Choosing the right helmet is a challenge every cyclist faces. Safety must go hand in hand with the convenience and comfort of use, which is why this key piece of equipment is always a hot topic for discussion. How to choose it? How does it protect our head and why are there so many helmets on the market?

When we look at Polish cyclists, we can easily see that more and more of them are wearing helmets. Mountain and road cyclists use this attribute much more often than amateurs who use bikes for short rides in the city or during short weekend trips.

How to choose a bicycle helmet?

Before deciding on a specific type of helmet, pay attention to the size and shape of the shell. A badly selected helmet will make riding a bike unpleasant and we will want to take it off quickly. So how do you choose the right size? You just have to try the helmet on.

Even if we check our head circumference, it may turn out that a few sizes larger will suit us best. Especially that many manufacturers use markings - similar to the clothing industry - S, M, L, XL. Therefore, remember - the helmet must fit well on the head.

Ventilation holes in the bicycle helmet

Vents are also an important element. They increase our driving comfort through good ventilation, especially at high temperatures. Helmets can have a different number of holes due to their purpose, for example, an areo helmet designed for road cycling has far fewer holes than a classic helmet.

Some road and MTB helmets have special covers or covers that cover the openings. This increases the ability to adjust the helmet to the weather conditions, when we ride in rain or at lower temperatures. This cover blocks the air supply and also makes the helmet more aerodynamic.

If we like to ride fast, let's choose an aero helmet, but if we want a more universal helmet, choose one with a larger number of holes. Then the head will not sweat as much when riding off-road.

How much should the helmet weigh?

When choosing a helmet, it is worth paying attention to its weight. While it will not matter so much with short, amateur rides, it will be with more professional ridesdriving, each gram less on the head significantly improves performance.

Helmet technology and quality

Most bicycle helmets are simply formed expanded polystyrene, which is injected under high pressure into the mold that forms the backbone of the polystyrene. This is a technology called in-mold. Another method is MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protecion System) in which the helmet is two-piece. It consists of an outer shell and a special insert - he explains. I encourage everyone to wear a helmet, even for the shortest bicycle trips. Kornel Osicki, manager of the Kross Racing Team cycling group and coach of the national team in mountain biking.

Helmet manufacturers often add different accessories to them. One of the more interesting is the mesh insert that protects against insects. You can also buy:

  • transport cover
  • lamp holder
  • cooling pads.

When choosing a helmet, choose a high-quality one. Suitable products can be purchased from specialist bicycle stores. We often learn about quality only when we fall over. It is worth remembering that the helmet has the right to break into pieces when falling to the ground. The most important thing is to protect the skull from its effects.

MTB helmet

This is the type of the most versatile helmets. If we have no idea which one to choose, let's look in this group first. The vast majority of MTB helmets have special visors that protect against hanging branches, for example, when driving through the forest.

Helmets downhill

These are helmets that closely resemble motorcycle helmets. All because they provide the best head protection. They protect the skull, jaw and, if we additionally use goggles, also the eyes.

Enduro helmets

They are very similar to MTB helmets, but mainly protect the occiput and lower skull.

Helmet peanut

This type of helmet is mainly used by BMX fans, as well as roller skaters and skateboarders. They have a very strong construction but minimal ventilation.

Urban riding helmet

Characterized by the fact that they have few air vents. Driving on city streets is usually moderate. Such helmets also effectively protect against rain. Few holes mean that we will not get wet.

Helmets for time racing

If we want to download on time, aerodynamic helmets will be the best. Most of them have a magnet-mounted windshield that improves aerodynamics. They do not have sun visors. They must be very aerodynamic. They are helmets much lessdurable than MTB helmets.

Children's helmets

They differ from those "adults" mainly in size and more colorful colors.

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