Bald and Biking.
05-19-18, 01:04 PM
#51
minimalist cyclist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,745
Bikes: yes please
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1119 Post(s)
Liked 1,643 Times
in
945 Posts
Get larger bandannas or women's kerchiefs and scarves. Nobody will care. Just pick a pattern that suits you. Cheaper than caps and purpose-made cycling doodads. I have a couple dozen so I always have a fresh one. The longer tails allow knotting them lower near the neck, clear of the helmet.
If it's good enough for famous mountain specialist Sir Ben Kingsley, it's good enough for you.
If it's good enough for famous mountain specialist Sir Ben Kingsley, it's good enough for you.
I'm not bald but I do have a receding hairline. For my birthday my wife got me some wicking do-rags to wear under my helmet. I haven't yet tried one since it's still been pretty cool on my morning rides, but on my next long ride I plan to wear one and try it out. I don't know how much the sun shines through the holes in my helmet but it ought to keep my head protected and the sweat out of my face.
Last edited by Deal4Fuji; 05-19-18 at 01:12 PM.
05-19-18, 05:44 PM
#52
Member
05-20-18, 07:14 AM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 5,585
Bikes: 2017 Colnago C-RS, 2012 Colnago Ace, 2010 Giant Cypress hybrid
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 408 Post(s)
Liked 122 Times
in
85 Posts
I bought some doo-rags from Wal-Mart for $2.50 each.They work great! Only problem was they require you tie a knot in the rear to adjust them. They were giving me the same problem as the OP had. So I untied the knot, straightened out the ties so the doo-rag fit snug, marked them and then a needle and thread solved the problem. They fit great, very inexpensive and they do what they're suppose to do. My friend gave me a Castelli skull cap for Christmas and these work just as good.
__________________
HCFR Cycling Team
Ride Safe ... Ride Hard ... Ride Daily
2017 Colnago C-RS
2012 Colnago Ace
2010 Giant Cypress
HCFR Cycling Team
Ride Safe ... Ride Hard ... Ride Daily
2017 Colnago C-RS
2012 Colnago Ace
2010 Giant Cypress
05-20-18, 07:46 AM
#54
Every day a winding road
I bought some doo-rags from Wal-Mart for $2.50 each.They work great! Only problem was they require you tie a knot in the rear to adjust them. They were giving me the same problem as the OP had. So I untied the knot, straightened out the ties so the doo-rag fit snug, marked them and then a needle and thread solved the problem. They fit great, very inexpensive and they do what they're suppose to do. My friend gave me a Castelli skull cap for Christmas and these work just as good.
05-20-18, 08:22 AM
#55
☢
Cover your head with something. The sun will seriously mess you up. Especially if you're fair skinned.Bad advice you should never give.
05-20-18, 08:57 AM
#56
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1955 Post(s)
Liked 3,661 Times
in
1,679 Posts
05-20-18, 07:37 PM
#57
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4560 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
@52telecaster -- I usually rode without a helmet back in the 1970s-'80s because there weren't any good helmets. The Bell had just come out but it was hot, heavy and expensive. I tried the cheap vinyl version of the hairnet but it was pointless. I tried a hockey helmet for awhile but it was too hot -- I wore it a few times on rainy commutes.
Several crashes back then, mostly being clobbered by careless drivers at intersections, slow speed stuff, no serious injuries. No head bonks.
When I resumed cycling in 2015 I was in my late 50s. My back and neck were seriously injured in a 2001 wreck when my compact car was t-boned by a full size SUV. Left me with a permanently damaged C2. So I decided to at least try a helmet. I didn't want to spend much in case I couldn't stand the weight or heat.
Got a Bell Solar for $20 from Nashbar. I've worn it on almost every ride since 2015. It's lightweight, comfortable and even with a few added grams from small, lightweight front and rear to-be-seen lights, it doesn't strain my neck despite my previous serious injury and chronic neck pain. I don't even notice the helmet anymore.
The one exception I've made is I no longer mount a video camera on the helmet. That was too much weight.
Only exceptions I've made to wearing that helmet were a few neighborhood errand rides, but I don't even do that anymore. The most dangerous part of every ride is my own immediate neighborhood. It's all apartment complexes with transient tenants, no sense of community, so they drive with indifference to anyone else. As soon as I'm a couple of miles away the vibe changes. Single family homes, long time residents with a real sense of community, and many of them walk, jog and bike in their neighborhoods. Totally different vibe, safer and more considerate.
Anyway, my first serious crash was a couple of weeks ago when I was clobbered by a distracted driver at an intersection. My shoulder is badly injured. Had X-rays and scans last week, seeing ortho doc for consult to decide on surgery or physical therapy tomorrow.
And unlike my previous crashes, my head did smack the pavement this time. Slow speed, roughly between 5-10 mph, but despite my high esteem for my own reflexes and ability to react under pressure, it was all for naught. This stuff happens too fast to react. Boom. The car was suddenly there, I'm on the pavement and even as I'm mentally telling myself "Don't hit your head", my head smacked the pavement, hard, a split second after my shoulder went crunch and I was blinded by pain.
No concussion symptoms, fortunately. Helmet did its job.
At age 60, despite being in the best shape I've been since I was in my 20s, I gotta be realistic. I'm not in my 20s. I don't have the same reflexes or strength and never will again.
Your choice, but consider the effects on your family and friends. That's my main incentive for wearing a helmet. I've seen the consequences of concussions and how quickly and badly head injuries can become a lifelong disability with a huge burden on family, friends, jobs, everything.
Several crashes back then, mostly being clobbered by careless drivers at intersections, slow speed stuff, no serious injuries. No head bonks.
When I resumed cycling in 2015 I was in my late 50s. My back and neck were seriously injured in a 2001 wreck when my compact car was t-boned by a full size SUV. Left me with a permanently damaged C2. So I decided to at least try a helmet. I didn't want to spend much in case I couldn't stand the weight or heat.
Got a Bell Solar for $20 from Nashbar. I've worn it on almost every ride since 2015. It's lightweight, comfortable and even with a few added grams from small, lightweight front and rear to-be-seen lights, it doesn't strain my neck despite my previous serious injury and chronic neck pain. I don't even notice the helmet anymore.
The one exception I've made is I no longer mount a video camera on the helmet. That was too much weight.
Only exceptions I've made to wearing that helmet were a few neighborhood errand rides, but I don't even do that anymore. The most dangerous part of every ride is my own immediate neighborhood. It's all apartment complexes with transient tenants, no sense of community, so they drive with indifference to anyone else. As soon as I'm a couple of miles away the vibe changes. Single family homes, long time residents with a real sense of community, and many of them walk, jog and bike in their neighborhoods. Totally different vibe, safer and more considerate.
Anyway, my first serious crash was a couple of weeks ago when I was clobbered by a distracted driver at an intersection. My shoulder is badly injured. Had X-rays and scans last week, seeing ortho doc for consult to decide on surgery or physical therapy tomorrow.
And unlike my previous crashes, my head did smack the pavement this time. Slow speed, roughly between 5-10 mph, but despite my high esteem for my own reflexes and ability to react under pressure, it was all for naught. This stuff happens too fast to react. Boom. The car was suddenly there, I'm on the pavement and even as I'm mentally telling myself "Don't hit your head", my head smacked the pavement, hard, a split second after my shoulder went crunch and I was blinded by pain.
No concussion symptoms, fortunately. Helmet did its job.
At age 60, despite being in the best shape I've been since I was in my 20s, I gotta be realistic. I'm not in my 20s. I don't have the same reflexes or strength and never will again.
Your choice, but consider the effects on your family and friends. That's my main incentive for wearing a helmet. I've seen the consequences of concussions and how quickly and badly head injuries can become a lifelong disability with a huge burden on family, friends, jobs, everything.
05-20-18, 07:46 PM
#58
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1955 Post(s)
Liked 3,661 Times
in
1,679 Posts
@52telecaster -- I usually rode without a helmet back in the 1970s-'80s because there weren't any good helmets. The Bell had just come out but it was hot, heavy and expensive. I tried the cheap vinyl version of the hairnet but it was pointless. I tried a hockey helmet for awhile but it was too hot -- I wore it a few times on rainy commutes.
Several crashes back then, mostly being clobbered by careless drivers at intersections, slow speed stuff, no serious injuries. No head bonks.
When I resumed cycling in 2015 I was in my late 50s. My back and neck were seriously injured in a 2001 wreck when my compact car was t-boned by a full size SUV. Left me with a permanently damaged C2. So I decided to at least try a helmet. I didn't want to spend much in case I couldn't stand the weight or heat.
Got a Bell Solar for $20 from Nashbar. I've worn it on almost every ride since 2015. It's lightweight, comfortable and even with a few added grams from small, lightweight front and rear to-be-seen lights, it doesn't strain my neck despite my previous serious injury and chronic neck pain. I don't even notice the helmet anymore.
The one exception I've made is I no longer mount a video camera on the helmet. That was too much weight.
Only exceptions I've made to wearing that helmet were a few neighborhood errand rides, but I don't even do that anymore. The most dangerous part of every ride is my own immediate neighborhood. It's all apartment complexes with transient tenants, no sense of community, so they drive with indifference to anyone else. As soon as I'm a couple of miles away the vibe changes. Single family homes, long time residents with a real sense of community, and many of them walk, jog and bike in their neighborhoods. Totally different vibe, safer and more considerate.
Anyway, my first serious crash was a couple of weeks ago when I was clobbered by a distracted driver at an intersection. My shoulder is badly injured. Had X-rays and scans last week, seeing ortho doc for consult to decide on surgery or physical therapy tomorrow.
And unlike my previous crashes, my head did smack the pavement this time. Slow speed, roughly between 5-10 mph, but despite my high esteem for my own reflexes and ability to react under pressure, it was all for naught. This stuff happens too fast to react. Boom. The car was suddenly there, I'm on the pavement and even as I'm mentally telling myself "Don't hit your head", my head smacked the pavement, hard, a split second after my shoulder went crunch and I was blinded by pain.
No concussion symptoms, fortunately. Helmet did its job.
At age 60, despite being in the best shape I've been since I was in my 20s, I gotta be realistic. I'm not in my 20s. I don't have the same reflexes or strength and never will again.
Your choice, but consider the effects on your family and friends. That's my main incentive for wearing a helmet. I've seen the consequences of concussions and how quickly and badly head injuries can become a lifelong disability with a huge burden on family, friends, jobs, everything.
Several crashes back then, mostly being clobbered by careless drivers at intersections, slow speed stuff, no serious injuries. No head bonks.
When I resumed cycling in 2015 I was in my late 50s. My back and neck were seriously injured in a 2001 wreck when my compact car was t-boned by a full size SUV. Left me with a permanently damaged C2. So I decided to at least try a helmet. I didn't want to spend much in case I couldn't stand the weight or heat.
Got a Bell Solar for $20 from Nashbar. I've worn it on almost every ride since 2015. It's lightweight, comfortable and even with a few added grams from small, lightweight front and rear to-be-seen lights, it doesn't strain my neck despite my previous serious injury and chronic neck pain. I don't even notice the helmet anymore.
The one exception I've made is I no longer mount a video camera on the helmet. That was too much weight.
Only exceptions I've made to wearing that helmet were a few neighborhood errand rides, but I don't even do that anymore. The most dangerous part of every ride is my own immediate neighborhood. It's all apartment complexes with transient tenants, no sense of community, so they drive with indifference to anyone else. As soon as I'm a couple of miles away the vibe changes. Single family homes, long time residents with a real sense of community, and many of them walk, jog and bike in their neighborhoods. Totally different vibe, safer and more considerate.
Anyway, my first serious crash was a couple of weeks ago when I was clobbered by a distracted driver at an intersection. My shoulder is badly injured. Had X-rays and scans last week, seeing ortho doc for consult to decide on surgery or physical therapy tomorrow.
And unlike my previous crashes, my head did smack the pavement this time. Slow speed, roughly between 5-10 mph, but despite my high esteem for my own reflexes and ability to react under pressure, it was all for naught. This stuff happens too fast to react. Boom. The car was suddenly there, I'm on the pavement and even as I'm mentally telling myself "Don't hit your head", my head smacked the pavement, hard, a split second after my shoulder went crunch and I was blinded by pain.
No concussion symptoms, fortunately. Helmet did its job.
At age 60, despite being in the best shape I've been since I was in my 20s, I gotta be realistic. I'm not in my 20s. I don't have the same reflexes or strength and never will again.
Your choice, but consider the effects on your family and friends. That's my main incentive for wearing a helmet. I've seen the consequences of concussions and how quickly and badly head injuries can become a lifelong disability with a huge burden on family, friends, jobs, everything.
05-20-18, 07:49 PM
#59
Non omnino gravis
I've bounced my head off of the pavement twice now-- destroyed both helmets, one of them cracking all the way around. Had I not been wearing a helmet, I'm pretty sure I would have had to relearn to walk.
No one has any need for a helmet, right up until the very instant that they do.
No one has any need for a helmet, right up until the very instant that they do.
__________________
05-23-18, 10:44 AM
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,974
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,678 Times
in
827 Posts
As long as I'm here I want to mention I've been bald for 15 years and have never had an issue with burning or spots with any of the mildly vented helmets I've worn, even though my arms, neck and shoulder are prone to burn on rides over 2 hours here at 6500ft...less time above 7000ft.
And if I walk in the sun without a hat for more than 45 minutes, my head burns.
With the growing list of physical challenges to biking as I close in on 60, at least sunburn under the helmet isn't one of them...yet.
05-23-18, 10:49 AM
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,974
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,678 Times
in
827 Posts
As long as I'm here I want to mention I've been bald for 15 years and have never had an issue with burning or spots with any of the mildly vented helmets I've worn, even though my arms, neck and shoulder are prone to burn on rides over 2 hours here at 6500ft...less time above 7000ft.
And if I walk in the sun without a hat for more than 45 minutes, my head burns.
With the growing list of physical challenges to biking as I close in on 60, at least sunburn under the helmet isn't one of them...yet.
05-23-18, 12:43 PM
#65
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,992
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6196 Post(s)
Liked 4,811 Times
in
3,319 Posts
Helmet or no helmet, I think as long as it's not required by any laws applicable to the jurisdiction of the area being ridden in, then it's a personal decision. I'm sure I could find things unsafe about the riding habits of any that say a helmet is a must. Many of those habits worse statistically for injury and death than not wearing a helmet.
I myself will always wear my helmet for cycling. Just like I always where a seat belt and shoulder strap for driving. But since head trauma, even for belted persons in a car is now the number one killer of passengers and drivers in auto accidents, why are you people not wearing helmets in your car?
I myself will always wear my helmet for cycling. Just like I always where a seat belt and shoulder strap for driving. But since head trauma, even for belted persons in a car is now the number one killer of passengers and drivers in auto accidents, why are you people not wearing helmets in your car?
05-23-18, 03:52 PM
#67
☢
Helmet or no helmet, I think as long as it's not required by any laws applicable to the jurisdiction of the area being ridden in, then it's a personal decision. I'm sure I could find things unsafe about the riding habits of any that say a helmet is a must. Many of those habits worse statistically for injury and death than not wearing a helmet.
I myself will always wear my helmet for cycling. Just like I always where a seat belt and shoulder strap for driving. But since head trauma, even for belted persons in a car is now the number one killer of passengers and drivers in auto accidents, why are you people not wearing helmets in your car?
I myself will always wear my helmet for cycling. Just like I always where a seat belt and shoulder strap for driving. But since head trauma, even for belted persons in a car is now the number one killer of passengers and drivers in auto accidents, why are you people not wearing helmets in your car?
That said, sun damage occurs silently. By the time anything shows, the damage had already been done, and its too late.
NOTE: not a challenge to anybody that has made their choice, just info.
05-23-18, 04:54 PM
#68
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,640
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4737 Post(s)
Liked 1,533 Times
in
1,004 Posts
Sorry.. I don't understand this at all.. I think you're implying that helmet wearing leads some people to adopt unsafe riding habits?
05-23-18, 05:11 PM
#69
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,992
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6196 Post(s)
Liked 4,811 Times
in
3,319 Posts
Sorry.. I don't understand this at all.. I think you're implying that helmet wearing leads some people to adopt unsafe riding habits?
Everyone has unsafe riding habits. Even me. I'm aware of many of mine, but I assume the risk. I wouldn't mind if someone points out other unsafe things I do so I can consider them. As long as they are able and willing to defend and discuss it.
05-26-18, 01:25 AM
#70
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1955 Post(s)
Liked 3,661 Times
in
1,679 Posts
52telecaster, your responses are polite and insult-free. I don't think you know how the internet is supposed to work. (just kidding)
as long as i'm here i want to mention i've been bald for 15 years and have never had an issue with burning or spots with any of the mildly vented helmets i've worn, even though my arms, neck and shoulder are prone to burn on rides over 2 hours here at 6500ft...less time above 7000ft.
And if i walk in the sun without a hat for more than 45 minutes, my head burns.
With the growing list of physical challenges to biking as i close in on 60, at least sunburn under the helmet isn't one of them...yet.
as long as i'm here i want to mention i've been bald for 15 years and have never had an issue with burning or spots with any of the mildly vented helmets i've worn, even though my arms, neck and shoulder are prone to burn on rides over 2 hours here at 6500ft...less time above 7000ft.
And if i walk in the sun without a hat for more than 45 minutes, my head burns.
With the growing list of physical challenges to biking as i close in on 60, at least sunburn under the helmet isn't one of them...yet.
05-27-18, 06:57 PM
#71
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Houston Texas
Posts: 15
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Actually I DO wear a helmet. I’m the OP by the way. I was worried about sun burn patterns on the dome from it.
The solution I came up with was a bandanna on the head, not tied. Helmet on top of that. That protects my head, ears and neck. And eliminates the the need for sunscreen above the eyes. (Burns like hell if you sweat it into your eyes!)
this worked very well today. 92 degrees with heat index close to 100.
I’d never ride without one. Especially in Houston!
speedoape
The solution I came up with was a bandanna on the head, not tied. Helmet on top of that. That protects my head, ears and neck. And eliminates the the need for sunscreen above the eyes. (Burns like hell if you sweat it into your eyes!)
this worked very well today. 92 degrees with heat index close to 100.
I’d never ride without one. Especially in Houston!
speedoape
05-27-18, 08:46 PM
#72
☢
Bandanas are old school. I'm sure they make similar head covers out of micro fibers at this stage. Protection, wicking, plus breathability.
06-03-18, 08:45 PM
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Sunny Tampa, Florida
Posts: 1,542
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Liked 49 Times
in
41 Posts
Classic bike cap. Either by itself or under a helmet so your skull doesn't tan into weird patterns like a low-budget alien on TV.
Walz makes the best, and has sizes that fit my oversized melon.
Walz makes the best, and has sizes that fit my oversized melon.
06-04-18, 07:35 PM
#75
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1955 Post(s)
Liked 3,661 Times
in
1,679 Posts
Classic bike cap. Either by itself or under a helmet so your skull doesn't tan into weird patterns like a low-budget alien on TV.
Walz makes the best, and has sizes that fit my oversized melon.
Walz makes the best, and has sizes that fit my oversized melon.