Beginners Guide To A Bicycling Helmet
After purchasing your bicycle, getting a helmet is the most important thing you need as a cyclist. And that is not just our opinion but it is a universal unwritten rule that you should wear one whenever you go for a ride. Once you have got the right helmet, you can cycle around safe with the knowledge that you are protected. Your brain is a valuable, vulnerable organ and yet it is only protected by a thin layer of skin and bones. We were never designed to hit the roads at 50kph, or go hurling down rock-infested hills, so adding an extra layer of protection is an incredibly vital step.
Helmet Fit and Sizing
Your helmet must fit correctly for optimal protection. Sizes are generally given in inches and refer to the circumference of the userå«s head. You will have to try the helmet on to determine if it fits the shape of your head or use an online size chart to determine the same. While we take time to inspect the bike before our rides, it is imperative that we do the same for our helmets.
Place your hands on top of the helmet and try to move it. It should not be possible to tilt the helmet:
- ForwardsåÊto cover the eyes
- BackwardsåÊto uncover the forehead
- SidewaysåÊto uncover the side of the head.
When the helmet is fastened it should be in a square position on the head. The rim of the helmet should sit on the forehead just above the eyebrows. The straps should be adjusted so that there is no slack when the buckle is securely fastened under the chin. Ensure straps are not twisted and that the side straps form a V shape with the point just under the ear lobe.
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Type of Helmet
ThereÛª is very little difference structurally between the desired features of a road or mountain bike helmet, although the styles will vary.
Road Cycling HelmetsåÊtend to be extremely lightweight, aerodynamic and well-ventilated.
Mountain Bike HelmetsåÊusually offer added coverage, especially in the back of the head. Many also
have an attached or removable visor. 
Full Face HelmetsåÊfor downhill MTB and BMX have full faceguards, very similar to motocross helmets. These provide maximum protection during a fall. 
Lifespan of your Helmet
Helmets are designed to protect the head during a single crash, and should always be retired after absorbing a moderate or heavy impact. If you are ever involved in a fall or crash and your helmet contacts the ground or another hard surface, you should retire the helmet. Even if the exterior shell appears largely undamaged after an impact, the structural integrity of the interior foam could still be weakened or damaged, which means the helmet will not provide the same level of protection during a second impact.
Thanks for checking out our helmet guide and watch out for more interesting cycling articles. Have fun, and stay safe out there!
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