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How to choose a good bicycle helmet? Check out professional tips
Many cyclists question the comfort of riding with a helmet. This is too tight and this is too loose. It limits visibility, head movements, because it is heavy or slips off. The problem is not the helmet itself, but the choice that fell on it.
Do not question the sense of buying a bicycle helmet. There is only one life. According to scientific studies, you reduce the risk of head injury by 85% when you wear a bicycle helmet. The problem is not whether you need a helmet, but which one to choose. Thanks to the hints below, you will make the right choice.
Many cyclists question the comfort of riding with a helmet. This is too tight and this is too loose. It limits visibility, head movements, because it is heavy or slips off. The problem is not the helmet itself, but the choice that fell on it. If you chose a bicycle helmet "for some", it means that you have been badly advised or you have not taken advantage of professional help. You will say: "After all, a helmet won't protect me from a high-speed fall or a collision with a car."
NO? August 5, 2020, the finish of the Tour de Pologne in Katowice. With a measured sprint speed of 82 km/h, the cyclist Fabio Jakobsen is pushed by his rival into the heavy barriers just before the finish line. Fabio suffered numerous fractures and damage to the palate, so it was difficult to intubate him - allow him to breathe. The brain, however, suffered no damage! Why? The answer comes to you by itself, right? Because he had a professional helmet.
What does a helmet actually protect you from?
You don't have to be a professional cyclist to get hit like that on a bike. After all, the car is heavy and moves fast. Velocity multiplied by mass equals the impact force of Fabio Jakobsen. Even on a regular road, a bike path crossing a fast route can be as dangerous for you as a cycling finish.
In addition, you can practice mountain biking - MTB, competitive - dirt. Acrobatics, steep descents also carry the risk of a strong impact, even multiple times, against the ground or terrain obstacles - a curb, a tree. Research conducted in 1989 by outstanding scientists of the Thompsons proved that in the event of an accident, cyclists are at risk of 85% less head injuries. That's why you need to buy a helmet and choose it according to your posture, needs, riding style and type of bike.
What to look for when choosing a bicycle helmet?
Above all focus on helmet quality. When searching, use only authorized sources of sale - bicycle shops, sports shops. If you buy a helmet at the bazaar, it may be nice and effective, but it will not fulfill its basic function - head protection. They are usually of poor quality. The products of branded companies that have been producing bicycle helmets for years are specializedvariants for urban, enduro, MTB or road riding. Professional manufacturers take into account the type of material, durability or the way of covering the head - the skull, crown, face.
What's more, they care about the user's comfort.Professional bicycle helmets they have ventilation holes, the location of which reduces sweating of the head. The weight of the helmet is not without significance. A helmet that is too heavy can cause muscular or skeletal injury, especially in children. That's why high-quality helmets are light, comfortable and almost imperceptible when put on. Of course, the basic issue remains, i.e. the size of the helmet.
How to adjust the helmet size?
Dimensions of bicycle helmets are provided by manufacturers in letter sizes or in centimeters/inches. Children's helmets, men's helmets and women's helmets have letter sizes XS, S, M, L or XL adapted to the age and size of the cyclist.Size means head circumference in the range:
- XS – 53-54 cm,
- S – 55-56 cm,
- M – 57-58 cm,
- L – 59-60 cm,
- XL – 61-62 cm.
Manufacturers also directly specify the size of the helmet in centimeters in the product description.
If you want the helmet to fit perfectly, measure the circumference of your head at the widest point. This is usually 1 cm above the temples and ears. Lay the tape measure or tailor's measure evenly in the described place and do not press it with force. The measure should stick to the skin, but not indent into it. The measurement prepared in this way will allow you to choose a well-fitting and comfortable helmet. You know the size, now check how age influences the choice of helmet.
We select a children's bicycle helmet
Bicycle helmets for children they are not mandatory according to Polish law, but they constitute many very important functions. First of all, they protect the developing delicate skeletal system of your child through aerodynamics and low weight. They cover the developing skull, i.e. the crown, and in selected pieces, the beard. Thanks to such properties, your little one will not overload the cervical spine and protect the head against abrasions, fractures or concussion. In extreme cases, against irreversible brain changes, partial or complete paresis of the limbs or mental retardation.
Child helmet size you choose by measuring the head described above or the manufacturer's size chart. If the child will ride in a cap, add approx. 1 cm to the measurement result. Remember that you choose a fixed helmet size for a small child, on average every 2 years, and for older children every 3 - 5 years.
An alternative to fixed helmets are models with a precise Autofit head adjustment system. After putting the helmet on the head, by tilting the movable part - the rear, the system will automatically adjust the size to the profile of your child's head. In addition, it will generate the appropriate tension to keep the helmet in a fixed position.
Now adjust the helmet for you and your riding style…
Children's helmets most often chosen by parents
Women's helmet and men's helmet based on new technologies such as MIPS
Your child won't be able to enjoy the pleasures of MTB riding or road racing at 80 km/h quickly, but YOU can. In that case, choose a helmet that is also easy to adjust to the profile of your head thanks to the adjustable Roc Loc® system - you can adjust the helmet comfortably and safely. If you set the size, shape then focus on safety.
The MIPS system can be a great complement to your helmet. This is an innovative system that protects the cyclist's head from falling - especially when riding competitively. MIPS (MULTI-DIRECTIONAL IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM) consists in isolating the shell from the layer directly adjacent to the head. Thanks to this, in the event of a fall, the impact is absorbed by the shell - friction, an obstacle, and the inner part of the helmet prevents it from slipping or shifting.
Read more about MIPS technology ->
Popular models of helmets with MIPS technology
How to choose a helmet for the type of MTB, enduro, road or city bike?
You've managed to fit the helmet to the size and shape of your head, you have good internal protection, but you still need to adapt the choice to the bike and its intended use. Now pay attention to where you will be riding your bike and what kind of bike. Each of the helmets has its own unique properties in terms of durability, head protection and riding comfort.
- MTB bicycle helmet
It is great for steep mountain climbs and descents. Hard, durable, gives you uncompromising safety and driving comfort. Thanks to a special extension, it covers the back of your head. The canopy protects against the sun's rays and obstacles such as branches. In addition, you can choose an MTB model with an insect cover. MTB helmets will protect your head primarily against falling at a large angle.
The most popular models of MTB helmets
- Road bike helmet
It will perfectly cover your head during fast road escapades. Its aerodynamic shape reduces air resistance and at the same time reduces the load on the spinal muscles. In addition, it is equipped with integrated MIPS to reduce rotational forces. According to the manufacturer Giro, helmets equipped with this technology can reduce the rotational force transmitted to the brain during impacts.
The most popular models of road helmets
- Full face bike helmet
This type of helmet will come in handy if you love BMX or dirt bikes. Acrobatic tricks, paved surface, very large angles of inclination and falling mean that you can hit the ground with great impetus. A full-face helmet covers the entire skull, including the lower jaw, which is why it is confusingly similar to motorcycle helmets. Made of light and very durable fibers, it not only protects the head against strong impacts at a large angle, but also does not burden the spine section.
The best-selling models of FULLFACE helmets
- Helmet for urban or mixed riding
It is a combination of durability, lightness, proper ventilation, freedom and comfort, but it rarely works during acrobatic tricks or demanding mountain descents. Its task is to protect the head while driving at traditional speed, without compromising health on hard-to-reach trails with varied terrain. If you care about a more universal solution, choose an MTB or road helmet.
Models of urban helmets most often chosen by customers
- Triathlon/time trial bike helmet
This type of helmet is focused on the highest performance, where every second counts, and the air resistance and the amount of energy for pedaling are the most important. These types of helmets have been optimized in terms of air resistance, tested in wind tunnels to ensure the highest efficiency of the cyclist. If you compete in triathlon competitions, you take competition seriously and you care about the best results, then this helmet model is just for you.
Popular models of time trial / triathlon helmets
As you can see,choosing a helmet is not easy. You adjust it to the bike, riding style or age and body build. You also have a choice of offering copiesautomatic adjustment andMIPS-type technologies. The order is simple, focus on where you want to ride, in what style and on what bike. Search for the right model, adjust the size, and only then focus on aesthetics - color, shape or beautiful patterns. Manufacturers of professional bicycle helmets also took care of a wide selection in terms of design ... but that's always at the end.