Wearing a bike helmet is a must! It’s no surprise that wearing a helmet drastically reduces the chance of head injuries while cycling. To be specific, a 2023 report found that wearing the right helmet reduces serious head injuries by 60%, reduces traumatic brain injuries by 53%, and reduces the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured by 34%.
So, we know that wearing a helmet is the smart thing to do while cycling, but how do you know which helmet is right for you? We’ve created this helmet buying guide to ensure you get the right fit and style for your noggin.
Read up on the basics of bike helmets and follow these simple steps to learn everything you need to know and make buying your perfect helmet a breeze!
1. Choose Your Helmet Style
Most riders start by finding a helmet that complements their bike and preferred style of riding. The four general categories listed below are helpful in leading you in the right direction, but bike helmets are somewhat versatile: as long as they fit your head right, they’ll keep you safe.
Still, if there’s a particular kind of riding you prefer, you can take advantage of tailor-made safety and design features. Plus, you’ll narrow down your helmet selection instantly, streamline your buying process, and have more time to ride!
There are four general styles of bike helmets:
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Road bike helmets are designed to be light and aerodynamic, with ample ventilation and breathability. They’re perfect for cyclists who prioritize comfort, speed, and longevity.
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Mountain bike helmets feature extended rear coverage and extra protection to accommodate rough off-road riding. They also sometimes have visors to protect the eyes and face from branches, and they’re typically compatible with goggles.
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Recreational/fitness helmets are designed for casual riding. They boast all the essential features to keep your head protected along with adequate ventilation. They also boast some fun designs popular with urban commuters!
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Multisport or BMX helmets can also be used as skateboarding helmets. They usually have a rounded shape that covers the back of the head, and their foam liners are thick and shock-absorbent, though they have limited ventilation.
Again, there is some overlap and flexibility among helmet styles, so find the fit and style that work best for you! Once you narrow down your ideal helmet style, the next step is to understand their general mechanics.
2. Understand How Bike Helmets Work
Of course, you don’t really need to know all the specifics about how bike helmets keep you safe. But it helps to have a general understanding of their construction and effectiveness.
Helmets are comprised of three main components:
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The shell — This is the hard outer part of the helmet, often made of a plastic called polycarbonate. In the event of a crash, the shell disperses the forces of the initial impact and holds the inner liner together.
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The liner — Next is the foam liner inside the shell, which is typically made of expanded polystyrene, or EPS. On impact, this dense foam transfers kinetic energy around your head, promoting movement and reducing the chance of traumatic brain injuries.
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Retention system — This is how the helmet is secured front-to-back and side-to-side. It usually consists of a dial at the back of the helmet and adjustable chinstraps, allowing the helmet to fit snugly but comfortably around the rider’s head and ensuring it won’t move out of place upon impact.
This brief overview of how helmets are made should help you along the next step of the process: finding the perfect fit.
3. Find a Helmet That Fits
This is the most crucial thing when buying a new helmet: make sure it properly fits your head. You’ll want it to feel both comfortable and snug. If your head has too much wiggle room inside the shell, you’ll be at risk of injury if you should take a fall.
Follow these steps to figure out your correct helmet size:
1. Measure your head circumference.
- Find a flexible tape measure, string, or belt.
- Wrap it around the largest part of your head (typically right above the temples).
- Note the measurement (if you’re using string or a belt, you’ll need to measure it against a yardstick or ruler).
2. Find your size based on the manufacturer’s helmet specs.
- Each brand has a sizing chart you can reference to find your size. Most helmets come in small, medium, or large.
- If you plan to shop in-store at an ERIK'S location, come prepared with your head circumference measurement so you can expedite your search and try on ideal helmets for you.
3. Adjust the tightness.
- Twist the dial at the rear of the helmet to adjust its tightness. Remember, the helmet should be tight enough so it doesn’t wobble when you move your head, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it’s uncomfortable.
- If the helmet you are considering doesn’t feature an adjustment dial, you can add or remove the interchangeable interior foam pads to achieve the right level of snugness on your head.
- If the helmet you’re considering doesn’t feature an adjustment dial, you can add or remove the interchangeable interior foam pads to achieve the right level of snugness on your head.
4. Buckle and adjust the chinstrap.
- The straps should surround each ear evenly, forming the letter “V.”
- The helmet should press down firmly upon the top of your head.
- The chinstrap should press against the underside of your chin with enough slack to allow the mouth to easily open and close.
Here are some other helpful sizing tips to keep in mind:
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Different brands fit differently. Your head is unique, and so are the different helmet brand designs. Try on a variety to see which one fits best.
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When in doubt, size down. If you’re between sizes, size down for a snug fit.
And if you need to find a helmet for the younger cyclists in your crew, we can help with that too! Check out our Bike Helmet Size Guide for Children.
Now that we’ve covered helmet styles, mechanics, and fit, it’s time to discuss some of the most exciting innovations and technologies that have made bike helmets safer than ever before.
4. Learn About the Newest Helmet Innovations
Many new bike helmets feature cutting-edge innovations to increase protection, comfort, and rider enjoyment. Here are just some of the attractive features you may want to look for in a helmet:
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Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) — This technology features a low-friction layer between the shell and liner that allows the helmet to slide relative to the cyclist’s head, providing additional protection against rotational motion. Shop all helmets with MIPS protection.
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ANGi — ANGi, a proprietary technology from Specialized, stands for “angular and g-force indicator.” It’s a sensor that measures forces that typically occur during a bike crash, and it calls for help if you’re unable. Just pair the sensor with the Specialized Ride app and ANGi is ready to help.
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Communication features — Some helmets feature a Bluetooth connection to mobile devices and even other helmets. This allows you to stay in communication with other riders, make and receive phone calls, or even listen to audio without using headphones or earbuds. SENA helmets are a great option for wireless communication.
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Built-in lights and mounts — As helmets evolve to accommodate riders’ desires, features like built-in taillights and camera/light/mirror mounts are becoming more common. One example of a helmet featuring a built-in taillight is the Specialized Centro MIPS helmet.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Helmet at ERIK'S
There you have it: four simple steps to finding your ideal bike helmet. Understanding the basics of how helmets work, knowing the different styles (and your own riding preference), learning about all the features and innovations they offer, and discovering the perfect fit will all lead you to the perfect bike helmet, which (if used properly) will keep you safe for years.
Looking for more assistance? Check out our video on how to buy a bike helmet online!
Keep in mind that helmets don’t last forever—manufacturers recommend replacing them every three to five years and immediately after a collision. Read more about when to replace your bike helmet.
If you’re ready to explore our huge online inventory of bike helmets, start browsing today! Or if you have a few more questions or need further guidance, stop into your local ERIK’S or contact our Brain Trust team and we’ll help make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and prepared for your next cycling excursion.