Re: [CR] caution on Early Brancale helmet anyone? FS

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:26:05 -0700
From: <gear@xmission.com>
To: hsachs@alumni.rice.edu, Harvey Sachs <hmsachs@verizon.net>
References: <4B926CD2.8090307@verizon.net>
In-Reply-To: <4B926CD2.8090307@verizon.net>
Cc: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] caution on Early Brancale helmet anyone? FS


Hi All,

Harvey is right, and I failed to clarify that what I meant was to show up for a gathering with this helmet, no to expect it to protect your melon in a crash. Consider it the next thing to come along after leather hairnets. This is basically a plastic shell with just enough foam inside that it will grip said melon and not spin around in the breeze, not a state of the art protection device. Never was, really. I guess I assumed we all knew this, but should have clarified nonetheless. Thanks Harvey for covering the bases that I didn't.

Greg Overton near Denver, where it was late when I made the original post, but that's no excuse, Colorado

Quoting Harvey Sachs <hmsachs@verizon.net>:
> I keep a collection of old helmets on the wall as conversation pieces,
> and enjoy that. But, I don't generally ride with any of them.
>
> I do not remember any older Brancale which provided any crash
> protection beyond abrasion resistance. The Skid-Lid was clearly
> unacceptable. As I recall things, the firm filed for bankruptcy just
> after it lost its efforts to derail the ANSI Z-90 bike helmet standard,
> the minimumm that provided protection.
>
> harvey "cautious, even if I did use a Bell Biker once last year" Sachs
> mcLean Va
> +++++++++++++++++++
> Greg Overton wrote:
> Just unearthed an early Brancale hardshell helmet. Think - the Russian
> rider in that great movie classic 'American Flyers'. That's what this
> helmet looks like, albeit more of an off-white than bright white.
> Narrow leather neck strap is frayed a little in a spot or two, but
> this thing will get you noticed on your next classic ride or will look
> cool in your display. Iirc, it's from the early 80's, kind of a
> challenger to the Bell Biker and skid lid in those days. Wow, was it
> really that long ago?
>
> Can get pics tomorrow if there is any interest. Say, $20 shipped in ConUS?