Whether you’re a weekend warrior who loves to show off the latest styles in the café, or you’ve taken the plunge and now commute to work every day, the perfect bike helmet is out there waiting for you.
What To Look For Before Buying A New Bike Helmet
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1. Focus On Your Comfort:
The most important rule to remember when purchasing a helmet is to choose one that you are comfortable wearing. It won’t help you unless it is on your head. If you buy a super-light £300 helmet, you’ll be terrified of bumping it. Similarly, a sturdy commuter model won’t be much fun to wear when riding. If you do a little bit of both types of riding, shop around and you’ll soon find a good all-arounder. There are several helmet brands to avoid out there. Make sure to filter them out.
2. Look For The CE Symbol:
Whatever model you choose, look for the “BS EN 1078” marking, which is represented by a “CE” symbol. It ensures that your helmet meets the stringent British and European safety standards.
However, keep in mind that the standard only requires a manufacturer to design their helmet to withstand impacts from a stationary position. Therefore, they are not a substitute for good riding skills and staying alert. It is not necessary to spend a fortune on a new helmet. A £300 helmet may look slicker and be lighter. However, it will not necessarily provide more protection than a £50 one. An approved helmet should provide the same level of protection regardless of price.
3. Always Prefer The MIPS Helmet:
If you want the most protection, look for features like a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS). MIPS is a thin plastic lining inside the helmet that allows the shell to shift slightly during impact. Thus, reducing twisting forces on your head.
While riding without a helmet is perfectly legal in the UK, it’s certainly not a bad idea to wear one. Especially if you’re the type of rider who likes to whizz around at high speeds. According to one Australian study, wearing one reduced the risk of serious head injury by 69%. It also reduces the risk of fatal head injury by 65%.
Wearing one in the summer will protect your head from the sun and may even keep you comfortable, as cleverly designed vents direct airflow over your head, cooling it more effectively than going bare-headed.
4. Choose Bright-Colored Helmets:
You will also be more visible on the road if you choose a helmet in a bright color, such as high-vis yellow. Many manufacturers include reflective details and even LED lights in their designs, making them ideal for commuters.
When Should You Replace Your Helmet:
The materials used to make them deteriorate over time, and yours may have taken a knock or suffered damage. It may not be visible to the naked eye but could impair its ability to protect you.
It’s a good idea to replace your helmet every five years, or sooner if it’s been heavily used. Sweating, UV light from the sun, and certain chemicals, including those found in sun cream, can all degrade your helmet over time. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a crash, always check for damage and discard anything that has taken an impact.
How Do I Know Which Size Helmet To Purchase?
Most helmets are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from small to extra-large, and brands will provide the appropriate measurements on their websites. You’ll just need to dig out a tape measure and measure the circumference of your head to determine which one you need.
To fit, tighten or loosen the retention system, which is usually a wheel at the back or on the top of the helmet. In many designs, you can also change the internal cage that supports the main structure of the helmet. Thus, making it sit lower or higher on your head and changing how the retention straps fit around your ears.
If the side buckles are adjustable, open them and place them just below your ears. Then, when the chin strap is clipped together, tighten it until you can still fit two fingers under your chin.
When properly set up, it should be tight enough to keep your head from moving around whenever you shake your head. However, it should never feel restrictive. With the straps still undone, you should be able to move your head all the way forward without it falling off.
Keep in mind that helmets from different manufacturers can have subtly different shapes – some rounder. Others are more oval – so it may be a good idea to try out different helmets to find the one that best suits you.
Perhaps ask friends and family if you can try on theirs before committing to a specific model.
Which Bicycle Helmet Is Best For You?
If you’re looking for a helmet to wear on long summer road trips, you’ll want something lightweight and well ventilated. If you’re a budding racer, you’ll also want it to be aerodynamic.
1. Kask’s Valegro:
Kask’s valegro (£149) is a favorite of ours. It weighs only 180g in small size and is so light that you won’t even notice you’re wearing it. Additionally, it also makes helmet-to-helmet communication easier. It’s no surprise, because it provides plenty of ventilation, making it ideal for long, hot climbs.
There are a few more factors to consider if you’re looking for a commuting helmet. You’ll need something a little tougher to withstand the bumps and knocks that your lid will be subjected to on a daily basis. And, if you intend to ride in the autumn and winter, look for a design with fewer vents to keep the colder air out.
2. Bern’s Hudson MIPS:
Bern’s Hudson MIPS (£109.99) looks great and is built to be a little tougher for use with e-bikes and e-scooters. It’s a little heavier than many sports-focused lids at 376g in a size medium. However, it’s rugged, comfortable, and includes MIPS and an integrated, rechargeable rear light for safety.
If you want a more sporty look at a low price, consider DHBs bargain R2.0 (£50, Dhbsport.com). It’s a real steal at £50.
When purchasing for children, remember the golden rule: find a helmet that they will want to wear. All of the major manufacturers, including MET Helmets, offer designs for children in a wide range of styles.
Some resemble the ones worn by parents or caregivers. While others are adorned with anything from mohawk stripes to Batman’s ears to encourage them to wear it on every ride.
Children are rougher and tumble than adults. Therefore, make sure you inspect their helmets on a regular basis for bumps, cracks, and other damage. If you have any doubts, either replace it or have it professionally checked before using it again.
Where Can I Get A Bike Helmet Online?
Your local bike shop may have a limited selection of helmets. However, online retailers can stock much larger selections from a variety of manufacturers.
Read the reviews to find out what other people think of the various designs. Moreover, 0talk to your cycling friends to get their advice on what works for them.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we can say that a bike helmet is a necessity. One can’t just skip it. You need to wear it whenever you are traveling. And we hope that you will be able to pick your helmet easily after reading this article.
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