Its funny these days to see people riding helmet-less. I know its personal choice and I am a "Pro-Choice" kind of guy. But protection is key and tod ay's technology is pretty comfortable.
On the subject of Eddy and the greats not wearing helmets, lets be real , leather strap helmets and really anything that pre-dates the Bell Biker or the original Giro where nothing but show. I say this because in 1981 ( pre-Giro days) I ended up in the ICU for 10 days. Seems my Brancile (spell ing?)Sport helmet was going to help me avoid a Brain Contusion and 5 skull fractures. The accident wasn't a big deal, a simple spill in a Crit but the technology wasn't there to help me. Since then I crashed many times and recall often my helmet meeting the pavement. I love the fact that I get u p, for the most part, and walk away.
So I say to those who ride without, its your call (duh) but the risks are very real and it just takes a little fall to ruin your day, possibly you r life.
Tom Dockery
Los Altos, CA, USA