It works very well for Grant as I know he can fly up Mt Diablo without being clipped in - including the 1/4 mile or so of 20% at the end and wearing a floppy hat too. Yes, he often climbs Mt Diablo w/o a helmet. I've never seen him descend w/o one though. Of course he had to lug it up there along with whatever else he's carrying in his bags - usually some pretty good food. The guy is a very strong, very talented rider.

Ride what makes you happy.

Veronica