Trying to get a bike for the summer

[BailOut]

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

I read it years ago in a motorcycling magazine, so my information may be outdated as the standards got tougher. The Snell Memorial Foundation Standards for bicycle helmets require them to survive a 110 joule impact against a flat anvil. 110 joules is about 2500 ft-lbs. A 200 lb. man moving 7 mph is moving about10ft/second, so it's pretty easy to see how you can exceed 110 joules in an impact when you're riding your bike 15 or 20 mph. The weaker federal CPSC standard mentions an impact velocity of 20 ft/s, but they're only dropping the unweighted helmet onto the anvil.

I had never paid much attention to the standards so I researched them and what I've found doesn't match up with your information. This site:

http://www.bhsi.org/stdcomp.htm

... shows the impact tests of each standard. It shows that while the Snell tests use a 5kg "head form" their drop rates (2.0-2.2m/sec) are lessened as compared to the CPSC rate of 6.8m/sec to account for it.

Their main page:

http://www.bhsi.org/standard.htm#SNELL

... says that the Snell B-90 test (which Snell still allows manufacturers to use) is comparable to the CPSC test.

So, while the Snell B-95 test is a little more stringent it is not a big leap from the B-90/CPSC test, nor is it compulsory for the Snell certification. As such the CPSC standard should do just fine.


(Sorry for the derailment, all, but I feel this is a worthy sub-topic.)

[SentraSE-R]

I think you misread the report. The Snell tests mention joules, and drop distances, not drop rates. The Snell B-1995 standard tests from a 10% higher height than the CPSC height, so it is a significantly tougher test. Snell B-1995 is a different certification than Snell B-1990. One should always buy a helmet that meets the more stringent/modern standard, and the CPSC standard is the bare minimum for US helmets. Snell B-1995 came out four years before the CPSC standard, and is still stronger than the new, but weaker, CPSC standard.

Regarding motorcycle helmets, the Snell standard required a double impact test when the federal Z90 standard required only a single impact test. Snell testing has consistently been tougher than the existing federal requirement.

[Bike123]

Here is a good guide to riding a bike in traffic:
http://www.bikexprt.com

[drimportracing]

I took a solid hit to the head, back and left elbow from a Chevy Yukon from behind with an estimated 30mph impact (we were both traveling the same direction, I was doing 10mph on my bike, she was going 40mph when she hit me.) No helmet. Well, I don't know about her but I wasn't wearing one. - Dale

P.S. I'm feeling much better now, though I haven't ridden since that day in '97.

[KJSatz]

I took it out for a spin. A pedal fell off. I managed to recover the pedal and the nut item that holds it on (it's a .2" long nut welded to a proprietary washer thing). When I got home (after a rather long walk...) I tried screwing the nut back on with pliers. I need to keep an eye on this, and it might be best to just get a new nut when I go to Wal Mart or whatever store next. I also sustained a minor injury to my lower leg when I attempted to pedal once or twice with the pedal absent. Also, I need one of those gel seat covers....

Still pumped for my bike!

[jongloves]

I thought about buying a cheap new bike from a discount place but then figured all I'm really doing is supporting the Chineese economy and doing more damage to the environment shipping it here from China. I happened on a car boot sale the other day. After some freindly banter with the seller, picked up a sound commuter bike for €15 not the most trendy but then no one is going to steal it. Used it for few trips to the gym and a couple of trips to the beer garden. I reckon it's paid for itself already and the summer has only started.

[BailOut]

Good for you, Jon! I'm sure you'll get every penny's worth out of that reused bicycle, and then much more.

[bomber991]

Go to one of those 4 local bike shops when you need to buy bike stuff.