How to Wear a Cycling Helmet Properly?
When you ride a bikes outdoors (road, TT, hybrid, MTB, gravel bikes, etc) you need to know how to wear a cycling helmet properly. While you might be able to adjust the straps on your helmet, adjusting them correctly can prevent a headache, increase your speed and even save your life. To help you make the right adjustments, here are some tips.
First, if you are a female cyclist with long or thick hair, inserting a part in your hair helps to secure your locs. Then, you can secure your hair in pigtails or two braids with hair elastic.
Next, adjust the side straps. They should be shaped like a "V" under your ears and a little ahead. Then, lock the sliders. Lastly, adjust the chin strap to fit snugly and securely. To do this, apply the two finger rule.
Make sure that the helmet fits properly. The straps should fit snugly around your head. The helmet should sit one to two finger-widths above your eyebrows. You don't want to tilt the helmet back.
The straps should not be loose because you may shake your head, which could make the helmet fall off. And, the buckle should be close to the underside of your chin when it is fastened.
You should also be able to open your mouth to eat and drink. The front of the helmet should be no more than two fingers wide.
VIDEO BELOW SHOWS YOU REAL LIFE EXAMPLE 👇
Helmets are listed #2 on our 10 most important road safety tips cyclists should be aware of before they ride out listicle. When wearing a cycling helmet, it's important to choose the proper size. You should make sure it fits snugly, but not too tightly. It should be one to two finger widths above your eyebrows, and your fingers should not be caught under it.
Ensure that the straps don't overlap your ears or your eyes. A helmet's sizing chart should include information about size and comfort. Moreover, the helmet should fit snugly and comfortably.
How do you determine the correct size for a helmet?
MEASURE: To determine the size of your head, place a tape measure across your forehead and wrap it horizontally. Choose the helmet that comes in the next size up from that one for the best fit. Your head should be completely enclosed when you wear a helmet. When worn, it should not shift around; otherwise, it is too big.
Need to check your size before you order on line? Here is a link to sizing chart for bike helmets: https://helmets.org/helmetsize.htm
Everything Riders Should Know Before Buying A Cycling Helmet
Great video for guiding cyclists and triathletes on making a helmet purchase. It walks you through everything you need to know when purchasing a new helmet in this mini buyers guide.
Why a cycling helmet buyers guide?
There are numerous things to consider, as well as numerous features for various types of riders and riding styles.
Helmets are available in road, commuter, and leisure models. Each of these will have its own set of unique characteristics. Road models, for example, can be either very aerodynamically efficient, very lightweight, or a combination of the two. Commuter helmets can be more durable and may include built-in lights for increased visibility.
Conclusion: Are You Wearing Your Cycling Helmet Properly?
Proper fit is critical when wearing a helmet to ensure comfort and performance. Did you know a proper fitting helmet can even make you faster on the bike or clock you a few higher mph on Strava segments?
To be effective, a helmet must fit properly and be worn properly, so take the time to get the best fit. If you are unsure about the fit, or if you have questions about the features or condition of your helmet, please contact your local bike ship or reach out to us directly for more information.
BONUS: Should You Continue Using a Bicycle Helmet After a Crash?
Some cyclists choose to keep using their helmet even after it has been involved in accidents, falls, or collisions. Why? Well, one reason is that the helmet "looks fine." Additionally, helmets can be costly, and many cyclists prefer to stick with the helmet they already have rather than going through the hassle of finding a new one.
However, here's something important to consider: scientific research suggests that the effectiveness of head protection could be compromised even after a single crash. To investigate this, a study was conducted using two types of helmets, both without MIPS technology. Through various experiments involving drop tests with different accelerations and impacts, the researchers discovered that although there was no visible damage after the initial tests, the structure of the helmet might have undergone irreversible changes, reducing its effectiveness in subsequent tests. This means that helmets may not provide adequate safety after a collision or fall, even if there are no apparent signs of damage.
Therefore, in real-life situations, helmets that have experienced an impact should be replaced. It's a matter of prioritizing safety.