GaryG wrote:

In the case of helmets, there's also the fact that they are designed to be
light and comfortable.

Relatively light and not especially uncomfortable is nearer the mark.

You could probably design a stainless steel helmet
that was not subject to UV breakdown...but, you wouldn't want to wear it.

Knowing the specification to which cycle helmets are built, and knowing
they are considerably less comfortable than a cotton cap, and knowing
they don't have any track record of saving serious injuries, I don't
really want to bother myself with the polystyrene ones as far as normal
road riding is concerned.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/