A helmet that do not fit correctly will not provide the safety that the helmet is supposed to provide, and it can also become a potential distraction for the cyclist that is wearing the helmet. A helmet that is the wrong size may wobble on the head when the cyclist is cycling, or the helmet may pinch the head in area where it should not. Additionally, if a helmet does not fit proper, it will not stay in place during a crash.
Furthermore, a helmet that does not properly fit the cyclist may create blind spots for the cyclist. To avoid incorrectly fitted helmets, one way to ensure proper fit of the helmet is to use a size chart to determine the size of the cyclist’s head. Helmet safety consist of two main components: the outer shell of the helmet and the inner foam liner of the helmet.
How to Fit and Choose a Bike Helmet
In the event of a crash, the outer shell of the helmet will take the impact of the crash, while the inner foam liner will crush to absorb the energy of the crash. By absorbing this energy, the force of the crash is distributed away from the cyclist’s skull. However, a helmet will not protect the cyclist’s head if it shift within the head or if it flies off the cyclist’s head during the crash.
To ensure the helmet fits correctly, the cyclist must measure their head circumference. To do this, place the measuring tape on the widest part of the cyclist’s head, which is approximately one finger’s width above the eyebrows and ears. Place the measuring tape on the head level with the rest of the cyclist’s body, and take the head circumference measurement multiple time.
Use the largest measurement of the head circumference to determine the cyclist’s helmet size. Based off the size of the cyclist’s head circumference, helmets comes in small, medium, and large sizes for adults. Cyclists with small head circumferences, such as young children or small adults, require helmets in an extra small size.
Most adults have a head circumference that requires medium sized helmets. Adults with larger head circumferences than most adults require extra large or large helmets. Helmets come in different type for different types of cycling activities.
For instance, designers design road cycling helmets for cyclists who cycle at high speeds on smooth roads. Mountain bike helmets have extra coverage to protect cyclists from head injuries on mountain bike trails. BMX bikes have helmets designed for the tricks that are performed on BMX bikes.
Additionally, road cycling helmets have more ventilation openings to allow for more airflow to keep the cyclist cool. Downhill full-face helmets are built with more robust materials to provide increased protection from head injuries. In addition to helmet size, another factor to consider when purchasing a helmet is its ventilation and its weight.
Road cycling helmets have more openings for air to pass through the helmet than other types of bicycles helmets. Road biking helmets are used to keep the cyclist cool when cycling for long periods. Skate-style helmets have fewer openings for ventilation between the helmet and the cyclist’s head.
Additionally, the weight of the helmets also range in different ways. Some helmets have less weight to the helmet for increased comfort for cyclists who ride their bicycles each day. Other helmets are more weighted for increased protection of cyclists’ heads from injuries on rough terrain.
Helmets also has safety certifications to ensure that the helmets are safe for cyclists. Helmets sold in the United States must pass the CPSC certification tests. Helmets sold in Europe must pass the CE certification tests.
Additionally, some helmets also include a MIPS layer to the helmet. This layer allows the helmet to slide within the head during a crash to reduce the amount of force that is transferred to the cyclist’s brain. When purchasing helmets, ensure that the helmet fits the cyclist’s head properly.
The helmet should sit even on the cyclist’s head. The bottom of the helmet should be approximately two fingers above the cyclist’s brow line. Place the helmet on the head and ensure that the helmet forms a V-shape under the cyclist’s ears.
The chin strap should be adjusted to the point where only one finger can fit beneath the chin strap. Gently shake the cyclist’s head from side to side to ensure that the helmet does not wobble on the cyclist’s head. In some instances, a cyclist may find that helmets of one brand may not fit the same head measurements as helmets of another brand.
Therefore, helmets may fit well on one cyclist, but not on another cyclist of the same head size. Additionally, helmets come in sizes for children and adults. The heads of children grow much faster than the heads of adults.
Thus, helmets for toddlers often have to be purchased again the following year to accommodate for the rapid growth of a child’s head. Additionally, helmets for children are often of a similar size to helmets for adults. The process of checking the fit of a child’s helmet is the same as that of an adult.
Helmets must be replaced after any crash in which the cyclist experienced a head impact with another object. Helmets work only once; if a helmet is crashed it cannot be used again. Additionally, helmets should be replaced every five years of use; the helmet materials degrade with time due to exposure to sunlight and the cyclist’s sweat.
Finally, before wearing a helmet, always shake the cyclist’s head to ensure that the helmet does not wobble on the cyclist’s head.
