Mountain Bike Helmets

A bike helmet legally has to be worn when riding a bicycle in Australia. Helmets are designed to reduce the effects of impacts to the head if a cyclist falls off their bike. Sure, back in the day before it became illegal to ride without a bicycle helmet, you were uncool if you wore one; today, with the different designs and colors available, the exact opposite is the case.

One way to think about it is that not many people would hop into a car and not put on a seat belt, so why would you go for a ride on your bike without a helmet. They simply make sense in all riding conditions...and hey, we’ve only got one brain.

Mountain Bike helmets are built to offer maximum protection from trail side obstacles. Typically these helmets include visors and more extensive rear-head and side-head coverage. Special retention systems provide a firm and secure fit on rough terrain. Cyclocross riders often seek out these helmets.

When it comes to choosing a mountain bike helmet, a good fit is essential. To work out your size you can measure your head with a flexible tape measure… simply put it around your head and record your measurement. That’s your size. Some manufacturers vary with their sizing, but below is a pretty good estimation.

Small: 51cm-55cm
Medium: 55cm-59cm
Large: 59cm-63cm

No matter what size you end up being, simple adjustments to the retention system on the bike of the helmet can customize the fit for you. All of the mountain bike helmets we stock at Bums on Bikes have this system so you can ensure you are getting the correct fit.

To adjust the fit of the helmet, adjust the retention system at the back of the helmet to the largest point. Place the helmet on your head and then turn the dial until you get a snug fit. Once in place the helmet should be snug on your head but not tight. It must sit level on your head with the front edge no more than 1 inch above your eyebrows. Push the helmet forward and back, and left to right. If the helmet moves noticeably, it is too big…so adjust the strap at the bike and try again.

The next step is to buckle up and tighten the chinstrap. Push up on the front edge of the helmet then up on the back. Again if they helmet moves noticeably in either direction, tighten the straps and try again. Adjust the straps around the ears to get a comfortable fit.

 Finally, with the chinstrap buckled, open your mouth. If the helmet doesn’t press against your forehead when you do this, tighten further and repeat.

Components of a Helmet:

Liner: Most helmet liners are made of expanded polystyrene foam. Upon impact, this liner dissipates the force of the impact to protect your head. Make sure the liner fits your head comfortably and there is no damage or dints.

Shell: Most helmets are covered with a plastic shell to hold the helmet together in a crash, provide puncture-resistance and allow the helmet to slide on impact. Make sure the shell is completely intact and in good shape.

Ventilation: Helmet vents enhance the wind flow over you head keeping you cooler and more comfortable as you ride. In general, the more vents there is the cooler you will be.

Straps: Find a helmet strap system that is comfortable and easy to get in and out of. Also make sure that it matches you riding style. When to replace your helmet: If your helmet is ever involved in an accident…replace it (even if it looks OK)!! Anything could have happened under the top shell that you can’t see and it just isn’t worth the risk. At Bums on Bikes, we recommend that you replace your helmet after 5 years, even if the helmet has sustained any damage or impact as pollution, UV light and weathering can potentially weaken the helmet over time.

Tips:

• DO NOT use chemical solvents to clean a helmet. We recommend using only a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water.

• DO NOT store a helmet in an attic, garage, car boot or other areas that get hot. Excessive heat may cause bubbles to form on the helmets. Never wear a heat-damaged helmet.

• Never lend your helmet to other cyclists. You need to know exactly what kind of treatment your helmet has experienced during the whole time you have had it.