Wearing protective gear allows you to stay safe while participating in the various disciplines of cycling. Certain genres of bike riding, including mountain biking and BMX, involve high speed maneuvers that could result in painful falls. Even recreational riders should wear a helmet when riding on paved cycling trails. According to Vital BMX, early 1980s safety gear limited your movement, which in turn actually increased the likelihood of a tumble.
Function
Bicycle safety gear functions to protect the vulnerable areas of your body, including the head, knees, shins, elbows and hands. The various designs of bicycle helmets help to absorb the impact of falls that involve hitting your head against the riding surface. Knee pads and shin guards shield the largest bones in your legs from the sharp pedals of your bicycle. Cycling gloves help to ensure that you remain in control of the handlebars during turning and jumping techniques.
Types
Bicycle helmet designs fluctuate depending on the intended use. BMX, also known as Bicycle Motocross, involves racing your bike down steeply inclined dirt courses. BMX racers utilize a helmet design referred to as the full face model. The full face helmet features an extended section that surround your jaws and mouth. Another prominent type of the bicycle helmet, referred to as the road helmet, remains ideal for recreational bicyclers. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, the road helmet commonly has an elongated design.
Features
Top of the line full face helmets often feature a lightweight carbon fiber or Kevlar construction, according to Vital MTB. A full face helmet also features removable pads that can be easily taken out for a quick cleaning. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, road helmets often have a plastic construction with a padded foam interior. Bicycle elbow pads and knee pads feature elastic straps that secure the gear in place.
Size
Safety gear manufacturers produce protective equipment for all sizes of riders. According to the Bicycle Helmet Institute, a popular model of the helmet, known as the toddler model, can comfortably fit children younger than the age of 5. Bicycle knee pads often fluctuate in size. Certain compact models of the knee pad only cover your knee cap. Extended versions of the knee pad, typically used for mountain biking, extend over your shins and rest right above the ankles.
Benefits
Full face helmets have the added benefit of protecting your teeth during the event of a bicycle crash. According to MayoClinic.com, wearing a properly fitting bicycle helmet while cycling remains one of the most effective ways to prevent life-threatening injuries. Protective gear enables you to safely attempt new and more difficult cycling maneuvers while progressing your level of riding.
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