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Bicycle Helmets | Ride safely

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By funride


Bicycle Helmet

A bicycle helmet is a helmet which was designed to be worn while riding a bicycle. They are planned to attenuate impacts to the head of a biker during falls while minimizing side effects such as too much temperature on the head or interference with peripheral vision.

Bike helmets are usually designed to absorb the energy of a head falling from a bicycle with an impact speed of around 12mph or 20 km/h. As a supplementary consequence they should also distribute impacts over a wider area of the skull. Due to its limitations it is not expected to protect the rider´s head from impacts with another vehicle. Hard shell helmets may do this better but are heavier and less ventilated.

Photo by tico_bassie @ flickr.com
Photo by tico_bassie @ flickr.com

The helmet argumentation

There are almost as much different opinions about the need of using helmet when riding a bicycle as the number of people riding regularly. I have no intention of "converting" all those who believe they do not need head protection every time they go for a ride. In fact I think it should be a personal decision and never a forced declaration or law (except maybe for kids).


USA Bike Helmet (Red/Black) USA Bike Helmet (Red/Black)
USA Helmet In Mold Helmet
Price: $29.99
Bell Citi Bike Helmet (Matte Pewter, Universal Fit) Bell Citi Bike Helmet (Matte Pewter, Universal Fit)
Built with urban sensibilities in mind, the Bell Citi Life and Style Bike Helmet delivers midrange features at a base-model price.
Price: $46.99
List Price: $50.00
Avenir Avenue Bike Helmet (Silver, Medium/Large 58-60 cm) Avenir Avenue Bike Helmet (Silver, Medium/Large 58-60 cm)
Avenir by Raleigh is the premier bicycle accessory line from legendary Raleigh Bicycles.
Price: $18.26
List Price: $19.99

I always wear a helmet every time I go for a ride and no matter what people may say I know for sure it has save my life at least twice (yes, I do not need any scientific studies). One time it was a crash during a downhill ride when I got my front wheel on the wrong place and went over the handlebar hitting a rock directly with my helmet. It is true that mountain biking can be more dangerous than riding on the road but it is also true that anyone can easily fall down and some times even the slowest crash can have severe consequences.

I am not saying that helmets are going to save your life no matter what but it is obvious they will minimize a great deal of head injuries one could suffer during a bike crash. Of course there are situations where the helmet can itself cause some injuries to the rider but the question is: what would happened to him if he did not wear a helmet in that same situation!?

Even though I always wear a bicycle helmet every time I go for a ride I also believe it is possible to ride without any problems and even fall without getting any head injury.

Helmets can also be stylish

Photo by KyleF @ flickr.com
Photo by KyleF @ flickr.com

Bicycle helmets companies

One can say that bicycle helmets companies are the ones behind the lobby of mandatory use of helmet when riding a bicycle and also that today´s bicycle helmets are still ineffective or at least not totally effective preventing head injuries during a bicycle crash. I also believe all this is true but like many other examples of security devices we can only expect efficient products after lots of research and complete testings. And this can only happen (or happen faster) if people start to invest on head protection even though they know it is not yet perfect.

How bicycle helmets are made

Bicycle helmets

Giro Transfer Bike Helmet (Mint White, Universal Fit) Giro Transfer Bike Helmet (Mint White, Universal Fit)
The Giro Transfer Sport Bike Helmet is constructed with in-mold technology that fuses a tough outer microshell to the helmet's EPS foam liner. The Transfer sport helmet comes in Giro's Universal Fit Adult U size (54-61cm), carefully sculpted and size-specific to simplify the fitting process. Giro's Transfer helmet is a lightweight 255 grams, and complies with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety standards for bicycle helmets.
Price: $26.10
List Price: $35.00
Bell Sweep R Racing Bike Helmet (Titanium/Yellow, Large) Bell Sweep R Racing Bike Helmet (Titanium/Yellow, Large)
The Bell Sweep R Racing Bike Helmet is constructed with a fusion in-mold microshell, which utilizes the process of bonding the helmet's microshell to its EPS foam layer, rather than forming the two separately and taping them together later, to provide a sturdier, more solid helmet. The Bell Sweep R also features internal reinforcement through a composite skeleton that fortifies the helmet in the same way rebar makes concrete stronger, and cam-lock levers that make it easy to adjust the straps around your ears.
Price: $129.99
Giro Indicator Bike Helmet (Blue/Blue, Universal Fit) Giro Indicator Bike Helmet (Blue/Blue, Universal Fit)
In-Mold technology adds reinforcement in crucial areas, resulting in a light and tough helmet thats perfect for on the road, on the trail and everywhere in between. 20 sweeping vents offer plenty of cooling ventilation. Removable snap-fit visor protects your eyes from the sun, rain and any other ideas Mother Nature might have. Acu Dial system gives you easy, single-handed adjustment for a perfectly comfortable fit.
Price: $38.00
List Price: $38.00

"Fitting a Bicycle Helmet" by NHTSA.gov

How To Choose The Safest Bike Helmet

Photo by redjar @ flickr.com
Photo by redjar @ flickr.com
Photo by gardenpunk @ flickr.com
Photo by gardenpunk @ flickr.com
Photo by Paul Watson @ flickr.com
Photo by Paul Watson @ flickr.com
Photo by SheepGuardingLlama @ flickr.com
Photo by SheepGuardingLlama @ flickr.com

Main Bicycle Helmets brands

  • Abus

    Abus it is synonymous of security. Every product is tried and tested a million times before being able to protect you.

  • Alpina

    Since 1980 Alpina has been making some of the best bicycle helmets available. German quality at its best.

  • Atlas

    Bicycle helmets for everyone, but above all children, became a milestone in this company development.

  • Azonic

    Having started on motorcycling races as O´Neal soon "jump" to the biking world.

  • Bell

    Bell helmets have played a vital role in protecting sportsmen and women for nearly 50 years.

  • Casco

    For about twenty years the Casco name has stood for innovation and superior quality. It is also one of Europe's leading manufacturers of protective helmets.

  • Catlike

    Innovation and top-notch technologies made this Spanish company a special one since its beginning until now.

  • Cratoni

    Great selection and variety of bicycle helmets.

  • Etto

    Some of the best quality bicycle and ski helmets you will find.

  • Giro

    Great selection of helmets for every kind of riding from road racing to downhill racing.

  • Lazer

    LAZER it is the oldest bicycle helmet maker world-wide which is still actively present on the bike business and on every road or trail.

  • MET

    More than just protection, it is an element of distinction and class. MET means unique style, superior quality materials and continuous technological innovation.

  • Polisport

    Polisport`s quality policy trys to overcome its clients expectations through a vast range of quality products.

  • PRO-TEC

    Having started by producing skate helmets in the early 70s Pro-Tec has now a complete range of bicycle helmets.

  • SPIUK

    After 11 years commitment to quality has made SPIUK a brand of reference in the world of cycling.

  • THE

    Small range of high quality bicycle helmets. Their products born from the many enthusiastic people`s experience.

  • Uvex

    Bicycle helmets are just one of the several products from Uvex. Quality is their commitment, safety and protection of people is their mission.

Let´s hear your opinions

Do you believe that bicycle helmet use should be mandatory?

  • Yes, everyone should be obligated to use them
  • Yes, but just for kids
  • No, that should be a personal choice (even for kids)
  • No, bicycle helmet use should be prohibited
See results without voting

Do you wear a bicycle helmet every time you go for a ride?

  • Yes, I always wear a bicycle helmet every time I ride
  • I usually wear a bicycle helmet but only when I go for longer rides
  • No, I almost never wear a bicycle helmet
  • No, I do not even have one
See results without voting

Giro Hex Bike Helmet (Matte Black, Medium) Giro Hex Bike Helmet (Matte Black, Medium)
The Giro Hex Mountain Bike Helmet is constructed with in-mold technology that fuses a tough outer microshell to the helmet's EPS foam liner. It features 21 vents that allow cool, fresh air in and stale, warm air out.
Price: $66.99
List Price: $84.99
Reflective White Bicycle Helmet Decals Reflective White Bicycle Helmet Decals
High visibility reflective helmet and bike decal kit made from 3M Scotchlite material. These are often used as door prizes or promotional items for bicycle safety events and safety training classes.
Price: $6.00
List Price: $6.00
Nathan Helmet / Cycling Stick-Ons (Yellow) Nathan Helmet / Cycling Stick-Ons (Yellow)
Over 40 reflective stick-ons. Place on helmet, bike frame, seat, toe clips and fender.
Price: $5.39
List Price: $6.00

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Comments are much appreciated, thanks

RSS for comments on this Hub

pjdscott profile image

pjdscott  says:
12 months ago

This is a great hub - it presents arguments for some important issues and carefully treads a balance between divided opinion. I agree that it should be personal choice as to whether you wear a helmet when cycling - however, it might be prudent to legislate helmet use for the under-15s.

Some years ago I was out cycling with my brother-in-law when he had a freak accident (getting his back wheel caught between a crack in some concrete paving and being flipped backwards, ending up hitting his head). He had no helmet (and always wears one now) - the impact took a small piece out of his skull but he escaped without any brain damage or serious injury.

tinacarla profile image

tinacarla  says:
11 months ago

WOW! nice hub! great information about helmet!

Princessa profile image

Princessa  says:
11 months ago

I had never worn a helmet because I always thought they were so awkward and awful looking that I would rather not be seen wearing one. However I have seen some decent looking ones in here, the Lacoste one is quite cool. Maybe If I look hard enough I might find a chic and fashionable helmet for my next ride J Thanks for the reminder.

funride profile image

funride  says:
11 months ago

@ Peter - Thank you for your nice comment. I´m glad to know that your brother-in-law went through the accident without major injuries.

@ Tinacarla - Thanks for passing by.

@ Princessa - First of all let me say to you that no matter how ugly the helmet could be it would never shadow your beauty ;) . Thanks for commenting. Enjoy your rides safely and have fun!

foodstorage profile image

foodstorage  says:
11 months ago

I thought I commented already but I must not have. Thanks for this good reminder to wear a helmet. I really dislike wearing a helmet but I don't really go on too vigorous of rides. My husband had a big bike crash coming down a canyon once but luckily he didn't hit has head.

G-Ma Johnson profile image

G-Ma Johnson  says:
11 months ago

Well I don't ride any more...too old...but would surely wear a helmet...and when I was riding we didn't even have bike helmets...in fact not even car seats...yikes...but you all know my age anyways...Now that they are available and there are so many that look nice and are reasonable...I can see no reason good enough NOT to wear one.  And I think it should be manditory...sorry I know it seems old fashion but I still feel that way...No One can really force you...and is your choice not to listen.

My son had a great accident when in high school...but it was his tennis shoes hanging over the handle bars and they slipped and got caught in the spokes...which brought the bike to a fast stop throwing him off over the handle bars onto the gravel road...his face and arms and hands looked like hamburger meat...at the hospital they thought he had been in a motorcylce accident.  Thank God he is ok and did not have head injuries....so an accident can happen for many reason's..in many fashions...but wearing a helmet can and does save live's..

Wonderfully done hub...as you always do my dear sweet man...and full of goodness...Thanks...G-Ma :o) HUGS

funride profile image

funride  says:
11 months ago

@ Foodstorage - Thanks for commenting. Enjoy your rides ;-)

@ G-Ma - :( I see you haven´t found a good bicycle/tricycle to get on riding again. I can imagine how you felt when you saw your son after that accident, thankfully it was not life-threatening. That´s why I believe it should be mandatory for kids while they are learning to ride.

Thank you so much for your kind words... You made me blush... Big Kiss!

thebenro profile image

thebenro  says:
11 months ago

Thanks for the tip that you wrote this, very good info. We always wear our helmets, which is good after the rash of accidents lately in the shop:

http://biketrailerblog.com/2008/10/beware-being-do

funride profile image

funride  says:
11 months ago

Hi Ben, thanks for stopping by and I´m glad you liked it. How is Megan and Jeff doing? Are they back on their bikes again? I hope all that bad luck has gone away for good!

Have fun!

poorQpine profile image

poorQpine  says:
11 months ago

funride, it seems you have done your homework when it comes to this head gear. Personally I like the idea of curling up inside of the helmet and rocking myself to dream-ville. My legs won't reach the pedals so a helmet would be of little use unless I could fit one up for sleeping. It is very nice how they are designed with the ventilation. Nice to read how you Humans live and play. Good that you share your expertise. me poorQpine

funride profile image

funride  says:
11 months ago

LOL I can not help laughing when I think of you curling up inside my bicycle helmet :D

Thank you very much for your kind comment. I will research for bikes and helmets designed specially for poorQpines. Don´t you think I will let you out of the fun riding world :p

Take care!

Tom Rubenoff profile image

Tom Rubenoff  says:
8 months ago

My helmet has saved me at the very least from road rash a couple of times. I would never consider biking further than around the block without one, and every event I ride in requires them.

Thanks for writing this very informative hub on bike helmets.

funride profile image

funride  says:
8 months ago

Hey Tom, thanks for sharing your experiences and for the help spreading the word about the importance of wearing helmet when riding ;)

 

jnnfr271 profile image

jnnfr271  says:
3 months ago

I just found your hub. I recently started riding with a couple of groups and everyone wears helmets.

My problem is finding one that fits. Sometimes even the youth helmets are too big and I refuse to wear Dora the Explorer. Maybe I'll try a few of these links.

funride profile image

funride  says:
3 months ago

You should try to find one that has adjustable head size and if it is not enough you may try to use some kind of scarf on your head. There are those sweat bands to use on your head that also could do the trick ;)

Good luck.

jnnfr271 profile image

jnnfr271  says:
3 months ago

The scarf isn't going to happen when it's 100 degrees outside. The sun went down 3 hours ago and it's still 83 F. We added more of the foam padding in the one I have now and it seems to be working. I'll look for the adjustable ones.

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