go in and test fit a bunch. Pay attention to the following: fit snugness, any pinching, that you can wear it without pushing back on the head, ventilation, whether you want a removable visor. Another thing to consider is the width of the straps around your ears and adjustability. If this is too narrow, you are going to hate life with the straps chafing your ears. Most helmets have enough adjustability to avoid this, but check nonetheless.

Good luck!

 

[Brambor]

test it with your riding sunglasses. I found too much tightness for some

 

[Admin]

Ha ha, isn't amazon any good? Or do you truly want to move to Australia . Its great here but some laws and geographical isolation (High postage costs and 250w motors(Only E-Bike Related)) can occasionally ruin the fun!

I hear the ladies in Australia are pretty friendly and cool... You've also got surfing which is great!

So Amazon let's people sell direct (kind of like eBay but without bidding and mostly new though you can find used as well). Their biggest thing is fast inexpensive shipping and they stock popular products at warehouses around the country. They use analytics to measure what gets purchased and they are now offering digital video to compete with Netflix, Hulu and others. One other thing is that they focus on optimization in their factories so people have a pretty hard job and might not get paid super well... Here's a neat documentary that exposes the pressure on employees:

 

[EddieJ]

Gloves, I wear what happens to come along, and tend to buy what ever is cheapest at the time.. From builders work gloves in the winter, to finger less cycle gloves in the summer.

I have just bought a new cycle helmet yesterday though.



It's called the Recon Stealth helmet and it's by SixSixOne

 

[Admin]

Sweet looking helmet there! I always go by what's the most comfortable but style is a nice bonus Do you know the replacement schedule for helmets? I've heard you're supposed to get a new one every so often even if you haven't crashed (something about the styrofoam getting brittle). I found this great list of replacement tips from helmets.org and an interesting quote that supports the more rounded design you chose.

As new styles have become more "squared-off" and designers have begun adding unnecessary ridges and projections that may increase the sliding resistance of a helmet shell, there is good reason to stay with one of the more rounded designs of the early to mid 90's. Those round, smooth shells like the original Bell Image that Consumer Reports rated highly in 1993 are more optimal for crashing than some of the newer designs. So think twice about "moving up," and look for a rounded, smooth-shelled design when you do.

 

[EddieJ]

I now have mixed feelings about this helmet. It was purchased mail order, but when I opened the box my first reaction was a bit deflated.

Every review that I read really rated the helmet, but I was slightly disappointed in the quality of the finish of it.

One other problem with helmets is that you get used to wearing your current one, and anything else feels slightly odd. In this case the cheek straps seem slightly the wrong angle and dig in. I'm sure that with use, I won't notice this aspect.

On other point that I noticed, as did several other people who have written reviews, was an odd wind noise. I didn't register it at first, and kept looking around behind me, expecting to see a car there. The helmet creates the same kind of noise as a car tyre might. It only does it at certain speeds on the road, and isn't something that I'm going to be concerned about.

On the plus side, it is amazingly lightweight, and straps aside, you quickly forget that you are wearing it.

I know that you are supposed to replace a helmet in the event of an accident, even if the helmet isn't damaged, but I'm unsure of how often that you should change one under normal circumstances.

After seeing my cousins split helmet after someone opened a car door onto him as he passed by, I don't think that I'd want to risk riding without one. They aren't compulsory to wear over here in the UK , but the majority of riders do. You can't ride in any sporting/organised event without one though. I'm guessing that the insurance risk would be too great.

 

[Admin]

I now have mixed feelings about this helmet. It was purchased mail order, but when I opened the box my first reaction was a bit deflated.

Every review that I read really rated the helmet, but I was slightly disappointed in the quality of the finish of it.

One other problem with helmets is that you get used to wearing your current one, and anything else feels slightly odd. In this case the cheek straps seem slightly the wrong angle and dig in. I'm sure that with use, I won't notice this aspect.

On other point that I noticed, as did several other people who have written reviews, was an odd wind noise. I didn't register it at first, and kept looking around behind me, expecting to see a car there. The helmet creates the same kind of noise as a car tyre might. It only does it at certain speeds on the road, and isn't something that I'm going to be concerned about.

On the plus side, it is amazingly lightweight, and straps aside, you quickly forget that you are wearing it.

I know that you are supposed to replace a helmet in the event of an accident, even if the helmet isn't damaged, but I'm unsure of how often that you should change one under normal circumstances.

After seeing my cousins split helmet after someone opened a car door onto him as he passed by, I don't think that I'd want to risk riding without one. They aren't compulsory to wear over here in the UK , but the majority of riders do. You can't ride in any sporting/organised event without one though. I'm guessing that the insurance risk would be too great.

Thanks for the feedback Eddie, what was the impetus for you buying a new helmet anyway? Did you get into a crash with your old one?