It's a fact: About 1,000 American bicyclists die in crashes each year-- and around three-fourths die from head injuries. Hundreds suffer permanent brain damage. Many of these are experienced, careful riders-- maybe just like you. And most of these head injuries can be prevented with bike helmets! If you think that wearing a helmet is a hassle or just isn't cool, think about how "cool" it will be to be in a wheelchair for the rest of your life. Today's helmets are lightweight, fashionable, cool and inexpensive -- especially compared to an emergency room visit.

 

 

The two basic helmet types are hard shell and soft shell. Hard-shell helmets have a thin plastic surface, while soft-shell helmets have only the soft (usually white) foam surface. Hard shells can be safer on the street: When the shell hits rough pavement it'll skid, rather than catch on something and break your neck.

Also, a hard shell keeps the helmet's core-- the soft foam part-- from getting scratched and nicked. So if you do buy a soft-shell helmet, get a cloth or nylon cover that stretches over the whole helmet. Make sure the cover's on tight so it'll slide if you fall.

If you have a crash and your helmet takes an impact, replace it right away. Some companies, take Giro for example, will request that you send them your helmet if you crash. They will then analyze it to see how they can improve their safety and will also send you a new helmet for free. An impact can damage a helmet's foam core, meaning that it won't protect you again.

Rating: Look on the inside of the helmet: It should have a green or blue Snell sticker (fig. 1), meaning the helmet passed the Snell Foundation's tests for safety. Fit: You must have a good fit. A snug fit means that if your head hits more than once, the helmet stays in place. Most brands of adult helmets come in two or three sizes, and you make them fit by adjusting the chin strap and putting foam pads around inside. Don't wear your helmet tilted back, it won't protect your skull in a frontal impact. New Technology: In the newest helmets, companies, like Giro have come up with something new that they call "RocLoc" (fig. 2). What this system does is it gives the back of you head some support where the straps come together. The plastic piece fits below the helmet and sits against the back of your head, preventing the helmet from sliding off. And if you are worried about not being able to wear your hair back in a pony tail, don't fret! Giro has made the "RocLoc2" (fig. 3) Ponytail-friendly! Specialized Air Piranha

fig. 1   fig. 2 fig. 3 How to Check For A Good Fit a. The helmet sits level on your head. b. You can't easily shift the helmet to the front, back, or sides of your head. c. With the straps tight, you can't possibly get the helmet off. If the helmet fails these, adjust the straps, put in bigger pads, or try another size.

Cost: You can get a good Snell-rated bike helmet for $30 to $80. Hard shells cost a little more than soft. More costly helmets usually aren't much safer, but they have better ventilation, weigh less, and look cool. Before you buy a helmet, always try it on or have your bicycle store's staff fit you.

Ventilation: A helmet's ventilation depends on front-to-back flow. Good air flow comes from long, wide air vents, and air passages (or troughs) between the vents (Bald, light-skinned cyclists beware: big vents can cause weird tan lines!)

Weight: Less expensive helmets are usually only ounces heavier than expensive ones-- and most cyclists notice no difference. If you think you need an ultra-light helmet, test-ride a regular one to make sure.

Aerodynamics: Many cyclists worry that some helmet safety features, such as sun visors, will increase wind resistance. Don't worry; a helmet's design won't slow you down unless you're going at warp speed.