Key Features To Look For in a Bike Helmet
Wearing a bike helmet is a critical part of remaining safe while on a commute. You may see riders of every kind commuting without this key feature, and you may think if they’re safe, you will be too.
The reality is that not wearing a helmet puts you in harm’s way should a motorist fail to look twice. Just this one simple safety measure could potentially save your life. Here, we discuss some primary tips to help you find the most suitable bike helmet for your experiences.
Which Helmet Is Right for You?
Before diving into the types of helmets and a suitable option for you, it’s essential to understand that different helmet variations are available depending on your cycling needs. There are a few instances where you can choose lower-quality safety gear, such as with your reflective gear or bike light. But when it comes to a helmet, you must get this perfect.
Some key things to consider when helmet shopping include:
- What type of cycling do I do the most?
- What are the safety standards for a helmet?
- Is the helmet I like comfortable and accommodating?
- What happens if I experience a crash in my helmet?
Different Types of Helmets To Consider
It’s common for people to buy the first helmet they like without realizing there are different types for different needs. The primary purpose of every helmet is to protect the head and minimize the effects of an impact.
With this in mind, you may find yourself comfortable and happy with whatever head protection you can find. But in the event you want something specific, here are the different helmet types available.
Road Bike Helmets
Road cyclists prefer to use road-specific helmets because the design features cater to lightweight, open-air concepts. These helmets feature larger vents and provide optimal comfort to the user, which helps for rides in exceptionally warm weather.
Commuter Bike Helmets
A commuter bike helmet is also called a city or urban helmet because, typically, that is where riders use them. A commuting scenario is relatively moderate and lowkey, so these helmets are basic in design. Generally, most of these types of helmets will feature mild ventilation for comfort but come in a range of styles to create a more casual appearance.
Mountain or Sport Bike Helmets
A surefire way to identify a mountain biking helmet is by the visor on the front end. These overhangs, or visors, enable riders to maintain visual clarity. Trails and paths have altering lighting patterns as a result of many outdoor elements. This fixed feature on a helmet means riders don’t need sunglasses to prevent vision impairment.
Critical Safety Standards
Laws and regulations surround the safety standards for bike helmets. Each country sets these regulations, and manufacturers must abide. If a country is producing and selling a helmet for an exterior country, they must meet these standards to ensure they can withstand the impact and stress standards in that location.
This benefits riders of all demands and styles globally because all helmets must make it through rigorous safety inspection tests before the sale and use of a helmet. Additionally, the bike helmet must feature adequate consumer labeling to denote the specifications set forth by the manufacturer as a result of the testing phases.
An example of this is an interior label featuring a CPSC logo or stamp, which signifies the helmet passed the necessary testing and is safe for use. CPSC signals that the helmet complies with US safety standards. These abbreviations may vary from country to country.
Fit Features and Comfort Considerations
You should always keep in mind the overall fit and comfort of a helmet. If it’s too snug or too loose, that can create chaos while riding and hinder your experience. It’s recommended that you try the helmet on before purchase to see how it rests on your head. There are various things to consider while trying it on, from hairstyle to potentially varied terrain paths to the buckle enclosure.
It’s critical to remember that what works for a friend may not work best for you. So try to find one more personalized to your experience. A great place to start is tightening the retention system fully to ensure the helmet sits on your head correctly, per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Try to move your head in various directions to test the helmet’s ability to perform. If you notice the bobblehead experience during the try-on phase, this is an indication that the helmet is not fitting for your head shape.
Breathability
A key feature of a bike helmet that many overlooks is its overall breathability. If you love riding your bike in the sun, regardless of temperature, your head can become warm or potentially overheat. By ensuring you have enough breathability and ventilation, the helmet can protect your head and help maintain its temperature.
Replacement Guidelines
You need to understand the replacement guidelines for a helmet because it may lose its efficacy if you experience an impact. Without knowing these guidelines, you may encounter a repeated occurrence that could leave you at risk of severe head trauma.
If you crash or experience impact on a severe level, it’s vital you replace the helmet. You might think if there are no signs of wear or damage that it is fine for use, but the shock absorption decreases with each instance of high impact. It may not protect you the same way twice.
Another sign it’s time to replace the helmet is if there are noticeable signs of aging. Things like dry and cracked padding, tattered or torn retention systems, and outdated safety standards are all common. Should your helmet make it to year three, four, or five without impact, go ahead and get a new one to remain up to date on guidelines and impact value.
The Wrap Up
When you buy electric bikes online, you should always consider which helmet will accompany this investment. Hopefully, with this guide, you can find a helmet to match the demands of your cycling experience, whether you choose an everyday commuter bike or a mountain bike.
Connect with us at Voltaire Cycles for expert advice and quality care!
