Bike helmets provide much more than style; they protect our brains against head trauma and could potentially save lives. But in order for a helmet to be effective, it must fit correctly.
To determine your size, first measure the circumference of your head using a flexible tape measure or string around its widest part (about an inch above your eyebrows) using flexible measuring tape or string and compare it against helmet sizing charts.
Ventilation
Most helmets feature adjustable dials at the rear that enable you to tighten and loosen. The best ones should be easy to reach while wearing gloves or with your head flexed back; additionally, they should stay secure during riding.
Ventilation is also key when selecting a helmet for road bikes, especially road racers. Your goal should be to keep your noggin cool and dry so you can push harder and go faster, but allowing too much airflow may cause wind drag that slows you down.
One way to reduce this effect is by adding venting between the shell and padding, as well as materials that absorb more energy upon impact. The Kask Moebius employs both these techniques – layer of pads between shell and EPS foam and mold-in vents ensure your noggin remains cool while offering premium performance at an unbeatably competitive price.
POC takes its sustainability efforts seriously, and Mylen is no exception. Crafted with 50% recycled material and without glue or laminated layers altogether, its fabric outer can be torn away at the end of its lifespan for recycling in accordance with waste streams. Unfortunately it does not feature a visor and scores lower in Virginia Tech tests of rotational acceleration and linear acceleration than some competitors.
Lightweight
Most bike helmets are created with safety in mind, with sturdy shells and shock absorbing linings as the top priority. Their comfortable designs also make them great for daily commutes or weekend rides – and should you take an unfortunate fall off, having an excellent helmet will provide protection from injury should that occur.
Helmets come in all sizes and shapes. To find your ideal match, take your circumference in centimeters and compare it against each model’s helmet sizing chart. Trying them on in stores while wearing cycling caps or beanies gives a better idea of their fit; some adults with smaller heads may even fit comfortably into children’s sizes.
Lightweight is always beneficial, but should not be the determining factor when it comes to selecting a helmet. All certified helmets must pass the same certification tests regardless of weight – therefore it cannot be assumed that lighter is always superior.
Giro Register Mips stands out as one of the lightest options in this guide, yet still provides excellent comfort and ventilation. Its compact design helps prevent overheating while its internal venting system features an unusual design inspired by ram-air intake systems on 1960s hotrods.
Comfort
Most helmets feature adjustable dials at the back to tighten or loosen the headband, with easy-to-use dials that work even while wearing gloves or carrying a backpack. Furthermore, the best ones don’t put strain on your neck when moving your head during riding.
Mountain biking or road racing helmets typically feature lightweight, more ventilated shells than full-face models, with removable chin bars to switch between full and lightweight helmets depending on the ride. Examples include the Giro Switchblade, MET Parachute MCR and Bell Super helmets.
Thousand’s Mylen is an elegant yet straightforward option, featuring light weight construction, multiple color choices, and an optional removable visor to increase coverage on windy days. Additionally, its design meets WorldTour-proven criteria while meeting WG11 rotational impact protection standard despite lacking Virginia Tech testing.
People often overlook bike helmets as an expensive part of cycling equipment, yet this would be foolish as most crashes are unplanned and an affordable helmet could help protect your brain just as effectively as anything else on your bike. Don’t discount its importance just because your riding style may not require top-of-the-line protection – Invest in one and you will enjoy every ride more!
Safety
At its core, a helmet’s primary purpose is to safeguard your head during an accident. While style and comfort play an important role, an optimally fitting helmet will help lower the odds of head trauma or, in extreme circumstances, even save lives.
Notably, modern helmet designs play a critical role in increasing chances of surviving an impact. Many helmet brands have implemented extra safety features like rotational liners and materials designed to disperse force or break. Though harder to test in a lab environment, these features could certainly warrant consideration when shopping for a new lid.
Additionally to rotational forces, most impacts cause your head to hit the ground at an angle, twisting your skull and leading to concussion. To counteract this risk, helmets like the Giro Aries and Specialized Unit1 feature built-in systems that claim to evenly distribute force; thin transparent bridges placed inside EPS foam by Giro provide support; while Specialized relies on woven aramid struts anchored into carbon side panels by Specialized.
To select the ideal helmet size, measure your head circumference using flexible tape or string and consult a sizing chart. Keep in mind that brand sizing may differ; therefore it may be useful to try on several models and speak with sales personnel for advice.