Most people wouldn’t ride in a car without a seat belt, so why take a chance on your head while riding a bike? Your head is precious, so let’s protect it!
First things first: safety. What good is a helmet if it doesn’t keep your head safe? Check the helmets you are looking at to make sure they are intended for biking or cycling. This sounds simple, but helmets that are specifically designed for skiing, skateboarding, climbing, or kayaking should not be worn while biking. Make sure you wear a helmet that caters to you specific sport!
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All the best bike helmets feature some sort of soft foam on the inside and a hard plastic covering on the outside. This is meant to cushion the impact of a crash. If you do crash and bump you head, it is best to get a new helmet all together! It is important to note that no bike helmet design has been proven to prevent concussions. The helmet materials only intend to absorb the energy from a high-impact collision that may otherwise result in skull fractures and sever brain injuries.
Types of Bicycle Helmets
It’s also important to consider what type of biking you will be engaging in. Mountain? Road? Sport? These all require bike helmets, but each of these helmets are made to fulfill specific needs.
- Sport (multi-use) helmets ($35-$60):
- Multi-use helmets; good for everyday use in most situations
- Good value; affordably priced
- Typically heavier than road cycling helmets
- Road bike helmets ($60-$250):
- Lightweight for smooth riding and racing
- Lots of ventilation to circulate air
- Typically features an aerodynamic design
- Mountain bike helmets ($35-$200):
- Enhanced rear-head coverage
- Firm, secure fit for tackling rough terrain.
- Have thicker chinstraps designed to handle the bouncing and jarring of off-road riding
- Similar or identical to road helmets with the addition of a visor
- Full Face Helmets
Larger and stronger with superior protection
• Offer additional coverage around the back and sides of the head plus full face protection
• Intended for trick riding, BMX riding, or high-velocity mountain biking on rough, varied terrain with increased possibility of crashing, falling, or collision
Bike Helmet Size Guide
Once you’ve selected the type of bike helmet you’ll need, you have to make sure it fits snugly! Some helmets come in one single adjustable size, while others come in small, medium, large, or extended sizes! How do you find your fit? Wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest part of your head, or wrap a ribbon or string around the largest part of your head and measure it with a ruler or meter stick!
Here’s a general guide for adult sizes:
- Small: 20″-21.75″ (51cm-55cm)
- Medium: 21.75″-23.25″ (55cm-59cm)
- Large: 23.25″-24.75″ (59cm-63cm)
- Extra-small, extra-large: Below 20″ (51cm), above 24.75 (63cm)
- One size fits all (men): 21.25″-24″ (54cm-61cm)
- One size fits all (women): 19.75″-22.5″ (50cm-57cm)
If you’re between sizes, opt for the smaller size! You don’t want extra room in your helmet, but you wouldn’t want the helmet to squeeze your head either! Make sure the helmet you buy fits comfortably and securely protects your head!
Adjust It!
Do you have your helmet size? Great! Pick out a helmet and let’s make sure it’s adjusted properly. You can adjust the fit by using the universal-sizing wheel located on the back on the helmet or tighten or loosen the helmet by using the chinstrap. Or both! If you choose to adjust the helmet by using the sizing wheel, make sure you remove the helmet from your head first! Once the helmet is more your size, place it on your head and then tighten the dial until the helmet fits snugly. If your helmet is the proper fit, it should sit level on your head and no more than two finger lengths above your eyebrows. Can you push the helmet from side to side? If it moves one inch or more in either direction, adjust it. It’s not tight enough!
Buckle and tighten the chinstrap. Push up on the front of the helmet. If it moves a lot in either direction, tighten the chinstrap and try again. The straps should also form a “V” under each ear. You can adjust the straps around your ears to get a more comfortable fit. Now, the last step is to buckle the chinstrap and open your mouth. Your helmet should press against your forehead. If it doesn’t, tighten the chinstrap more and try again.
Same Goes For Children
For kids’ bikes, the same information applies. All bike helmets meet certain quality and safety standards, but for children having a good helmet might be of even more importance! Most helmets sell for around $30, but studies have shown that cheaper helmets provide around the same amount of protection as expensive helmets! Just make sure you take the time to ensure that the helmet fits properly on your child!
Quick Bike Helmet Reviews
Now that you have more knowledge on picking the best bike helmet, here are some of the top bike helmets on Amazon!
Schwinn Thrasher Adult Micro Bicycle black/grey Helmet
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With its visor to protect your eyes from the powerful rays of the sun and sweat-wicking pads to keep the rider dry, the Schwinn Trasher Adult Micro Bicycle Helmet is perfect for the everyday rider to the more serious mountain biker. It is fantastic value for the price and fits heads of all sizes comfortably! This helmet also allows ample air flow to keep you cool and the visor is detachable!
Critical Cycles Classic Commuter Bike and Skate Helmet
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Designed with the average city biker in mind, the Critical Cycles Classic Commuter Bike and Skate Helmet has pads that wick away sweat, stench, and bacteria. It fits snugly to your head and provides a decent amount of air flow to your head. But buyer beware, if you have a larger head, this may not be the best option for you!
Giro Me2 Infant/Toddler Bike Helmet
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With its colorful fun designs, 20 vents for air flow, and visor for sun protection, the Giro Me2 Infant/Toddler Helmet is a great option for a kid on the move! The helmet also comes with extra pads, to ensure a snugger fit or for added cushion!
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