When learning how to choose a bike helmet, there are several essential features to consider.
From the different types of bike helmets to bike helmet sizes, you have to make sure that each feature matches your requirements.
Hopefully, with this guide, you will be well on your way to knowing what to look for in the perfect helmet.
How to Choose a Bike Helmet: Getting Started
Before we talk about specific features you should look for, here are things to do prior:
Step 1: Pick your helmet type.
One of the most important things to consider when you start shopping is the type of helmet you need.
To find the ideal shape, size, and safety features, you need to think about the type of biking you typically do.
For example, if you commute to and from work, it is unlikely that you will need a triathlon helmet.
Mountain Bike Helmet
The most noticeable trait of these helmets is that they offer more protection than some other types.
If you were to crash while mountain biking, it is likely that most of the impact would be felt at the front of your head.
Because of that, there is more protection surrounding the temporal and occipital regions in these helmets.
Another popular option for mountain bikers is to opt for full-face protection.
Professional mountain bikers will be required to use protection around their face, chin, and mouth.
To offer more protection, we recommend looking into full-face helmets.
Typically, these designs are convertible to accommodate the needs of easy and challenging trails.
They have exceptional ventilation, which is a welcome feature, but the ventilation noise can be distracting at times.
Another essential feature is to have sun and glare protection and an extra shield against the foliage.
Road Bike Helmet
Road helmets are another type of option for people who prefer traveling at faster speeds.
They are typically one of the most aerodynamic options that are also lightweight.
Like mountain bike helmets, they will have exceptional ventilation, especially when traveling at high speeds.
Often, these styles have vent panels that allow the air to travel through your helmet to keep you cool.
Some top-tier brands can weigh 200 grams, which is ideal for the best aerodynamics.
The only consideration with these helmets is to think about investing in a visor or protective eyewear.
Since there’s plenty of debris on the roadway, you’ll want to ensure your eyes are sufficiently protected.
Triathlon Helmet
These helmets have one of the more unique styles out of the others.
What makes them optimal for triathlons is how aerodynamic they are, as they typically have tails.
With the addition of tails, air can flow better over the rider’s head. But you’ll need to execute the perfect riding position.
You might prefer to opt for triathlon helmets without the tail, as they allow for more natural movement.
One of the most considerable disadvantages of this style is that they likely don’t have any ventilation.
Any divets or vents in the helmet could significantly influence aerodynamics and impact your race time.
Commuting Helmet
If you want a protective yet basic helmet, a commuter helmet is a great option.
They are not designed for speed, aerodynamics, or optimal ventilation, but they provide ample protection.
There are often fewer vents in these designs than others, and they have a significantly lower sporty appeal.
BMX Helmets
Like mountain bike helmets, BMX riders should consider the benefits of full-face helmets for extra protection.
However, some of the more urban styles offer optimal protection with less face coverage.
These helmets are known for temporal as well as occipital protection.
One of the significant downsides to BMX helmets is that they have poor ventilation.
Still, they are typically cost-effective and lightweight with a multipurpose design and optimal protection.
Step 2: Find the perfect size.
Now that you know the different types of bike helmets, let’s get into how you can find the perfect size.
There are many bike helmet sizes available, and finding the right fit is one of the most critical steps.
With an ill-fitting helmet, you are leaving yourself susceptible to extensive damage.
You’ll also want the perfect fit so that it is comfortable for you to wear for long rides.
To begin the sizing process, you are first going to need to measure your head.
Measuring Head Circumference
The easiest way to measure your head is to use a flexible measuring tape.
Wrap it around the largest part of your head, typically one to two inches above the eyebrow.
If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can also wrap a piece of string and mark where the two halves meet.
Once you have your measurements, mark them down, as you’ll need to refer to the manufacturer’s sizing guides next.
Sizing Parameters
Most helmet manufacturers operate on a similar scale when it comes to helmet sizes.
You’ll typically be able to find ones that range from extra small to extra-large, with some being a one-size-fits-all.
- Extra Small: Typically below 20 inches
- Small: 20 to 21.75 inches
- Medium: 21.75 to 23.23 inches
- Large: 23.25 to 24.75 inches
- Extra Large: 24.75 inches and up
- One-Size-Fits-All: These helmets have an adjustable fit system to accommodate all head sizes.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Bike Helmet?
With the basic information about helmet sizes and types of helmets, it’s time to start shopping.
Bike helmets have an excessive number of features you might have never expected.
1. Protection
The protection in your helmet is by far the most important thing to consider.
Since its primary objective is to ensure your head is protected from extraordinary impact, its effectiveness is essential.
The two main areas of focus to consider are the shell and the liner.
Shell
The shell in your helmet is responsible for taking the first layer of impact and preventing puncture wounds.
If you were to fall on a sharp rock, for example, the shell should prevent the material from penetrating your skull.
The shell is also essential for added protection to your neck and the base of your skull.
Liner
The liner is responsible for slowing down the impact by dissipating the shock.
It can also be useful for a few other things, such as heat dissipation and wicking moisture.
Most often, helmet liners are made from polystyrene foam, which is higher-grade Styrofoam.
A few examples of the protection systems you can find from top-tier manufacturers include:
WaveCel
WaveCel is a specialized technology from Bontrager that combines a honeycomb liner.
The liner helps to absorb forces of direct impact and rotational injury if you were to crack.
It is specifically engineered to have a crumple zone that offers sophisticated impact protection.
MIPS
MIPS, or Multi-directional Impact Protection System, has become a popular type of helmet protection across the board.
With MIPS, helmets have a low-friction component that shields your head from rotational damage.
There’s a foam liner designed to absorb the most impact that then rotates the pressure throughout the helmet.
SPIN
This technology is most often found in POC helmets.
SPIN (Shearing Pads Inside) relies on silicone-injected components in an anatomical structure inside of the helmet.
The primary objective of the components, or pads, is to disperse rotational impact if you crash.
2. Construction Types
Two construction types are the most popular in the biking industry: in-mold and hard-shell.
Each has its unique engineering features to offer the best protection for all riders.
In-Mold Helmets
When constructed, in-mold helmets require the use of pressure and steam on the outer shell and liner.
This process is completed within the mold, which creates a lightweight yet strong helmet.
These designs are likely to have a thin outer shell, making them a good option for aerodynamics.
After impact, the foam liner will deform, which can absorb the vast majority of energy from the crash.
Although the outer shell is significantly thinner than with hard-shell helmets, they can be highly protective.
Hard-Shell Helmets
On the other hand, you can also choose to invest in a hard-shell bike helmet.
They are top-rated for resistance to penetration, especially as their outer shell is particularly tough.
Typically, manufacturers will glue the foam to the inside of the helmet.
If you have ever owned a mountain bike helmet, this is the design that is most often used.
Hard-shell helmets are less likely to get deformed in a crash, as the outer layer absorbs most of the impact.
3. Ventilation
As an avid biker, you are likely aware of how easy it can be to get hot after a few minutes of riding.
This point is where ventilation proves useful, as it helps to promote plenty of airflow while riding.
However, it might not be ideal for specific excursions, such as when you need to be optimally aerodynamic.
One of the most impressive features of ventilated helmets is that they retain their strength even with holes and vents.
They can also be some of the more expensive helmets but are well worth the investment for summer rides.
Vent Mesh Guards
In terms of vents, another critical feature to consider is vent mesh guards.
Vent mesh guards are unique pieces of mesh material mounted in each of the vents on your helmet.
They are not necessary for impact protection but can help keep debris and bugs out of your hair.
If you are a mountain biker, this is an essential feature to have so that you have full airflow without getting your hair caught.
4. Visors and Eye Protection
Your occipital region is a susceptible area when it comes to biking, especially during the day.
The majority of sporty helmets have sufficient protection for your occipital bones, but not your eyes independently.
This is why you must invest in some eye protection outside of your helmet.
Visors are a trendy choice, as they can easily be mounted or taken off of your helmet as needed.
Some visors are clear, while others have UV shielding to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun.
If you are not a fan of helmet visors, it can be beneficial to invest in impact-resistant riding glasses or shades instead.
Another critical aspect of visors is that they keep your vision clear when riding in torrential weather.
When caught in the rain, the last thing you need is to have to wipe your eyes to see what’s ahead.
Similar to a car, your visor acts as a protective windshield.
5. Safety Certification
If you have ever shopped for work boots, you know the importance of safety certifications.
Helmets with designated certifications have been strenuously tested and proven to be safe in several incidences.
You’ll typically find helmets have ASTM, CSA, EN, CPSC, or Snell B90/B95 certifications.
A CPSC sticker is likely the most common, as US-made helmets must comply with their standards.
With this marking, you can be sure that the engineered design is top-tier.
6. Materials
Like the type of protection, there is an assortment of materials used to craft bike helmets.
They all meet safety standards, but riders can prefer some in terms of heaviness and style.
The materials can also have a significant bearing on the helmet’s cost.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a material that is always discussed in the sporting industry, thanks to its highly protective designation.
It is one of the most popular materials in hard-shell helmets because it is impact-resistant and tough.
A good example of ABS is Lego, as the pieces are made from the same material.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber has quickly become one of the top-tier preferences for high-end bike helmets.
It is a solid material that doesn’t compromise heft for safety, making it lightweight and comfortable at the same time.
Carbon fiber is a popular choice for mountain bike helmets.
One made of this material is protective yet still comfortable to wear for long distances.
Polycarbonate
Plastic can often be used in bike helmets, mainly because it’s hardened and cost-effective.
Polycarbonate is lightweight and robust, making it the industry standard for many manufacturers.
It is quite popular in hard-shell helmets and is typically bonded to the liner for more excellent impact-resistance.
Kevlar/Aramid
It’s unlikely that you’ll find a full Kevlar helmet, especially as the material is weighty.
However, it is one that is often used to reinforce the more sensitive parts of a helmet.
It is a fantastic way to strategically augment the design of the headgear for optimal resilience and protection.
EPP Foam
Expanded Polystyrene Foam is a material most commonly found in ski helmets and is similar to EPS.
What makes it unique is that after a crash, the form is bound to recover its shape rather than be permanently deformed.
You will have to spend a pretty penny on helmets with EPP foam, and they will feel a little thicker when worn.
EPS Foam
Expanded Polystyrene Foam is another popular material for helmets and is a little more traditional.
You’ll likely find EPS inside of a fishing or picnic cooler, as it’s known for its insulation.
In a crash, the foam absorbs all of the impacts, crushing the material so that your skull is protected.
Although it’s one of the least expensive helmet materials, it is also the most disposable.
If you have EPS foam in your helmet, you will want to replace it after an accident, making it single-use.
Koroyd Straws
One of the most exciting parts of biking is seeing significant improvements in safety technology.
Koroyd straws are a modern alternative to foam helmets, as they feature an absorbent honeycomb structure.
In an accident, the protection is crushed in a controlled way, which effortlessly decreases the force from the impact.
7. Fit System
Another thing to consider when shopping for a helmet is the fit system.
Helmets typically have three systems to consider: a chin strap, removable pads, and a ratcheting system.
Chin Strap
As the most common option, chin straps are useful for ensuring your helmet is adequately secured.
When you take the time to size your helmet correctly, all you need is a strap to make sure it is not too loose or too tight.
Fortunately, the strap is highly adjustable so that you can find the ideal fit.
Removable Pads
When you buy a helmet with removable pads, you will likely have a few pad thicknesses to choose from.
This allows you to swap out thicker pads for thinner ones and vice versa.
With this customization level, you can find the fit that feels perfect and offers even protection.
Ratcheting System
One of the most advanced ways to fit your helmet is to use a ratcheting system.
There will be a ring, crank, or dial on the side of your helmet that allows for customization.
The most significant advantage of this design is that you can achieve a closer fit without removing pads.
What Color Bicycle Helmet Should I Get?
The color of your bicycle helmet is a vital feature for your safety. It can also determine how comfortable the helmet is to ride.
Besides choosing a cool design that matches your other gear, it is essential to think about visibility.
You’ll want to consider a brightly-colored helmet with bold designs so that oncoming motorists will quickly see you.
For example, lime green, neon orange, and red are three popular colors you’ll find available.
If you like riding at night, we highly recommend investing in safety lights or reflectors for optimal visibility.
White is another popular option for frequent riders because it’s easy to see in all lighting conditions.
One of the most considerable benefits of a white helmet is that it helps to reflect the sun’s rays, keeping you cool.
How Much Should I Spend on a Bicycle Helmet?
It can be challenging to invest in a helmet, especially as there are many above $100.
However, the most important thing to remember is that you’ll be investing in your safety.
Sure, there are helmets under $20, but they might not have all of the protection you need.
You’ll find mid-tier helmets to be priced anywhere from $50 to $200, with some of the higher-end models priced above $400.
The most important things to consider, though, are the features it offers, especially in terms of safety and comfort.
If you can afford to invest in a multi-thousand-dollar bike, a couple of hundred bucks on a helmet is worth it.
Choosing a Bike Helmet
Knowing how to choose a bike helmet can make the difference between safe and dangerous riding.
With all of the tips we just shared, you will be more than prepared to find the perfect style and perfect fit at once.
