As you know, the cycle helmets of today have come a long, long way since the
old leather three-bars of yesteryear. But for the most part
helmets now are light, cool, aerodynamic, and stylish. Pro, in fact.
Have you ever thought about the way you wear your helmet? The dos, the don'ts, the how-tos. Whether you have or you haven't,
like it or not, here is GCN's guide on how to wear a helmet like a pro.
If you want to look cool, like a pro,
you have to have all of these key, determining factors in place
so make careful note of the following
Sunglasses over or under straps? It's a simple one, this one, no margin for error
you're either under, or you're over. To put it bluntly, you're either wrong, or you're right.
Now, over the straps is the way to go. Just look at top pros for guidance.
Even worse than going fully under the straps is a halfway house where one strap is over
and the other is under,
It's often the result of putting glasses on in an emergency situation. Don't go there.
Vents aren't just to keep your head cool. Legend has it that the best
helmet architects carefully consider the placement of said vents to support,
by slottage, most top premium eyewear brands.
Peak up: Our very own Simon Richardson is an exponent of this particular look and that's
despite his constant pursuit of marginal aerodynamic efficiencies. Because let's
face it, it flies in the face of any rational aerodynamic thinking. Is it just a
matter of style over substance? But, to be fair to Simon, there are quite a few other pro riders that have adopted this style
Sylvain Chavanel, Bradley Wiggins,
and Philippe Gilbert, have all adopted this particular, quirky look.
So, perhaps there is something in it, after all.
But, this is look that I favor, and that we kind of favor, really. Firstly, it looks far more pro. Secondly,
it's more aerodynamic; thirdly, it's aesthetically superior, so there you have it - peak up, or peak down.
What do you think? (Peak down!)
Vanilla: This minimal, simplistic, clutter-free style of helmet, worn in the optimal position. No shades, no caps, just your head and a helmet.
The only message this style has to say is "I know how to wear a helmet."
Tick these boxes and you're there: Clean, fitted, absence of front or rear or lateral slippage; straps neatly cut and sealed
Color-coordinated, to the kit. Tick.
Let's face it, no one wants a dirty helmet. They can get smelly, infested with bacteria and fungus, and if you get close enough they look really unsightly.
So don't be a dirtbag, keep your cycling helmet clean so you don't start to lose friends.
So when should you go aero (aerodynamic)? Ultimately it's up to you, though I suppose the cafe isn't necessarily the most appropriate spot.
If you are time trialing, it's absolutely essential. An aero road helmet is a good idea if you are pursuing more speed on primarily flatter terrain. Definitely, but say for warmer, hillier rides
go with the vented option. This particular puppy gives you the best of both worlds.
Now, we alluded earlier on to needing to look after your cycling helmet.
and if you're interested in that, then we've got a video explaining just how you do it
and if you click up there you get straight through to it
we've got another cool video about choosing your helmet, it's choosing your helmet like
is it like a pro, or like Lloydy?
It's like Lloydy I think
Oh
Don't let that deter you though, it's still a good video
It is
And to subscribe, sorry, I think I stole your thunder!
You certainly did, I was about to sort of, y'know, but doesn't matter. Carry on
No please, you go No, it's alright, you do it.
No, after you It's alright, it's too late now
Go, you go for it Matt To subscribe to GCN
Click on me. Just me, Don't click on Simon
Just me. Not Simon, he tried to nick that bit of the video
Please click here
I reckon there'll be loads of subscribers now
What's not to like?
[laughs]
Hold on, just need to pump. Sorry guys, carry on! A Pump?
That's not a pump!
Yeah, yeah I couldn't help it! It was massive, I had a curry last night!