How to choose a bicycle helmet
I value my head. It’s great for hanging hats. Therefore, most times I cycle, I wear a helmet. If you are new to the cycling scene you may be wondering how to choose a bicycle helmet to suit you and if it’s worth splashing out on the more expensive ones (hint: usually its not!)
Here’s a quick run down of what to look for and some of the models I would highly recommend.
3 things to look for when buying a bicycle helmet
When choosing a bicycle helmet you mainly want to look at three things. Price, fit and keeping cool. Okay, and a forth thing, looking cool. Starting with price. This can go up to around £150 and as low as £25. The truth helmet manufacturers don’t want you to know is you will receive most of the benefit with a cheaper helmet as you will with a more expensive one. At least when it comes to protection. However, spending more money should keep your head cooler and provide more comfort.
Fitting a bicycle helmet
You will want to fit the helmet correctly because it will provide far better protection and it will feel more comfortable. A properly fitted bicycle helmet will reach about halfway down your forehead and will cover a good part of the back of your head. The more it covers the better.
The strap should fit closely under the chin and should form a v-shape around the ears. Not all bicycle helmets are born the same and some will fit better than others. After you have tried one and tightened it make sure it does not wobble.
The best bet is to go into a bike shop and try the helmet first. One will fit more comfortably than others. Ideally ask an assistant in the shop to fit the helmet for you. Alternatively, if buying online, make sure you measure your head correctly as instructed by the manufacturer.
Light colours
Lighter colours can be seen by other road users so go for brighter colours (one of the ones I have recommended below even has lights behind the straps). You should aim to buy a helmet with a rounded outer shell so there is nowhere for the helmet to get caught in a fall.
Keeping cool
In terms of keeping cool as you would expect more air vents equal more cooling of the head. However, more air vents also means that there is less of the padding to protect your head. You should pick a trade-off between the two.
As for weight? This doesn’t tend to be an issue as the majority of helmets weigh less than 300 grams.
Popular bicycle helmet models
Well reviewed and fairly cheap bicycle helmet. Provides good ventilation and back-of-the-head adjustment. Great for anyone who is just getting started and would rather not spend too much.
At around £45 this midrange bicycle helmet is perfect for commuting and riding in the city. It’s one of the best helmets for keeping your head cool and it also comes with reflective lights at the back of the straps. An all round excellent helmet that I could not recommend more.
This top of the range helmet is good enough for Lance and its definitely more than good enough for everyday cyclists. It has received great reviews and I found it at a surprisingly good price at Wiggle.
See more cycling accessories guides such as this one
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Say no to helmets: http://www.copenhagenize.com/2009/06/get-yer-torches-its-bike-helmet.html
Useful guide! I love my Nutcase helmet (pink! stars! polka dots!) and got lots of compliments on it. It also fits well, although I sacrifice on the ventilation side on the hottest days. I prefer not to have a super sporty helmet, since my bikes are not particularly sporty.
Thanks Dottie, glad you liked the guide. Got a series of these on the way.
@dan was wondering if this post would result in a no helmets debate!
Nice tips for choosing the right helmet.
thanks.
Thank you for this useful quide. I would like to ask is there’s any law or must to use helmet when cycling in London?
I’m moving to London from another country and really would like to know the law of using cycling helmets.
Hi Elegia, you are very welcome. There is not a law in London that says you must wear a bicycle helmet – it is completely a personal choice.
Which country are you moving from?
Ok, thank you so much for your answer! I do consider to buy a helmet, but it’s good to know the rules.
Where are you allowed to bike? I mean should you always cycle in a driveway or can you walkways too? We have quite good cycle paths here in Finland and we don’t have to bike in driveways.
I’m from Finland and moving next week. I’m a bit worried about this cycling thing, because we have right-hand traffic. I have never cycled in left-hand traffic before!
Elegia, glad you will be joining us from Finland. You will be absolutely fine! If you prefer start off on some of the quieter streets to get used to the cycling on the other side of the road. There is a law that says cycling on the pavement (walkway) is illegal so try to avoid doing it. Cyclists are allowed in bus lanes (Though be sure the bus driver can see you by not getting too close to it) and there are cycle lanes but they are attached to the road and drivers sometimes park in them. So it won’t be as organised as I expect it is in Finland. Cycling remains the fastest, easiest and healthiest way to get around London so your going to love it
The higher the cost of the helmet (in most cases) is due to the more expensive materials and processes required to manufacture a helmet with more vents (and hence less material) that provides the same protection as a cheaper helmet. Having said that, I’d willingly pay more for a helmet that (in my opinion) makes me look cooler on the bike. (Note to self: helmets are not considered fashionable in any other facet of life!).
Griff – well summed up on the reasons for the price differences