Finding the right bike helmet for you
In the case of an accident or fall, a bike helmet provides protection against serious head injuries. When choosing one, you must ensure that the helmet fits well and that it is adjustable. Both these factors are necessary to provide adequate protection.
The helmet also serves as a reflective surface. Lamps can be attached to the helmet to significantly increase visibility, both during the day and at night, ensuring a higher level of safety in road traffic. You should always replace your cycling helmet every five years, in order to exclude the possibility of material fatigue, which could prove fatal in the case of an accident.
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Bike helmet sizes
To provide effective protection, your bike helmet needs to fit properly. So it’s important to know your helmet size you need before making a purchase.
To find out, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your head. Wrap a tape measure around the back of your head, above your ears, bringing it together 1–2 cm above your eyebrows, not too tightly. Carefully read the measurement.
This table shows which helmet size each head circumference corresponds to, so you’ll know what size to look for based on your measurements. The first few sizes are primarily for children’s helmets.
| Bike helmet size | Head circumference (cm) |
|---|---|
| YS | 47–48 |
| YM | 49–50 |
| YL | 51–52 |
| XXS | 51–52 |
| XS | 53–54 |
| S | 55–56 |
| M | 57–58 |
| L | 59–60 |
| XL | 61–62 |
| XXL | 63–64 |
| XXXL | 65–66 |
Bike helmets for men and women
There is a wide selection of cycling helmets to choose from for both men and women, ranging from plain designs to trendy ones. When choosing a bicycle helmet, make sure it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, with sufficient ventilation channels and antibacterial padding to prevent bad smells.
For women (or men!) with long hair, there is a special type of helmet with a so-called hair port at the back, through which the wearer can put their ponytail. This makes it possible to fit longer hair into the helmet without affecting the fit or the wearer’s vision.
The right bike helmet should suit the shape of your head and be comfortable to wear, not leading to any pressure points. There are helmets with magnetic or click-in closure systems that make it easy to open or close them when on a trip.
E-bike helmets
Every year, more and more cyclists decide to switch to an e-bike. If you decide to get an e-bike, it’s important to keep safety in mind. The average speed of an e-bike is significantly faster than that of a standard bicycle, so sufficient thought should be given to additional safety measures.
At first glance, there don’t seem to be too many differences between a good cycling helmet and an e-bike helmet – both versions need to meet the applicable safety standards.
Manufacturers are responsible for having their bicycle helmets tested so that they can be awarded an appropriate test mark. E-bike helmets have to be somewhat more robust, because riding an e-bike involves much higher speeds.
E-bike helmets are available in different models, with various protective functions. A lighting system integrated into the helmet can contribute to increased safety in road traffic.
Cycling helmets for children
The safety of our children is very important to us, whether on a training bike or a children’s bicycle. Today, children are taught to wear a helmet from the beginning.
Appropriate cycling helmets for children should offer the option of adjustment to suit the circumference of the child’s head, and an adjustable closure system. Besides padded straps and sides, the helmet should also be well ventilated. In order to prevent strangulation, the chinstraps of children’s helmets should also tear once a specific tensile force is reached.
Children’s helmets are available in various colours and designs, and they are usually also equipped with reflectors and flashing lights.
Cycling helmets for all purposes
Because every head is different, bike helmets are also available in a range of different sizes and models. The most important thing is for the helmet to fit well, because only then can it offer optimal protection.
Most helmet manufacturers categorise their helmets into sizes: XS, S, M, etc., up to XXL. For each size, the appropriate head circumference is given in centimetres. When selecting the right size, ensure that the helmet doesn’t move around on your head and that it isn’t too loose. The shape of the helmet, which can differ from one manufacturer to another, also plays an important role.
A bike helmet should also be chosen according to its intended purpose. It should be appropriate for your riding style and discipline.
In other words, it makes a big difference whether you’re going to use the cycling helmet for a leisurely cycling tour or for some energetic mountain biking through the forest. For leisurely cycling or commuting to work, aerodynamics isn’t that important, but for sporting activities, it’s crucial.
Accessories for bicycle helmets
There are specific helmets for cycle racing, mountain biking and triathlon which come with additional accessories.
One feature of these helmets is a visor or shield on the front to provide protection from the sun and prevent the face being whipped by branches. Some models are also equipped with mountings for helmet cameras or lamps. There are helmets with chin protectors, others that boast optimal aerodynamics, and some designed without a visor to maximise the wearer’s field of vision.