So, once my bike was purchased I decided the next important step was to protect my HEED! (Or, if you are not a KFC loving Scotsman, my "head".)
I started scoping helmet pricing online, then took a trip to REI with the boyfriend to try some on. After trying a couple of options he said "What do you think?"
"I don't know, I need to look in a mirror."
"I don't think you want to do that."
That last sassy comment was overheard by a random lady who promptly hated my boyfriend's face and took me under her wing to explain the nuances of ladies helmets. She clearly didn't understand our sense of humor.
IE... "She looks ADORABLE!" (glare)
Anyway, random angry lady directed me to a helmet model made by Giro called "Skyla" which is made specifically for women and comes in smaller sizes. It even has a spot for your ponytail. I liked them, but wanted to do a bit more research before committing.
I was drawn to this helmet...
because it made me laugh, but unfortunately it would be WAY too warm on the ride. The melon humor would probably wear off in a hurry too. If you love it, it is made by a company called "Nutcase" which is pretty much awesome in itself.
So I continued to look online and based on the pricing and reviews decided that the Skyla was really my best bet. I now of course had to pick the cutest one. There was a turquoise and white that didn't quite feel like me, and a black and gold that was cool. But, word on the street is that the black option isn't great if you bike a lot because lighter colors give you better visibility. Fair enough.
I picked this one ...
When I first saw it I thought it may be just a touch too, um, pink, for such a beefy excursion. I felt way better after seeing lots of ladies biking around town with it. Up close it's flowery and pink, but seeing it on the road it just looks well balanced and cool- literally and figuratively. It has a knob on the back to make sure you get a balanced fit, and it has 20 vents to keep your gargantuan cranium cool. OH and the visor piece snaps off in case I ever have the desire to feel a little less nerdy.
What I was really hoping for was to find some unique online shop that specialized in custom airbrushing on helmets or something....but let's face it. I'm on a budget anyway. This helmet was around 40 bones and will be more than adequate for the ride. (but if you know of some fun custom site let me know. Buyers remorse is fun.)
Next time, TALES OF THE VAGINA SEAT.
Intrigued, no?
Wes
