How to Choose the Right Bicycle Helmet

Wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride. Head injuries are among the most life-threatening injuries you can sustain while riding; wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk.

Step 1: Decide on a Type

• Cycling helmets come in 3 basic styles—sport, road and mountain bike. All types are designed to protect riders from impact while being light, comfortable and stylish.
  
  
• Mountain Bike Helmets—Designed for maximum protection from trailside obstacles. They usually feature extended back-of-the-head coverage. Special retention systems provide a firm and secure fit for rough terrain.
  
  
• Road Bike Helmets—Tend to stress lightness, ventilation and aerodynamic styling.
  
  
• Sports Helmets—Offer versatile protection at a value price. Ideal for commuter, road and mountain bikers as well as inline skaters.

Step 2: Find the Right Size

• A cycling helmet must fit properly and be buckled to be effective. To find your size, measure around the largest portion of your head—about 1-inch above your eyebrows. Choose a helmet size that matches this measurement.
  
  
• Most helmets have a versatile fitting system that includes sizing pads and adjustable straps. Use the sizing pads to achieve a snug, but not tight, fit.
  
  
• The helmet should sit level on your head (not tilted back), with the front edge no more than 1 inch above your eyebrows.
  
  
• The helmet should not shift in any direction when pushing on it side to side or back to front. If it does, use the sizing pads to fine-tune the fit.
  
  
• Finally, buckle and tighten the chinstrap. When properly tightened, the helmet should press down against your forehead.

Step 3: Focus on Features

• Liner—Most helmet liners are made of expanded polystyrene foam. On impact, the liner dissipates the force of the impact to protect your head.
  
  
• Shell—A thin plastic shell holds the helmet togetherin a crash, provides puncture-resistance and allows the helmet to slide on impact (to protect your head and neck).
  
  
• Ventilation—Helmet vents enhance airflow over your head, keeping you cooler and more comfortable as you ride. In general, the more vents you have, the cooler you'll be.
  
  
• Straps—Make sure the straps match your riding style—beefy for rough terrain and mountain trails, lighter and cooler for road racing.

Step 4: Impact Certification

By law, all helmets sold in the US must meet standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC). Helmets available at your local bicyle shop should also meet performance standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the Snell foundation, generally regarded as the industry's toughest.

Step 5: When to Replace Your Helmet

Damage is not always easy to spot visually. Replace your helmet after any significant impact, even if everything "looks" okay. You should also replace your helmet after 5 years, even if it hasn't been involved in a crash; pollution, UV light and weathering can weaken the helmet's components over time.