HOW TO CHOOSE BICYCLE HELMETS – BUYERS GUIDE

Whether you’re headed on a long road ride or commuting in your city – bicycle helmets are an essential accessory while you’re out on your bike. This is especially important for kids. Although a common excuse is that we’re riding too slow for anything to happen, it’s extremely important to understand that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury to bicyclists by as much as 50 percent.

Choosing the right helmet is essential not only from a safety standpoint but it’s critical that it matches the kind of riding you aim to do, delivers high levels of performance and also makes you look uber cool when you’re on your bike. Every helmet must provide a balance between safety, fit, comfort, ventilation and coolness.

Here are a few things to consider before choosing your helmet:

HELMET CONSTRUCTION

Nowadays, most of the helmets available to us are made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPF) and a tough-but-thin plastic shell outer casing that is either glued to the EPF (for helmets at the lower end of the price spectrum) or molded into the EPF (for helmets at the higher end of the price spectrum). Both the helmets are safe. Though molded helmets are lighter and have more vents. On impact, its the EPF that gets crushed and hence ends up protecting your skull. It’s important to replace one’s helmet after a crash. The helmet might not show any exterior damage, but the interior structure of the EPF would have weakened considerably. Hence rendering the helmet unsafe for use.

KNOW WHICH TYPE SUITS YOU

Bicycle helmets come in different types
– Leisure or Urban Helmets
– Road Helmets
– Mountain Bike Helmet

You have to choose your helmet based on your riding style or the type of bicycle you are riding to makes sure you have the appropriate levels of safety and to also make sure your helmet matches the kind of bike you’re riding.

LEISURE, URBAN & COMMUTER HELMETS
Urban helmets are economically friendly and are suited to urban commuters or just people who ride once in a while for short distances. Recreational helmets are well padded for comfort and have high breathability for comfort in urban environments.

• Ideal for casual riding or short urban commutes.
• Weight and ventilation are not a priority.
• Protection from city traffic and visibility during the day as well as night.
• Perfect for riders who look at short fitness rides in the morning, look at commuting about their city on their bikes or have a short commute to work.

ROAD HELMETS

These helmets usually feature lightweight construction and aerodynamic designs with extreme emphasis on safety. They also provide good ventilation and are free of any obstructive visors of any sort.

Good Road helmets usually have the following features-

• Lightweight
• They have great ventilation
• Aerodynamic in nature
• Keep your head cool
• Usually feature safety tech such as MIPS

MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMET

These helmets feature a very strong shell with soft foam padding for comfort. Multiple vents for ventilation are also provided. They offer more coverage as well. There are also full-faced helmets that offer full head protection for downhill and park riders who are at a greater risk of injuries.

Mountain Biking helmets typically have-

• More coverage compared to the other kinds of helmets
• End up being a bit bulkier and offer a lot more protection on the sides and rear.
• Typically come with a bigger visor to offer shade whilst out on trails.

HELMET SIZING/ HELMET FIT

A good fit is crucial. If the helmet is not properly positioned on the head, it may not protect you at the moment of impact. Straps must be snug and the helmet positioned correctly. Once properly adjusted, only minor adjustments are likely to be necessary the next time you wear it.

Most helmets come in different sizes and it’s critical to ensure you find the right size. You can use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head (1 inch above the eyebrows) and choose the right size according to the manufacturer’s site. A well-fitted helmet will ensure you do not develop a headache, and will also ensure optimal safety in case of an eventual fall from your bike.

Good brands also have their helmets in a special Asia Fit that is ideal for the Indian head form as Asian’s typically have a much wider forehead. It’s important to wear a helmet that is comfortable.

Remember, the sizing chart may differ for different manufacturers. Don’t go by an approximate sizing and make sure you measure the circumference of your head and get the correct size. Most of the helmets in the lower end of the price range come with a universal fit

How can I tell if my bicycle helmet fits properly?

A good fit is crucial. If you don’t get a helmet that fits you properly it may fail to effectively protect your head, on impact.

Make sure the bowl of the helmet fits snugly over your head, then adjust the straps and ratchet locking mechanism (if applicable) around your chin and at the back of your head. Most manufacturers have different styles and fitments, so it’s recommended that you visit a bicycle store and try out the helmets yourself for an appropriate fitment.

1. When the chin strap is fixed, the helmet should not move side to side or up and down.
2. there should be a 1 finger space between the chin strap and your chin. You should be able to feel the helmet pull down when you open your mouth if the chin strap is fixed correctly.
3. Helmets typically have an adjustable dial which helps make sure the helmet fits snug; A good helmet should fit snug, but not give you a headache.
4. it should sit level on your head and not be tilted back or rest low on the forehead.
5. the helmet should be about 2 finger-widths above the eyebrow. A simple test is to make sure you can see the edge of the helmet when looking upwards.

LATEST BIKE HELMET TECHNOLOGY

Bike helmets have now become tougher, lighter, more aerodynamic and better looking than ever before. Helmets are capable of protecting one’s head from skull fractures and severe concussions as well.

 One of the newer technological advancements in the safety space has been the invention of Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). It’s basically a thin liner on the inside of helmets that lets the helmet slide a few millimeters across the rider’s head in the event of a crash, thereby reducing the force of the impact on the riders skull and also reducing rotational forces on the neck and head. MIPS helmets cost significantly more than non-MIPS helmets but are worth the level of protection they offer. So when you’re out looking for a helmet, consider helmets with MIPS.

SAFETY – BICYCLE HELMETS

Safety is the biggest thing to look for in a bicycle helmet. A good thumb rule is to go for a well-known brand and to jump at the best helmet you have the budget for. These are bound to be safe, well designed and most important – well tested. Most good helmets come with the European CE- EN1078 certification. The CE EN-1078 specifies requirements and test methods for bicycle helmets, skateboard and roller skate helmets. It covers helmet construction including the field of vision, shock-absorbing properties, retention system properties including chin strap and fastening devices, as well as marking and information (more details).

Other well-known certifications to look for are CPSC & Snell. Never consider using an old helmet or a helmet that has developed a crack or has been in a crash. These helmets could be unsafe as the foam in the helmet might not protect your head in case of a crash.

Point to be noted – As a good thumb rule, its important to replace helmets once every 4 – 5 years and immediately incase the helmet was involved in a crash.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Other things to consider while choosing a helmet are color, ventilation, weight, and padding.

BRIGHT COLOURED HELMETS ensure you’re highly visible on the road which helps in keeping you safe. Inbuilt reflectivity will also ensure motorists and others can see you on the road at night. Some helmets come with inbuilt lights which are great as the flashing lighting is at a much higher level vis-a-vis your tail light and makes you much more visible on city roads.

GOOD VENTILATION is critical to ensure you can keep your head cool on a sunny day. Unlike other sports, your head perspires quite a bit with the effort of riding a bike and helmets need to do a good job of sweat and heat management. Good helmets do a great job of both without adding too much weight to the helmet. Road bike helmet vents suck the air from the front and push it out from the rear whereas mountain bike helmet vents are designed to push the hot air out from the top.

LIGHTER HELMETS do not add extra weight on your neck, which will ensure pain free riding. This is especially important on slightly longer rides and critical if you’re into long distance cycling or randonneuring.

GOOD PADDING will ensure your helmet is uber comfortable and will also help in keeping you sweat-free.

CLEANING YOUR HELMET

Sweat and grime are common foes while you’re out riding and are in constant contact with your helmet. Sweaty soggy helmet padding is not a pleasant sight. To clean your helmet you can just wipe the top outer layer with a damp cloth and wash the paddings with cool or warm water. Washing the helmet with soap and scrubbing it might reduce the effectiveness and be a safety concern. You also get helmet deodorizers and cleaners if you want to be really thorough. Replaceable helmet padding is also a great way to refresh your helmet.

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Remember investing in a good quality helmet is like getting life insurance – it will pay off when needed.