A bicycle helmet is the first thing you need to buy after purchasing a bike.
There are several types of bicycle helmets:
- There are also helmets where the back of the head is closed to the neck for maximum protection, such as those suitable for skiing in the mountains. Most models are equipped with Mips technology, which is an internal plastic tab designed to reduce the risk of brain injury in a fall.
- The most versatile for cross-country, differs from others by the presence of a removable visor, there is a removable Velcro lining.
- And then there are helmets with full-face protection (the so-called fullface). They also have chin protection and look like motorcycle helmets, but much lighter.
- There are helmets for highway, triathlon, and split-start racing, they are super aerodynamic, do not have a visor, and often have a built-in visor (instead of glasses, a transparent visor)
- There are helmets for highway, triathlon, and split-start racing, they are super aerodynamic, do not have a visor, and often have a built-in visor (instead of glasses, a transparent visor)
Choose a bright color so that you are clearly visible to all other participants in the movement. The white helmet gets dirty quickly, but it does not fade in the sun.
It is important to wear the helmet correctly — at a right angle.
Pay attention to the straps so that the lock can be easily undone with one hand and the straps are threaded through the top, rather than fixed on the sides of the helmet.
A bicycle helmet should be lightweight. Now almost all weigh 300 grams, and expensive models are even lighter.
There should be plenty of ventilation holes in it. Thanks to them, riding in a helmet in the heat is more comfortable than even without it. A net is often inserted in these holes to protect against insects and small stones.
If you fall with a head impact, you need to replace the helmet immediately, even if it looks completely intact from the outside. After a fall, the helmet becomes riddled with microcracks, which will no longer provide protection during the next fall. Anyway, it is recommended to change the helmet every 2-3 seasons.
And most importantly...
the most important parameter for choosing a bicycle helmet is to make it comfortable.
Purchase test: try on a helmet you like, walk around the store in it, if you don't feel it on yourself or just forgot that the helmet is on your head, take it!
Popular companies: Fox, Bell, Carrera, Lazer, Casco, Met, Poc, Giro, Arbus