OT: Extra (custom-painted) winged bike helmets for sale

Submitted by crg on

Dear MGoBloggers,

Last fall I was interested in getting a family member (and fellow UM alum) a UM-themed bike helmet since he was an avid bicyclist.  After scouring the interwebs, I discovered an old thread on this site that informed me that no one was mass-producing these anymore.  Therefore, I reached out to an aquaintance that has experience painting custom bike helmets.  I had several made with the intent to give them out later as gifts to other people, but now I'm not sure I want to hang on to them any longer.

Since MGoBlog was the place that saved me from (an extended) wild-goose chase, I'd like to offer the community first dibs before resorting to eBay.  If interested, post an email address to the thread and I will reply.

Unfortunately, they're not as slick as something that came from an actual factory (if you look closely you can see some texture from the external clear-coating), but the wing pattern is clear and sharply defined (not bad at all for hand-painted).  They meet all safety requirements that I know of and the size is adult L/XL.

(I will post some pictures of the back and maybe a few other perspectives soon).

Thanks.

Lampuki22

February 26th, 2017 at 5:11 PM ^

you guys recommend a street bike for an amateur cyclist? I am 6'2 250 and plan to bike a 10 mile asphalt loop 3-5 times a week this summer. I started last fall using a hybrid. money not am issue but under $750 seems right

julesh

February 26th, 2017 at 5:52 PM ^

At first I read that you were looking for recommendations for a helmet and under $750 seems right. As someone who will soon be buying a helmet (I'm getting an e-bike, so can't help you there) I nearly fainted.

Oregon Wolverine

February 27th, 2017 at 10:27 AM ^

No matter how great of a cyclist you are, you WILL go down. Whether it's road conditions -- some marked, some unmarked, human error -- yourself, another cyclist, pedestrian or driver, or mechanic probs.



Get yourself a comfortable, well fitting helmet, and good looking helmet, and you might just save some precious grey matter. And get a new helmet after EVERY accident and every two years even w/out.



I'm an avid cyclist, commuter and hard core rec. I've gone down four times in about 15 years. Major bumps and bruises, recently completely destroyed my shoulder A/C joint. I'm back on the stead, part luck, part helmet.



Plus, just think of the example you're setting for your kids and others.

Oregon Wolverine

February 26th, 2017 at 7:46 PM ^

Above all:



1. Get a bike that fits (I know this sounds stupid, but cannot tell you how many friends have fallen prey to an "awesome deal" on a bike that doesn't fit, and mess w/their body); and



2. Get a bike that fits your cycling style.



So many bikes, so many styles. Do u want reasonable comfort? How long is your torso? Legs? Arms?



Go to a quality bike store (or three) and ride at least 2-3 styles, then 4-5 bikes if that style. Then decide. If you look for a sale you should be able to get an awesome bike in the $750-$1k range. Look for hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano 105 shifters

Oregon Wolverine

February 27th, 2017 at 12:53 AM ^

Save your teeth (or more) and save your wheels (dirt plus clinching down on brake shoes will wear your wheels down until they are no longer structurally sound).



Plus they save you routine maintenance (new shoes, adjusting cable tension, cleaning your wheels so the dirt doesn't inhibit braking and wear your wheels down).



The newest hydraulic brakes are reasonably priced, very low maintenance, and very consistent. Very good while wet -- admittedly a major concern in PDX. In ten years we'll look back at old school brakes and wonder what took so long.

Huzilla

February 26th, 2017 at 10:55 PM ^

And everything that Oregon Wolverine says is true.  Fit and size definitely should be emphasized.



I would also add that if you're coming from a hybrid to a road bike, a more comfort-mindful bike will be plenty sporty enough.  I did the same sort of transition a few years ago with a Specialized Sectuer 



http://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-specialized-secteur-11-44235/

MMB 82

February 26th, 2017 at 8:22 PM ^

Do you mean a road bike with skinny tires and drop handlebars, or an upgrade on your hybrid? At 250 lbs., I would urge you to consider a steel frame, maybe certain aluminum models. You probably wouldn't want a carbon frame, aside from the stress issues it would probably be out of your price range.

 

 

Found this pic with a google search; not sure who makes it.

crg

February 27th, 2017 at 6:21 AM ^

I know this picture - I found when I first started looking around for UM helmets. If I recall correctly, that company no longer makes those. There was no information about how to request a quote or place an order.

FLwolvfan22

February 26th, 2017 at 7:51 PM ^

That's just an old school bike helmet that hipsters started wearing again a few years ago while riding their fixies around. I could even do a matte or glossy finish, add some stickers but you would have to make some plays on the bike first to achieve those.