The disadvantages of cycling

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[@daveoutdoors4949]

I have reduced my risk of a collision by doing 80% of my riding on bike paths and not riding in bad weather. I’ve crashed once in the last 20 years which was totally my fault. I assume every driver is going to kill me until I verify otherwise.

[@stevemuzak8526]

The most important thing about cycling is doing it as much as can. I don’r focus on the gear at all. My bike is cheap and I don’t wear any fancy pro clothes etc. Just helmet and gloves plus normal clothes.

[@frankducett9]

I have been cycling as an adult since 1972, I have owned 2 cycling jerseys and shorts that were paid for by Coppi and the Broward Wheelmen, I ride nearly 7 days weekly and don't presently have a cycling computer or cycling Costume. Cycling is not expensive, imitating a pro is. Cutoff jeans, a T shirt, helmet, and gloves. And a sandwich of course. You make some very good points in this video, as usual.

[@derekjolly3680]

Exactly right about the wardrobe. Frankly I can do without looking like a Mr. 2023 pro. Take me back a few years and I don't look far off from a 1990 pro at times. Including for gadgets and helmets. I don't do special shoes or pedals either.

[@calablanca]

Cycling is not expensive … great sentence 👏

[@derekjolly3680]

@@calablanca It doesn't have to be. Guys make it expensive. My regular road ride is about a $600 bike. Around the same price as my hybrid. Decent mechanicals on both. Good bikes. Just not high end or high tech on the materials. One is all steel.

[@derekjolly3680]

I don't mind having a couple of articles of clothing more specifically suited to cycling. It was basically none for that a few years ago, excepting a few cycling caps. Eventually I picked up a zippered short sleeve bike shirt, a zip up light bike jacket, and a pair of bike shorts. Reasonably priced that is. Not expensive. The time last year with a road bike prompted more thinking along those lines. But the line is drawn with spandex pants or special shoes or pedals or sunglasses, or even helmets. That whole image with the clone of 2010 or 2020 pro I just won't do. I see myself as more of a traditional cyclist for athletics or whatever else. That fits in with no sunglasses too. Never have seen the use of them for any athletics. I'm pretty sure people who see me on the bike know I mean business without the fluff. I certainly don't need that stuff to be fit and lean on the bike.

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Right on.

[@davesimmons8640]

When riding with automobile traffic, do what they teach motorcyclists to do: "Ride as if you're invisible." Doing so has saved me from injury many times. My daily ride kit is trainers, cargo shorts, T-shirt, biking helmet, and half-fingered biking gloves. If another cyclist doesn't like the way I'm dressed, they can go headbutt a stump (and I'm being kind, here). Keep up the good work, Leonardo!! Can't wait to see your South Africa videos! Ride on!!

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

This time Leonard, we agree on a lot of points: risk of accidents, risk of bad weather, having the bicycle stolen, getting hurt from a fall, all can be mitigated. Riding the bicycle far outweighs the disadvantages. Cheers from Canada

[@davidbee9563]

Good points. One advantage is time. When I have an appointment at the hospital across town, it is quicker to ride the bike path than drive and you can park near the door. Freeing you from the hassles of finding a parking space. However, I do avoid riding to places without a suitable place to lock my bike and when leaving it on the street for long periods of time. Another disadvantage is that while cycling is low impact on muscles, it only uses a few groups. Riding does not do much for core, arms and shoulders or lower back flexibility. compared to something like swimming. Another activity is good to have, particularly something with lateral movement such as tennis.

[@haydensmith888]

The winter here in the UK I’ve found it really hard to get out, this year in particular has been very cold dark and wet for so long it feels like it’s never ending 🤣

[@timyaiser]

Great video Leonard! All cyclists should endeavor to keep these two important factors consistently on their minds: Be seen, and be predictable. I firmly believe drivers appreciate this. Making eye contact, signaling, and following the road rules of where you are, are critically important to maintaining this often precarious relationship.

[@stevevanness4195]

I’m 62 and have been ridding all my life. I just had my worst fall ever, braking my collarbone, cracking some ribs & getting a concussion. I was filming a video on the road, ridding with one hand and as I panned, my bike swerved off the rode into some snow. It was completely my fault and in the future the camera will hopefully be mounted to the bike. Keep safe! I’m fine now….

[@jollygoodvelo]

Ouch! Glad to hear you are ok

[@frankducett9]

Knock it off!

[@gammondog]

Some mount their camera to a chest harness or helmet.

[@cycleholic58]

This video was full of valid points Leonard. I'd like to add one point, which hopefully highlights another aspect, which can easily be overlooked or under appreciated. The cost of just owning a car in the UK, and I am taking my own car as an example, is increasing year after year. My annual premium for fully comprehensive insurance for my Volvo from March 2024 was 500. Add to that 180 tax and MOT approx 60, assuming there's nothing wrong with it once the inspection is done. So far that's approx 750 quid just to keep it on the road. Add to that another 40 quid a week on fuel let's argue. Our total now is 2,830 quid a year if nothing goes wrong in any way. I am not going to even going to start on the amount of depreciation one's car is subject to! The reason I wanted to highlight this is because it's literally money thrown down a black hole, so whilst I tolerate it for now because owning and running one is still relatively important in my circumstances, I get no pleasure from this.That only comes from my bikes.

[@derekjolly3680]

You can cut down your fuel costs from driving less. For myself, I see the bicycle's value for smaller grocery runs for a few things that can fit in a large backpack. The main store I use is two miles away, and that especially suits me for this kind of thing. For larger runs, mor things needed, I'll drive. The weather has been more problematical lately the last month to month and a half so I've been doing that less, but still maybe half the time. I think a lot of sport cyclists neglect that whole area.

[@chrisconnors7418]

That was a close call with the car door opening in front of you. I slipped and fell on the ice twice this year. Strained a muscle in my shoulder catching myself. It reminded me I could just as easily tear a tendon in my old age so I got extra cautious after that. Didn't want to be laid up and unable to bike. I bought long cycling pants this past fall. They're the most expensive pair of pants I've owned, and were even more expensive than some of my winter coats. But, wow, I really like them. Strong, fit well, ride well. Looking forward to seeing your southern videos!

[@PyreneesCyclingClub]

A fair, impartial analysis! Here's a tip from when I got motorbike training from the Met Police in London regarding visibility. When you're cycling towards a car that is maybe waiting to pull onto your road, you might be travelling in an exact straight line relative to the car drivers' eyes. Our brains find it hard to judge speed and depth perception on objects (cyclists) coming straight at us. If you ride slightly from side to side (safely), kind of in an S - shape, the brain of the car driver sees easier that you are a moving object and is more likely to recognise you as an approaching cyclist. Saved my bacon a few times on bicycles and motorbikes

[@CanyonWanderer]

Good analysis and very much to the point! On transporting / retrieving goods on the bike, very recently I broke my own record (object size) by actually retrieving our "new to us" second hand car with the bike: I cycled the 38km to the garage to find out (relieved) that my bike fitted inside for the trip back home 😅

[@lb7325]

Many moons ago I had a trip to Beijing. It was amazing to see the furniture being transported by bike. Excellent video Leo the Great!

[@tonyalewis9053]

Good points! I’d add side mirrors are dangerous, drivers seem to forget they stick out from the vehicle.

[@atmywitsend1984]

I was very early onboard with helmets for cycling,way back in the mid 1980's it is an obvious life saver. Sadly though,i am unable to wear one now,as i seriously overheat when exercising,and this has gotten progresively worse over the past 10 years. I suffer really bad headaches for days after wearing one,and i have tried some of the lightest most expensive ones,with plenty of ventilation. I am as fit as a butchers dog otherwise. What horrifies me,is children on bmx bikes not wearing them in my local park. Most of them dont now. It has obviously become unfashionable. Their parents must be mad to allow it. I love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@GregHowesFitnessAndFun]

All great points. I love the turbo trainer and running on days when I'm pressed for time (far less prep before and tidying up afterwards) , but I relish those days when I have 6 hours or more to myself and get to do a good long ride in the mountains!

[@the_trooper_72]

Some real great points here Leonard,..! Firstly, as someone who uses the road regularly to cycle, I haven't really come across too many drivers who are assholes, I'm always polite to other road users, especially if I feel that another vehicle is making way for me.! I recently brought a gravel bike and yes cycling can be expensive but if you know how to look after and maintain what you have then that's half of the battle..! As for the lycra etc I always said I'd never wear it, but I found that riding a bike like the gravel bike with loose clothes especially trousers, they keep either catching on the crank arms or the chain rings.. So I invested in some cycling tights and it's probably made my ride easier.. One thing I will add is saddle soreness, I used to get it a lot and it can be off putting,. Walking like a chimpanzee for a week that is. I use VELO CHAMPION LUXURY CHAMOIS CREAM.. it elevates saddle soreness completely!! 😎👌🏻

[@davehollingworth5537]

Great video Leonardo. Excellent well-made observations. Thanks

[@johnwhittaker9945]

Thanks Leonard, great video. I used to commute to work in the UK, and almost got knocked off the bike twice by Lorries or cars. I now live in Australia and apart from the heat in summer would love to cycle to Work, but the infrastructure is just not there yet. I tend to stick to the local bike paths which are totally traffic free.kep the videos coming, they are one of weekly things that I look forward to, great cinematography and I love seeing the English countryside.

[@steezerider1480]

I’ve got a Gravel bike with futureshock & It’s gr8. I live near the sea with cycle lanes on the prom & a network of gravel track cycle lanes nearby; I hardly have to use roads. I find Gravel bikes are also better for road riding due to all the potholes & poor surfaces. 🌳🚴🏻‍♂️🌲😎

[@jasonpickersgill2743]

Another great video Leonard and some important points raised.

[@katesmiles4208]

Its indoor trainer all the way for me. Biggest problem I have on roads in Australia is their size. The width is often simply too narrow to safely fit a cyclist together with a truck in the same lane and an approaching truck in the other lane. This danger is compounded by the edges often being unsealed or even worse having barriers that leave no space for accident avoidance. So yeah. Indoor trainer for me.

[@tmayberry7559]

Most of those things are not necessary the shoes,jersey, unless you are a wanna be racer or wanna be seen as a racer. As it was said in another video. ( The wake up call) " You'll never feel ready and you'll never have all the resources. You have to start where you are. You just simply have to start 😊

[@mortenthenorwegian2875]

Well said! And good luck on the sunday race down there!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks. It’s going to be a toughie.

[@Optopolis]

The clip at 1:00 hits me hard. Feels like some GTA Logic going on there with all those bollards and lamp posts blocking the bike lane in the opposite direction.

[@davehollingworth5537]

I was going to add the exact same point - there's a lamppost in the middle of the green bike track, not to mention any attempt to share the space with pedestrians!

[@goodobservers]

Good stuff, Leonard.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks

[@richardtighe671]

Excellent Leonard.😀👍🚴‍♀️

[@tconnolly9820]

I've missed out on you getting a new ADO Leonard, and i didn't realise you are doing local commuting. I thought you had just stuck to the recreational/fitness road cycling a year or two ago.😊 I'm impressed. Keep up the good work.

[@easabhal]

Very timely vid with spring approaching, great info from experience. Lucky up in Highlands with quiet roads but weather can be fierce so turbo for now. No gps etc. but must look into getting a tracker. Cheers Leonard

[@ronhoover5516]

Helpful video Leonard. Cheers from Ohio, USA.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Glad to help

[@ronniebiggs4026]

That was actually spot on and a nice easy watch thanks. As a pure older novice I went down the slightly expensive route and that’s also a good part of being a cyclist” for me” It gets you into the bike shops for a mooch a chat pick up some tips and goodies and is cheaper than following a PL football team and everyday is a win day .🚲😋

[@IS-xk3iq]

Well said!

[@kvalvagnes]

....started cycling when corona hit...being overweight its a good exercise - and here in Oslo we have big forest areas with gravel roads no cars allowed and tracks all over - so it really good for it. But I had a hard fall last year... been waiting for something like that. Didnt break anything butt 33km/h and on the head in the hard gravel is not fun.... This year I run, train weights walk and cycle - get more total training and lose weight and start to run for real again again...

[@AyupStuggy]

I had a crash yesterday. I was taking a swig of water and hit a MASSIVE pothole in the middle of the road in the dark. It was seriously cold, and I was saved by my many layers, some of which are now ripped. I'm very pleased I can do lots of cycling. My health and fitness are leagues better.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Ouch.

[@A_AAA232]

it has to be the risk from cars...that's why I like your tip about riding off road :) also...gets expensive having to fly half way around the world to take on epic rides :) looking forward to the SA vlogs! cheers

[@jollygoodvelo]

Off road has its challenges too as we found out!

[@TouringTony]

I got back into cycling on a cheap Chinese bike and one of the bikes I have now was given to me for free. I have lycra and all the gear but in the winter I wear jeans and a regular jacket. Quiet country lanes are more fun. So whilst there are drawbacks it's not a reason to stay away from cycling

[@jollygoodvelo]

Absolutely!

[@istvanrozsahegyi9551]

Get better soon!

[@garydcall9644]

Amen, well stated.

[@ThePensionerAdventurer]

Hello Leonard, My biggest concern as I advance in years is that cycling is non weight bearing and we all know bone density is a challenge for us oldies. Having said that it is better than doing nothing. Take care Paul,,

[@jollygoodvelo]

That is a good point but regular walking is great for bone density.

[@grahambowes756]

Agreed. I’m late 60s and started doing much more resistance training and strength weight and it is really helping my core and upper body. Plus it all helps minimise injury too. I’m know fitter and faster than I was five years ago. Certainly worth doing.

[@gur262]

​​​@@jollygoodvelonot as effective because low impact, tells the first random Google result( marathon handbook)Makes sense to me. I don't jump around. Not often. Still weigh 100 kg. But. Well. In that article they talk about 2-2.9 times bodyweight in running. Well. That's true for me during legpress and deadlifts. I assume that's pretty awesome for that. If I wanted to get the impacts without having to be able to lift all that much I'd grab the trap bar and walk around with the weight

[@bikenbeers]

Totally agree on wearing a helmet. I just don’t feel secure without one. I got into cycling about 25 years ago. Borrowed my brother-in-laws spare bike until I liked the sport enough to buy a bike. I bought a cheapish bike first up and then over the years have progressively purchased more expensive bikes with better accessories that suit my riding style. Yes it is an expensive sport but it doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive first up … but it does get expensive when you are hooked!

[@rikkich5357]

Great video and yes here in Ireland, car drivers very bad so its better to cycle early morning when less traffic, and during day to be very aware now we have the added problem of non national drivers ie from Ukraine or Middle East who driving standard is below par and often don't signal all these things make cycling a intresting experience

[@heidijarvis777]

I always buy my kit out of season in the sales, but another disadvantage is I am running out of room in my wardrobe 😂

[@frankducett9]

I would add that even a $25. helmet from Wal*Mart is better than the cap I was wearing the day I was hit broadside by a Chevy Trailblazer. I don't remember any of it, but haven't ventured out on the bike without a helmet since getting out of the hospital then off of the walker, and cane.

[@sanoroo]

In spite of inflation in nearly every facet of our existence, this episode compelled my to cost out a Trek, similar to the one I started on a decade ago. I was pleasantly surprised to find the price is not much more than I put out in 2013!

[@archersexton1009]

I am very fortunate, to live in ohio we have loads of rail to trail bike ways. 90% of my riding is on these. Ive been hit 3 times the last 1 in south carolina nearly did me in.

[@chrisfilby9678]

You were very calm with the white Audi driver. A close pass only to pull up and park as soon as they were infront of you and then to open their door. OMG! Wait for the victim blaming brigade to churp in regarding the wearing of helmets. No brainer IMO. Great video.

[@benhoward4294]

I prefer to ride off road where possible and definitely avoid routes of known heavy traffic. A bit of careful planning can significantly reduce the risk of getting knocked off.

[@karelvandervelden8819]

Maintaining your shape mostly off the bike in a harsh winter has benefits.

[@HeyWattsUpCycling]

dont forget about food costs! Im eating around 4-4500 cals every day instead of 1900ish so my food cost, in the USA is absolutely terrifying, nearly 800$ every month (NEVER eat out) and im a real penny pincher that only shops at walmart

[@scartinojoseph1407]

A other great vid. Thanks. However, I'm a bit surprised u didn't use or advocate lights for safety..

[@maverick6631]

I always have front and rear flashers during the day. Absolutely essential nowadays, with car drivers so distracted by tech and using driving "aids" that can't see cyclists.

[@barraabus]

Cycling is a great way to get around. And one must laugh at all those people in their cars who are in such a hurry to go wherever it is they are going.

[@krissk77]

Accidents and expensive gear are the main disadvantages i know.... otherwise the others are under your control most of the time.❤

[@fergusfitzgerald977]

When you get to a certain age - you need to be careful in cold and icy conditions ! I stopped using Look pedals and even SPD as to me they are now difficult to manipulate ? I use flat mountain bike pedals on my Road Bike -I can relax now as I am at ease with my pedals ! Try different options forget the fashions !

[@jollygoodvelo]

A fall on the ice is going to hurt.

[@philwilby5686]

Another disadvantage is getting jock itch!

[@atmywitsend1984]

Have you ever heard the Billy Connelly sketch about trying to find his willy,when he was stopped by a policeman while out riding on his bike? 😅 Willy shrinkage is definitely a thing.

[@willisix2554]

I thought that was just me!

[@531c]

I no longer ride on busy roads. Either offroad, quiet country roads or Zwift.

[@jollygoodvelo]

It can get pretty hairy on the road

[@CycleXplorer]

Mine are: Major implications on the wallet 💰 Cleaning bikes 🚲 Punctures 🎈 Lots of washing 🚿 Aches 😣 Tiredness 😴 Always hungry (but it does allow major cake consumption) 🎂 Mechanicals 🔧 And yes, dodgy drivers 🚗 But I love it and without it I'm not sure what id do with my time 🧐

[@markdurkowski6230]

In 50 years of cycling I’ve had 3 decent offs resulting in severe concussions . The latest two months ago , split my helmet in two places and I still don’t know what happened . Forget what it looks like always were a helmet .

[@cathalkenneally1614]

I’ve had a few scrapes with motorists but it doesn’t put me off. In fact I find that the worst offenders on the road are delivery drivers and scooters who put everyone else’s safety at risk to get where they’re going. Apart from that I love riding and I’ve ridden to work and back 4 times this week, clocking up 108 miles. I hope to keep doing this as I have lined up a couple of 100 mile rides this year and cycling to work will help this. A lot of the disadvantages you’ve listed are not really valid tbh. Maybe you have invented a new form of motivation by making people think of how to get around the disadvantages. Maybe it’s a new form of comedy 🤣

[@ThePianoman--]

Just keep cycling simple. Then it's not dangerous, injury-prone, expensive, complicated. Cycling is like walking, only faster. I ride a rather cheap, but well-maintained 7-gear bike, with a basket in front, which is sufficient for most purchases. No lycra, just regular business clothes when riding to work and normal clothes otherwise. No need to change, shower or get fresh (wash your hands if you feel like), because I don't compete in a race. As I don't compete in everyday cycling, the danger of injury is pretty low. My bike looks nice and proper, but it's not first choice for thieves. As I said: I ride like I walk. The bike is just a tool to get from A to B and get things done.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I would say it’s more than just a tool.

[@derekjolly3680]

Advantages compared to disadvantages. That winds up being an entirely uncomplicated equation. Also a no contest. There's always effort and sweat in a sport in terms of cycling being a sport lots of the time. You have to do something for sport or athletics. Right? Not doing it (or something else comparable) is far worse for the downsides. Not being a toad is enough negative motivation for that!

[@derekjolly3680]

My last obsessive sport that I put a lot of heart into for many years was skydiving. Also distance running, concurrently for an athletic sport. Which I even did in England in 1999, which coincidentally was also the last year I rode a bike for 18 years. I did around 3000 jumps. From my perspective the ongoing costs of bicycling are much less than that ever was. I do see helmets as kind of a con job with many disadvantages and next to nothing arguably for advantages. I think riders collectively and routinely delude themselves about them. "Risk compensation" being number one on that list of negatives. For myself, I'm entirely safer without one.

[@davehollingworth5537]

I'm surprised at this. I wear a helmet for that 'just in case' occasion when I hit the deck, or a wall, or a pavement. Then, better some protection than none. Full disclosure I'm a roadie riding in urban environments. I might be more relaxed off road, but clearly for me anyway, I don't wear a helmet to reduce risk but to reduce a potential injury. It's only at that moment of impact I"ll be very glad of it. And, as others have said here, buy a decent helmet!

[@fredflintstone3686]

I bet you wore one when skydiving? The motorist that hits you doesn’t care if you're wearing a helmet or not.

[@derekjolly3680]

@@fredflintstone3686Getting run over by a car is something you avoid. Plastic bike helmets do not protect you from much and certainly not being run over. Like helmets in skydiving don't protect you from smashing yourself up hook turning into the pavement. I know that because I saw it once close up in NSW Australia when a guy I knew did that with a helmet on. And that was into the lawn not the pavement. I was the first one to get to him. I wore a frap hat (French hat) then, and not a helmet by the way! So you lose that bet. Once I was on a world record jump in 2003 without anything on my head because mine was lost the previous jump and I couldn't borrow one. It's in the picture, my blond head. Lots of guys wore helmets, but I never liked them. Same deal. Frap hats are more traditional for skydiving, like bike caps are for cycling.

[@derekjolly3680]

I'll add as well that closer passing by motorists upon seeing a rider with a helmet on, perhaps even contests "risk compensation" as a new hazard with bike helmets. Then of course those two are combined all the time when you wear one riding the streets instead of out in the country.

[@TerryW5379]

A good common sense conversation

[@BillyTheKidsGhost]

633 out of 100 million bicycle trips ended in severe hospitalization or death. ...Out of the 633 hospital trips, 25% were head or face injuries. Cycling is safer than driving.

[@davidcollin3808]

I was physically assaulted two weeks ago it's never happened before, i have always found most drivers considerate.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I hope you reported it.

[@davidcollin3808]

@@jollygoodvelo I was to upset the camera was in my pannier I just wanted to get away.

[@gur262]

Imagine the world was even remotely trying as hard for bikes as for cars. You can access a toilet almost anywhere, but not a shower. What's the main proposed solution? E bikes 😢ah yes. Exercise is socially unacceptable and should stay that way I guess. Ugh. I encountered that back in school. No access to the showers that were there!

[@nelis1964]

< Disadvantages >

[@DraxMoranis]

It’s like watching the flying blob villain in the movie “DUNE”

[@CycleNLincs]

My favourite is "cyclists don't pay road tax and hog the road!" Well Mr BMW, I do pay road tax, I also drive my car as much as I ride, clogging main roads far more than my road bike on all the back roads. No one has paid road tax for many years, be a god damned human and give me the 10 seconds I need to get out your way and you can safely get passed.

[@kathryngarcia8800]

I'm 68, been riding forever. I always wear a helmet. I try to ride trails here in Florida, not roads. Because of: 👵 drivers.

[@pauljones5066]

you can become obsessive about it and spend most of your free time cycling

[@ArdGeal]

Cycling may be classed as expensive, in my fleet (lol) I also have a KTM E-MTB which is approaching 6 years old and the motor is off for rebuild number 2 as I type...£315 for 3 years seems good value when you look at the costs of running a car... None of my other bikes were more than £1000 new, and I've stockpiled service items for most of them to keep me on the road while on a meagre private pension until state pension kicks in (if it ever does lol, probably be scammed out of that by the time it's due!)... Safety is a concern and I have a gravel bike for this year, along with mtb I plan to sadly reduce my road cycling...I already take no chances with ice- straight to Zwift when it's garbage outside!!!

[@davidrobinson1159]

I would agree that the majority of motorists are mindful of cyclists but there is a minority who view cyclists with contempt.

[@meibing4912]

Road cycling is not "cycling". Far most people just ride around their normal clothes to school, work etc. More than half of everyone in Copenhagen does no special gear required - and in weather even worse. Hope people are not discouraged by thinking otherwise.

[@CoffeeFuelledOmar]

With the helmet, I would also add that I woudn't skimp on the cost. If it ends up costing £200 and it's from a reputable retailer, that's much better than spending £40 on something off Amazon (N.B: never buy one off Amazon)

[@jollygoodvelo]

Very good advice

[@fredflintstone3686]

In the UK all helmets have to meet a high safety standard be they cheap or not.

[@CoffeeFuelledOmar]

​@@fredflintstone3686Many of the ones you see on Amazon from no-name brands don't have this, or say they do. Cheap and branded is better than nothing, so a £10 helmet from Halfords is better than these cheap £40 helmets from a Chinese brand on Amazon. I would definitely spend more on my helmet if I knew I was getting a little more protection.