We’ve recently gotten a whole new shipment of helmets at the shop! The question now becomes, how do you determine which one is the best for you?
Here are a few helpful tips that should put you on the right track of finding your perfect helmet.
Riding Style – first, determine what riding style you’ll be utilizing for this helmet. Downhill? Road riding? Cross country? Each form of riding has a little different look, feel, and features to offer. In addition to the aesthetics, different helmets offer different protection features depending on what you’re doing. Be sure to choose one that most closely fits with your activity.
Features – bike helmets now offer lots of different elements to accommodate your activity and level of safety – MIPS, ventilation, and visor. You might have heard of the introduction of MIPS technology a few years ago. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and is a way that provides more protection to your head in the event of a crash. It does this by allowing the impact-absorbing foam liner to rotate around your head during an impact. It’s only a few millimeters but reduces the force transferred to your brain in a hard-impact situation.
Measure Your Head – the size of the helmet you get will depend on the size of your noggin. Good quality helmets will offer many sizes to make sure that it has a snug fit on your head – to protect you in the event of a crash. To measure your head, take a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of your head. The widest part of your head is usually just above your eyebrows. Record the measurement and start looking for the sizes that work with your measurement.
Adjustment – there is no point in getting a properly fitting bike helmet if you’re not going to make the adjustments to customize it once it’s yours. Most helmets have a sizing wheel at the back of it. Turn that wheel until you get a snug fit on your head. Also, adjust the straps, so they form a “V” under each ear, making a more comfortable fit. Lastly, buckle the chin strap with your mouth opened wide to ensure it is tight enough to not come off during a crash, but loose enough to not cut off circulation. 
Try it Out – different manufacturer’s helmets fit a little different on every person. This concept is no different than clothing – every brand has their “perfect fit” that they work towards, and it might not be yours. Some helmets have tight spots that come out after wearing for a few minutes. If you don’t try on a helmet first, you could end up with a big headache at the end of your ride.
Replacement – replace your helmet whenever they are in any crash that causes significant impact to the helmet – even if you don’t see any visible damage to the helmet itself. If you’ve somehow remained crash free, congratulations!! Industry recommendations still say that your helmet should be replaced every five years. Pollution, UV light, and weathering can weaken its components over time.
The great thing about CBB stocking so many different types and brands of helmets is that you’re able to try them on to see which one works the best for you! We are here to help you with any questions you might have, so stop in today and find your perfect fit.
