Happy to see this article. A few months ago I got my first full face on a budget: IXS Xact. It fits well, and is comfortable, but certainly is not going to be known for its ventilation. But as someone who rode motorcycles from a young age, it has a very familiar fit. The primary reason I got it is telling myself I am going to ride more bike park, however I have since committed to trying it for more trail riding. When it comes time for a new trail helmet, I'll be looking at lighter weight trail full face.
As for reasons why I never considered it before:
1\. This is going to sound stupid, but the perceived expectations of others you see out riding. I feel like there is a lot of judgment in this sport based on image. I felt like that if I was wearing a full face helmet outside the park, the first impression of others would be that I must be awesome and going to send it hard and that I couldn't live up to that. Related to the reason that I don't wear any sort of fashionable gear (and almost try to look as fashionably terrible as possible out on the trail). Yes, this is reporting live from crazy town
2\. More recently: Price but this has been covered.
3\. Availability - there is less demand so shops don't stock a lot of full face options to try on.
A reason from a good friend who wears no protection save for glasses and an open helmet:
4\. He will ride harder and hurt himself if he has any protection on (I don't subscribe to this theory)
Now being older, with responsibilities and kids to look after, I am much more keen on self preservation. I will NOT ride anywhere off pavement without elbow pads and my shin guards and the full face is looking much more appealing. I am even thinking about additional light armour; I could play hockey in full gear exerting myself at 100%, why not ride like that (albeit with better gear).
I am older and I think I have moved past any care of what others think, or at least it is easier for others to recognize it for what it is: an old man trying to protect himself from himself.
Jan. 12, 2022, 12:06 p.m. - ShawMac
Happy to see this article. A few months ago I got my first full face on a budget: IXS Xact. It fits well, and is comfortable, but certainly is not going to be known for its ventilation. But as someone who rode motorcycles from a young age, it has a very familiar fit. The primary reason I got it is telling myself I am going to ride more bike park, however I have since committed to trying it for more trail riding. When it comes time for a new trail helmet, I'll be looking at lighter weight trail full face. As for reasons why I never considered it before: 1\. This is going to sound stupid, but the perceived expectations of others you see out riding. I feel like there is a lot of judgment in this sport based on image. I felt like that if I was wearing a full face helmet outside the park, the first impression of others would be that I must be awesome and going to send it hard and that I couldn't live up to that. Related to the reason that I don't wear any sort of fashionable gear (and almost try to look as fashionably terrible as possible out on the trail). Yes, this is reporting live from crazy town 2\. More recently: Price but this has been covered. 3\. Availability - there is less demand so shops don't stock a lot of full face options to try on. A reason from a good friend who wears no protection save for glasses and an open helmet: 4\. He will ride harder and hurt himself if he has any protection on (I don't subscribe to this theory) Now being older, with responsibilities and kids to look after, I am much more keen on self preservation. I will NOT ride anywhere off pavement without elbow pads and my shin guards and the full face is looking much more appealing. I am even thinking about additional light armour; I could play hockey in full gear exerting myself at 100%, why not ride like that (albeit with better gear). I am older and I think I have moved past any care of what others think, or at least it is easier for others to recognize it for what it is: an old man trying to protect himself from himself.