Posts with tag helmet

How many times have you said, "Sure, I want to protect myself from brain damage and disfigurement, but helmets are so dorky!" Every time, right?

Well those days are over, thanks to the inventive and colorful Helmet Mohawk.

With more than 14 concurrent ad campaigns, Kate Moss seems to be everywhere. But love or hate her, she's a truly captivating figure: that mooney face, those wide eyes, her long, elegant neck, those unfortunate teeth. I just came across this YouTube video containing footage from a documentary about Kate Moss, which seems to be more than a decade old. In the film, she's goofing off and preparing to have her photo taken. What's funny about the YouTube clip is that Kate is wearing this big ridiculous Roman-looking helmet, which doesn't even seem to fit her. Any modest types out there might not want to watch the movie -- it's no worse than the cover of W last month, but don't say I didn't try to warn you.

Sort of makes you wonder what the photoshoot is trying to sell? Battle helmets?

Cycling has had its share of scandals over the years, the most recent being the massive doping ring uncovered in Spain and the resulting 15 riders excluded from the 2006 Tour de France, including pre-race favorites Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso.

The bad news: its clearly possible to dope in cycling

The good news: its also possible to be dope in cycling. Here's an Everything Style primer to biker chic:

1. Bike shorts: They may not be flattering at first, but you will come to love them. And unlike many consumer goods, more expensive really is better. Think about what the padding protects. Then think Assos, Castelli and Giordana.
2. Bike helmets: Freedom is not the wind running through your hair. Freedom is the wind running through your hair safely. But don't worry -- helmets like the Bell Sweep and the Giro Atmos go a long way towards simultaneously keeping you cool and making you cool.
3. Bike visors: Nothing says "bike dork" like a detachable visor. Except maybe a detachable helmet mirror.
4. Helmet mirrors: See above.
5. Bike shoes: Unlike regular shoes, you don't have to choose between comfort and style. Unfortunately, you do have to choose between multi-use (read: mountain bike shoes -- thanks to a recessed cleat, you can click into your pedals but still saunter along the boardwalk) and single-use (read: road bike shoes -- absolutely not for walking, but absolutely fast). DMT, Sidi and Shimano make great kicks.
6. Jerseys: Yes, they have zippers. Yes, they have back pockets. But they are infinitely better than t-shirts. Trust me on this one.
7. Gloves: Though you may want to go au naturel, gloves -- like helmets -- are worth their weight in gold. And they can very easily be stylish. Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi and Nike make especially smooth gloves.

So in summary, my aspiring Greg Lemonds: Don't dope. Be dope.