Without any doubt, helmets are one of the most important pieces of cycling gear. They are an essential piece of equipment that can provide you with the needed level of protection when on the road. Except for protecting your head from injuries, they can be very comfortable too, if you choose the perfect fit, that is.
Different countries have different rules, and while in the UK and the US it is not mandatory for a cyclist to wear a helmet, here in Australia, a cyclist can’t go anywhere without one. In fact, we are one of the first countries in the world that decided to vote for the compulsory helmet law which means that wearing a bike helmet while cycling is a must. Generally speaking, most helmets for cycles consist of different parts like an outer shell that is made out of hard or softer plastic, flexible plastic, an adjustable fit system with a chin strap to ensure the helmet stays in place when on the road, some padding for comfort, a section made of foam the purpose of which is to protect and cushion the head, and vents that allow a proper air flow.
There are also some types of helmets for cycles that have a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS). This system was developed in Sweden and represents an additional and protective layer that is placed inside the shell and around the rider’s head. Its purpose is to protect the head in case of injury, offering the helmet to shift a little around the head without moving it at all, which is crucial in this type of situations. All helmets should include the MIPS type of system as it offers greater protection and comfiness, and luckily, more and more manufacturers decide to use it. Unsurprisingly, the price with and without a MIPS system isn’t the same, but when looking at the bigger picture, your health does not have a price. If you have the chance to splurge more on a helmet, do it, especially if you are a fan of riding your bike in risky areas.
When it comes to choosing the perfect fit, trying before buying is the key, however, when ordering online, you can simply find the circumference of your head by measuring it about 1 cm above your ears and forehead. The helmet should feel secure when on and should not move when you move or nod your head. Regarding the size, helmets usually come in several – small, medium, large and x-large which eases a lot the choice. Except for the size, you should also take into account the type of helmet you ought to choose depending on the biking style. This is just as important as the aforementioned things if you want to get the best out of it. Happy shopping!
