Buyer’s Guide: Helmet’s

Shopping for a new helmet and need to know what to look for?  In this article, we’ll be covering topics such as aerodynamics, comfort, breatability, and most importantly safety.

Safety
Before considering purchase of a helmet for its style, comfort, and breathability, be sure it meets Bicycle Helmet Standards. These standards are put in place to ensure helmet manufacturers are accountable while analyzing the safety of their products and meet requirements. For those in the U.S., the standard can be seen labeled as CPSC inside the helmet.  (Consumer Product Safety Commission)  For other country standards, please click HERE.

Comfort:
Second to safety, comfort is a top priority when considering a helmet. There are plenty of manufacturers that offer several types of padding’s, special sweat guards near the brow, and extra padding on the rear of a helmet to avoid feeling a bracket or spin dial that aids in fitting a helmet snugly around your head, and increasing comfort on those long days in the saddle

Breathability
How well a helmet allows cool air to enter and exit is important in dissipating sweat and avoiding a hot head during warmer seasons. This becomes more prevalent while tackling those epic climbs as your average speed will be less than that of a flat road, and therefore a decreased amount of air traveling between your head and the helmet. Paying close attention to how many air ports a helmet has could aid in determining this factor.

Aerodynamics
Along with breath ability, an aero helmet will have fewer air ports to eliminate drag and slip through the wind, where other helmets will be considered “climbing helmets” and marketed towards those who desire greater ventilation over aerodynamics.
With advancements in research and development, you will find that some manufactures are able to offer a little bit of both worlds, for example, the company POC with their Ventral Spin helmet offers both aerodynamics and ventilation.  A quick stop at your local bike shop is recommended as this will allow you to discuss your riding style, and goals with a store associate to better determine an ideal fit.

With advancements in research and development, you will now find that some manufactures are able to offer a little bit of both worlds, for example, the company POC with their Ventral Spin helmet offers both aerodynamics and ventilation.

A quick stop at your local bike shop is recommended to discuss your riding style, and goals with a store associate to determine an ideal fit.

 

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