79pmooney
Posts:3180
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| 03/13/2014 05:50 PM |
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http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/
Rule #35 No visors on the road. Road helmets can be worn on mountain bikes, but never the
other way around. If you want shade, see Rule #22.
Rule #36 Eyewear shall be cycling specific. No Aviator shades, blueblockers, or clip-on covers for eye
glasses. Rule #37 The arms of the eyewear shall always be placed over the
helmet straps. No exceptions. This is for various reasons that may or may
not matter; it’s just the way it is.
Rule #66 No mirrors. Mirrors are allowed on your (aptly named) Surly Big Dummy or
your Surly Long Haul Trucker. Not on your road steed. Not on your Mountain
bike. Not on your helmet. If someone familiar with The Rules has sold you such
an abomination, return the mirror and demand a refund, plus interest and
damages.
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I don't wear glasses to be seen, I wear them to see. They are the most important item I put on each morning. (Yes, more than any piece of clothing.) The prescriptions I need mean that my eyewear is expensive. And since I always need to wear them, ones with real versatility mean I don't always have to carry extra pairs (and risk misplacing those $300 extra pairs.) And my glasses are on before I put my helmet on and still on when I take it off. I never take my glasses off to climb. (And you wouldn't want me to.) No way am going to put my temples over the straps, ready to flip those glasses of when my helmet gets bumped or I crash or I simply forget when I take my helmet off. (I expect my glasses to still be on my face after a hard crash. And they nearly always are.)
Helmet visors mean no light reflecting inside my glasses. I see better with the eyewear I am going to use.
Mirrors - the day is going to come when a top sprinter realizes that a mirror gives him a real advantage at the end of a race. He can watch his competition keeping his head forward. It's perfectly legal (and if someone does this and UCI decides to ban it as looking non-professional, they may see a huge outcry about banning an item that would save lives of fans who will now imitate their heroes). They have already instituted a safety measure that looks far goofier: helmets.
And those Rule #35 Visors are the perfect place to mount those mirrors.
Finally, when is the cycling world going to wake up to the fact that the de rigor cycling shades look really dorky. That wearing the temple outside looks even dorkier. We all know the rider who looked cool in eyewear. If that eyewear had tinted lenses, he would still have looked cool. Laurent Fignon. Need I say more?
Actually saying more would be pointless, just like saying the emperor is wearing no clothes.
Ben
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bobswire
Posts:304
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| 03/13/2014 11:53 PM |
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| Ben, some rules are designed to be broken except by lemmings. I'm with U but then again I'm not much of a style maven. |
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79pmooney
Posts:3180
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| 03/14/2014 12:23 AM |
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Thanks Bob. I am probably going to need all the support I can get!
Ben |
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zootracer
Posts:833
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| 03/14/2014 01:23 AM |
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| Screw the rules |
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Pin0Q0
Posts:229
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| 03/14/2014 05:46 AM |
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| Right on for rules 5,6,29 and definitely it's an absolute necessity to follow 43.The rest are made to be broken. |
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Yo Mike
Posts:338
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| 03/14/2014 10:01 AM |
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| I have never followed #37, or #24, for that matter. |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 03/14/2014 11:13 AM |
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Makes no sense having the glasses outside the straps...
Inside. |
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ChinookPass
Posts:809
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| 03/14/2014 11:43 AM |
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| the local dude who used to do a shirtless-with-arm-warmers ride to "even out his tan" was probably in violation of #82. |
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79pmooney
Posts:3180
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| 03/14/2014 12:58 PM |
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I've been breaking Rule #30 for 40 years. No frame pumps. Goes further to say that Zephals are never to be carried. Guess it is saying that I should never stop to assist a rider who is struggling with his mini pump or who has used his last cartridge. That would be rubbing my infractions in his face and certainly not welcome.
Ben |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 03/14/2014 03:29 PM |
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I am guilty of flauting the stupid helmet law they have here in BC.
To be sure I wear it 90% of time time. But just brought the bike in to shoppe for repairs while on vacation and I'll be damned if I haul that bulky lid back on the 5km hike home, half of which is uphill.
Now rules against sleeveless shirts, visors and mirrors, those I can dig. Hehehe.
(off to La Florida in 24hrs) |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 03/14/2014 03:52 PM |
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| Not all of us have heads of hair like yours to worry about, OC ; ) |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 03/14/2014 04:01 PM |
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I actually like helmet hair Huck - it makes my messy crop look presentable in the office.
But the feeling of wind on your head is next to none; that's how I grew up and rode for 20yrs. Addictive. |
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Oldfart
Posts:511
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| 03/14/2014 05:01 PM |
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| Well OC. Since my pelt is sparse and 1 mm long where some still exists, I always have wind in my "hair" Even while stopped at a red light. In the car. With windows up. Own a huge collection of hats as a result and I do not want to start that efudex $4it again. |
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Dale
Posts:1767
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| 03/14/2014 06:39 PM |
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| Hey OF, I did that efudex in December. Five days nothing… then BAM, like a bad sunburn, the irony of which was not lost on me. My forehead and temple area of my face looks 20 years younger now than before. Kinda cool in that regard, but not anxious to repeat those two weeks |
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Pin0Q0
Posts:229
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| 03/14/2014 10:33 PM |
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Actually these are not rules but gathered opinions. Just like a$$ holes.... everyone’s got one. Make your own rule and do what feels and looks good to you.
Huck - Sunglasses handles on the outside because if you strap on your helmet snug like I do, and put the handles in, then you'll end up with a headache, earache or the frame will not sit on your nose correctly.
I hate floppy loose straps on the side. It has to be Goldie Lock fit.
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Master50
Posts:340
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| 03/14/2014 10:45 PM |
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Mirrors are already illegal in racing. They are considered non essential equipment and I believe they are dangerous in competition. I mention my opinion because I am the guy that would order you to take it off or be a spectator. I have done so, many times already  in this case it is not just a fashion rule.
I only just started to put my glasses outside the straps. I now think this is a good rule because I follow it |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 03/15/2014 10:57 AM |
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Pinocchio -
Must be my mammoth-sized head combined with my skeletor face, that allow the straps to accommodate the glasses ; )
I'll have to check this rule again today.
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Oldfart
Posts:511
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| 03/15/2014 12:18 PM |
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Posted By Dale Dale on 03/14/2014 06:39 PM
Hey OF, I did that efudex in December. Five days nothing… then BAM, like a bad sunburn, the irony of which was not lost on me. My forehead and temple area of my face looks 20 years younger now than before. Kinda cool in that regard, but not anxious to repeat those two weeks
Yeah I did 23 weeks. 6 weeks scalp, 2weeksface 4 weeks left forearm, 5 weeks right forearm and another 6 weeks scalp. It was supposed to be 6 weeks for each area. Only the scalp didn't hurt so bad. |
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bobswire
Posts:304
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| 03/15/2014 01:25 PM |
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I probably broke every rule in the book with this one photo. Flat bars on a Merckx, Jeans, Mountain shoes/pedals, rx glasses,hat under helmet,pump, messenger bag), etc etc...
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ChinookPass
Posts:809
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| 03/15/2014 07:43 PM |
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| no apologies, Bob. looks like a great day! |
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stronz
Posts:447
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| 03/16/2014 09:35 AM |
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| jeez its good to see some action on this website....As far as the rules -- most make sense to me. I break the "no-mirror" rule every time I get on my bike however I do think it angers the cycling Gods -- to wit: when I was in France riding the Etape in '04 I had a handle bar mirror on the left side of my bar-end. It stuck out like an ugly blemish on an otherwise sweet ride. But I thought it helped me to be a bit more aware of my surroundings --l especially riding on the right shoulder of the road here in the states. Well somehwere along the route of the etape -- and I really dont remember exactly where -- the thing vanished. Either broke off, or some frenchman decided it was an atrocity which need instant remedying. I took that as a sign and didnt ride with one for a long time. Then I found the sleeker bar-end mirrors which I ride with today - they dont stick out but continue the line of the bar-end. Less egregious -- but defintely let me see the bozos driving up from behind. If i ever ride in Europe again I might just take them off to avoid incurring the wrath of the locals....and Bob I think you look pretty dang awesome! |
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stronz
Posts:447
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| 03/16/2014 09:40 AM |
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| OK the rules dont really "make sense" to me -- dont know why I said that. Well just #5. That makes sensee |
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Master50
Posts:340
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| 03/16/2014 06:45 PM |
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Posted By stronzo nonfumare on 03/16/2014 09:35 AM
jeez its good to see some action on this website....As far as the rules -- most make sense to me. I break the "no-mirror" rule every time I get on my bike however I do think it angers the cycling Gods -- to wit: when I was in France riding the Etape in '04 I had a handle bar mirror on the left side of my bar-end. It stuck out like an ugly blemish on an otherwise sweet ride. But I thought it helped me to be a bit more aware of my surroundings --l especially riding on the right shoulder of the road here in the states. Well somehwere along the route of the etape -- and I really dont remember exactly where -- the thing vanished. Either broke off, or some frenchman decided it was an atrocity which need instant remedying. I took that as a sign and didnt ride with one for a long time. Then I found the sleeker bar-end mirrors which I ride with today - they dont stick out but continue the line of the bar-end. Less egregious -- but defintely let me see the bozos driving up from behind. If i ever ride in Europe again I might just take them off to avoid incurring the wrath of the locals....and Bob I think you look pretty dang awesome!
The one question I have always had about mirrors. If you see the car coming do you have enough time to do anything about it? Not talking about using a mirror for lane changes or because you cannot turn your head but I hear so may helmet mirror types rave about this one point. they can see the car coming.
Has anyone ever dove to the ditch because they saw the car coming? more likely they just got hit right after they were scared to death. |
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79pmooney
Posts:3180
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| 03/16/2014 07:18 PM |
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Master, I don't use my mirror to judge whether cars will pass or not. The place where they are huge is giving me information as to how I can handle what is in front of me. In other words, should I ride over that gravel or ride into the road and around it? Hold my line fairly close to a parked car or swing fully clear of the potential door swing. (This in a situation where I was riding into the sunset, my ears told me a car was coming and I could see nobody in the car. With no mirror, I choose to hold a fairly tight line and bought it big time when the drive who had been looking for her kids stuff on the passenger floor opened the door without looking. Turned out the car behind me was far enough back that it wasn't an issue, but I was messed up badly. With a mirror, a quick look would have told me I had time and I would have just signaled left, taken some more lane and called it just another near miss. That crash was in my top 5. A lifetime of being consigned to mirrors, starting then at age 27 would be a hands down good exchange.
In general, I DO NOT look to judge if cars can pass. If it is going to be close, I'd rather not know and therefor do nothing different until the car has passed. But looking and seeing a large construction truck coming on a narrow road will have me looking to be narrow and small, or even off the road as simple courtesy to the driver as well as my safety. (And I may well either wave him past or signal to brake if conditions warrant.)
Another factor for me is that turning my neck to look and ride a straight line is much harder than it was in my racing days 35 years ago. Yes, some of that is age and perhaps I could undo some by stretching more, but a lot of it has to do with the bike crashes I have had involving neck and shoulder injuries. I have to turn my body a lot more than I used to. That swerve to the left is a lot harder to not do. (Master, I have reached double symmetry and about an inch less shoulder width than what came out of the box.)
Ben |
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Master50
Posts:340
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| 03/17/2014 10:10 AM |
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| No doubt I have a prejudice about mirrors and everything you use a mirror for I turn my head. The flexibility is not what it used to be but I still manage.
Actually there is a mirror I like if I was ever to use one. it is a wide angle mirror that plugs in the end of drop bars. Does not replace a look but in terms of the use you describe a good compromise. Helmet mounted mirrors scare me. I remember a stick on mirror that went on the inside of your glasses outboard. Very small but so close to the eye it offered some rear view. still had to cock your head a little but nothing to poke an eye out. |
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Yo Mike
Posts:338
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| 03/17/2014 10:32 AM |
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Ben gives a great description of the utility of mirrors. I have not ridden with one in many years, but the one I did use way back when attached to the side of a (thicker) hard shell helmet (Bell V-1), and I especially liked it on long country roads. I think it was called '3rd Eye'. Blackburn?
Great to know from a distance just what will soon overtake you - especially a vehicle with a trailer, which are often wider than the vehicle itself, and sway a bit. Nice thing too about helmet mirrors is that one does not need to look away to see behind, and image distortion due to vibration (handlebar mirror) is minimized. |
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Master50
Posts:340
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| 03/18/2014 10:07 AM |
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Posted By bob etzler on 03/15/2014 01:25 PM
I probably broke every rule in the book with this one photo. Flat bars on a Merckx, Jeans, Mountain shoes/pedals, rx glasses,hat under helmet,pump, messenger bag), etc etc...
Actually a cycling cap under a road helmet is the only acceptable manner a roadie can use a visor. Still the best rain protection for seeing. Often better than glasses |
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Funk
Posts:50
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| 03/18/2014 11:43 AM |
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| I guess I'm missing the boat as to why people hate mirrors? Is it really the style thing? Honestly, I'd rather ride without a helmet than without a mirror. I know that sounds harsh, but it's true. If I know what's coming, I can make the proper adjustments most of the time. I don't have to ride in busy cities, but do have to face the wrath of the 4x4 monster trucks on the back roads of Michigan. Between them and the constant stream of motorists driving with their heads down (texting and such), I have ridden safely into the gravel/grass shoulder many a time thanks to my mirror. Many of my friends have been hit and people just don't care. It's self defense around here, and my mirror is my best friend. FYI - I have the blackburn model mentioned above, and have for years. It attaches with some double stick tape to the outside of my helmet. Geeky? I guess. But it's saved my ass a few times. |
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C2K_Rider
Posts:173
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| 03/22/2014 12:20 AM |
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| Why are mirrors considered non essential? Why not bike computers? Why not dérailleurs? Seriously this is a perfect example of the total nonsense that goes on in these organizations!
And pray tell, exactly what is it that makes a mirror "dangerous?"
Seriously? |
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C2K_Rider
Posts:173
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| 03/22/2014 12:31 AM |
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| I've said the same thing many times. helmet is for crashing. Mirror is for not crashing.
This went on for days on the vn forum....The mirror users giving rational, objective reasons why they use mirrors and the only response from the mirror haters being Rapha fashion tips. |
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79pmooney
Posts:3180
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| 03/22/2014 02:37 AM |
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C2K, helmets are for mounting our mirrors so we don't crash. 'Course they make fairly expensive mounting platforms and if the mirror does it's job, we have to toss these expensive platforms otherwise unused every few years. Oh well.
Ben |
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Master50
Posts:340
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| 03/22/2014 05:53 PM |
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Posted By Joe Rockbottom on 03/22/2014 12:20 AM
Why are mirrors considered non essential? Why not bike computers? Why not dérailleurs? Seriously this is a perfect example of the total nonsense that goes on in these organizations!
And pray tell, exactly what is it that makes a mirror "dangerous?"
Seriously?
It is people that judge the rules with really no clue and get all PO'd about the organization ,........
If you don't race then it does not apply to you. First thing is racing is about what is ahead.
Crashes are chaos and there are lots of things on bicycles not essential for racing. Fenders, mirrors, bar bags, in supported races pumps and seat bags are not essential too. I have seen guys want to race a touring bike with racks and fenders.
The point being there are already enough sharp and pointy bits to skewer each other with. A bunch of wheels got banned because the spokes became skewers after crashes.
Most of the dissing of mirrors is just that, banter. I am entitled to dislike them but I'll accept you like them.
There is no good reason for a mirror in a bike race.. Images of a rider (Hoogerland?) getting hit by a race vehicle notwithstanding. |
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79pmooney
Posts:3180
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| 03/22/2014 06:09 PM |
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Computers are truly non-essential for racing, distract riders and probably cause a lot of crashes. (Very helpful, yes. But everything the human body can do with a computer is just as possible without.) Likewise race radios. (The race radio crashes might not be from distraction, but they certainly lead to riders trying to force themselves into places they don't belong/fit because their DS is insisting they get to the front before this hill/pave/wind etc.)
I suspect mirrors would cause far less crashes and injury than either of the above.
Ben |
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Master50
Posts:340
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| 03/22/2014 11:56 PM |
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Posted By 79 pmooney on 03/22/2014 06:09 PM
Computers are truly non-essential for racing, distract riders and probably cause a lot of crashes. (Very helpful, yes. But everything the human body can do with a computer is just as possible without.) Likewise race radios. (The race radio crashes might not be from distraction, but they certainly lead to riders trying to force themselves into places they don't belong/fit because their DS is insisting they get to the front before this hill/pave/wind etc.)
I suspect mirrors would cause far less crashes and injury than either of the above.
Ben
What about it that bugs you so much about mirrors being prohibited? Last race I was at I saw at least 3 bar end mirrors mounted and no commissaire noticed. Most of the notice goes to helmet mounted mirrors where eye injury is a concern in a crash.
Do you know what computers do for riders? They provide a lot of tactical information. and essential data on fitness, effectiveness of training and lots of things I can't think about. Information can focus an athletes efforts and recovery. It can remove mystery. make training more effective. they can tell a rider where in the course they are and GPS computers can tell you a turn is coming.. Cycling is a pro sport with a lot of need for information,
I just cannot have the radio discussion Never seen anyone impaled by a computer or radio. Old Paris Roubaix videos showed the rush for the front a few years before radios appeared so I doubt the DS has much to do with that.
I didn't write the rule but a lot of very experience people that spend their entire professional careers in racing do. Rules are seldom written by bureucrats but by officials and racers. In Europw most of the top officials were also racers. What are your credentials to provide us risk analysis and sensibility of racing rules? In those rules a mirror is considered non essential equipment for road, track, cx, Mtb, vmx, racing. They may well be considered essential equipment in any para cycling events where disability might trump. that and not to many tight packs. Definitely still has crashes. |
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