Guide | Tips & Tricks: Only a bike helmet that fits properly ensures real safety in the event of an accident. Velomotion shows what is important and what needs to be considered - your purchase advice for the right helmet.
Bicycle Helmets are available in abundance, in almost every imaginable color and shape. As a buyer, you can certainly succumb to the temptation to simply buy your personal, visual favourite. But even here, disaster can take its course, because unfortunately the correct fit of the helmet is far too often neglected. In the event of an accident, an ill-fitting helmet, for example, slips backwards and thus significantly increases the risk of head injuries. In addition, the helmet must be properly adjusted and tightened to ensure optimal protection. Here you can find out what needs to be considered.
What to consider before buying a bike helmet
The field of application of the bicycle helmet
Before you want to buy a bicycle helmet, you should be clear about the field of application of the helmet. Because there are of course specially optimized helmets for the different cycling disciplines. Models for road bike use, for example, are often more aerodynamic and better ventilated. On the other hand, many mountain bike helmets reach further down into the neck area and thus offer additional protection - although there may be losses in ventilation here. For mountain bikers who, for example, occasionally want to be out and about in the bike park, the market today offers a number of helmets with a removable chin guard. Here you should consider before buying which areas of application are on the program or could be added. In principle, there is nothing wrong with using a mountain bike helmet on trekking tours or in everyday life, for example. However, you shouldn't do this the other way around, because an everyday helmet may not offer enough protection when riding a mountain bike.
The right bike helmet size
The correct size of the bicycle helmet is one of the decisive factors for safety. The right helmet size depends on the head circumference - manufacturers usually offer helmets in sizes from two to five centimeters. People who are in the border area between two sizes should definitely test in a specialist shop what fits better. If the helmet is a bit too big, a secure fit cannot be guaranteed.
Measure head circumference
The head circumference can be easily measured with a measuring tape. The head circumference is determined two finger widths above the eyebrow and above the ears. If you don't have a measuring tape at hand, you can also put a string around your head and then measure it with a ruler or meter stick.
Bicycle helmets for children
A perfect fit of the bicycle helmet is extremely important, especially for children, because at least at a young age they are not very motor-skilled and are often inattentive or distracted. They fall more often than adults, which is why safety should be a top priority here. Under no circumstances should a helmet be bought too big for the child to grow into it. In addition, the helmet should of course look cool so that the child likes to wear it. If they don't like it, they may not always wear it - that's the biggest security risk. Bicycle helmets with integrated lighting are also recommended. For example, if the kids forget the obligatory clip-on lighting, the helmet can at least take over this task as an alternative - but beware: this is not StVZO-compliant. Bright helmet colors also increase visibility in traffic.
Bicycle helmets for women
For women with long hair, the question arises: where to put it when the bike helmet is on your head? The only thing that helps here is trying on and trying out, because the adjustment systems of the various manufacturers allow the hair to be threaded through to different degrees. Many women drive with their hair braided so that their hair does not fly around their ears while driving. So the decisive factor is: Can the hair be arranged with the helmet in such a way that a perfect fit is not affected?
Otherwise, specific women's and men's helmets usually only differ in color; some manufacturers only offer unisex models anyway.
Bike helmets for men
The selection of bicycle helmets is the largest for men. As a rule, you do not have to be considerate of your hair and often have a larger selection of colors. Otherwise, the same applies here: The helmet must fit well and bright colors increase visibility.
The correct fit of the bicycle helmet
Fit and adjustment options depend on the manufacturer
Basically, the shape of the head is individual and can be very different. In addition, each manufacturer works with its own sample heads. So if you have found a suitable bicycle helmet from a manufacturer, you can assume that other models from the manufacturer will usually also fit. For example, Uvex helmets fit quite well for long heads with a flat forehead. In addition, the manufacturers use different systems for adjustment. These are very individual and do not fit every head. The same applies here: the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
On the forehead, not over the forehead
A frequently observed error is a helmet pushed too far back. In this position, the forehead is not sufficiently protected - in the event of an impact, the helmet can also slide backwards more easily. The protective effect on the forehead and the front of the head is hardly or not at all available.
Adjust belts correctly
One of the most common mistakes when wearing a bike helmet is a strap that is too loose under the chin. This should be snug but not uncomfortable. If the strap is too loose, the helmet can be pushed off your forehead more easily in the event of a fall, increasing the risk of injury. The Y-piece should also be adjusted at the ears so that the two pieces of strap run cleanly past the ears.
PERFECT FIT - Firm and non-displaceable
Another common mistake is a helmet that doesn't fit perfectly. Of course, this must already be guaranteed at the time of purchase - the only thing that helps here is to try it on and compare. We therefore recommend that you buy a helmet from a specialist dealer and try it on conscientiously. It's too easy to be tempted by the shape and color of your dream helmet, putting safety in the background. So what is the perfect fit? The bicycle helmet should enclose the head in such a way that it cannot simply be pushed off the forehead even when the chin strap is open, as can be seen in the following examples. Only then does the helmet provide the best possible protection. Nevertheless, the bicycle helmet should of course also fit comfortably and not cause any pressure points.
Bike helmet safety
First of all: The market now offers a number of safety technologies and features - but none of this is of any use if the helmet doesn't sit and fit properly! The various standards are joined by simple features such as nets in the front ventilation slots that can prevent insects from entering. Distraction can also lead to a fall.
Independent tests such as the of the ADAC can provide more information about the safety of bicycle helmets. However, tests should always be examined carefully: For example, what is decisive is which accident scenarios were tested for. In some tests, factors such as wearing comfort and fit also have a significant influence on the test results - however, these are very individual and therefore hardly meaningful.
EU standard DIN EN 1078
In principle, only bicycle helmets that comply with the EU standard DIN EN 1078 may be sold in the EU. However, their criteria are only meaningful to a limited extent: For example, a speed of around 20 km/h is assumed. However, this is quickly exceeded, especially with powerful e-bikes. In addition, safety is only checked on the top of the head - in accidents, however, the forehead and temples are affected much more frequently. Helmets that meet this standard carry the CE seal of approval.
Dutch standard NTA 8776
Compared to the EU standard DIN EN 1078, the Dutch standard NTA 8776 requires more protection for the temples and neck. In addition, the shock absorption must be 40% higher. The test procedure also works at higher speeds, because the standard is designed for speed pedelecs. These can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h and are subject to compulsory helmets in Germany. Some helmets on the market already meet this standard.
American norm ASTM F1952–15
The ASTM F1952 – 15 standard was developed especially for downhill bike helmets. Although these are always equipped with a chin guard, the standard does not stipulate a chin guard. If there is a chin guard, it must also meet certain criteria. Overall, this standard places even higher demands on the resilience of the helmets.
MIPS rotation protection
MIPS stands for Mmultidirectional Iimpact Protection Ssystem and is intended to ensure that rotational movements are dampened in the event of an impact. A low-friction inner layer in the helmet is suspended from elastomers and has around 10 - 15 mm of freedom of movement in each direction. This can dampen a rotational movement that is very harmful to the brain. MIPS technology is offered by many manufacturers, mostly in the premium segment of bicycle helmets. However, there do not appear to be any independent studies on the effect of MIPS.
Tocsen fall sensors
Digital technologies like Tocsen sensors In conjunction with the smartphone, you can automatically make an emergency call if the cyclist no longer registers any movement after a fall. Help is called automatically: Other users of the Tocsen system in the surrounding area are alerted for quick help. Emergency contacts are also informed via app and SMS. Of course, the cell phone must have reception for this. Manufacturers such as Uvex and Alpina offer helmets with integrated sensors. A sensor can also be retrofitted to any helmet and the system can of course also be used for other sports. There are now apps for smartphones that work in a similar way - even without Tocsen.
In the event of a fall while wearing a bicycle helmet
Actioncam & Co - are attachments necessary on the bicycle helmet?
The tragic accident of Formula 1 star Michael Schumacher showed that attachments to the helmet, such as action cameras and their mounts, as well as helmet lamp mounts, can have a negative impact on the damage to a helmet and, in case of doubt, to the head. Although the accident happened with a ski helmet, safety can also be impaired by attachments on bicycle helmets. We therefore recommend removing all brackets and attachments when they are not needed. The manufacturer Bell addresses this issue with selected helmets, for example with its own helmet camera adapters, which are equipped with a kind of predetermined breaking point.
Unique bike helmet protection
A fall can damage the bicycle helmet in its structure, even if no damage is visible on the outside. Therefore, every helmet should be replaced after a fall. Some manufacturers offer a crash replacement here, where you get a new helmet about 20 - 50% cheaper. It is also advisable to replace a helmet after five to seven years - even if it has not experienced a fall. However, the material ages over time and perfect protection may no longer be available.
Conclusion on the subject of bicycle helmets
Regardless of whether a bicycle helmet is for children, women or men: it has to fit and sit properly, otherwise the protective effect is significantly reduced. Our guide shows the important points. You should definitely pay attention to these when buying, so that you are protected as best as possible in the next fall. So don't buy a helmet "blindly" in the online shop, don't let yourself be distracted by beautiful colors and shapes. Try different helmets to find the most suitable model. Modern security technologies such as MIPS are a good thing, but one thing is clear: The best technology is of little use if the helmet does not fit and sit properly!
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