The Straight Dirt on Bike Helmets, According to Experts

In a world full of gadgets and gear, there’s one cycling component that crowns them all—the bike helmet. Simply put, it protects your head from critical injury in the event of an accident—and, as indelibly demonstrated by the French Revolution, keeping a healthy head on your shoulders is essential for future happiness. In some places, wearing a bike helmet is required by law—but in all places, wearing a bike helmet is a good common-sense safety practice. Bike helmets have a limited life span, and most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 5-10 years—so if you’re getting ready to dust off an older bike helmet and put it into use, it’s a good idea to consider its age and condition before taking it out on the road. Likewise, if you have an aging helmet that’s been a good companion for many years of riding, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommended timeline for replacement. At VBT, we replace our helmets every three to five years—because the safety of our guests is always our top priority.

Extra Impact Protection with MIPS®

To get the skinny on bike helmets big and small, we spoke to VBT Tour Manager Matt Lyon about what to look for in a new bike helmet. “If you walk into a store that sells bike helmets anywhere in the United States, those helmets are all certified for safety,” says Matt. “Whether it’s a $30 helmet or a $350 helmet, they will all have passed a basic safety certification, so you know that helmet is going to protect your head in the event of a crash.” With the basic safety certification as the standard for all bike helmets sold in the United States today, it begs the question—why spring for something more expensive? “I hear this question all the time,” explains Matt. “And from a safety perspective, there is another component to certain helmets which is known as MIPS®—or multidirectional impact protection system. Not every helmet is equipped with MIPS, so that can be a big differentiator.” MIPS adds an extra layer of protection inside your helmet which effectively redirects rotational motion away from the head—offering an additional element of protection in case of impact. It’s worth noting that all VBT helmets are equipped with MIPS—so you can be sure that when you join a VBT adventure and use a VBT helmet, you’re getting the best possible protection for your head.

When choosing a helmet, it’s important to find a good fit—and most bike helmets are equipped with an adjustment system that allows you to make micro adjustments to fit the helmet perfectly on your head for maximum protection. “Most helmets have a retention system, usually with a dial at the back of the helmet that turns to tighten or loosen the fit,” Matt explains. “Your helmet should fit comfortably and snug—but not so tight it causes headaches.” It’s also important to adjust the helmet chin strap so it fits securely. If you’re not sure how to find the right fit, your local bike shop is a great place to start. “Any good bike shop will be happy to guide you towards a bike helmet that’s an excellent fit for you,” explains Matt. “They can also help you narrow down your options if you are looking for specific features like sun visors or ventilation—and they can help make adjustment to ensure maximum comfort and safety.” If you haven’t already, it’s a great idea to find a bike shop you can trust. Their friendly, expert staff will be happy to listen to your needs, and answer your questions, as you explore their beloved pastime.

Maximizing Comfort, Speed, and Visibility

Before you set out to purchase a bike helmet, it’s a great idea to consider the weather where you’ll be riding. “If you’re out West riding in the hot desert, you’re not going to be comfortable wearing a big heavy helmet that keeps the heat in,” says Matt. “There are many excellent quality helmets out there that offer maximum impact protection while also maintaining ample ventilation to keep you cool while pedaling.” In addition, you’ll find other optional features such as sun visors and breathable rain caps that can help you stay comfortable in all sorts of weather.

For avid cyclists looking to increase their speed, reducing weight and increasing aerodynamics are essential for success. “Some manufacturers design bike helmets that are more performance oriented,” explains Matt. “A performance helmet definitely is going to meet all standard safety criteria while also minimizing air resistance and increasing the airflow throughout the helmet.” Of course, a high-end bike helmet isn’t going to be cheap—but the lightweight aerodynamic design might just be what you need to up your game.

If you’re just getting into cycling, you’ve probably noticed the wide variety of fancy cycling attire—often in garish colors. But make no mistake, it’s not just fashion sense—an eye-catching cycling kit promotes visibility and helps prevent accidents. “If you’re cycling on the road, it’s important to wear bright colors so you’re more easily spotted by drivers,” explains Matt. “Wearing a brightly colored bike helmet can actually prevent accidents from happening by making you more visible on the road.” When picking your next helmet, consider where you’ll be riding, and the colors that are likely to surround you. For example, if you’re riding in a green, leafy environment, go for a helmet in bright orange or vibrant shades of pink; if you’re riding in the desert, a fluorescent green might be a good choice. No matter what you decide, visibility is always an important consideration to maximize safety and enhance the pleasure of your ride.

Second Hand Helmets: Deal or Disaster?

What about second hand helmets? By now, we all know the value of preserving our natural environment—and “reduce, reuse, recycle” has long been a core VBT mantra. But when you don’t know the history of a particular bike helmet, there’s no way to know whether it’s ever been in a crash. “Sometime, a helmet can incur impact without obvious signs of damage,” Matt explains. “There’s a whole internal structure to the helmet that isn’t visible to the eye. Unless you know for sure whether the helmet has been in a crash, it’s probably best to avoid buying a second hand helmet.” At VBT, we immediately retire any helmet involved in an accident—because it’s not worth taking chances.

If you do take a tumble with your helmet, it’s important to check it carefully for any dents or cracks. “Many manufacturers have a crash replacement program,” says Matt. “Especially if you’re considering spending a lot of money on a higher-end helmet, it’s a good idea to find out if the manufacturer offers crash replacement. It might just turn out to be an excellent value.” In the unlikely event that your helmet does sustain an impact, it’s always a good idea to bring it down to your local bike shop for a professional evaluation. When it comes to safety, it’s worth the effort!