The SKID LID – Helmet Technology

The SKID LID – Helmet Technology
1 of 6
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/default.asp?pg=fullstory&id=2064
The SKID LID – Helmet Technology
Tuesday, March 09, 2004 12:24:02 PM PT
Remember when it was actually cool to NOT wear a helmet? I had
a plastic Brancale number that cracked when I whacked my stem
with it – good thing my bean wasn’t inside at the time. Then I
bought a Bell V-1 that had a buckle only a munchkin could
operate, and was constructed using glue that turned to some
toxic-shock inducing poison when I started sweating. Zoiks!
Thankfully helmet technology and styling have come a long way, albeit due to some
tragic accidents. Andrei Kivilev, reports suggest, would have survived severe head
injuries sustained in a crash at last year’s Paris-Nice race had he worn a helmet.
Kivilev is no longer with us, and as a result, the UCI made helmets mandatory at all
their events beginning with the Giro d’Italia last year.
Here’s look at how some of the manufacturers approach the differences in helmet
ventilation, styling, fitting.
By Lee Zohlman
A helmet can run the gamut in prices, but the more you spend doesn’t necessarily get
you the best helmet. It’s more important that you ride with a helmet then spend a great
deal of money. So if you can only afford a $40.00 helmet - get it. The higher priced
helmets typically have a little more research behind them in relation to the cooling
vents, closure systems and weight considerations.
Helmets come in many varieties, but whatever the design, they have one thing in
common: they save lives. A helmeted cyclist has an 80% better chance of averting
brain damage than the bear-headed cyclist.
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BRIANSAVER TECHNOLOGY
Let’s look at a few important details of helmet technology, safety, and design. First, let’s
talk safety. In essence, a helmet is an eggshell, meant to crack open on impact so your
head doesn’t. If the impact comes from the side, the helmet absorbs the energy. But to
get the proper protection, you need to wear the helmet down a bit on the forehead and
not back toward the hairline.
Most helmets involve a polycarbonate outer shell and a styrofoam inner shell. Each
company uses their own type of materials to achieve the best rest results. The inner
shell is usually in-molded, which means that the inner shell is fused to the outer shell.
This outer shell is meant to offer more resistance to impact and better structural
integrity.
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Coolin’ Yer Noodle
Next to looking cool and safety(!), Airflow is arguably the biggest factor when looking at
helmets.
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One of the only legal aerodynamic helmets on the market is the Prologue by Louis
Garneau. This interesting cone shaped helmet also offers the proper construction to
withstand impact.
The same thing that makes it aerodynamic also leads to one of its only downfalls, very
little airflow. The Prologue (12.2 oz.) only has three small vents in the front in contrast
to the Giro Pneumo (10 oz.), which has 19 massive vents but no aerodynamic design.
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The Giro thinking is the more vents you have the more air flow hits the head allowing
the head to remain cooler.
8/21/11 1:15 PM
The SKID LID – Helmet Technology
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Briko also offers some high tech road helmets but their approach on airflow is a bit
different. Briko sales manager David I. (yes, that’s the name he gave me) say’s that
they use the Venturi Effect when designing the vents on their top two helmets. David I.
say’s, “The Venturi Effect accelerates air out above the head, thus creating a cooling
effect.”
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This is the reasoning behind Briko’s Twinner and Solo helmets, which have three to
five large ports in the front. But also offer exhaust holes in the rear of the helmet.
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Helmet giant Bell also utilizes the in-mold technology as well as using many cooling
vents and exhaust ports to keep the riders head cool. Bell reports that, ‘Specially
designed ventilation channels on the interior of the helmet's liner bring cool air in
through the front and over the head while flushing warm air out through the rear ports.’
Because your body loses most of its heat through the head and neck, having a large
number of vents is great if you are training and racing in warm weather but if it’s cool
outside, you’ll often see rider taping over the vents to keep the warmth in.
Helmet manufacturers also offer their own style of strapping system. The important
thing about the straps of a helmet is to make sure the straps are snug and you can fit
one finger underneath the chinstrap. Rudy Project helmets use their RSR 3 retention
system, which allows the straps to be tightened as one with a small dial in the back to
accommodate a snug fit.
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Briko’s Micro Block Retention System 2 reports that it is 30% lighter then its original
retention system and will assist in centering the helmet on the rider’s head. Keep the
helmet snug enough so it will stay on and not slip but not as tight as it could cause
headaches.
The design of a helmet is really up to the individual’s likes and dislikes. Like cars,
colors and design help sell them, so it should be easy to find one you like. Remember,
when you look cool, you actually do ride faster – which is even better reason to have a
good helmet!
Most helmet companies have warranties against manufacturing defects and will
replace them for a small fee if you damage it or crash. It’s also a good idea to inspect
your helmet for any cracks and wear and tear. If you do find a crack in the helmet then Toolbox: The Future Is So Bright
Every year we get to watch the rise of talent
the structural integrity has been compromised and it is a good idea to replace it. Don
on the professional scene. From new riders
Palermini of Bell Sports says, “It’s a good idea to replace your helmet every three years
who seem to rise from obscurity to greatness
depending on the use and storage.”
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8/21/11 1:15 PM
The SKID LID – Helmet Technology
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See the websites for more info:
www.Briko.com
www.Bellsports.com
www.Giro.com
www.RudyProject.com
www.LouisGarneau.com
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About The Author - Lee Zohlman is a USA Cycling and USA Triathlon Level 2 Coach
who owns and operates BodyZen Multi Sport Coaching. You can reach him at
800-484-4016 x. 5317 or www.bodyzen.com
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