Cutting helmet straps

[ny biker]

I have two Giro helmets. After adjusting the straps so they are appropriately snug under my chin, there is a fair amount of excess strap that just hangs down and looks stupid. I think there originally were some itty bitty plastic things to keep them out of the way, but those are long gone.

I'm thinking of cutting off the excess strap material, though I expect the ends might fray after I do this. I guess maybe I could apply some nail polish to them.

Anyway before I get the scissors, has anyone ever done this and learned the hard way that it's a bad idea?

Thanks!!

(I currently only have pale pink and red nail polish at home. I guess I could buy some clear nail polish. Though a dash of pale pink might be add a subtle festive touch...)

[SadieKate]

They're nylon. Heat seal the cut end by holding it close to a heat source like a stove flame.

All you want to do is VERY slightly melt the end.

[Melalvai]

Glad you asked that. Even with the little rubber band thingy, the helmet straps get loose and smack me in the face when its windy, it hurts! It hadn't occurred to me to cut them off.

[Becky]

Cut and melt. Works a charm.

Also, the clear hair elastic bands work great for securing loose helmet straps, and hold up better than the rubber o-rings that most helmet companies use.

[indysteel]

I do what SK suggested. I use a lighter ever so slightly, and it works like a charm. But make sure you do leave enough fabric to work with. I have to loosen my chin straps a bit come winter when my helmet has to fit over a hat.

[OakLeaf]

What SK said.

I usually give it a couple-five hundred miles before I'm confident enough of the strap adjustment to do it. Helmet strap adjustment is such a PITA nowadays - I never remember it being like that back in the day. :cool:

[SadieKate]

Mine constantly loosen. Drives me bonkers.

On the other hand, they no longer look like this so I'm not going to complain (much).

[jobob]

awww you guys are so cuuuute. :)

[Veronica]

What an awesome photo!


Veronica

[SadieKate]

:p Delta Century May '88 (married Jan '88) on the tandem we bought with all our wedding gift money (because we had very understanding friends that knew we did not need another set of china).

My very firstest century. I do NOT recommend pedaling a semi-truck on a totally flat century with heavy crosswinds.