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From: ron@hpfcdc.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: New Bell Helmet
Message-ID: <1850002@hpfcdc.HP.COM>
Date: Tue, 18-Nov-86 12:46:49 EST
Article-I.D.: hpfcdc.1850002
Posted: Tue Nov 18 12:46:49 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 20-Nov-86 01:10:51 EST
References: <932@cuuxb.UUCP>
Organization: HP Ft. Collins, Co.
Lines: 35


> another argument altogether.)  I really question people that want to
> block out the bikes noise, (and 'foam-rubber ear plugs? Jeeez!).  If
> I were unable to hear the bike, how would I know if things weren't quite
> right, that something needed to be adjusted, or that something was about to
> give?  And don't try to hand me the line that only Harleys break down! I've

> - Marty Walsh -
> Senior systems analyst
> City University of New York
> 

I value my hearing more than the esthetic experience of listening to the 
wind noise. After about a half hour of riding on the superslab my ears 
ring from the wind noise on my helmet (windshield shifts the blast to
just buffeting my helmet).  Continuous exposure to loud noise permanently
degrades hearing.

I wear earplugs while riding, flying light airplanes and even mowing the 
lawn. I have done so since age 13 (I'm 30 now). My last hearing test
showed that I have "hearing like a first grader" which I attribute to
being careful about my hearing and using earplugs when appropriate.
I consider earplugs appropriate while riding.

Note also that, in my opinion, I don't lose *any* traffic awareness and
no awareness of the machine sounds. The sounds are still there, they just
aren't as overwhelming. (And they seem "different" until you get used to it.)


Ron Miller
Hewlett-Packard Co
Ft Collins Systems Div
Ft Collins Colo.

{ihnp4, hplabs}hpfcla!ron