Bike Helmets Buying Guide

Bike Helmets Buying Guide

How to choose a bike helmet?

If you cycle more often you will know that one of the most important decisions we face is what helmet to choose to go with your bicycle. To know what to decide, you have to ask yourself a few questions. For example: How to know my helmet size? How is a bicycle helmet measured? What factors affect the safety? What models have the best ventilation? Which are most comfortable and what types of helmets are there?

There are a lot of questions to answer and we can help you get the answers, so you can pick the best helmet for you..

Helmet sizes and measures

Helmet sizes and measures

The size of your bike helmet must have the perfect fit for your head. That is why it is important that you know the size that best suits you. However, each manufacturer determines its own sizes, so sometimes to know the proper size of a bicycle helmet can be more complex than it seems at first.

You must use the correct measure of your head to choose the size of the helmet. For this you can follow these simple steps:

Sizes and measures
1. Measure your head

Take a tape measure and put it around the perimeter of your skull. Do it for the widest part, that is, by the area above the eyebrows. This way you will have the measure of the diameter in centimeters which will serve as a basis for deciding the most appropriate helmet.

Choose your size
2. Choose your size

Then, you must consult the drop-down list of sizes that appears in the product sheet of each helmet, and choose the size that corresponds to the perimeter of each head. For example size L (58-60cm) means for heads between 58 and 60cm of perimeter, and according to the manufacturer it is size L.

Final fit
3. Final fit

When you have found the right helmet to match your size, you can regulate it with the back ring and the adjustment belts that are usually in each model.

The best-selling helmets



Security

Security

There are many types of bike helmets available, but it is important you find one that fulfills its task. Safety is the main factor to take into account. Remember that it is the only security barrier you have in case of an accident. Therefore, you must choose a model that meets the best security certifications.

First of all, in order that it can be sold commercially – and used – it needs to be approved by a regulatory body. Being approved implies that the materials with which it is manufactured are made of hard plastic ABS or polycarbonate for the housing of the helmet. This is a harder material. In addition, helmets made with this material have worse ventilation due to lack of ventilation openings. The option of polycarbonate, therefore, is the most recommendable, because it ventilates better and absorb the impacts in a more appropriate way.

If you want to see more information about this topic, you may be interested to know that the standard of approval for bicycle helmets is the UNE-EN 1078. A label with those numbers appears in the approved helmets. This is very important. We recommend that you acquire a helmet with MIPS system so that, in case of impact, the effect of collision will be reduced at levels ranging by 40%.

mips

MIPS stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. It is a system of protection of multidirectional impacts. Thanks to a polycarbonate sheet separated from the outer part of the helmet, it allows (in case of impact) your head to rotate slightly inside the helmet so that the blow is not front. It is what happens with our skin around the head, it can move around the skull, saving us from internal damage. Therefore, the safest products you can find will be those that incorporate this system.

Ventilation

Ventilation

Ventilation is another essential factor. The foam lining retains heat and the head is one of the parts of the body by which excess temperature comes out when we exercise. The ventilation holes allow that area to refresh, so it is very necessary, both in warm and cold climates, in which it also helps eliminate moisture.

Good ventilation contributes to a correct aerodynamism, with which the friction of the air with the cyclist is reduced and its performance is improved. The most modern designs use ventilation channels inside the housing that allow the air to flow over the head of the cyclist.

Therefore, always double check the options you have. If you practice cycling usually, surely you know the sensation of heat accumulating in your head, sweat flowing and discomfort growing over your shoulders. So to make sure this does not happen and to not have the temptation to take off the main protection you have against possible blows, choose a model with which the hot air can come out easily.

Adjustment and clamping

Adjustment and clamping

To make sure the helmet doesn’t slide off your head, the helmet must offer you the possibility of adjusting it to adapt to your head. Most have some type of mechanism in the back, such as straps, to make sure you can easily adjust it. This way you will get your helmet perfectly placed and you won’t even realize that you’re wearing it.

Keep in mind that it should be well attached to your head, one or two fingers above your eyebrows. You must also have lateral straps in the form of a "V" with a slider. One of them must be ahead of the ears and the other behind. Normally, they have a lace device that keeps it well closed and that can be easily opened by just pressing.

This device is a buckle that is under the chin. This mechanism is very similar for many helmets. However, choose the one that is easier for you to use. For this you need to make sure you can enter not more than more than one or two fingers between the buckle and your chin.

Adjustment and clamping
Comfort

Comfort

Comfort lies in a good fit without excessive pressure on the face, chin or neck. The helmet must be light and leveled on your head, without any inclination. The front edge must be at one or two fingers above your eyebrows so that your front is well protected.

First of all, keep in mind that the helmet is an extension of your own body and that its main task is to protect you against head injuries in case you fall or suffer some kind of impact.

We recommend

If you are between two sizes, choose the smallest. If the helmet is bigger, you can use a cap to improve the helmet setting. However, to be sure of your choice, try it, adjust it and check how you feel with it. Encourage it side by side and back to front. If you move more than two fingers, you must adjust it better. You must also have good ventilation, which refreshes the interior when you have started to sweat but still keeps you aerodynamic.

Types of helmet

Types of helmet

Cycling has many variants. You can do urban, mountain, road, track or cyclocross cycling, among many other modalities. Therefore, there are many types of design that respond to the requirements of each practice variety.

City

You must meet the same ventilation conditions, adjustment and approval as the rest of the models. This type of helmet is the one used to circulate by cities and there are folding models that are designed to be carried in bags or backpacks. This is useful if you are cycling to work or to school. The back usually has a rubber to fit correctly, to which a clip is added to the chin closure. You just have to choose the design that best suits your style.

Urban helmets have proliferated in recent years with the increase in the number of kilometers of bikes enabled in cities. Therefore, the possibilities to choose from have multiplied. There are some who are authentic accessories that you can combine with your daily outfit. But above all, promises comfort..

city helmets

Folding helmets

They are perfect when you use the bicycle as a means of transport towards a certain destination. In fact, there are many urban helmets that have this feature, so that you can take them to the office, do various procedures or go to college. During the day you can leave them in a backpack or bag. They are the most practical..

In this case, the design is usually one of the key factors when making a decision, but remember that it also needs to be approved, adjustable and have good ventilation, especially if you live in a warm area.
There are vintage styles, modern and also those who carry the line of racing bicycles. There are also helmets with or without a visor.

foldable helmets

Road

These are used to exercise or for workouts overlooking some competition, for example. That is why it is so important that they are light, aerodynamic and comfortable. With an intense physical activity, in the course of which you will sweat a lot, good ventilation is essential.

Take into account the weight, fastening, size and aesthetics, in addition to, of course, the brand and the price that best suits your expectations.

road helmets

Cyclocross

For the practice of cyclocross there are very aerodynamic models, with simple adjustment and with advanced technology that provides great comfort. If you practice this modality of cycling, you must face natural grounds that present innumerable challenges for your physical resistance. Therefore, you must prepare for possible falls on ice, snow or mud and your head should always be very well protected. Also look for a model that makes it possible to clean. clean.

There is a wide variety of designs, models and qualities. Remember to keep in mind that the helmet should be equipped with MIPS technology.

cyclocross helmets

Fixie / Single Speed

For single-way bicycles, which are usually used for urban journeys, you should choose a very resistant helmet, with lightweight materials and structure that can absorb impacts. There are folding helmets and helmets with very attractive designs so you can keep your cosmopolitan and modern style, as well as store it in your bag or backpack at any time.
The speed that is reached with this type of bicycles is not usually very high, but in urban environments it is best to prevent any eventuality and acquire a helmet with the best benefits.

Choose one to use with your Fixie on both short and and long trips, inside or outside of the city. In these cases, professional helmets are not necessary, but that does not mean that you should not go for quality.

Fixie helmets

Gravel

If you practice gravel, you will have to do with one that protects you from possible falls on the roads through which this modality is usually practiced. These roads usually have little traffic and usually contain stones or gravel. There are a multitude of designs, with colors and very colorful shapes. Choose one with good ventilation, comfort and resistance.

In this case, you can look for a model that is useful for both road bike competitions and cyclocross competitions. You can even opt for one with a visor which is suitable for people with long hair.
Search for a stable and secure in Mold construction, and a suitable fit for your goals.

gravel helmets

Track / Velodrome

In these cases, performance and safety are the most important aspects. In this sport high speeds are reached. Because of this, the resistance of our helmet has to be up to standard, since the falls are stronger than usual. In addition, the aerodynamic factor is fundamental if you want to obtain maximum performance.

Remember to look for the code in 1078 to make sure your bicycle helmet is approved and that it meets all the quality standards marked by the European Union. The highest quality helmets are manufactured following the process of using a mold so the helmet is created in one piece. You should prioritize this type before those that are manufactured in two pieces, whose quality and effectiveness to absorb impacts is much lower.

track helmets

In summary, this is all you need to know to choose your perfect bike helmet. We are sure that your choice will be correct if you follow our recommendations.


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