When riding a bike, you want to make sure you take safety into consideration. A bike helmet can protect you from serious head injuries and it’s essential that you pick a proper helmet. The right helmet can make a difference in an accident.
Type of Biking
To pick out the right helmet, you first need to consider what type of biking you’ll be doing. Helmets are designed to accommodate the different types of biking and the unique elements you’ll encounter. Recreational biking, for example, will require a fairly standard helmet that can be used in many situations. Road bike helmets, however, are more lightweight and aerodynamic to aid in the type of riding you’ll do. For mountain biking, you’ll see helmets that have more extended coverage in the back of the helmet. This is because it’s more likely that you’ll fall backward.
The Right Fit
Once you know what kind of helmet you need, you’ll have to make sure it fits you properly. Start by measuring your head with a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string (then measure the string). Measure around the widest part of your head which is typically just above the brows. Once you know the size of your head, you can look at the sizes of helmets available. Next, you’ll adjust your helmet to fit you specifically. Adjust the straps so they form a “V” around your ears. Tighten the chin strap so that it fits comfortably around your chin. When you open your mouth, the helmet should push down on the top of your head. Tighten it until it fits properly.
Features
Some brands offer different features that are included on their bike helmets. When selecting a helmet, you can consider features that improve both the safety and functionality of the helmet. For example, a visor might be a helpful feature to keep the sun out of your eyes. Some helmets also have a tightening mechanism on the back of the helmet that fits the helmet snuggly to your head. You can also find helmets with more advanced safety features such as Mips technology which helps the inner liner of the helmet to rotate slightly on impact and reduce the severity of injuries.
The helmet you choose will depend on a lot of factors. Find one that is comfortable for you and fits you well. The right helmet can save your life in a serious situation and you want to make sure you’re properly protected.
