How to Shop for the Right Bicycle Helmet

Whether you are riding a bicycle on a smooth road or up a rough dirt trail, you need to wear a bicycle helmet. The need to constantly balance a two-wheeled vehicle opens you up to lots of possibilities of getting into accidents like crashes. Purchasing the right helmet, therefore, should be your first priority when it comes to bike safety.

First, choose a helmet that meets the appropriate safety standards. Check the inside and see if it has a safety compliance label such as CPSC, ASTM 1477, Snell B-95, or BS EN1078. Next, check the outer surface of the headgear. The plastic shells should be smooth, round, and rigid without the presence of snag points or cracks.

Next, the helmet should be able to fit your head to ensure comfort and safety. To determine the right fit, put the headgear on and tighten the chin strap so it would fit your chin. You should be able to slide no more than a single finger between the chin. Ensure too that the helmet sits level on your head. Once this is in place, shake your head from side to side and forward and backward. The helmet should not move too much and, if it does, it means it is too loose.

Afterwards, check the ventilation of your selections. Remember that too much venting lessens your helmet's efficiency in a crash. Thus, your choice must have enough vents to keep your head cool. However, the holes should not be large enough for rocks or jagged objects to penetrate through. Lastly, choose a helmet with a bright colour so you are easily visible by everyone. This is very important especially if you plan to bike at night.