Choosing the proper bicycle helmet for yourself or a loved one is no small matter. After all, a high-quality, proper-fitting helmet can be life saving. Choosing a helmet is not as simple as going to your nearest superstore and finding a helmet in your favorite color. There are many factors to consider when choosing a bike helmet, like the type of helmet, its construction, the sizes offered and its special features. Read on to discover how to choose the proper bike helmet and to read some reviews of top bike helmets on the market.
Bike Helmet Features
If you’re new to cycling, it can be nearly impossible to make sense of the many features and components of a bike helmet. Don’t be intimidated. The two primary parts of a bicycle helmet are the shell and the liner. The shell serves to house and maintain the integrity of the liner. The liner is made of shock-absorbent material to diffuse the force of a fall before it reaches a rider’s head. A lightweight, yet very safe, helmet will have much more light, protective liner than an inexpensive or poorly constructed helmet.
When reading specs on or descriptions of various bike helmets, you may find references to ventilation, visor and straps. Vents allow air to flow through the helmet’s shell and liner cool your head. Ventilation also reduces the weight of a helmet. Road bike helmets often include ample ventilation to maximize the rider’s speed. It should be noted, however, that vents are holes in the liner of a bike helmet and reduce shock absorption.
Different riders will prefer different strap arrangements. Choose a strap design you find comfortable and invest the time in fitting it properly to your head. The fit of a helmet is often regarded as more important the the helmet itself.
Visors are most commonly found on mountain bike helmets. While it may seem like a negligible detail, a hair port, or hole in the helmet to fit a ponytail, can drastically impact the fit and safety of a helmet. Riders with long hair should look for a helmet that features a hair port to ensure the perfect fit.
Finally, some helmets include Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology. With an inner layer that fits and rotates with your head, a helmet with MIPS technology reduces the impact of twisting forces on your brain.
Types of Bicycle Helmets
Different biking or cycling activities require different kinds of helmets. Recreational helmets are the least expensive option. These helmets come in a variety of patterns and styles to satisfy any taste. If you ride bikes sporadically, a sturdy and comfortable recreational bike helmet may be all you need. However, if you ride on roads or on off-road terrain frequently, you might need a helmet with more protection and safety features tailored to your recreational activity, such as a road bike helmet or a mountain bike helmet.
Aerodynamics and speed are the priorities of a road cyclist, and a road bike helmet reflects that fact. Typically a road bike helmet is lightweight and well ventilated. Road bike helmets lack visors, which can slow you down and obstruct your view. The glossy surface of a road bike helmet minimizes friction with abrasive surfaces like a road.
Mountain bike helmets, on the other hand, offer more well-rounded protection. The vents of mountain bike helmets are designed for maximum airflow even at low speeds. That means your head will be cool and comfortable even as you slowly peddle your way over rocks, crags and hills. Mountain bike helmets typically incorporate a visor to shield the face from sunlight and full coverage over the back of the head.
Bike Helmet Sizing
Once you’ve identified the type of helmet you want and familiarized yourself with the various helmet features, you must determine what size of helmet you need. When ordering a helmet online, it is extremely important to measure head circumference around the widest part of your head to ensure proper fit. Compare your head circumference to a sizing guide or the helmet’s specifications.
Some helmets come with sizing pads that further customize the fit to your unique head shape. These pads can also be purchased separately. If you are between helmet sizes, opt for the larger size and adjust with pads. The helmet should be tight enough to stay on your head through multiple points of impact; however, it should not be uncomfortably tight. Be sure you can fit one or two fingers beneath the chin and side straps to reduce chaffing and discomfort. A local bicycle shop can help you adjust your helmet to the perfect size and fit.
Top Recreational Bike Helmet Picks
If you’re looking for an attractive, multipurpose recreational bike helmet, the Critical Cycles Class Commuter Bike/Skate/Multi Sport CM-1 Helmet is a solid choice. This is a perfect helmet for someone who rides for pleasure, on bike paths or short distances to and from work or school. The helmet is praised for its ease, comfort and curb appeal. It’s protective without being bulky. It also looks great comes in multiple colors. In terms of safety, the helmet performs well for the price and purpose. Few vents allow for ample shock-absorbing lining. The helmet offers three sizes and optional pads to customize fit. The inner padding also wicks away sweat to reduce irritation and chaffing around the head and ears.
For more of an investment, the Nutcase is the most popular recreational bike helmet on the market. The retro shape features a small, detachable visor and comes in a range of prints, from cherry blossoms to racing stripes. The helmet stands out as easy to fit, with three sets of pads in different thicknesses. The size is adjusted with a dial that fine-tunes width. It is a safe choice featuring few vents, EPS lining and crush zones to absorb shock.
Top Road Bike Helmet Picks
For half the price of its major competitors, the Giro Revel Helmet is a great all-around road bike helmet. The men’s and women’s versions differ slightly in fit. It features ample ventilation for comfort and a poly-carbonate glossy shell. It is super light, weighing in at 1.4 pounds, and aerodynamic. It comes with a visor that can be snapped on if desired. Needless to say, this helmet gets top marks for speed. When it comes to safety, the helmet ranks high for a road helmet. It does have numerous vents, which reduce the amount of EPS lining that can be included in the helmet; however, it is equipped with an Acu Dial Fit System that allows one-hand adjustments. There is also an optional ponytail adjustment. This helmet is bright and reflective for optimum visibility.
For the most devoted road cyclist, the Smith Optics Overtake Helmet is a sound investment. This helmet tops its class in performance and safety, which explains why it is consistently touted as the top road bike helmet for serious cyclists. Constructed from Koroyd material, this helmet utilizes advanced technology to absorb more energy with impact. The Overtake Helmet is extremely lightweight, at nine ounces, for impressive aerodynamics. It comes in multiple sizes for customized fit. Riders consistently praise this helmet as the best-fitting and most comfortable road bike helmet on the market. It also comes in 12 colors to perfectly match your ride. Although there are no frills or special features, this helmet is a solid choice for serious riders.
Top Mountain Bike Helmet Picks
For a serious mountain biker, the Giro Montaro MIPS Helmet can’t be beat. The helmet is fairly sleek compared to other mountain bikes on the market for faster speeds and attractive look. Another useful feature of this helmet is the POV adjustable visor, allowing full visibility on any terrain. In terms of safety, MIPS technology protects the head and brain by reducing the shock of rotational force. This feature is incredibly important on the uneven terrain of off-road adventures.
Another contender for favorite mountain bike helmet is the Bell Super 2 MIPS Helmet. This helmet is extremely lightweight for a mountain bike helmet, weighing in at only 12.7 ounces. It is also well ventilated and comfortable. The interior padding wicks away sweat to keep chin and side straps from chaffing on long, hot rides. This mountain bike helmet features a camera mount for filming adventures and interfaces with your phone to send GPS distress signals in the event of a crash. In addition to those innovative safety features, the helmet uses MIPS technology and comes in three sizes to ensure a perfect fit.
While it can be intimidating at first, buying a bike helmet comes down to a few important factors: weight, ventilation, lining, material and fit. Make sure to do your research, take time to properly adjust your helmet’s fit and choose the right helmet for your activity. If your helmet is comfortable, safe and appropriate, you’ll be glad to wear it, sporting your helmet head with pride.
Leave a Reply