bike helmet guide

Biking helmets and glasses – what is there to know?

You can’t ride topless! Whether you are cycling around town, on a mountain bike, gravel bike or road bike, always wear a helmet. Even if you are a careful rider, you are never immune to unexpected obstacles on your path or the possible mistakes of others. But it is not just your head that you should protect when cycling – your eyes need protection, too.

Of course, there’s a huge range of cycling helmets and goggles out there, and there are some differences you should know about. Here’s an overview!

 

 

How to choose The right Bike helmet: Range of use


How to choose the right bike helmet? The most important factor in choosing the right helmet is what you are going to use it for. In general, it is important that the helmet fits really well and that you can adjust the size to fit your head – and that both the front and back of your head are well protected.

 

Mountain biking

On the trails, your helmet should protect your temples and the back of your head. That’s why mountain bike helmets are often longer at the neck than other bike helmets. Good ventilation is essential when mountain biking, so mountain bike helmets have vents – how many is up to you. The vents in a bike helmet are always positioned in a way that the airflow is directed downwards.

 

A visor can protect you from the sun, branches, or dirt kicked up by the person in front of you. Whether you buy a helmet with a visor depends on where you ride your mountain bike. You won’t need one for cross-country rides, but it can be an advantage for downhill rides. If you only ride downhill or enduro, it may make sense to invest in a full-face helmet, a helmet with a chin guard. These helmets are sometimes available with a removable chin guard.

 

bike helmet guide

 

 

 

 

Gravel bike / Road bike

When you ride a road bike, you’re going at a lot of speed, so a helmet is really important. Because you want to speed as much as possible, the helmets are aerodynamically shaped to reduce air resistance. Road bike helmets don’t pull as deep into the neck as mountain bike helmets, which would hinder you in the very low riding position. For the same reason, road bike helmets do not have a visor.

 

bike helmets and glasses

 

Of course, road, and gravel bike helmets also have ventilation slits, and there are even helmets that are actually work with a whole ventilation concept. This means that they don’t just have vents, but are designed to make the best use of the airflow to keep you cool as you ride.

 

 

 

 

Cycling in the city

There are many risks when cycling in the city: Cars, motorbikes, pedestrians… That’s why it’s critical to wear a helmet.

The weight of a city bike helmet is not as significant as it is for a sports helmet. Ventilation is less relevant in a city helmet than weather protection, which is why these helmets tend to have a closed shape. City helmets often have reflectors or integrated lighting.

But you’re probably more likely to choose a helmet based on style – and that’s fine. As with all helmets, the most important thing is that it fits well on your head.

 

 

 

 

 

how to choose the right bike helmet: size & fit


Your bike helmet has to fit perfectly. Only then will you be properly protected. It should be possible to adjust the helmet to your head, usually with a small wheel above the neck.

 

Measure your head circumference and find your helmet size

To measure the circumference of your head, take a tape measure and place it around the back of your head and about 1-2 cm above your eyebrows. The tape should be in a horizontal line above your ears and not too tight. The number of centimetres you find out will tell you what size of the helmet you need.

Some helmets are listed in sizes XS-XL, but these are always followed by centimetres.

Sizes vary from brand to brand and from helmet to helmet. In our online shop you will always find more detailed size information for each helmet in the product description.

For kids, the same rules apply: measure the head and pick their size.

 

nike helmet guide

 

 

SHORT EXCURSION: IN-MOULD & MIPS


Bicycle helmets are constructed in different ways. Here are the two main types and their advantages:

 

IN-MOULD

Modern cycle helmets have a multi-layer construction. The outer shell is made of either a lightweight microshell or a hardshell. Both are based on a synthetic material that varies in density and thickness. Underneath the shell is the actual crumple zone, the EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam.

The in-mould process involves moulding the EPS inner shell and the polycarbonate outer shell in a single operation. This ensures a strong bond and optimum protection against external influences. The outer shell is kept very thin in this process, so the helmet is usually lightweight.

Removable pads ensure a comfortable fit between the head and the helmet.

 

MIPS

Bicycle helmets with MIPS are usually a little more expensive. MIPS stands for Multi Directional Impact Protection System. Depending on the angle of impact, additional rotational forces are applied to the head. That’s where the MIPS system plays its role. An additional yellow shell inside the helmet is connected to the helmet by a strap and can slide between 10 and 15 millimetres in all directions. This compensates for rotational forces and can reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury:

 

 

 

Other systems are also available to protect against rotational forces – in any case, a helmet with this technology will protect you even better in the event of a fall.

 

Find out more about MIPS here!

 

Pro tip: If you want to know how different bike helmets perform in tests, we recommend you visit the Virginia Tech website. There you will find many bike helmets that have been tested under realistic conditions.

 

 

 

 

CARING FOR YOUR CYCLE HELMET


When you are not using your helmet, store it in a dry place away from sunlight.

To clean your cycle helmet, simply use lukewarm water and a little soap. You can even wash your helmet in the sink.

If your helmet has inner padding, some manufacturers allow you to remove the padding. You can then wash them by hand or with cold water in a washing machine. Only use a mild detergent. Dry normally on a drying rack, not in the blazing sun. Never put them in a tumble dryer!

 

Don’t forget: Replace your helmet regularly!

You should replace your helmet after a fall or every three to five years at the latest. Why? The EPS foam hardens due to UV rays and then no longer offers sufficient safety.

 

Fun facts about cycle helmets:

The first cycle helmet did not come onto the market until the 1970s.

 

In many countries it is compulsory to wear a cycle helmet, for example in Malta, Finland, Australia and New Zealand for everyone. In Estonia, Lithuania, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Sweden, Slovenia, Iceland and Slovakia, children and young people must always wear a cycle helmet.

 

The first bicycle airbag was invented in 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHING YOUR HELMET: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CYCLING GLASSES


The lenses are the most important part of your cycling glasses. Many glasses come with interchangeable lenses, so you are well-equipped for all conditions. Some glasses also have lenses that automatically adjust to changing light conditions.

Of course, you should make sure that your glasses fit your helmet. Many manufacturers make sure that their glasses and helmets are compatible. If you buy products from different manufacturers, make sure they fit together.

 

 

bike helmet guide

 

The temples and nose pads can often be adjusted or removed completely. This allows you to adjust your glasses to suit you. It’s also important that the glasses don’t slip off your nose when you start to sweat. This can be achieved by using temples with mega-grip rubber or silicone nose pads.

Many glasses also have a ventilation system – the manufacturer will specify this.

There are also sunglasses and cycling glasses specially designed for spectacle wearers.

 

Interested in more?

The buyer’s guide on mountain bikes – all you need to know

→ A E-bike buyer’s guide

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