Bicycle Light Quality...?

Jesus Hipp

Has anyone ever used one of these mounted to a bicycle helmet before? Looking for other people experiences with one. Here is a link to the product I am talking about...

http://www.bikemania.biz/PrincetonTec_Corona_Bike_Light_p/princetontec_354072.htm

I need one that mounts on a helmet, not handlebars. But I don't want to spend a fortune.

Answer
I have ridden with friends who have the helmet mounts. They are of good enough quality and all. I prefer to have my light source closer to the ground for better illumination.

There was something weird to me when I tried on the helmet light. Just to have the beam move so much, or something.

I mount my headlights (Topeak) on my forks, not my handle bars.

http://shopping.msn.com/results/bike-lights/bcatid5699/topeak/2-4194253/forsale?text=category:bike-lights+Brand:Topeak

Can any one find me good [cheap] helmets?

Q. I still use that bicycle helmet. I have until next week--my first lesson :)--to get a real helmet. Can any one give me any links to good, cheap helmets? Thanks.

Answer
AMBER <3

I'm so happy you're getting rid of that bicycle helmet. And I'm so happy you're having an official lesson!

Okay, so, here are a few of the most basic helmets. But they're Troxels, always great quality ;)

http://www.statelinetack.com/item/troxel-dakota-helmet/SLT653550/
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/troxel-spirit-helmet/SLT722636/ (I have this helmet in periwinkle)
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/troxel-legacy-helmet/SLT653546/ (LOVE this one in ruby, it's gonna be my next helmet haha)

Hope this helps and ily :)

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What kind of bicycle would best fit my lifestyle?

bicycle helmet quality image

mipy

I am looking to buy a bike, preferably a BMX although I do not do tricks, but I would like to cruise around the city with my pals. I don't really want to spend over $120, but I do want some quality. Haro? Redline? Mongoose? Also, does spray painting the frame of a bike totally mess it up? Thanks everyone! :)

Answer
BMX bikes are TERRIBLE for actually going anywhere. They're only good for tricks. Why are they terrible? They're completely designed for tricks, with a saddle that doesn't get in the way during tricks (not fit for riding comfortably), bars that come high for more controls during spins (you'll be stuck upright in the wind, good luck getting over 15mph or so), etc. You'll be standing up to pedal the whole way (uncomfortable for extended periods) and it'll just be a generally unpleasant experience. If you end up sitting on the saddle, you'll be one of those funny guys I see commuting with their knees hitting their chin on the upstroke of the pedal stroke, hah.

if you simply want to trot along at a casual pace with friends, get a cheap beach cruiser, which might be the only thing you can afford with $120.

If you actually want to *go* places, and go places quickly, you want a road bike. Vintage road bikes can be had for cheap, within your budget, but you'll be put over your budget with accessories (helmet: 20, lock: 20, lights for night riding: 20, random parts you'll need for old bike repair: 20ish). Plus you need to know what you're doing when you're shopping for used bikes.

I pass BMX/cruiser guys all the time on my 1987 Japanese road bike I picked up for $100 on craigslist, in need of about $30 worth of repair. Sometimes, I see those I pass start sprinting in some manly, testosterone-driven spur of the moment competition, but there's no way they ever catch up to me on my road bike with thin, high pressure, slick tires (less rolling resistance).

Also, you said you want 'quality.' There's no way in hell you're getting that with $120 worth of department store bike. Either spend a few weeks learning about bikes, and then buying a used one that'll suit you, get a friend to help you find a used one to suit you, or go to your local bicycle shop (LBS) and tell them your requirements. Your LBS is going to be your best friend if you go in with enough money.

How do bicycle helmets work?

Forgetful

There is a "shell" and a "liner" in a bicycle helmet, right? what is the purpose of those things? Is the shell supposed to stop it from breaking or is the liner supposed to be crushed?
Simple language please.
thanks!!!!!

Answer
There are variations depending upon the quality of the helmet and the purpose... for example, some DH helmets are practically MX helmets now but, in general...

Bike helmets have the liner and shell as you've mentioned, the liner actually does the majority of work in saving you from a fall. The shell is really just there to prevent things like stick and such on the tral from penetrating the liner and stabbing you in the head, or to keep the liner from coming apart on hard impacts. The liner is what handles the energy transfer that prevents you from sustaining severe injury. When you take an impact, the liner is supposed to get crushed... in doing so, it converts the kinetic energy (the energy of an object in motion) of the impact into thermal energy (heat) as the liner is crushed. Remember, energy can never be created or destroyed, it can only change forms... The type of material used in the liner and the overall quality of the helmet determine just how effective it is but that's the basic principle in ALL helmets actually. Most common helmets use an EPS liner, Expanded PolyStyrine, and are good for just one serious impact... Once the liner has been crushed, it no longer has the capacity to be crushed much further to allow for the conversion of energy needed to protect your head. Some other helmets use materials that allow the energy conversion to take place repeatedly and only need to be replaced if the shell material is compromised... these are typically MX helmets or very high-end downhill helmets.

Also, it's worth noting that essentially all bike helmets pass the same certifications so there isnt a whole lot of difference in protection between a $40 helmet and a $140 helmet... Most of the extra money that you pay goes into what was spent on R&D to figure out a way to incorporate more vents into the helmet without lessening the protection offered.

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What kind of bicycle would best fit my lifestyle?

bicycle helmet quality image

mipy

I am looking to buy a bike, preferably a BMX although I do not do tricks, but I would like to cruise around the city with my pals. I don't really want to spend over $120, but I do want some quality. Haro? Redline? Mongoose? Also, does spray painting the frame of a bike totally mess it up? Thanks everyone! :)

Answer
BMX bikes are TERRIBLE for actually going anywhere. They're only good for tricks. Why are they terrible? They're completely designed for tricks, with a saddle that doesn't get in the way during tricks (not fit for riding comfortably), bars that come high for more controls during spins (you'll be stuck upright in the wind, good luck getting over 15mph or so), etc. You'll be standing up to pedal the whole way (uncomfortable for extended periods) and it'll just be a generally unpleasant experience. If you end up sitting on the saddle, you'll be one of those funny guys I see commuting with their knees hitting their chin on the upstroke of the pedal stroke, hah.

if you simply want to trot along at a casual pace with friends, get a cheap beach cruiser, which might be the only thing you can afford with $120.

If you actually want to *go* places, and go places quickly, you want a road bike. Vintage road bikes can be had for cheap, within your budget, but you'll be put over your budget with accessories (helmet: 20, lock: 20, lights for night riding: 20, random parts you'll need for old bike repair: 20ish). Plus you need to know what you're doing when you're shopping for used bikes.

I pass BMX/cruiser guys all the time on my 1987 Japanese road bike I picked up for $100 on craigslist, in need of about $30 worth of repair. Sometimes, I see those I pass start sprinting in some manly, testosterone-driven spur of the moment competition, but there's no way they ever catch up to me on my road bike with thin, high pressure, slick tires (less rolling resistance).

Also, you said you want 'quality.' There's no way in hell you're getting that with $120 worth of department store bike. Either spend a few weeks learning about bikes, and then buying a used one that'll suit you, get a friend to help you find a used one to suit you, or go to your local bicycle shop (LBS) and tell them your requirements. Your LBS is going to be your best friend if you go in with enough money.

How do bicycle helmets work?

Forgetful

There is a "shell" and a "liner" in a bicycle helmet, right? what is the purpose of those things? Is the shell supposed to stop it from breaking or is the liner supposed to be crushed?
Simple language please.
thanks!!!!!

Answer
There are variations depending upon the quality of the helmet and the purpose... for example, some DH helmets are practically MX helmets now but, in general...

Bike helmets have the liner and shell as you've mentioned, the liner actually does the majority of work in saving you from a fall. The shell is really just there to prevent things like stick and such on the tral from penetrating the liner and stabbing you in the head, or to keep the liner from coming apart on hard impacts. The liner is what handles the energy transfer that prevents you from sustaining severe injury. When you take an impact, the liner is supposed to get crushed... in doing so, it converts the kinetic energy (the energy of an object in motion) of the impact into thermal energy (heat) as the liner is crushed. Remember, energy can never be created or destroyed, it can only change forms... The type of material used in the liner and the overall quality of the helmet determine just how effective it is but that's the basic principle in ALL helmets actually. Most common helmets use an EPS liner, Expanded PolyStyrine, and are good for just one serious impact... Once the liner has been crushed, it no longer has the capacity to be crushed much further to allow for the conversion of energy needed to protect your head. Some other helmets use materials that allow the energy conversion to take place repeatedly and only need to be replaced if the shell material is compromised... these are typically MX helmets or very high-end downhill helmets.

Also, it's worth noting that essentially all bike helmets pass the same certifications so there isnt a whole lot of difference in protection between a $40 helmet and a $140 helmet... Most of the extra money that you pay goes into what was spent on R&D to figure out a way to incorporate more vents into the helmet without lessening the protection offered.

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what distance should the lenses be around if making a homemade 3D camera?

bicycle helmet quality image

Q. I am thinking of making my own 3D camera, and will use red/blue glasses. I am going to buy two Muvi Micro Clone type camera, and want to know what distance apart the two lenses should be for the best quality video?

My plan is to use the camera as an action camera, to record 3D cycling videos mounted on a bicycle helmet.


Anyone got any advice :) Thanks!!

Answer
I have to respectfully disagree with lare on that one - you can do 3D without synchronised shutters. Have a look at Suzi Perry's 3D video, recorded for The Gadget Show. This was shot with a pair of Canon 550Ds. I seem to remember the program mentioned all sorts of potential problems, but the results were much better than expected. From what I remember, the distance between the lenses wasn't critical, but they had to be aligned so that the images seemed to converge at the right distance. I don't remember what the right distance was though - sorry!

A good camera for my commute to work?

Steven

My budget is up to £150, ideally under £100 though. I want a camera that will fit either on my bicycle somewhere, or on my helmet. The quality needs to be good enough to read plates and get detail of peoples faces. I also want the battery life to be around an hour. And the camera cant be too big either. Anyone know of any?

Answer
The GoPro is a very popular brand that does what you want, but you'll have to up your budget.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=gopro

To stay in budget you might have to build your own bracket for the bike or a strap for your helmet.

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What is a reasonable price for a bike helmet?

bicycle helmet quality image

John

I would like to know how much is too much on a all-mountain/single track bicycle helmet and how much is reasonable. Also, any recommendations, the main helmet that I was looking at was the Bontrager Lithos which is $129 and I was wondering if this is a bit outlandish for a helmet or if that is what's necessary for a quality helmet?

Answer
In the U.S. every helmet regardless of price is tested to the same minimum standards. As the helmet gets more expensive the helmet gets better, lighter, and stronger.

$129 is a LOT cheaper than brain surgery or even a trip to the hospital from your helmet shattering on the pavement.

EDIT: OK, I guess I'll have to go into a little more detail. As I said before, all helmets must meet minimum requirements. The differences with better helmets, however, are staggering. First, cheaper helmets (asm entioned before) are good for ONE impact. That does not take into consideration that almost every accident involves more than one impact as you bounce off the road. That is part of the CPSC regulation.

Good helmets have internal webbing to allow the helmet to stay together as your head bounces off the road as cheaper ones come off your head. Cheap helmets break apart and fall away leaving your head exposed after the first hit.

Good helmets fit the head much more securely without using low durometer pads stuck to the inside, again making the safety fetaures of the helmet much more effective. Most decent helmets also have less abrasive straps and pinch-free buckles along with a much more effective and slip-free situation.

Good helmets also have a positive placing system of some sort to passively place the helmet in the correct position on your head. Again, VERY important feature.

Soooo, if all you want is minimum protection- if you don't particularly need your head for anything special- than a $25 helmet is great. On the other hand, if you tend to use your head (or anything that might be stored inside it) occasionally, that $129 is pretty cheap insurance.

what distance should the lenses be around if making a homemade 3D camera?

Q. I am thinking of making my own 3D camera, and will use red/blue glasses. I am going to buy two Muvi Micro Clone type camera, and want to know what distance apart the two lenses should be for the best quality video?

My plan is to use the camera as an action camera, to record 3D cycling videos mounted on a bicycle helmet.


Anyone got any advice :) Thanks!!

Answer
I have to respectfully disagree with lare on that one - you can do 3D without synchronised shutters. Have a look at Suzi Perry's 3D video, recorded for The Gadget Show. This was shot with a pair of Canon 550Ds. I seem to remember the program mentioned all sorts of potential problems, but the results were much better than expected. From what I remember, the distance between the lenses wasn't critical, but they had to be aligned so that the images seemed to converge at the right distance. I don't remember what the right distance was though - sorry!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is a reasonable price for a bike helmet?

bicycle helmet quality image

John

I would like to know how much is too much on a all-mountain/single track bicycle helmet and how much is reasonable. Also, any recommendations, the main helmet that I was looking at was the Bontrager Lithos which is $129 and I was wondering if this is a bit outlandish for a helmet or if that is what's necessary for a quality helmet?

Answer
In the U.S. every helmet regardless of price is tested to the same minimum standards. As the helmet gets more expensive the helmet gets better, lighter, and stronger.

$129 is a LOT cheaper than brain surgery or even a trip to the hospital from your helmet shattering on the pavement.

EDIT: OK, I guess I'll have to go into a little more detail. As I said before, all helmets must meet minimum requirements. The differences with better helmets, however, are staggering. First, cheaper helmets (asm entioned before) are good for ONE impact. That does not take into consideration that almost every accident involves more than one impact as you bounce off the road. That is part of the CPSC regulation.

Good helmets have internal webbing to allow the helmet to stay together as your head bounces off the road as cheaper ones come off your head. Cheap helmets break apart and fall away leaving your head exposed after the first hit.

Good helmets fit the head much more securely without using low durometer pads stuck to the inside, again making the safety fetaures of the helmet much more effective. Most decent helmets also have less abrasive straps and pinch-free buckles along with a much more effective and slip-free situation.

Good helmets also have a positive placing system of some sort to passively place the helmet in the correct position on your head. Again, VERY important feature.

Soooo, if all you want is minimum protection- if you don't particularly need your head for anything special- than a $25 helmet is great. On the other hand, if you tend to use your head (or anything that might be stored inside it) occasionally, that $129 is pretty cheap insurance.

what distance should the lenses be around if making a homemade 3D camera?

Q. I am thinking of making my own 3D camera, and will use red/blue glasses. I am going to buy two Muvi Micro Clone type camera, and want to know what distance apart the two lenses should be for the best quality video?

My plan is to use the camera as an action camera, to record 3D cycling videos mounted on a bicycle helmet.


Anyone got any advice :) Thanks!!

Answer
I have to respectfully disagree with lare on that one - you can do 3D without synchronised shutters. Have a look at Suzi Perry's 3D video, recorded for The Gadget Show. This was shot with a pair of Canon 550Ds. I seem to remember the program mentioned all sorts of potential problems, but the results were much better than expected. From what I remember, the distance between the lenses wasn't critical, but they had to be aligned so that the images seemed to converge at the right distance. I don't remember what the right distance was though - sorry!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What kind of bicycle would best fit my lifestyle?

bicycle helmet quality image

mipy

I am looking to buy a bike, preferably a BMX although I do not do tricks, but I would like to cruise around the city with my pals. I don't really want to spend over $120, but I do want some quality. Haro? Redline? Mongoose? Also, does spray painting the frame of a bike totally mess it up? Thanks everyone! :)

Answer
BMX bikes are TERRIBLE for actually going anywhere. They're only good for tricks. Why are they terrible? They're completely designed for tricks, with a saddle that doesn't get in the way during tricks (not fit for riding comfortably), bars that come high for more controls during spins (you'll be stuck upright in the wind, good luck getting over 15mph or so), etc. You'll be standing up to pedal the whole way (uncomfortable for extended periods) and it'll just be a generally unpleasant experience. If you end up sitting on the saddle, you'll be one of those funny guys I see commuting with their knees hitting their chin on the upstroke of the pedal stroke, hah.

if you simply want to trot along at a casual pace with friends, get a cheap beach cruiser, which might be the only thing you can afford with $120.

If you actually want to *go* places, and go places quickly, you want a road bike. Vintage road bikes can be had for cheap, within your budget, but you'll be put over your budget with accessories (helmet: 20, lock: 20, lights for night riding: 20, random parts you'll need for old bike repair: 20ish). Plus you need to know what you're doing when you're shopping for used bikes.

I pass BMX/cruiser guys all the time on my 1987 Japanese road bike I picked up for $100 on craigslist, in need of about $30 worth of repair. Sometimes, I see those I pass start sprinting in some manly, testosterone-driven spur of the moment competition, but there's no way they ever catch up to me on my road bike with thin, high pressure, slick tires (less rolling resistance).

Also, you said you want 'quality.' There's no way in hell you're getting that with $120 worth of department store bike. Either spend a few weeks learning about bikes, and then buying a used one that'll suit you, get a friend to help you find a used one to suit you, or go to your local bicycle shop (LBS) and tell them your requirements. Your LBS is going to be your best friend if you go in with enough money.

How do bicycle helmets work?

Forgetful

There is a "shell" and a "liner" in a bicycle helmet, right? what is the purpose of those things? Is the shell supposed to stop it from breaking or is the liner supposed to be crushed?
Simple language please.
thanks!!!!!

Answer
There are variations depending upon the quality of the helmet and the purpose... for example, some DH helmets are practically MX helmets now but, in general...

Bike helmets have the liner and shell as you've mentioned, the liner actually does the majority of work in saving you from a fall. The shell is really just there to prevent things like stick and such on the tral from penetrating the liner and stabbing you in the head, or to keep the liner from coming apart on hard impacts. The liner is what handles the energy transfer that prevents you from sustaining severe injury. When you take an impact, the liner is supposed to get crushed... in doing so, it converts the kinetic energy (the energy of an object in motion) of the impact into thermal energy (heat) as the liner is crushed. Remember, energy can never be created or destroyed, it can only change forms... The type of material used in the liner and the overall quality of the helmet determine just how effective it is but that's the basic principle in ALL helmets actually. Most common helmets use an EPS liner, Expanded PolyStyrine, and are good for just one serious impact... Once the liner has been crushed, it no longer has the capacity to be crushed much further to allow for the conversion of energy needed to protect your head. Some other helmets use materials that allow the energy conversion to take place repeatedly and only need to be replaced if the shell material is compromised... these are typically MX helmets or very high-end downhill helmets.

Also, it's worth noting that essentially all bike helmets pass the same certifications so there isnt a whole lot of difference in protection between a $40 helmet and a $140 helmet... Most of the extra money that you pay goes into what was spent on R&D to figure out a way to incorporate more vents into the helmet without lessening the protection offered.

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