Conference noted::bicycle

    Oops, Make that law effective 1994, but you knew what I meant, right.
    

     
>    	I have looked thru my consumer magazines and can not find any
>    articles recommending the safest helmets (or any helmets for that
>    matter) currently available.
    
>   	Any information you could provide will be much appreciated.
 
    
    	Any helmet that is DOT or SNELL approved should be a safe helmet. 
    Almost all helmets sold meets that criteria. For kids, it would be
    logical to avoid the "foam only" type helmets because they are more
    prone to damage from getting knocked around, thrown in the bottom of
    the locker at school, etc. It would be a better choice to get helmets
    that are lightweight, vented and have a hard outer shell. 
    	The safest helmet is one that fits well and is WORN. So pick "cool"
    looking helmets in various sizes and make sure they fit the kids
    snuggly before they take off with them. They also make little kids
    helmets in slightly smaller sizes.  Make sure that the helmet fits
    well; it shouldn't be loose or overly tight and it should fit squarely
    on top of the head covering most of the forehead, not fit like a
    "beanie". The more head you cover, the better. 
    	You don't have so spend a fortune for a decent helmet either. Good 
    quality helmets can be had for $25-40 through NASHBAR (1-800-NASHBAR) or 
    PERFORMANCE (1-800-PBS-bike). L.L.BEAN sells a nice one for $34 also.   
    	My close friend did an end-over-end crash and landed of top of his
    head with enough force (he weighs 200 lbs) to severely damage his spine
    and he barely scratched his helmet (which was a SPAULDING purchased on
    sale at SEARS) which indicates to me that most any helmet that you wear is
    probably good enough to prevent most head injuries.
    
    
    Mike

    	There is an Australian helmet standard that goes beyond the other
    standards or so I'm told.  An Australian helmet manufacturer that is
    catching on is Headway.  There helmets are comfortable and fit to a
    specific size (1/8 Inches/Centimeters).  
    
    	I have been using a Headway helmet 6 months and love it.  My only
    complaint would be that the strap buckle is tough to snap, especially
    if your not familiar with it.  This could make it a little tough for
    children under 10 since it takes coordination and strength to snap.
    
    	I don't know the details of why the Australian standard is more
    stringent on safety or testing.  However I did read an article that the
    other standards are planning on tightening their requirements soon.
    
    	Not that I'm pushing this product...  while up at Mt. Snow doing
    some downhill biking I noticed that Headway was the only product they
    sold.  Since they are heavily into the mountain bike sport they may
    know something about people who rent bikes on hilly terrain...THEY
    FALL.  
    
    	Chris
                       

    "fit to a specific size" Does that mean measuring the circumference
    of the head?  That would be a problem for a number of people that I
    know.  I've met several XXXL types who have either very round heads
    or very elongated.  Most helmets don't fit them even if the helmet
    is XXXL.  Some companies go the extra inch to make a fit in these
    cases.  (one such company was, ahem, Skid Lid)
    
    ed

     Helmet configuration really stinks (for me). They come in one
     cranial "profile". I don't know what that is, but it ain't mine :-)
    
     It's be nice to have a system developed like ski boots so that a 
     helmet can be custom fitted. I know there's a weight element here,
     but some can get uncomfortable after extended wear.

>     Helmet configuration really stinks (for me). They come in one
>     cranial "profile". I don't know what that is, but it ain't mine :-)
    
	So it's official. Chip is Frankenstein's monster. With a titanium
    bolt through his neck of course...  :*)
    
    Graham. "Igor, throw the third switch!" 

    >"fit to a specific size" Does that mean measuring the circumference
    >of the head?
    
    Ed  
    Measuring is only one method for a majority of people.  The remainder
    of the large (XXXL) headed people out there could try one of the 
    following:
    	- insert head in urinal, if it fits you have an elongated XXXL,cast
    	  mold accordingly and/or tear off the wall.
    	- insert head in toilet, if it fits you have a more rounded XXXL,
    	  patent the new aero cooling tube.
    
    Chris "one of the elongated brethren" ;-)

     Okay, okay... I'll admit to representing thew group using Sears
     tool boxes.......
    
     Chip

    If you can't find a helmet that "fits", you may want to try one of
    those "pump" versions.  Supposed to make the helmet a "custom fit"
    for all you mutants.

     Good advice... It's a pain for us with abnormally large craniums
     (to accept that additonal brain matter) to find a fit!  :-)

     #1 --> Giro Ventoux (the little bag is classy!)   :-)