Choosing the right bike helmet can seem an easy choice but there can be some factors to consider. Here, we discuss the main considerations when choosing the right helmet for you and your particular cycling. The main considerations are discipline, price, extra safety and looks and fit.
I recent years, we have also seen the rise of MIPS helmets, which are designed to reduce rotational force on the head in the event of an accident due to the introduction of a low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows multi-directional movement on certain angled impacts. You can pick up a MIPS helmet here.
Discipline
Depending on the type of riding you will be doing will influence your helmet choice. For road specific cycling, the helmet will sit a bit higher on the back of your head due to being more over the front of the bike and looking up while mountain bike helmets will generally cover more of the back of your head due to give more protection in the event of a spill. For commuter cycling you can choose from most helmets that fit well and it will tend to rely on the other criteria in this list.
Price
As you spend more on a helmet, you will generally get a lighter, better ventilated, and more aerodynamic helmet. If you get very warm in summer, it can be worth spending a bit more for a better ventilated helmet or if you are a road cyclist who wants to be as fast and light as possible.
Safety
All of the helmets we stock conform to the same UK safety standards however if you spend more you will get a helmet with extra safety functions such as MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for better protection for your neck and spine if an accident happens and certain Specialized helmets come with ANGI technology that can alert a chosen contact if a fall is detected (Angi can be purchased separately and fitted to Specialized helmets). If you are a keen mountain biker, then full-face helmets are available as falls can be a bit more common.
Looks
How the helmet looks can be a big factor in choosing a helmet and there is a great deal of different styles to choose from such as the Bern Watts and the Specialized Mode Mips.
Fit
Not all heads are the same shape so it is very important to get a helmet that feels comfortable to you and fits you well. If you were to pop in to any of our shops, we would be happy to talk you through and let you try various different helmets to find the right one.