Why dont mtbers ride with full face helmits?

[DIRT EATER KZN]

When it comes to practicality, I agree. Like white socks when mountain biking - it's just not practical. Not about being 'cool' or not, it just doesn't really make sense. Same with skinny hard tyres in Zululand with all the deep sand. And heavy full face helmets riding long XC on the north coast, sure - your brain might boil.

 

But someone in Gauteng wants a full face at van gaalens because they feel safer, then go for it, and balls to anyone whose got a problem with it.

you know what you are right whatever blows the guys hair back or doesnt

[patches]

DH for sure full face i dont know enough about enduro to comment but 'mountain biking' come get real its not about looking good its common sense you cannot race with a full face helmet on you will put your health at risk i am talking racing sit at lactate threshhold for and hour think about it

 

That's the thing... in SA we have this massive misconception that "mountain biking" means 70km marathon races on district roads, where ones fitness levels play the most important part.

 

The fact is that the term "mountain biking" is very broad. XCM is only one small part of it. There are many other disciplines... DH, FR, AM, 4X, Dual Slalom, Trail, Enduro, XCO, XC Eliminator and on and on.

 

On top of that and contrary to popular belief, not every one in SA that owns a decent MTB participates in races. Some people ride for the pure fun of riding. Some ride to stretch their capabilities. Test what can and can't be traversed on a 2 wheeled, self propelled, machine. And I think it's people like this that may want to wear a full face when trying somthing tricky or challenging.

 

So I guess at the end of the day, common sense must prevail. Doing a 70km XCM race with a full face on is a quick way to microwave your head. But if you're a fun rider and want to have a go at a rocky/rooty section, or find a new line on a trail that might land you on your pip if you don't get it right... then wear a full face if it makes you feel safer and more confident.

 

Here's a look at some enduro riding. What's quite cool are those camelbaks that allow for a rider to carry 2 helmets. either wear full face while decending with open helmet on the pack, or visa-versa for climbing.

 

[Arlen]

Yea! I totally agree to you. Safety should be the top priority for any rider. Every year in free style biking we see a number of broken jaw and head fracture incidents....A full face helmets not only protect the head in case of fall but it also protect face ......So, it is important for us to wear a full face helmet for MTB biking......

[jagwil]

What the hell is a HELMIT???

[patches]

What the hell is a HELMIT???

 

 

[Joe Low]

I'm a fun-rider & if I felt i needed a FFHmit to do what I do, it wouldnt be fun any more.

[Flatdog7]

I ride with a MET Parachute helmet. Its full face but has the air flow of a normal cycling helmet. It is not to be confused with a full face helmet that is used for downhill racing. It would not work and would probably add to your injury. What it is good for is that added protection if your prone to smacking the ground from time to time and aren't too keen on dental bills.

 

I have ridden mine with temps above 30deg and it handles well. There is no padding inside so it has great airflow. Yes I know there are sniggers when I wear it. Hell I have gotten some really odd looks from roadies too. I am happy to provide entertainment, I like my helmet.