How to Choose the Best Cycling Helmet - The Ultimate Guide
A cycling helmet is an essential gear for every rider, whether you're a casual rider who likes commuting into town on your single speed or an enduro athlete preparing for your next off-road adventure.
Cycling helmets are getting lighter and more comfortable to wear as a result of recent improvements in helmet design, all while decreasing and avoiding head injuries.
The catch is that you have to be wearing one for it to work (a no-brainer).
Continue reading to select the proper helmet for you, as well as how to get the optimal fit.
Bike Helmet Designs
All helmets are not made equal. Road, commuter cycling helmets are often lightweight and aerodynamic, with wider vents that allow cooling on lengthy rides and hill climbs.
Mountain bike helmets often include more protection for off-road riding, particularly at the back of the head, where they're designed to guard against a backward or sideways fall. These helmets may include thicker chin straps and visors to provide more protection from the weather.
1. Bike Helmets with a Half Shell
Half shell helmets are by far the most common kind of helmet on the market today. Half shell helmets are available in a variety of coverage and design choices, ranging from minimalist, lightweight models with plenty of ventilation to hefty alternatives with enough covering for off-road adventure.
Roadies and commuters will choose half shell helmets with additional airflow and less coverage in the back of the head, but mountain bikers would prefer half shell "plus" models with more protection in the rear of the head, temple, ear, and or jaw regions for extra protection.
2. Bike Helmets with Full Face
Full-face helmets provide the most comprehensive protection available on the market today. Complete face helmets provide adequate protection but often compromise weight and comfort. They are made out of a robust one-piece shell with a full jaw guard.
Full-face helmets are most typically used by downhill mountain bikers who ride large and fast with the risk of a major crash.
Cycling Helmet Features
After you've settled on a design, you might consider additional features. More features tend to raise the price, but they may also provide more comfort and a better fit.
So, while choosing your cycling helmet, ensure to check the above features after you finalize the design and type of the helmet.
Once all these criteria are met, you'll be good to go.
Check out our range of helmets.
FAQs about Cycling Helmets
If you have a burning issue that our guide hasn't yet addressed, here are some fast solutions to frequently asked questions about cycling helmets.
How should a cycling helmet be worn?
Snugly. A bike helmet should be comfortable and not wobble, but it should also not place too much pressure on your head.
How can I mount an action camera to my cycling helmet?
If you're using a GoPro to shoot video of your riding, for example, you may want to acquire a vented helmet strap that enables you to put the camera on your helmet.
If sitting directly on top of your helmet with a strap isn't an option for you, you may want to consider installing the camera on your handlebars instead.
Do you have any advice on how to properly use a cycling helmet?
Our most crucial common sense suggestion is to make sure your helmet is firmly fastened before you begin riding. No one likes to faff about changing the tightness of helmet straps in the middle of a ride.
If you stop for a break, you may find it invigorating to remove your helmet and allow your head to breathe fresh air, particularly if you're long-distance riding.
Why is it necessary to wear a helmet while cycling?
For reasons of safety. In severe instances, cycling helmets may save lives and save bikers from suffering brain damage. They're the automotive equivalent of airbags, you wouldn't want to be without them.
Previously, there may have been a stigma connected with cycling helmets not appearing very attractive, particularly among younger generations.
However, with today's wide selection of high-quality bike helmets, it's simple to appear fashionable without sacrificing safety.
All types of cycling helmets can be found at our cycle-peak.com online store.
Cycling helmets are getting lighter and more comfortable to wear as a result of recent improvements in helmet design, all while decreasing and avoiding head injuries.
The catch is that you have to be wearing one for it to work (a no-brainer).
Continue reading to select the proper helmet for you, as well as how to get the optimal fit.
Bike Helmet Designs
All helmets are not made equal. Road, commuter cycling helmets are often lightweight and aerodynamic, with wider vents that allow cooling on lengthy rides and hill climbs.
Mountain bike helmets often include more protection for off-road riding, particularly at the back of the head, where they're designed to guard against a backward or sideways fall. These helmets may include thicker chin straps and visors to provide more protection from the weather.
1. Bike Helmets with a Half Shell
Half shell helmets are by far the most common kind of helmet on the market today. Half shell helmets are available in a variety of coverage and design choices, ranging from minimalist, lightweight models with plenty of ventilation to hefty alternatives with enough covering for off-road adventure.
Roadies and commuters will choose half shell helmets with additional airflow and less coverage in the back of the head, but mountain bikers would prefer half shell "plus" models with more protection in the rear of the head, temple, ear, and or jaw regions for extra protection.
2. Bike Helmets with Full Face
Full-face helmets provide the most comprehensive protection available on the market today. Complete face helmets provide adequate protection but often compromise weight and comfort. They are made out of a robust one-piece shell with a full jaw guard.
Full-face helmets are most typically used by downhill mountain bikers who ride large and fast with the risk of a major crash.
Cycling Helmet Features
After you've settled on a design, you might consider additional features. More features tend to raise the price, but they may also provide more comfort and a better fit.
- The sizing adjustment wheel on the rear of the helmet may be changed to match your head diameter. This is critical for a well fit.
- Because ventilation is just holes in a helmet, they must be designed to be sturdy even with all of those holes. Helmets with little or no ventilation are simple to manufacture and less costly, but they are substantially hotter on lengthy rides.
- Vent mesh guards may help keep pests and tree debris out of your hair and helmet. These protectors are installed in the vents. They provide complete airflow while preventing debris from passing through.
- Visors come in handy on both bright and rainy days. They provide additional sun protection and prevent rain from splashing into your face.
- Reflective elements on your helmet might help you remain visible during dawn and night rides.
So, while choosing your cycling helmet, ensure to check the above features after you finalize the design and type of the helmet.
Once all these criteria are met, you'll be good to go.
Check out our range of helmets.
FAQs about Cycling Helmets
If you have a burning issue that our guide hasn't yet addressed, here are some fast solutions to frequently asked questions about cycling helmets.
How should a cycling helmet be worn?
Snugly. A bike helmet should be comfortable and not wobble, but it should also not place too much pressure on your head.
How can I mount an action camera to my cycling helmet?
If you're using a GoPro to shoot video of your riding, for example, you may want to acquire a vented helmet strap that enables you to put the camera on your helmet.
If sitting directly on top of your helmet with a strap isn't an option for you, you may want to consider installing the camera on your handlebars instead.
Do you have any advice on how to properly use a cycling helmet?
Our most crucial common sense suggestion is to make sure your helmet is firmly fastened before you begin riding. No one likes to faff about changing the tightness of helmet straps in the middle of a ride.
If you stop for a break, you may find it invigorating to remove your helmet and allow your head to breathe fresh air, particularly if you're long-distance riding.
Why is it necessary to wear a helmet while cycling?
For reasons of safety. In severe instances, cycling helmets may save lives and save bikers from suffering brain damage. They're the automotive equivalent of airbags, you wouldn't want to be without them.
Previously, there may have been a stigma connected with cycling helmets not appearing very attractive, particularly among younger generations.
However, with today's wide selection of high-quality bike helmets, it's simple to appear fashionable without sacrificing safety.
All types of cycling helmets can be found at our cycle-peak.com online store.