Cycling helmets are significant safety devices. They are perfectly designed to protect the brain and head in case of an accident, crash, or sudden fall. A Trek bike helmet is crucial safety gear for all riders, regardless of riding style or experience.
At first, it is surprising to many that the wearing of helmets is a controversial issue. Yet, cyclist safety is much more important than anything else. While exploring the risks of cycling, you must consider what can affect cycling safety and the inter-relationships between safety interventions, behavior, cycle use, and public and individual health. A bike helmet is a proportionate, appropriate, or effective invention.
The BHRF (Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation) was established to offer a resource of the best available factual information. It is a pro-health and pro-cycling foundation.
Keep reading and exploring comprehensive information about bicycle helmets, benefits, types, and more. After that, you can enjoy a safe cycling experience and choose the right helmet.
Types of Cycling Helmets
Bike helmet types depend on your riding style. Have a look at these categories:
- Road Helmets: Aerodynamic, lightweight helmet styles, often with more ventilation, are designed for road cycling.
- Hybrid/City Helmets: A more rounded shape helmet with fewer vents, usually with a small visor, is best for everyday cycling.
- Mountain Bike Helmets: Ensure more coverage, typically with extended rear coverage. These helmets are well-ventilated for mountain-side off-road riding.
- BMX/Dirt Jump Helmets: These are less vented, rounder helmets. They are similar to horse riding or skating helmets.
- Downhill/Enduro Helmets: Full-face coverage helmets for ultimate protection in aggressive and adventurous mountain biking.
What is the Importance of Wearing a Helmet
Why wear a helmet? This is a common question that may come to your mind. Experienced cyclists better know the Importance of helmets. This safety gear significantly minimizes the severity and risk of head injuries during a crash or sudden accident. This lifesaver is designed to prevent damage to the brain and head as it can absorb impact. According to statistical global studies, Cycling helmets can lessen the risk of serious head injuries by up to 70% and fatal head injuries by 65%. The following are a few advantages of wearing a helmet:
- As helmets are intended to absorb the impact energy of accidents, they reduce or prevent brain trauma.
- The helmets significantly decrease the severity and risk of head injuries in the case of a crash.
- In several countries and areas, helmets are considered a legal requirement. Cyclists under a specific age must wear this cycling accessory. Women and minors are strongly and legally required to wear helmets while riding.
- Helmet design usually includes mounts for lights or reflective materials. This amendment will make riders more visible to others and improve their safety.
- Wear a cycling helmet to enjoy peace of mind. Perceiving you’re protected enhances focus and confidence while riding.
How to Choose the Right Size/Fit for a Helmet
Bike helmet sizing is variable, as helmets normally come in small, medium, and large sizes. You can fine-tune and modify them to your head shape with their adjustable fit systems. A cycling helmet is only effective if it fits snugly. You can ensure the right fit by:
- Measure your Head Circumference: First, find your head circumference just above your ears and eyebrows with a measuring tape.
- Consult Size Charts: Get the manufacturer's size charts to measure the corresponding helmet size.
- Try before buying it: Get your proper fit by trying before you buy a helmet. If the helmet doesn't tilt backwards or forward and sits level on your head, it ensures a good fit.
- Adjust the helmet straps: The helmet straps are adjustable. If the straps form a "V" shape under your ears, it is a snug fit, but it should not be too tight.
- Proper Placement: The cycling helmet should stay in place when you shake your head. Sit your helmet low on your forehead, just an inch above your eyebrows.
Enjoy all helmet styles, but consider comfort features, like padding, ventilation, and dial-adjust systems that maximize comfort and fit.
Which Materials are used in making helmets
What are helmets made of? Current cycling helmets are made up of advanced materials designed to balance weight, protection, and ventilation. Some top-tier helmets also have features like integrated electronics or carbon fibre reinforcements. To conclude, helmets are constructed with premium materials that absorb impact energy. The helmet material commonly used is as follows:
EPS Foam
Expanded polystyrene foam is an impact-absorbent and lightweight material. It is used in the inner layer of helmets.
ABS Plastic
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a tough outer layer that shields the EPS foam. It distributes the force evenly. This outer shell is often polycarbonate.
PET Plastic
Polyethylene terephthalate is a tough, thin plastic. It is often used for the outer layer.
Visor
Several helmets have a visor to prevent sun glare from reaching your head.
MIPS
The Multi-directional Impact Protection System is a low-friction coating inside the helmet. It lowers rotational forces and the energy of angled impacts.
Straps and Buckles
Used to keep the helmet securely in place. These are usually made of polyester or nylon.
Padding
Gel pads or foam improve the helmet’s snug fit and ensure comfort.
History/Evolution
In 1975, cycling helmets were introduced. Originally, they were a 'spin-off' product when the expanded polystyrene foams were developed for motorcycle helmets. At that time, the 'hair net' style was a head safety gear and widely used in cycling sports. Helmets are designed to supersede the old “hair net”. Still, the cycling helmets offered very much less protection than motorcycle helmets. It was just because of the compromises made in ventilation and weight. But this was crucial to make helmets best for physical activity such as cycling with much more physical exertion.
For helmet evolution, a few changes were made to the design to address common concerns about cyclists’ comfort. Earlier helmet designs with a hard outer layer (made of metal or leather) ensured rider safety. Modern helmets with soft shells (made of EPS foam) provide less protection than older ones.
The history of helmets dates back to the 1970s. Early cycle helmet manufacturers mainly promoted their products, with competing claims about their importance. Afterwards, during the 1980s, reports began to be published recommending that riders wearing helmets would be at lower risk of head injury. From the 1980s onward, the promotion of cycling helmets has become a main concern of health and road safety practitioners in many regions.
Early Helmets: Early bicycle helmets were made from hard materials like leather or metal.
FAQs
Can I wear a helmet with a visor or goggles?
Yes. But it depends on your helmet’s design. Numerous cycling helmets are intended to be compatible with visors and goggles.
How often should I replace my helmet?
You can replace your helmet if it is broken after a crash or accident. Buy a new one even if there is no apparent damage and at least every 5 years.
What if my helmet doesn't fit well?
Make sure to get a helmet fit. Otherwise, it will not offer optimal protection. You must try a different helmet size, adjust the straps, or consider a different brand. Brands like Kask and Sweet Protection ensure you can get a proper helmet fit.