When participating in bicycle activities, wearing a helmet properly is an extremely important factor to protect your safety. Helmets not only reduce the risk of head injuries, but also prevent other injuries such as facial and dental damage. On the market today, there are many different types of bicycle helmets, so let’s find out the important notes when choosing a bicycle helmet.
Why choosing the right helmet is important:
When you choose a helmet that is the right size and fits your head, it reduces the risk of head injury significantly. When wearing a hat, it reduces the impact force on the head and keeps the head stable in the event of a collision. This helps reduce the likelihood of imbalance and brain injury. Moreover, helmets also protect your scalp from the sun and other environmental factors such as rain, wind, or dirt.
Notes when choosing a bicycle helmet:
1.size
To choose the right bike helmet, you need to measure the diameter of your head. You can use a rope or head measuring tool to measure your head size. Place the rope or measuring tool around the upper part of the forehead and measure around the largest part of the head, above the ears and eyes. Then record this size.
Once you know your head diameter, check the manufacturer’s helmet size table to find the most suitable size. Note that each brand may have a different size system, so read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
When trying on a hat, make sure it fits your head without being too tight or too wide. Hats that are too tight can cause discomfort and cause headaches after a long time. If the hat is too wide, it may slip out of your head in the event of a collision, losing its protective performance.
Note that some helmets can be adjusted in size using an adjustment system or internal sucker. This increases flexibility and ensures a fit and comfort for a variety of head sizes.
Remember that choosing the right helmet for your head size is important to ensure optimal performance in protecting you when riding a bike.
2. Weight
1.Choose a lightweight helmet so as not to cause discomfort when cycling: A lightweight helmet will help you feel more comfortable when riding a bike. Light weight helps reduce pressure on the head, keeps you from getting tired during the trip and enhances your athletic experience.
2.Hats that are too heavy can unbalance and cause fatigue: Helmets that are too heavy can make you unbalanced when riding a bike, reduce control and increase the risk of accidents. In addition, hats that are too heavy can also cause rapid fatigue and affect your performance when riding a bike. Therefore, make sure to choose a helmet with a minimum weight but still ensure durability and safety.
Choosing a lightweight and matching helmet for your head will provide maximum comfort and safety throughout the bike ride. Always pay attention to these factors when choosing a helmet to ensure that you are putting safety first and fully enjoying the fun of this sport.
3. Ventilation system:
Choose a helmet with good ventilation to keep your head cool and breathable: A good ventilation is an important factor when choosing a bike helmet. The system usually includes smartly designed ventilation holes on the caps, allowing air to flow through to cool and ventilate your head. When you ride a bike in hot weather, ventilation reduces the feeling of heat and sweat on your head, makes you feel more comfortable and keeps you focused on your activity.
- Ventilation ensures comfort and avoids increased head heat during cycling: When there is no ventilation or inefficient system, the head temperature can rise rapidly during cycling. This is uncomfortable, distracting and can even endanger your health. By choosing a helmet with good ventilation, you can maintain a cool head, avoiding increased head heat and reducing the risk of loss of performance when riding a bike
- Choosing a helmet with good ventilation helps ensure comfort and safety when riding a bike. Not only does it keep your head cool and breathable, but it also reduces the risk of overheating and enhances your experience on the road. Be sure to test and test the ventilation when choosing a new helmet to ensure that it matches your needs and expectations in every bike ride.
4. Material and quality:
1.Choose a helmet made from high quality and durable materials: The material of the helmet is an important factor to ensure its safety and durability. Choose a helmet made from high quality materials such as polycarbonate, ABS, or EPS foam. These materials not only ensure good durability and impact resistance, but also help reduce vibration and force on the head in the event of impact.
2.Pre-purchasing helmet safety certification and evaluation: Before deciding to buy a helmet, check that the product has been certified for safety by reputable organizations such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), Snell or EN (European Standard). These certifications ensure that helmets have passed rigorous tests and meet the necessary safety standards. You can also refer to reviews and comments from other users to get an overview of the quality and effectiveness of the product.
Choose a helmet made of high quality and durable materials to ensure the safety and durability of the hat. At the same time, always check your helmet safety certification and reviews to ensure that you are purchasing a product that is reliable (You can refer to reputable products here)Â and meets the highest safety standards. This gives you peace of mind and confidence when participating in cycling activities and protecting your head in the best way.
In addition, product price is an important factor determining product quality( we have an article about the most prestigious products in 2023 here ). Refer to reasonable prices for bicycle helmet products.
5.Take care of the helmet properly:
Caring for your helmet is essential to ensure its durability and functionality. Regularly clean the exterior using gentle soap and water. Harsh chemicals can deteriorate the material and compromise its integrity. Interior padding requires attention too; if it’s removable, you can machine wash it, or else, hand wash carefully. When not in use, store the helmet in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. It’s vital to remember that even the most cared-for helmets need replacement – usually every five years or after any significant impact. This minor effort contributes significantly to your road safety.
6.When to change the helmet ?
Knowing when to replace your helmet is just as important as knowing how to care for it. While the general rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every five years, there are several signs that you might need to replace it sooner.
If your helmet has been involved in a crash or if it has dropped from a height, it’s crucial to replace it immediately. Even if there are no visible damages, the interior foam might have been compacted, diminishing its ability to protect your head in future accidents.
Other signs include visible wear and tear, such as fading colors, cracks, dents, or worn out padding. If the helmet doesn’t fit as snugly as it used to, it might be due to the padding compressing over time.
Lastly, advancements in technology and safety standards mean newer helmets are often safer. If your helmet is outdated, consider upgrading to a model that meets the current safety standards. Safety should always be your top priority.
