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What To Look For
Bike helmets come in a vast array of styles, each suited for a different purpose. For gear collectors, it's not uncommon to have more than one kind of helmet to ensure you're safe during all of your cycling activities. The most common differences among cycling helmets are for the type of cycling. Road biking, mountain biking and commuter biking can have sport-specific helmets. It's most common for a road bike helmet to be used by the commuter cyclist. Construction and weight are the other considerations. A long-distance or cycling enthusiast performing longer rides will prefer a helmet with better ventilation made of lighter materials than the cyclist riding five miles to and from work. A mountain biker might prefer a full helmet if he enjoys aggressive downhill trails. Size is your next consideration as helmets are not one size fits all. To find your best fit, it's not unwise to visit a cycling specialty store and try on a wide variety of helmets. Sizing can vary by brand.
Common Pitfalls
After purchasing a cycling helmet, it's not uncommon to find the fit is too loose or too tight. Retain your receipt until you're completely confident you've made the right purchase. It's not uncommon to sweat underneath a cycling helmet. Lower-cost models with less ventilation will generate more heat, but it's important to take into consideration the time you're wearing the helmet. If your commuter helmet is generating a lot of heat when you start taking longer bike rides, you might want to purchase a helmet specifically for your longer rides to increase the comfort factor.
Where To Buy
Cycling helmets can be purchased at a wide range of locations, from mass retailers to cycling specialty stores. If you're purchasing a helmet for anything aside from rolling around your neighborhood or kids in the driveway, it's best to visit a specialty store. A specialty cycling store will have experts to help you differentiate the types of helmets, and the best brand and fit for your specific needs. They will also be able to help you properly fit a helmet. Once you establish a preference for a brand and understand how to properly fit your helmet, you can proceed with purchase at a retailer or on an online outlet.
Cost
Cycling helmets can range anywhere from the low $20 range at mass retailers to hundreds of dollars for specialty helmets as of September 2009. Lower-priced helmets are generally heavier and will generate less airflow, whereas more expensive models will utilize higher-grade materials and offer maximum ventilation potential alongside superior safety. The method by which the inner liner is fused to the helmet shell will also affect pricing.
Comparison Shopping
Fit is of the utmost importance, and every cycling helmet manufacturer has a different fit. If price is a consideration, go to a cycling specialty retailer and let them know what you're looking to spend.
Accessories
Sun visors, helmet covers (for travel or rain), side mirrors (for viewing traffic behind) and helmet cams (for recording cycling activities) are popular additions. Your local cycling retailer will have a wide variety of each from which to choose.
