Some excursions take a long time. Such journeys take you to a remote place and peddling a bicycle takes its toll on your body. In addition, physical exertion, muscle strain, gravity, wind resistance, and inertia work against your body.

When there is a large bucket strapped to your head, crick necks, general soreness, and fatigue are guarantee. It is common for lighter helmets to cost more, but with research, you can find something more affordable. Lighter models are more comfortable, and they increase your power to weight ratio.

In the end, a weight difference of 60g might not look like a difference to the untrained eye, but it goes a long way in improving overall performance. For the top cyclist, even the slightest reduction in weight represents an edge over the competition.

A properly fitting helmet is vital. It increases your comfort and reduces the time you take to gear up before a ride. A loose fitting model is prone to falling off, and a small one will stick out above your head, offering very little protection. Most manufacturers build helmets in small, medium, large, and extended sizes in some.

To establish the right sizes, wrap a tape measure around the largest part of your head (1 inch above your eyebrow). You can also use a piece of string or a ribbon around the same area and use a yardstick or flat ruler to measure the thread.

Check on the manufacturer’s page for a helmet matching your measurement. Most distributors, retailers, and manufacturers list these sizes on their websites. Sizing is classified within a specific range, e.g., medium size ranges 21.75"–23.25" (55cm–59cm) and large ranges between 23.25"–24.75" (59cm–63cm).

If you are in between size classifications, you can go for a smaller size or wear a cycling cap or a skullcap to help you fit into a larger model. Some adults with little heads opt for children’s helmets that fit them comfortably.

Here is how helmets differ:

Recreational is a budget-friendly headgear. They are appropriate for commuters, recreational activities, mountain and road biking. Inline skaters and skateboarders also like using them. They come with visors.

Road bike helmets are a must-have for road biking pros and enthusiasts. They feature an aerodynamic design, are lightweight, and have proper ventilation. They forgo many features like visor and attachment ports to keep them light or to maximize a cyclist’s field of vision.

Mountain bikes ventilate well even at slow speeds. They offer superior rear protection, a secure fit for tackling rough terrain and a large visor to shield you from the sun. They also provide full-face protection. All these features are vital in downhill and park riding.

Multi-Sports feature a 2-in-1 design for a variety of activities like cycling, skateboarding or skiing. They usually have a hard shell in the skate-style that makes them heavier than typical cyclist helmets. The drawback with the headgear is they may lack cycling safety certification and cycling specific crush protection.

BMX riders need full-face protection that includes the chin and mouth when they are competing.

Kids' bikes have to meet the same CPSC safety standards as adult helmets. The fitting is essential, and your kid is free to select a design they like. Bright colors are a great option since they are easier to spot even in crowded areas.

Toddlers need to be very light and conform to the child’s head shape since their body is fragile and still in development. The helmet should sit level on their head and be securable with a strap

In-mold construction is the standard in helmet design. This process is whereby the shell is fused to the inner liner without the use of bonding agents or glues. The result is light but sturdy design. For professional cyclists, the difference in weight matters though occasional cyclist could care less.

Shell: widely used plastic polymer compounds cover and hold the helmet together in case of a crash. It also provides puncture resistance and lets the helmet slide on impact. This design protects your head and neck.

Liner: most liners consist of expanded polystyrene foam. This foam is engineered to diminish the force on impact. Therefore, it is vital to test out your helmet for a comfortable fit.

Straps: nylon is the most preferred material in the construction of straps. It is widely available, sturdy, and doesn’t cause skin irritation.

Buckles: some helmets feature buckles for adjusting or fastening the straps. The best kind is a magnetic buckle since they snap on fast.

Ventilation: strategically placed vents increase the flow of wind over your head. These openings keep you cooler and make your ride more comfortable. They also make the helmet lighter.

Visors: they provide shielding from the sun, some models come with adjustable visors, and others are detachable. They are common in mountain bikes. However, visors add to the overall weight of the helmet and cause some wind resistance.

Shape: the shape of a particular model is not an aspect that bothers many people. Every brand has its idea of how heads are shaped. American models are rounder, while Italian ones are narrower. That’s why you should always try a few products before making a purchase.

Chin bars: some mountain bike helmets have a chin bar that encircles the headgear to provide face protection on downhill runs and park riding. Some enduro racers use it for an extra layer of protection.
Adjustment mechanism: helmets always feature a mechanism that tightens or loosens the helmet for a perfect fit. This system usually has a knob and straps that you manipulate for effect.

Inner form layer: this is made of foam-like polystyrene to cushion your head from shock, adding an extra layer of protection.

Overall design: as is evident in this article, helmets come in a wide variety of shape, sizes, colors, and designs. The market has something to offer for everyone’s sense of style, and occasionally, fresher and more exciting ones come out.

Hair port: If you have long hair, a helmet featuring a hair port may be a good buy. It is designed at the rear of the headgear to accommodate buns and ponytails without affecting the fitting.

Pressure points: when trying out a model, look out for pressure points and uneven pressure throughout the helmet. They are a sign that the fitting is not right.

Sunglasses: you should ensure that the desired model is compatible with your eyewear. You can take your sunglasses with you to ensure that the tightening mechanism doesn’t touch the frames of your glasses.

Comfort: The main factors to consider when it comes to a helmet’s satisfaction are the retention and padding system. CoolMax is common in many helmets, and some have proprietary padding. Some find CoolMax scratchy and irritating others find it smooth.

Retention systems cradle the head to secure the helmet firmly to your head. How and where the system cradles your head, varies across helmet models. These alterations mean that some will feel more secure than others will. Therefore trying on a helmet, adjusting and tightening it before you make a purchase, is the best way to know if it is stable enough.

When testing out a retention system, move your head around with a bit of force to see if it will stick. If there is a bit of play or it moves around, then that particular model isn’t the right fit for your head shape. You have to be discriminative when it comes to fit and comfort because a helmet should serve you for a long time.

Shock absorption
Some manufacturers claim that their models prevent concussions.
The design and construction of a helmet feature technologies that offer protection from lateral and rotational forces in case of a crush.

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) features a frictional coefficient layer that makes the helmet’s foam liner rotate on impact. The play is subtle (within a few millimeters), but it reduces the intensity of the rotational force that may hit your brain, significantly decreasing the chances of debilitating damage.

WaveCel is the newest technology in shock absorption. It comprises a thick layer of polystyrene, which crumbles and loosens on impact, effectively reducing the intensity of lateral force. Smith features a similar technology called Koroyd, and a variety of manufacturers use slip planes, which are comparable to MIPS.