A good bike helmet can mean the difference between life and death. Helmets reduce your risk of head injury by 85% in an accident. The best way to prevent injuries is to wear a helmet every time you ride your bike.
However, not all helmets are made the same. There are several key features that you need to look for when buying a helmet in order to make sure it suits your needs and offers the best protection possible. Here, is a guide with everything you need to know about helmets before you make a purchase.
How to choose a bike helmet
Size Your size is key when you’re choosing a bike helmet. When you’re shopping for a helmet, be sure that you pick the size that fits you perfectly. Larger-sized heads usually have larger necks, which means you will be able to get your helmet on better, especially if you have short or spiky hair.
Sizing is often based on the helmet manufacturer’s head shape formulas, which are supposed to account for the average head size of the average cyclist. That said, there are manufacturers of helmets who accept a wide range of head shapes, and instead will recommend that you try on the helmet to ensure that it fits properly.
Since the head is one of the most important parts of your body, a bike helmet should fit well. When you try on the helmet, press your face against the edge of the helmet.
The Different Helmet Types
There are three basic types of helmets that you can buy: front-mount, rear-mount, and road-bike helmets. Front-Mount Helmets Front-mounted helmets are worn in a way that makes them convenient to put on.
Most front-mounted helmets use a forward-mounted chin guard and a rear-mounted visor, which is positioned behind your eyes. This design is the most popular. The advantage of front-mounted helmets is that they are relatively easy to put on. You need to put your chin through a hole in the chin guard before you can adjust the visor.
Once you are done, the visor comes on and fastens. Rear-mount helmets are worn in the same way as front-mounted helmets but with a different design. Rear-mounted helmets have a high mounting on the chin guard.
Helmet Features
There are different types of helmets which provide different levels of protection, so the first thing you should consider is the type of bike you ride. An urban bike is much more likely to receive serious injuries.
However, if you are used to the speed and adrenalin rush of a mountain bike, you may want to consider a racing-style helmet which is designed to offer more protection. Another important feature of a helmet is the fit. It should fit your head snugly and comfortably. You may need to buy a new one after the first couple of uses.
There are different sizes available for different ages, and most helmets will not fit in young children’s ears. The fit also affects the type of protection offered. A proper fit will also prevent a helmet from moving during an accident.
Type of Material
The type of material used in the construction of a helmet determines its quality and durability. This is because helmets made of materials like plastic or carbon fiber cannot be used in high-speed impact, while those made of rigid material like aluminum and steel are better at absorbing impact forces.
Carbon fiber helmets are designed for high-speed impact, while aluminum and steel helmets are designed for normal and everyday use.
Another key feature to consider when buying a bike helmet is the head size of the rider. While having a larger head size means more weight and potential to cause injury, having a smaller head size can mean you suffer a greater number of injuries. A size 10 head means your head is around the size of an egg.
Color and Graphics
There are two major factors that determine the overall quality of a bike helmet: its color and the graphics on it. Most helmets that you find online feature colorful designs, such as flowers, skulls, or geometric shapes. However, when it comes to safety, colors can be a bit misleading.
If you are a cyclist, you should stay away from all-black helmets. Black absorbs the most amount of the light, and while that might seem like a good feature, it actually means you will have less protection in the case of a crash.
You should also avoid colors that are too bright, such as neon yellow or bright orange. Because of their reflective qualities, these colors are incredibly dangerous when used on a bike. Additionally, you should stay away from any helmets that are overly bulky.
Ventilation
You should be able to breathe freely when you are on your bike because you are surrounded by other people and you don’t want to be in a cold sweat. The most common way of achieving this is through the helmet.
Some helmets only provide limited ventilation and may cover the eye holes. This can result in a greater risk of your face getting cut or bruised during a collision. However, there are helmets that feature special inlet holes, that allow air to flow in and out of the helmet.
If you are cycling in a dark environment, it is crucial to have a light on your helmet. However, a single light will not provide sufficient illumination.
Retention System
A retention system is what determines the helmet’s effectiveness. A flexible rubber strap fits over your head to which your chin strap is attached. This allows the helmet to tighten around your head and keeps it in place in an accident.
A standard retention system requires no brain-protecting foam. Some helmet models have different types of retention systems, so find out which one fits your needs. Look for quick-release systems, too. These help your helmet to close more quickly and stay closed securely.
A great feature to look for is one that helps you to open your helmet in less than a minute. Most helmets have some kind of safety release mechanism, but some models can also be opened without the help of tools.
Fit
First and foremost, you should have your head measured so that the helmet fits properly on your head. Different helmets come with different sized and shaped heads, so the helmet fits best on a head that is 70% or less than normal size.
Otherwise, the helmet will not fit properly and will be too big, causing severe neck strain, headaches, dizziness, and even heart attacks in the case of an accident. The best way to find out how your head size compares to other people is to buy a helmet online, at your local sporting goods store, or at a cycling shop.
Wear it for a few hours, and try it on different sizes until you are sure that it fits you. If you cannot find it on your own, take your head measurement to a helmet specialist or local bike shop and they will be able to help you out.
Conclusion
The road is not completely safe for bikers, which is why it is very important to make sure you take precautions. A helmet is the most effective way of protecting your head and preventing major injuries. If you want to know more about what makes a good bike helmet, read on.