How To Choose A Bike Helmet

How To Choose A Bike Helmet

Odds are, if you’re reading this, you already know just how important helmets are to biking safety. Plus, your brain will thank you for taking the time! You’ve probably asked yourself ‘What size bike helmet do I need?’ or ‘How is a helmet supposed to fit?’ These types of questions likely brought you here, where we’re going to explain all of that and then some.

Shopping for a helmet is similar to shopping for an electric bike; you should be mixing fun with safety! You no longer need to wear a bland piece of plastic on your head that half covers your vision to ride a bike. Although, if your helmet is interfering with your vision, then it’s probably the wrong fit and we’ll explain why in a bit! Nowadays, companies are reinventing what protective wear means, including helmets. So while safety is the number one thing to keep in mind when choosing a bike helmet, you also have a lot more design choices to let your personality shine! Without further ado, let’s dive into the specifics of how to choose a bike helmet.

PRE-PURCHASE THINGS TO KNOW

Before buying a helmet, you’ll need to determine what type of bike riding you’ll be doing. We’ll talk more about the types of bike helmets in just a minute, but here are some important points you’ll want to consider:

Material: Reference our brief overview above or do your own investigation. Make sure the materials that make up the helmet you’re interested in are heavy-duty and of good quality. You’re investing in your brain, here!

Weight:The shells’ materials need to be sturdy, but not overwhelmingly heavy to the point that it is causing physical pain.

Certification:A proper helmet should comply with and be certified for CPSC Safety Standard. Most helmets meet this but it doesn’t hurt to check. There are also other forms of technology to look out for, like MIPS. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a type of slip-plane technology that can reduce the amount of force against the head during impact. If a helmet is equipped with MIPS, it’ll have a thin yellow liner under the pads inside the helmet

Fit: Expect the helmet to feel snug, but it should not be too loose or too tight.

Price:All we ask is that you do not compromise on the cost as a helmet protects your head, and that, is priceless.

TYPES OF HELMETS

There are a variety of helmet styles formulated to meet the various needs of riders, from adventurous off-roaders to urban commuters. Here’s an overview:

Commuter/Recreational Helmets - These can come in various styles, but generally they offer a standard amount of vents with great coverage. These are perfect for urbanite commuters or after-hours electric bike fanatics looking to squeeze in a joy ride.

Cross Country Helmets - Also known as road bike helmets, these typically are lightweight with a substantial amount of vents. Designed for biking enthusiasts in need of an aerodynamic design and increased ventilation to keep cool on their long rides and uphill climbs.

All Mountain or Trail Helmet - Though most electric bikes are not ‘mountain bikes’ per se and will need to comply with local regulations for most trails, these helmets are designed with greater coverage in mind, especially towards the back of the head for unforeseen falls backward. If you’re someone to likes to take their ebike on trailheads or off-roading with their fat tire electric bike, this might be a good choice for you!

SIZING

First thing’s first, bike helmet measurements are necessary to determine your right size. Most manufacturers will provide a bike helmet size chart either in-store or directly on the product website, so definitely use it as a reference. Helmets are not all created equally. The size you wear for one helmet may not apply across the board for all. Always reference the bike helmet size chart for your most accurate fit.