Helmets are an essential aspect of cycling. Whether going for a casual ride around your neighbourhood or joining a
cycling tour in Alberta, a snug helmet is a prerequisite. In addition, helmets are just sensible and, of course, vital. As such, ensuring you choose the correct helmet is important. Here are a few pointers you may want to consider when choosing your next cycling helmet.
General Features
Before you think about helmet styles and designs, it is essential first to consider the basics. Specific fundamental helmet attributes should always be foremost on your mind when choosing a new helmet.
Proper Fit
This feature goes without saying, but since it’s so important, it’s worth mentioning anyway. Your helmet is useless if it doesn’t fit you properly. So be sure you take the time to find the right helmet for your head; an inadequate fit can hinder your helmet’s ability to protect you. So, before anything else, be sure you have the proper fit.
Complements Your Riding Style
Helmet classifications streamline your choice by guiding you toward alternatives more appropriate to your requirements. Bike helmets are categorized into 3 variations:
- Recreational helmets: Easily the most affordable option, recreational bike helmets offer basic protection for everyday riding.
- Road helmets: These helmet variations are designed with a lightweight composition and are aerodynamic and well-ventilated.
- Mountain helmets: Most designs on mountain bike helmets provide ample rear head protection because a mountain cyclist is more likely to fall rearward compared to a road rider.
Helmet Comfort
When selecting a new helmet, a proper fit is crucial because an inappropriate lid can compromise the helmet’s effectiveness in a wreck. But more that, you’ll be sporting the helmet for a few kilometres at a time, so comfort is important. Finally, finding the right bike helmet requires measuring your head circumference since that’s what your helmet size is based on.
Adjusting the Bike Helmet
Adjusting your bike helmet is important. This adjustment process gives the helmet its “bite,” allowing for a snug and comfortable fit while also boosting its effectiveness. Here is how to adjust your new helmet.
Alter the Tightness
Helmets have an adjustment wheel which opens fully, allowing the helmet to sit and twist tightly until a tight fit ensues.
Buckle and Tighten the Chin Strap
The straps should make a V-shape while resting beneath each ear. If the V-shape is uncomfortable, alter the buckle beneath each ear until a more comfortable and snug fit occurs.
Open Your Mouth Wide (With the Chin Strap Buckled)
At this point, you want the helmet pressing on the top of your head. If this is not yet happening, tighten the strap by pulling it. However, be sure that you don’t overtighten it until the strap becomes uncomfortable.
When Should You Replace Your Helmet?
The design of a bike helmet is created to cushion a single blow. As a result, always presume if involved in any kind of crash, the helmet is impaired and no longer effective – even if it appears to be okay, purchase another one.
Understanding the Necessity of Cycling Safety
Cycling is a positive and enjoyable activity, but it requires the proper precautions for your safety. For this reason, a snug helmet is necessary for any cyclist looking to get the most out of the sport. At
Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours, we are a passionate team of hikers, cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
And we want to create a tailored experience for you, served with lasting memories and unforgettable landscapes. So, if you’re ready,
contact us today to create your beautiful rocky mountain experience!