Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner
It seems as simple as buying whichever bicycle helmet you like the most, but the most important thing is whether the helmet looks good or not because the most important thing is safety while riding.
An ideal helmet is one that protects your head in case of a fall or accident, and also feels comfortable and fits properly.
Yes, there are so many types, sizes, and styles available in the market, and you easily get confused as to which one is right for you.
It is reported in the U.S. that only 29% of adults always wear helmets while riding a bicycle, so don’t be one of those 29% and value your life.[¹]
Just don’t worry about it at all because this guide will tell you everything you need to know whether you’re strolling around, going to work, or going on an adventure.
Not only this, I’m sure by the end of this guide you’ll know How to Choose a Bicycle Helmet that keeps you safe and also feels good to wear.
1. Understand the Types of Bicycle Helmets
Just keep in mind that not all helmets are the same, as each helmet is designed for a specific style or type of riding, so choosing the right type of helmet also depends on how and where you actually ride your bicycle.
So, I have given you the most common types of bicycle helmets explained in a way that is easy to understand, so that you can choose the best one for yourself.
Recreational Helmets
For the everyday rider, these helmets are good for casual riding around the neighborhood, just having fun, and other such things.
These are very simple and inexpensive, and they also provide really good security.
If you are a beginner and you want it for occasional riding purposes then this is probably what you need, also these are also sometimes referred to as “multi-sport helmets”.
Road Bike Helmets
If you are a speed freak and love riding fast on the roads or cycling long distances, then these road bike helmets are just for you.
As these are really lightweight and come with lots of air vents that really keep your head cool and these are designed in a very aerodynamic way that cuts the wind and helps you go faster.
These usually don’t have a visor, as it can block your view when you lean forward on the bicycle.
If you’re a serious rider, commuting, or training for a race this can really help in that regard.
Mountain Bike Helmets
If you bike exclusively on trails, dirt paths, or rocky areas then a mountain bike helmet is a better choice than anything else.
This literally provides more coverage to the back and sides of your head, as this can be very risky anytime while off-road riding.
Not only that, but it also comes with a visor that blocks the sun or branches as these are designed to provide better protection from sharp falls.
You’ll also notice much better grip from the inside, allowing them to stay in place even on rough and tough rides.
Full-Face Helmets
If you do extreme biking, like downhill racing or BMX tricks, accidents are more likely to occur.
This is why you need a full-face helmet that covers your entire head, including your chin and jaw.
In appearance, you can say that these are similar to motorcycle helmets but they offer the highest level of protection.
Also, these are heavier helmets than the other helmets but if you do fast or risky riding then these are worth it as these add high protection in your favour.
Important: Stanford researchers found that the Hövding Airbag Helmet is 8 times more effective than any other conventional helmet at preventing concussions.[²]
Urban/Commuter Helmets
If you want to wear a helmet to work or school, these are great helmets with cool and simple styles.
In addition, they come with additional features such as built-in lights, reflective strips or a small visor that optimize your ride and comfort.
Additionally, some helmets have slots for headphones and air-vent designs to improve air flow.
The main purpose of these types of helmets is safety, to provide comfort and clear visibility on roads with busy traffic.
2. Check for Safety Certifications
Yes, this is also a very important thing because while buying a bicycle helmet you need to check whether it meets the safety standards.
The certification actually means that the helmet has been tested and proven to protect your head in the event of an accident.
If you see a helmet that looks good or feels light, but it’s not certified, it’s just good-looking junk.
That’s why you should check for these general security parameters:
CPSC (U.S. Standard)
In the United States, you must ensure that you have a CPSC sticker on the inside of your helmet, as this is the symbol of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Not only that, it’s the legal minimum requirement for virtually all bicycle helmets sold in the U.S. Helmets approved by the CPSC have to undergo strict tests for impact protection and strap strength.
If you find out that the helmet you like does not have this label, do not buy it, as it does not provide protection.
Snell or ASTM (Extra Safety)
If you want a more secure and extremely protective bicycle helmet, some helmets go above and beyond the basic rules, as they meet standards such as Snell or ASTM which is the American Society for Testing and Materials.
Yes, this is completely optional, but the Snell standard means it has undergone more extreme impact testing, which can literally mean extra protection.
Yes, if you want a helmet with the highest level of protection, just choose the helmet that has these labels, and it is the ideal type of helmet for high-speed or off-road riders.
Why Safety Certification Matters
The certifications actually tell you about the safety standards and their safety, because you can’t always tell if a helmet is safe or not, that’s why certifications are important.
Plus, they guarantee that the helmet has been tested for real-world scenarios and accidents.
Not only that, an uncertified helmet could easily break, fail to absorb enough impact or not stay in place at all, which could really put you at serious risk.
In fact, bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 48%, reduce severe head injuries by 60% and reduce brain injuries by 53%, which is why a good bicycle helmet does this.[³]
Therefore, it is a good idea to check the certification sticker before purchasing or using a helmet.
3. Get the Right Fit
Even the safest helmet won’t work if the fitment isn’t right for your head.
A helmet that is too loose can slide around or fall off during an accident, moreover a helmet that is too tight will be very uncomfortable and can really give you a headache after a while.
So, if you find that the correct fit of the helmet depends on the correct size, it is important to wear it correctly and adjust it to stay safe.
Measure Your Head
You need to know what your head size is before buying a helmet.
- Simply take a soft measuring tape, like the one used for sewing, or you can take a piece of thread and then measure the thread with a ruler.
- Wrap it around the head about 1 inch or 2.5 cm above your eyebrows, as this is actually the widest part of your head.
- Now you have to write the number in centimeters or inches, whichever you prefer.
- Finally, when you buy a helmet check the size chart on the helmet brand’s packaging to know your size, for example: small 52 to 56 cm, medium 56 to 60 cm and so on.
You will need to refer to the size guide for that particular brand of helmet, as each brand may be slightly different from the others.
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Try It
If it’s possible to try out a helmet before buying, just make sure to check the following:
- The helmet should sit level on your head and make sure it is not tilted backwards or forwards.
- Furthermore, it should also cover most of your forehead, and it should extend about two fingers above your eyebrows.
- Not only that, it should not be tight but should be comfortable enough to touch, if you find that it moves or shifts when you move your head then it means it is too loose for your head.
- All you have to do is make sure that there should not be any pressure points or pinching at any point.
Adjusting the Fit
There are helmets available that can be made to fit better with minor modifications, and these features really keep the helmet safe during your ride.
Retention system
This feature is for tightening or loosening your helmet to get the perfect fit, as you have to turn a dial or wheel at the back.
Additionally, some premium helmets use systems like BOA, which provide really precise and uniform adjustments.
Straps
If your helmet comes with side straps they form a “V” shape just below your ears, so your chin strap should be snug enough that only one or two fingers can fit underneath it otherwise it will feel too loose.
Padding
Yes, it is very important for comfortable wearing, but many helmets have removable pads inside, so it is a good thing, as you can replace them with thicker or thinner pads as per your convenience.
Check the speed and security of your helmet after making adjustments, as it is very important to check after any adjustment.
4. Helmet Features
This is the truth that not all the helmets are built in same way, as some have special kind of features that actually makes the riding much more comfortable, safer or better for specific conditions.
The basic and main objective of a helmet is to protect your head from all kinds of unwanted happenings, and if it comes with some extra features that can literally makes a big difference in it.
1. Ventilation
You need a very good ventilated helmet which literally means it should come with the air holes or channels that let heat escape and cool air in easily.
Not only this, it literally helps your head cool and it becomes way more relaxing in long rides or hot days.
For the best airflow you can have the road and mountain bicycle helmets as they comes with the best kind of airflow.
If you literally sweat a lot or ride in warm weather then you just have to make sure that your helmet should come with plenty of vents that takes care of your head.
Weight
It also matters a lot, as a lighter helmet actually puts less strain on your neck and you’ll feel lot better to wear it even for a long time, and otherwise the heavy helmets can actually make your head feel tired or sore and it becomes more horrific when you go for the long rides or rough terrain.
If you do right very often so just look for a lightweight model and yes it should made from better materials that still offer strong protection, as you don’t have to compromise with the safety for any feature.
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Visors
It is a small shield at the front of the helmet that actually helps that block the sun, rain or branches.
Additionally, these are literally prove to be very helpful for mountain bikers, trail riders or anyone who just ride bikes in sunny or wooded areas quiet a lot.
Plus, some helmet comes with removable visors, as you can take them off if you don’t need them and attach them later is you wanted to keep rain out of your eyes or for any reason.
MIPS Technology
Its full form is Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, which is a special safety feature inside some of the top notch helmets that actually helps to reduce the force of angled impacts.
Meaning MIPS helmets has low friction layer inside that lets your head slide slightly and it can literally reduce the risk of brain injury.
So, if you have the safety on the top of the list then you should have this feature and it is much needed if you do mountain biking or commuting in heavy traffic areas.
Built-In Lights or Reflectors
Now, some of the helmets comes with this built-in LED lights and reflective stripes or even there can be flashing lights at the back side of the helmet.
As these features do help driers to see you better in low light, early mornings or specially at night, as these features can be very useful for urban or commuter riders who bike in traffic.
Yes, you can add this feature even if your helmet doesn’t have built-in lights, just you have to clip-on lights or reflective stickers later as an additional accessories.
Removable Padding
The inner part of the helmet comes with the soft pads that add comfort and help the helmet to fit better way possible.
If your helmet have removable pads then you can wash them whenever you find them smelly, sweaty or dirty.
Yes, there are some helmets come with the extra sets of pads in different kind of thickness so that you can adjust the fit that matches your head shape perfectly.
You can literally see these features as a small features, but they actually makes a big different in how much you enjoy wearing your helmet and how much they help you in daily life.
Budget for Bicycle Helmet
| Price Range | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| $25 – $50 | 1. It comes with some basic safety (CPSC certified) 2. Fitment will be simple with the padding. | If you are a casual rider, beginner, or take short trips then you can consider this. |
| $50 – $100 | 2. In this range you will find better fit systems that can be adjusted with a dial or adjustable feature. 2. Comes with more ventilation 3. Optional MIPS or visors may also be included. | You can opt for these if you are a regular traveler, or travel on weekends. |
| $100 and above | 1. It will be made of premium materials. 2. In this range it comes with advanced safety features like: MIPS, BOA Fit. 3. Will be the lightest weight and provide the best ventilation | Great choice for long distance cyclists, mountain bikers, serious riders. |
Whatever your budget, consider getting a helmet that fits your budget, as 97% of cyclists who died in crashes in New York City were not wearing a helmet.[⁴]
Conclusion: How to Choose a Bicycle Helmet
You should choose the ideal and right bicycle helmet, as it is all about protecting your head from all uncertain things, riding comfortably and feeling confident.
You really do need a helmet no matter if you’re taking a weekend getaway or on an off-road adventure.
Now, from this guide you know that there are different types of bicycle helmets available that keep your head protected.
Also, the helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment, so you should choose a helmet that feels good and looks good, because then it will be more likely that you will wear it every time.
Comment below for more information on How to Choose a Bicycle Helmet, and anything you would like to know about its specific features.
FAQ’s: How to Choose a Bicycle Helmet
Q1. Can I use a skateboard or ski helmet for cycling?
Answer: No, you should not use any other type of helmet and you should always consider a helmet made specifically for cycling. As the purpose of a bike helmet is to provide protection from impacts that may occur in bicycle accidents, it also features ventilation and a lightweight design, which enhances the comfort level. Otherwise, a skateboard helmet will not be able to provide the same level of protection if a bike accident occurs.
Q2. How often should I replace my bike helmet?
Answer: You should replace your bike helmet immediately after an accident, even if you think it is perfectly fine. Also, you must replace it every 5 years as its material has an expiry date and can deteriorate over time. You may also need to replace it if you notice cracks, tear off straps, or worn padding.
Q3. Can I wash my helmet?
Answer: Yes definitely, most helmets come with removable padding so you can hand wash it with mild soap and water, and the helmet shell can be wiped down with a damp cloth, it’s totally easy.
Reference:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Helmet use among U.S. cyclists, PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5189688/
[2] Stanford University Research, Hövding airbag helmet concussion protection, Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B6vding
[3] Injury Prevention Research, Effectiveness of bicycle helmets in preventing head injuries, PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29677686/
[4] Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, Fatality Statistics, Helmets.org. https://helmets.org/stats.htm
Jonathan, the passionate owner of Bicycle Time, brings a lifelong love for bikes and automotive craftsmanship, that reflects into every corner of the shop. With deep passion in both cycling and automotive accessories, Jonathan is more than just an expert.