Choosing a helmet
Helmet types
- Road and gravel helmet – light, well ventilated and aerodynamic. No visor or a small one.
- City and commuter helmet – often with integrated lights, reflectors and a visor. Also protects the back of the head.
- Trail and enduro helmet (open face) – deeper coverage at the sides and back, adjustable visor. The most common choice for mountain biking.
- 3/4 helmet – more coverage over the sides of the jaw than an open-face helmet, without a fixed chin bar.
- Full face – a fixed chin bar for fast enduro, bike park and downhill riding. Helmets made for downhill are also tested for harder impacts.
How to measure your size
Measure your head circumference with a non-stretch tape about 1–2 cm above your eyebrows, above the ears and around the widest part of the back of your head. Compare the measurement with the manufacturer's size chart: sizes are given in centimetres, for example M 55–59 cm. If you are between two sizes, try both.
The right fit
- The helmet sits level and covers your forehead – the front edge about two finger-widths above your eyebrows.
- With the rear dial tightened, the helmet does not move when you shake your head.
- The straps form a V just below your earlobes, and one finger fits under the chin strap.
- The helmet does not press anywhere – pressure points become noticeable on long rides.
Rotational protection and standards
Many helmets have rotational impact protection such as MIPS. It lets the helmet shell move slightly relative to the head in an angled impact, reducing the rotational motion transferred to the brain. Bicycle helmets sold in Europe must meet the EN 1078 standard.
When should you replace a helmet?
Always replace a helmet after a crash or impact, even if no damage is visible – the impact-absorbing material compresses only once. Sun, sweat and time also weaken the materials, and many manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet every few years.
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