a.twiddler
Veteran
Recumbent Riders' Headgear
I've been riding recumbent bikes for six years or so now, and have settled on bikes with a less extreme recline than others may choose. In that time, leaving aside helmets, I've discovered that for my purposes, something with a decent peak or brim is necessary for situations of low sun or oncoming traffic at night and just to keep the wind, insects, or rain off my features as required. As a glasses wearer, keeping the rain off is doubly important. Although my average speed isn't astronomical, I do have issues with keeping my hat on when speed builds up on a long downhill. I'm not averse to the idea of a helmet that fulfils the above criteria, as for a start it won't blow off, but so far I haven't come across one.
In winter, I've found a jeep cap (a sort of knitted beanie with a peak) is useful as it covers my ears and together with a buff is warm enough. It tends not to blow off at speed, too.
On hot sunny days I use soft hat with a brim. It has an adjustable chin strap. Although the brim flaps about at speed it stays on and is a good compromise for me.
For general use I have a baseball cap with a good peak. It's quite close fitting to my head and is generally pretty stable. However, on gusty days or at speed downhill it can take flight. Since this type of thing is what I wear most, finding one with a chin strap that doesn't look slightly ridiculous would be a boon. All these items are basically everyday wear, so you can keep them on while walking about, shopping, etc without worrying about carrying them about or having to lock them to the bike as you might with a helmet, for example.
Since most bike gear, including helmets, is designed for those who ride upright or leaning forward, everyday clothes seem to work better for those of a recumbent inclination.
I'm curious as to what other recumbent riders use or would recommend?
I've been riding recumbent bikes for six years or so now, and have settled on bikes with a less extreme recline than others may choose. In that time, leaving aside helmets, I've discovered that for my purposes, something with a decent peak or brim is necessary for situations of low sun or oncoming traffic at night and just to keep the wind, insects, or rain off my features as required. As a glasses wearer, keeping the rain off is doubly important. Although my average speed isn't astronomical, I do have issues with keeping my hat on when speed builds up on a long downhill. I'm not averse to the idea of a helmet that fulfils the above criteria, as for a start it won't blow off, but so far I haven't come across one.
In winter, I've found a jeep cap (a sort of knitted beanie with a peak) is useful as it covers my ears and together with a buff is warm enough. It tends not to blow off at speed, too.
On hot sunny days I use soft hat with a brim. It has an adjustable chin strap. Although the brim flaps about at speed it stays on and is a good compromise for me.
For general use I have a baseball cap with a good peak. It's quite close fitting to my head and is generally pretty stable. However, on gusty days or at speed downhill it can take flight. Since this type of thing is what I wear most, finding one with a chin strap that doesn't look slightly ridiculous would be a boon. All these items are basically everyday wear, so you can keep them on while walking about, shopping, etc without worrying about carrying them about or having to lock them to the bike as you might with a helmet, for example.
Since most bike gear, including helmets, is designed for those who ride upright or leaning forward, everyday clothes seem to work better for those of a recumbent inclination.
I'm curious as to what other recumbent riders use or would recommend?
