full-faced helmets on a road-ride?! New Hope Ride from NJ to PA (and back)

[wallymann]

some club-mates did the New Hope Ride between NJ - PA last weekend. a couple (fairly fit) dudes wore FF helmets for the whole event (off to the right of the pic). someone said they were fearful of the rough roads at the start.

i'm skeptical. $0.05 says they lost a bet.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10476578_10152722999588313_1930908439088456561_o.j pg

[wallymann]

its a couple crazy russians that ride like this *all* the time!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10455991_10152713423853694_5561943346361507422_n.j pg?oh=fc4421399a522403b18982b27af0bbd6&oe=545D7BBD&__gda__=1416477355_9bed22e4a5f715224c3ea1b65c0ad36 8
https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10606098_1529107123971322_4512426882460113038_n.jp g?oh=9b79be6caf285aecf71c4a39f150b2ba&oe=54773B8A

[donevwil]

Car back !

[goonster]

There is a randonneuring couple who now wear full-face (i.e. downhill MTB style) helmets after being in a very bad tandem crash some years ago.

That kind of thing can definitely change your perspective . . .

[bluesea]

You have to weigh the trade offs of lessened peripheral vision and sound directionality. Doesn't seem too kosher for group rides.

[martinez]

probably just some riders who think very highly of their face...?

[bobswire]

I think it would be too hot and cumbersome other than downhill but if one must this is the one I'd consider. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/mtb-apparel-and-protection/full-face/met/parachute/prd_413925_6705crx.aspx


http://i59.tinypic.com/21cwhzb.jpg

[Mark McM]

I think it would be too hot and cumbersome other than downhill but if one must this is the one I'd consider. http://www.mtbr.com/cat/mtb-apparel-and-protection/full-face/met/parachute/prd_413925_6705crx.aspx


http://i59.tinypic.com/21cwhzb.jpg

The chin guard portion of that helmet looks awful flimsy, and there doesn't seem to be much retention to hold it in place. The bicycle helmet standards don't cover full face helmets, so there's really no standard test for full face bicycle helmets - how do we know if a particular full face bicycle helmet works as designed (and doesn't actually create hazard)?

[RobJ]

I would vote for the lost a bet option...

With the FF it's not only the lack of peripheral vision, but I would imagine the heat and also inability to hear cars coming behind you etc. The crashes you read about mostly seems to be upper/side head/skull. Not often do you see the face-plant that would necessitate a FF helmet.