ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: Old helmets

Re: Old helmets

Glenda R. Snodgrass (grs@consider.theneteffect.com)
Fri, 8 Aug 1997 14:49:02 -0500 (CDT)

> seems a bit softer in the new helmet. however, and I have a creepy feeling
> that I read somewhere that one should stop using a helmet after a few years
> as the styrofoam (?) hardens to the point where you'll suffer worse head
> injuries whacking your bean in it. Has anyone else read this? I don't

Yeah, don't know where and don't remember the specifics, but I did read
that too. Also, you're supposed to trade it in after ANY accident, not
just if it shows visible damage from the accident, because any trauma
to the helmet can weaken the protective structure invisibly and cause it to
fail to protect the next time.

> Does anyone else ride in a bike helmet? Is their any structural
> differences between the two that mean it isn't a good idea to use the bike

I've read that a bike helmet is less safe for horseback riding than one
designed for this, as the focus of coverage of the head and upper neck is
different, due to computer simulations of the most likely angle at which
you would fall, etc. Seems to me that the horsey helmets go lower on the
back side of your head so provide upper-neck protection ... something like
that. Anyway, if your "old" bike helmet seems to cover as much or more of
your head than your new Troxel, this difference probably doesn't apply.

I agree that the harness on the Troxel is not comfortable at all, and I'm
about to buy a Lexington Lidlocker because the harness appears to be
closer to what I'm used to (the old-fashioned leather harness on old
English riding caps, which is very comfortable and secure).

Glenda & Lakota (how come I don't get to wear a pretty hat like you do?)

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