Choosing the right helmet for you can be tough, especially when you’re just getting started with your cycling adventures and don’t have much knowledge about different models of helmets. Before you choose your helmet, make sure you have an idea of the type of riding you plan to do, as well as where and how often you plan to ride and what level of protection you think you need. Once you have a better idea of what your needs are, finding a bicycle helmet will be much easier. Let’s look at some of the most important factors in choosing the right helmet for you.
Safe Riding
Most cyclists know that, no matter how careful you are, riding a bike can result in injury. With so many crashes resulting from negligent drivers and uneven road conditions, it’s wise to wear a helmet while riding. Even on bike trails, you have to watch out for other riders and people walking. You can also find yourself not taking a turn quick enough and going right off the trail, something I’ve done myself. Whatever the case, if you end up off your bike and on the ground, you should be thankful you are wearing a helmet.
Bicycle helmets don’t just cover your head—they actually protect your skull and brain. Head injuries such as concussions are very serious and require immediate medical assistance. If you aren’t protecting your head with a helmet, these types of injuries are way more likely to occur. On a personal note, I’ve even had an annoying bird peck on my helmet. If it wasn’t on my head, what would it be pecking on? It’s just another reason to protect your head. Don’t tempt fate, wear a helmet!
Evaluate Safety Standards
To ensure your helmet is going to be effective in an accident, look for a sticker from one of three testing organizations—the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI), or Snell Memorial Foundation. All will help you determine if your helmet meets safety standards set by law and help you ensure that it’s safe to wear. One final note on safety: When it comes to helmets, quality matters.
You also need to wear the right-sized helmet and put it on properly. Anything that enhances your safety is essential to your peace of mind while riding.
Finding The Right Size Helmet
Before you start looking at helmets, you’ll need to measure your head size. You can do so by measuring the circumference of your head from just above the eyebrows and around your head one inch above the ears and behind the jawline. Make sure that there is room to fit two fingers between the tape measure and your skull when you take measurements. Once you have the measurement, visit a helmet size guide for a chart to help you determine what size bicycle helmet is right for you.
How To Wear A Helmet Properly
Bicycle helmets are designed to be worn properly. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, your helmet should fit snugly and comfortably on your head. To ensure it fits correctly try on a variety of helmets in your price range (within reason) until you find one that feels right. It should rest snugly against your forehead, with two fingers’ worth of space between your eyebrow and helmet padding.
You also have to adjust your chin straps for a proper helmet fitting. It needs to be snug without being too tight. Of course, it can’t be too loose either. Find the sweet spot and try to keep your straps the same length once you do.
Looking Cool
When choosing a bicycle helmet, people often fixate on function and durability. They focus on how comfortable it is, or whether it’s lightweight. Of course, both of these things are important. But that’s not where it ends. You should also consider your helmet’s appearance. You know what they say—the faster you go, the cooler you look!
The look of your helmet is important as so many people neglect to wear them at all because they think they look dumb. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If anything, it makes you look more responsible. That being said, you definitely want a helmet you like the look of.
