Helmet noise

[sonny]

Wow what a trip. Ride every day. Like the HJC helmets. Good price and good quality. Never test rode one if you know what i mean No bragging rights on expensive #rap but it is dot approved. After about 2 cleanings on pads replace them . Still fits good after about 5 years.

 

[1K9]

Now - oddly- the plugs seemed to have me riding smoother and more attentive. Balance/control felt better. Now this surprised me - I know noise can actually be detrimental to concentration (locked in a room with servers I need plugs to concentrate at work). But physical confidence ??

Now this may be a bit of smoke'n'mirror effect. It's something I did notice on the run to the UK last year but I put it down to being in "long range" mode. I know I ride differently on planned long runs - not slower, often actually faster - but mates who've ridden with me say I'm quite different - very much more predictable.

But it's enough for me to start using the plugs for anything except popping to the village for bread.
-------------------------------------
Yeah' It's not smoke, Using Flare, Isolate Aluminum. I leave them in their pouch hanging on the bike when I stop. They have become a routine except the around the block warm up ride.

Was sensitive to chatter @ work too. Never put on plugs at work though.

 

[barbagris]

Now - oddly- the plugs seemed to have me riding smoother and more attentive. Balance/control felt better. Now this surprised me - I know noise can actually be detrimental to concentration (locked in a room with servers I need plugs to concentrate at work). But physical confidence ??

So it's not just me. I would add faster too.

 

[Ishrub]

So it's not just me. I would add faster too.

Of course you would add faster with earplugs you would have 2 extra fingers to use to start with.

 

[TriumPhil]

5 years is fine if you're a relatively infrequent rider - it is more to do with fit - if it feels loose - then you're right - time for a new one. I find these days 5 years is about when they loosen - back when I rode daily - 3 years tops. tbh I think the ON/OFF cycle is what screws the fit - more than actual use...

Yes, but in your particular case, Graybeard, methinks there's some shrinkage of the coconut which accounts for a good deal of that loosening...

 

[barbagris]

Yes, but in your particular case, Graybeard, methinks there's some shrinkage of the coconut which accounts for a good deal of that loosening...

Nah - it's just that a lot of head hair seems to have migrated - ears, nose, back.

 

[barbagris]

So - I've resurrected this as I have noticed summat which MAY assist some with the initial point of this thread - Helmet Noise.

I generally ride ATGATT. But like many, I suspect, a lot of my riding is done in comfy-er Cordura based stuff. I don't mean flappy gear - which I do not like - just not leather.

Following the couple of "offs" we had on the forum - and especially after seeing Frank @laraza Jacket and Kevlar assisted jeans - I have been slowly returning to the old school of wearing dead animal skin.

Last week I was out in leather bib'n'braces and a Frank Thomas jacket and today (as it was a bit warmer) Vanson 2-pce.

Now this may sound loony - but I'll swear that I experience less helmet noise in good well (that is to say close-ish) fitting leathers. Last week I was surprised but thought maybe it was all the extra internal padding. But the Vanson is just mesh lined. I have been wondering how I have not realised/noticed before - and it may be that I now ALWAYS ride with FLARE ear plugs, so do not arrive with my ears ringing (except for existing Tinnitus).

Has anybody else noticed anything similar?

 

[Rocket Scientist]

Standard leather has it's issues.

 

[barbagris]

Standard leather has it's issues.

Abso-Fcuking-lutely.

Careful with side buckles - 37 years ago I had a fairly serious thump - was wearing really good gear (my dad insisted) - but the buckles were pushed under and gouged out a fistful of flesh at my waist.

I'm looking like fury for a decent leather "Belstaff Trials" type jacket with good exterior pockets.
Tried one on in the UK (Merlin Hatton) but it was restrictive around the bum.

Having to wear a leather vest over the Vanson Jacket just to have pockets is wearing a bit thin.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

My next one will have the reinforced elbows and shoulder pads.