I am very pleased with my new helmet.
I have to point out, being a habitual product researcher and tester that it's just that you dont find that THAT $500 helmet is going to be much of a perceived benefit to you. Helmets designs are so varied even within one manufacturer. Using Shoei as an example (since I have the most experience with them) the Raid line doesn't even fit me properly, by I love my trusty old XR1000 to bits. It's likely that if I were to upgrade that helmet i'd head for the XR1100 which does fit. The new GT Air does have one of those internal sun visors (which i'm personally not interested in), and the fit seems very snug and muffling, but again doesn't feel like an Xspirit, or Xspirit II. You really need to try as many as you can get your grubby hands on.
Originally Posted by Dreama Have you considered the possibility that the more expensive helmet may be constructed to do it's job a tad better .. ie absorb impact. Cheap helmets don't do that. Poor quality helmets may have some user friendly thingys to make them sell but those features wont save your melon. You may need to spend more than $500 to get a helmet that has the ability to save you from brain injury plus has the trick/better features you described. I suspect the $500 unit is a 'budget' higher quality helmet All helmets must absorb impact to a minimum level, period. Some cheap helmets perform substantially better than more expensive branded ones. I had a very cheap LS2 that had good protective qualities but no real comfort and usability features. I now have a more expensive LS2 that is much nicer to wear, but has the same safety rating as the cheap one. Try looking here for a safety test comparison
Have you considered the possibility that the more expensive helmet may be constructed to do it's job a tad better .. ie absorb impact. Cheap helmets don't do that. Poor quality helmets may have some user friendly thingys to make them sell but those features wont save your melon. You may need to spend more than $500 to get a helmet that has the ability to save you from brain injury plus has the trick/better features you described. I suspect the $500 unit is a 'budget' higher quality helmet
Originally Posted by insomnia01 a month without riding 1 week is bad enough Given that we have slightly larger tanks than you, a fuel stop isn't mandatory before every ride That said, I ride most days, but more for getting around for work... a ride in the country is "proper" riding in my view.
Sure it's a Raid II? 'Cos the lining in mine definitely wasn't removable, which is why I retired it after a couple of years of sweating into it's plush lining (got quite stinky). I tried 'spongeing' it clean once, I think Shoei suggest immersing the whole thing in soapy water (their definition of 'washable'?) Still felt much more 'solid' than either of the cheaper helmets I've had since (Givi and Caberg.)
a month without riding 1 week is bad enough
Yeah good pics - although a Connie would look even better in 1 & 2.
Nice pics of you in motion... enjoy the riding... been quiet for me too...
Originally Posted by Gremlin The seal stops just outside Te Araroa, and then the short trip towards the lighthouse is all gravel. Just practise on gravel, get used to how the bike handles etc, and like anything, the more you practise, the better you will get. its sealed from the bridge for @ 5-10km then broken sections of sealed & unsealed road before the final section heading to the lighthouse, I would suggest its only @10km of unsealed road leading to the lighthouse, worth it for the view though
Originally Posted by nerrrd was thinking of going to the lighthouse at East Cape but chickened out after my 'moment' on the road works 'cos I read somewhere it was mostly unsealed. The seal stops just outside Te Araroa, and then the short trip towards the lighthouse is all gravel. Just practise on gravel, get used to how the bike handles etc, and like anything, the more you practise, the better you will get.
Yeah I think I had fun again. Need to plan ahead next time so I can stop in interesting places as I go along. Also want to get a better idea of how to ride on loose surfaces/unsealed roads - was thinking of going to the lighthouse at East Cape but chickened out after my 'moment' on the road works 'cos I read somewhere it was mostly unsealed.
Cool sounds like you had a blast Rod! Sorry I couldn't make it this time!
Maraehaku retreat in whangarua bay is my new fav spot heading around the east cape cheap with great views to boot
We did call in and see you Grant, but you weren't home... The thread is up now in Meetings Rodney.
Thanks Mark, I'll keep an eye out sounds interesting. Thought I recognised you but couldn't quite remember, sorry Grant . Definitely remember your avatar tho (poor stickman).
Was me you were speaking with in Ta Araroa. We met on one of Mark and Anne's rides. Had thought it was you, saw you in a couple of different places along the way Mamaku's etc obviously on your way to to Rotorua and we also follow the trailer with a palm tree for a while.
Great read Rodney, there are some nice roads on your next trip pending. We did the East Cape in 08' and done in sunshine the whole way. I have an over night ride pin the making for the end of August so keep an eye out for that, something a little different
well back together to a degree and thanks to few good buys on TM. must admit doesnt look like a super magna anymore .
A good story ... thanks. Carrington Road is a good ride, as is much of the Taranaki area and all made more interesting with family the connections we all have with the area.
