How to Choose Bicycle Helmet | Buyers Guide 2022
Even though most people do not consider bike helmets a necessary component, you must know that it is one of the most important accessories that you must own if you are a rider.
It doesn’t matter if you are riding on the neighborhood road or cruising on the mountain tracks. A helmet will protect your head from any type of fall and injuries and actually keep it safe and sound.
If you are a beginner and you want safety gear with your bicycle, then you have landed in the right place. In this article how to choose bicycle helmet, we have discussed everything you need to know.
How to Choose Bicycle Helmet: Everything You Should Know
Page Contents
- How to Choose Bicycle Helmet: Everything You Should Know
- Why Do You Need a Bicycle Helmet?
- How Do Bicycle Helmets Protect You?
- Construction of a Bicycle Helmet
- Construction Types
- Types of Bicycle Helmets
- Styles of Bicycle Helmets
- Budget - Invest in Your Head
- Choices in Helmet Protection
- Helmet Comfort Requirements
- Get the Right Fit
- Choose the Right Size Bicycle Helmet
- Take Care of the Helmet
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Wrapping Up
Why Do You Need a Bicycle Helmet?
The main reason you need a helmet is to protect your head from any type of injury. It doesn’t matter whether you are riding on a city road or cruising on a mountain trail or the dirt.
Protecting your head is of utmost importance because you might face any type of unfortunate event, including severe crash collisions while riding.
To protect your head and enjoy the most of your riding sessions, purchase that perfectly fits your head and has an adequate amount of ventilation for comfort and convenience.
How Do Bicycle Helmets Protect You?
In simple words, a helmet reduces the peak energy of a sharp impact while protecting your head from any type of accident.
Typically, a helmet comprises two parts; an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam liner and a tough outer shell.
While the EPS foam liner is specially designed to absorb shock and impact from the road, the hard outer shell protects the foam liner from additional bumps and scratches. And the combination of these two would offer excellent safety for your skull.
Construction of a Bicycle Helmet
Even though a helmet seems like a hard cap from the outside, it has a lot more going on the inside. Let’s discuss the construction to understand the concept better.
Inner Liner
The inner liner is probably the essential part of a bike helmet. This is because it is the part that protects your skull and submerges the energy from the crash so that your head remains intact and safe even after you met a horrible accident.
The helmets inner liner is normally made using high-quality Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide the users maximum safety.
Outer Shell
The outer shell of the helmet is the hard cap that we usually see as a helmet. This part is also equally important as it protects the inner lining from damages and scratches.
More often than not, the outer shell is constructed with high-quality plastic material using sophisticated techniques to ensure that it is strong and sturdy enough to endure the accidents’ pressure.
Straps
The straps are another important part as it holds it tightly in place with your skull. The straps are generally made from nylon or polypropylene material to ensure strength and good quality. Manufacturers attach these straps to the top of the lining to make it easier for them to tie them in times of need.
Construction Types
A bike helmet does not always use the same construction process. Different helmets go through different construct procedures to provide versatile services to their users. Some of the most common construction types are:
In-mold Bicycle Helmet
The in-mold is a construction process where the outer shell and inner liner are fused by applying immense pressure and steam so that there is no space between them. This process uses a helmet mold and therefore, it is called the in-mold process.
The main advantage of in-mold is that they deform easily. The deformation reduces the impact of the accident and protects your skull from breaking into pieces.
Hard Shell Bicycle Helmet
Another popular type of helmet construction is the hard shell construction process. The hard shell helmets mold the shell and the inner liner separately and then combine them to form a complete helmet.
A hard shell helmet typically has a thicker and tougher shell, providing increased protection against any accidents and unfortunate events.
However, these helmets deform less easily and therefore, are not as safe as the in-mold ones.
Types of Bicycle Helmets
Different types of bikes and riding styles require different types of helmets. Below, we have discussed the different helmets so that you can pick just the right one according to your riding style easily.
Recreational Bicycle Helmet
Recreational helmet are mainly used by riders who don’t use helmet a lot in their daily life. They also seem to prioritize value over quality and lightweight.
Even though these pass all the rigorous safety measures, they are not as comfortable as the others on our list. They lack an adequate amount of air vents and higher-end straps and clips, which might not be as effective.
However, because of their quality, recreational bike helmets are affordable.
Road Bicycle Helmet
Road bike helmet are immensely popular because they are extremely comfortable and offer incredible performance while you are using it.
These bike accessories are incredibly lightweight and come with several air vents to provide exceptional comfort and convenience.
Comfort is one of the main factors to consider because you use road bike regularly and if it is not comfortable, you won’t be interested in wearing it.
Mountain Bicycle Helmet
A mtb helmet’s construction is very similar to the road bike one. Still, the MTB helmet is a bit more robust and provides more head coverage in the rear than the road bike to provide additional safety to the riders.
As you ride faster and with more intensity on the mountain tracks, additional protection is required to ensure your skull is in an intact position even after you met any accidents or falls.
However, even though these offers extreme protection, it doesn’t mean that they are not comfortable. In fact, with their several air holes, they provide enough venting and ensure superior comfort to the users.
BMX Bike Helmet
Standard BMX helmet are specially designed for various sports, including skateboarding, roller-blading, and BMX riding.
These are harder and bulkier than others and promise to provide the best possible protection against falling on-ramps, bars, and during trying tricks.
Like other high-quality ones, this one also comes with adequate air vents for the riders comfort.
Kids Bicycle Helmet
As kids bike has less variety and is “one bike fits all” type, there are fewer variations in their helmet type. Kid's bike helmets usually come in two different styles- the bike-specific design (this one has the same technical features and design as adult road and MTB helmets) and the skate helmet design(for skateboarding and cycling).
One noticeable aspect of kid’s one is that they come in various color options and fun designs to please the child.
Downhill Racing Bicycle Helmet
The downhill racing bike helmet or most popularly known as the Full Face Helmet, are the special kinds that provide full coverage around the head, jaw, teeth, and cheeks to ensure that your head is entirely safe when you are riding.
However, these are much heavier than standard cycling helmets and offer less ventilation and therefore, it is not as comfortable as the others.
Commuter Bicycle Helmet
Even though commuter helmet are extremely similar to recreational ones, they come with some unique features that make these helmets special.
Unlike recreational, these bike accessories come with integrated visors to help you shield your eyes from the early morning light and dirt and dust.
Triathlon Bicycle Helmet
The primary purpose of Triathlon Helmet is to be as aerodynamic as possible to provide extreme comfort and easiness to the users.
These accessories are super smooth and rounded and incredibly ventilated, so air flows more efficiently over the helmet when riding at high speed.
These are super lightweight to ensure additional comfort to the riders.
Aero Road Bicycle Helmets
Aero helmets are an ultra-smart combination of standard and TT cycling helmets to offer the best two helmets packed in one.
As the name suggests, these provide exceptional aerodynamics and have exceptional ventilation to provide adequate comfort and safety.
Styles of Bicycle Helmets
Similar to the types, there are also different styles of helmets to meet the versatile needs and demands of different kinds of riders. The most common styles are:
Half Shell Bicycle Helmets
Most of the helmets available in the market, including road, mountain, commuter, and BMX bike helmets, fall under the half shell category. These are feature a wide range of designs and build quality to suit every rider’s needs.
One of the greatest advantages of this style is that each and every one is designed distinctly for the type of riding it is intended for.
For instance, while a road bike helmet is designed with adequate venting, aerodynamics, a mtb helmet emphasizes more protection with lots of ventilation.
Full Face Bicycle Helmets
The full-face helmets are specially designed to provide maximum protection and safety to the riders heads.
However, they needed to sacrifice the weight and ventilation to the skull to do so. But then again, you must remember that these are not as uncomfortable as you might think they are.
A full-face one is the best pick if you are a gravity-oriented rider and love to try dangerous stunts with your cycle. It ensures the maximum safety of your head and face.
Budget - Invest in Your Head
While buying, the budget is super important as it makes your buying process easier and determines the build quality, weight, ventilation, aerodynamics, and comfort of the unit.
It’s common to understand that more expensive helmets will provide you exceptional comfort, safety, and durability.
On the other hand, inexpensive ones wouldn’t deliver as much comfort and safety as the high priced ones. For this reason, before buying, first research the market and then set a budget so that you get the best one according to your buying power.
Choices in Helmet Protection
MIPS
MIPS or the Multi-directional Impact Protection System is a revolutionary new helmet technology that is getting more popular with each passing day. This protection mechanism reduces the rotational force and decreases the amount of energy transferred to the head to ensure that your skull is highly protected and doesn’t suffer from any harm even when the accident is fatal.
In the MIPS technology, a thin, low friction liner is positioned on the inside to make the outer shell react to even a very small amount of impact.
As this process reduces the energy transferred to the head, the helmet results in no to less significant injuries to keep your skull incredibly safe.
Wavecel
The wavecel is another type of protection system that features a honeycombed liner material to provide comfort and safety.
The honeycombed liner is engineered to create a sophisticated “crumple zone” to absorb rotational energy from an impact and minimize the primary impact to keep you safe and sound during a fall.
SPIN
SPIN or Shearing Pads Inside technology also acts as superior protection in the helmet. This incredible technology uses silicone-injected pads inside structure that redirect rotational forces during an impact.
Helmet Comfort Requirements
In addition to safety, the helmet's comfort also plays a crucial role when you want to buy the best one in the market. Some of the crucial comfort requirements that you must look for are:
Visor
The visor is an essential feature you must look for if you want your eyes utmost comfort. This part assists in keeping the sun out of your face and eyes so that your eye doesn’t hurt from the dazzling sunlight.
This amazing helmet also keeps away dust and dirt from attacking your face and keeping it as clean as possible.
Straps
Even though the straps are not its most glamorous part, it still manages to be one of the most important aspects as it is hugely important for both comfort and safety of the rider.
Your helmet can have all the best technologies and features globally, but if it doesn’t fit you like a glove, the helmet won’t be of much use.
Hair Port
Not every rider has short hair. Bicycle riders also have long tresses and for those with longer hair, a helmet with hair port is a must.
This port is placed at the rear, so that you can accommodate your ponytail conveniently without sacrificing fit or safety.
Ventilation & Cooling
Ventilation is one important aspect because it ensures additional comfort and easiness for the riders.
An adequate amount of vents makes sure that your head is cool during intense riding sessions by letting heat escape from the inside and getting air in so that your skull doesn’t get hot and suffer from excessive sweating or even heat stroke.
Weight
One of the most important factors that you must keep in mind when buying is its weight. The weight can make or break the deal immediately.
If it is heavy, it will feel heavy on your head and could cause uncomfortableness. But a lightweight helmet is designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience to the users. Moreover, because of the weight, this would also not affect the speed of your ride.
Padding
Aside from the weight, the inner padding also contributes to the comfort. It snugs the head properly and makes sure that the outer shell doesn’tfeel hard on your skull.
Moreover, this inner padding also reduces pressure on the skull whenever you face an accident or fall, and therefore, while buying, never forget to check if it comes with an adequate amount of padding or not.
Sunglasses
One of the most common accessories used by bikers all around the world is sunglasses and if you are one of them, make sure that the helmet you choose fits your eyewear perfectly.
Otherwise, there is a higher chance that during the ride, your sunglass might come off abruptly and cause accidents. Search for a helmet that has a tightening mechanism so that you can enjoy a custom fit while wearing sunglasses.
Get the Right Fit
A bike helmet should fit snugly and comfortably onto the head to offer maximum safety to the riders. While getting the right fit, you must keep in mind the following so that you can score the best-fitted one according to your head size.
General Fit
By general fit, we meant that the overall fitting of the helmet on the head. It should not be too small or too large for your skull because otherwise, it won’t provide the maximum amount of safety and comfort you are looking for.
To find the best fit, try on different sizes and styles before making your final call.
Pressure Points
When you are trying to find the perfect one, don’t forget to notice any pressure points or uneven pressure you experience throughout the helmet.
If you feel any uneven pressure, it is an indication that the helmet you are trying on is of the wrong size or wrong shape for your head. Try to find that has no pressure points for the most comfortable fit.
Adjust the Tightness Level
Even though you find the best-fitted for your skull, don’t forget to look for a secondary retention system for a more custom fit. This retention mechanism helps to tighten the inner shell so that the helmet adjusts to your head's back and lower area, perfect for a snugger fit.
In addition to incredible fitting, this adjustment mechanism also ensures phenomenal comfort and stability.
Side Straps
The side straps also help you to enjoy a custom fit of your helmet for a safe and comfortable ride. These straps are easier to adjust and form a "Y" right below your ear to prevent it from slipping away from the head.
Chin Straps
In addition to the side straps, the chin strap also contributes to fit perfectly over your head when you tie up this strap, the helmet snug onto your skull to make sure that it doesn’t come off even when you are riding fast.
Choose the Right Size Bicycle Helmet
Choosing just the right size is not as difficult as it might seem if you know the right techniques. Here, we have discussed how you should keep in mind to find the right-sized bike helmet for your head.
Bicycle Helmets Sizing Chart
For your better understanding, below, we have added a helmet sizing chart to find the right-sized never feels easier.
Measure Your Head
The easiest way to know which size helmet you should look for is by measuring your head with a measuring tape. This will give you the right measurement and help you to find the right one for you.
To find the head circumference, wrap the tape around the head and measure the largest portion of your skull, which is about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Take the measurement a few times just to make sure before deciding on the helmet size.
Helmet Shape
Even though most brands don’t talk much about the shape, you must know that each manufacturer has their idea about what someone's head is shaped like.
If you decide to buy from an Italian brand, you should be aware that these tend to be a lot narrower than regular helmets.
On the other hand, American-made helmets are typically more round in shape and a bit wider to give you more headspace.
The shape you will choose entirely depends on your preference and comfort level. We would suggest you try it on before making your final call.
Try It on
If you buy from an online store where you don’t have the opportunity to try it before the purchase, don’t forget to try to make sure that it is comfortable and sits properly on your head.
The helmet must sit around 1 inch or less above your eyebrows so that you know it is the perfect fit. If it doesn’t sit nicely, return it, and order a new one according to the correct shape for your head.
Buckle Up
Many users don’t pay much attention to how the helmet straps fit them, but you should know that the straps are equally important for both comfort and function.
To find just the right strap fit, you need to buckle the clasp under your chin and adjust the strap. If there is one finger gap between the strap and the neck, know that it fits perfectly.
With a precisely strapped helmet, it will fit you comfortably and you should be able to open your mouth and tilt your head back comfortably.
Shake Test
The shake test or the wiggle test, however you call it, is an excellent way to make sure that your bicycle helmet fits you perfectly. To attempt this test, simply shake your head side to side and up and down and examine how it reacts.
If the helmet moves too quickly during these movements, first adjust the retention system and try it again. If still moves dramatically, it’s more likely that you need a different-sized one.
Ready to Ride
Once you have found your right fit, now it’s time to explore the tracks with your new helmet. Even though you have checked the fit during the purchase, check the fit adjustments before each of your rides so that you can enjoy a secure yet comfortable cruising session.
Look for the Labels / Manufacturer’s Helmet Specs
Another thing you should not hesitate to check is the label or the specs before buying it. Many important aspects are mentioned in the label that you must know while purchasing the product.
Take Care of the Helmet
After buying, you have to maintain it properly to provide exceptional service and lasts for a long time. Let’s talk about a few of the maintenance steps to take good care of your helmet is much more effective.
Check for Damage
After every ride, even if you hadn’t faced any accidents or falls, don’t forget to check the helmet for any damages that might have occurred without you even knowing.
Even though the possibilities of such damages are slim, it would never hurt to be sure than to go on the next ride with a faulty helmet.
Cleaning
If you want to maintain your helmet's hygiene factor, don’t forget to clean it regularly. The sweat and accumulated dirt can result in bacteria buildup and might result in skin allergies and infections if you do not clean it properly.
However, while cleaning, avoid using chemical solvents. Try to use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap to maintain the longevity of the accessory.
Protect
It doesn’t matter if your helmet is expensive or affordable; protecting it against all types of damages is your duty if you want to prolong its durability.
Never store it in the attic, garage, car trunk, or other areas where it can get hot. An excessive amount of heat has the potential to cause bubbles on helmet parts. If it gets damaged by heat, do not wear it at any cost. Throw it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MIPS Technology?
However you call it, MIPS or Multi-directional Impact Protection System is a revolutionary helmet technology that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It is used in more and more helmets nowadays because it provides a maximum amount of protection against any rotational force to the brain caused by angled impacts.
This special type of technology also reduces the amount of energy transferred to the head in a crash or accident and makes sure that your head is intact and safe.
Bicycle Helmet Safety Standards & Technology
All helmets sold in the market should meet or exceed the specific country's safety standard. If your helmet doesn’t meet the safety standard, then you should never waste your time and money on it.
The safety standard assesses the bike's construction, its shock absorption, retention system qualities, chin strap quality, and field of vision to ensure the highest level of protection and safety.
How Often Should Bicycle Helmets Be Replaced?
There is no expiry date of a helmet and that’s why you can use it as long as you want until it breaks down. If your helmet meets any crash and gets destroyed, you should replace it with a new, protective one.
Wrapping Up
Buying and using an excellent helmet before you go for your rides is extremely important. This amazing bike accessory not only completes your biking outfit but also provides maximum safety and protection to your head against any unfortunate falls and events.
Even if buying a helmet increases your overall cost, don’t hesitate to buy one for the sake of your safety.
