You've selected that new set of wheels, but you're not ready yet for the bike path. You need the right helmet. That might be because it's the law in 22 states. Better yet, it's because a helmet will protect you from brain injury in case of an accident.
Are Some Helmets Better Than Others?
No, says the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, as long as they display stickers indicating approval by the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission. BHSI employed a test laboratory to check out the differences between six helmets -- three that cost in excess of $150 and three priced at less than $20.
"The impact test results were virtually identical," concluded the BHSI report. The only extras offered by the more expensive helmets were in terms of appearance, additional vents and easier fit."
What About the Different Materials?
"A helmet reduces the peak energy of a sharp impact. This requires a layer of stiff foam to cushion the blow," explains the BHSI. Currently, crushable, expandable polystyrene -- like the foam used for picnic coolers -- is the most common.
"A similar foam called expanded polypropylene does recover, but is much less common," BHSI adds. "Another foam called expanded polyurethane has a uniform cell structure and crushes without rebound, but is heavier than EPS and its manufacturing process is not environmentally friendly."
Look For These Features
The BHSI has several suggestions. "Common sense tells you to avoid a helmet with snag points sticking out, a squared-off shell, inadequate vents, excessive vents, an extreme 'aero' shape, dark colors, thin straps, complicated adjustments or a rigid visor that could snag in a fall."
Bright colors -- better yet, white -- will make you more visible, day or night. Any remaining features are for comfort: sweat control, ventilation and coolness.
Find a Good Fit
"Knowledgeable professional staff at bicycle shops can assist with helmet selection and proper fit," says the University of Florida Police Department.
A helmet should fit squarely on your head, with the top basically level with the ground. To assure the helmet is sufficiently forward, the Oregon Health Sciences University suggests you have room to fit only two finger widths between your eyebrows and front of the helmet.
"Open mouth wide...big yawn! The helmet should pull down on the head! If not, tighten the chin strap," OHSU suggests.
It should not come off your head, despite your twisting and tugging.
Helmets can also accommodate special needs. Thick fitting pads are for extra small heads. XXL helmets are available for larger heads.
"Ponytail ports can improve fit for those with long hair," adds the BHSI. "Bald riders may want to avoid helmets with top vents to prevent funny tan lines. For a softer landing, seniors should pick a thicker model without huge vents."
Round Two
The helmet you choose should last 5 years -- less if it sustains a crash, has dents, cracks, loses pieces or is melted, advises OHSU.
Until then, to amend Roy Rogers' song...happy bike paths to you.
References
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: Research Shows Equal Performance of Cheap and Expensive Helmets
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: A Buyer's Guide to Bicycle Helmets
- University of Florida Police Department: Bicycles Are Vehicles
- University of Oregon Health Sciences University: Let Helmets Protect Your Brains!
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