Choosing a Bike Helmet

Bike helmets are an essential safety item for any serious biker. While not required by law in all states, the vast majority of bikers use helmets to prevent head injury if they fall. There are a variety of helmets available for every kind of rider, catering to all types of riding and all levels of skill.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Type of Helmet

Step 1

Consider the kind of riding you do. If you ride mostly on the road, then a lightweight, aerodynamic helmet will serve you best. If you like to mountain bike, a burlier helmet is called for. Look for a helmet with plenty of ventilation and one that will not impede your peripheral vision when you share the road with motor vehicles.

Step 2

Mountain bike helmets tend to extend downwards and cover more of the back of the skull. If you want to try downhill mountain biking with its rapid descents, consider a full-coverage helmet, one that wraps around and guards your face as well.

Step 3

Once you've decided on the type of helmet that's right for you, the next step is finding one that fits your head. Everyone's head is shaped differently, so make sure that you try your helmet on before you buy it.

Step 4

Make sure that the helmet sits evenly and low on your forehead, about one to two inches above your eyebrows.

Step 5

Tighten the straps so that the buckle is centered under your chin and the side straps form a "V" under and slightly in front of your ears. The helmet shouldn't rock back and forth or side to side, and you should be able to slide one or two fingers underneath your chinstrap. If you can open and close your mouth and your helmet stays in place with minimal movement, then you've got a good fit.

Article Written By Billy Brown

Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California. An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.

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