When should you change your helmet?
- in the event of an impact
It is essential that you change your helmet as soon as it is subjected to an impact. Your helmet is designed to protect your head from an impact, and one impact only. When you fall, even if the helmet is not obviously damaged, it may be weakened and cracked in places which are not visible. Riding in a helmet which has already been subjected to an impact can be very dangerous because it will no longer fulfil its protective role.
- visible damage
If you can see damage to the helmet with your naked eye (small cracks, straps tearing off, parts coming unstuck, etc.) it is very important that you change your helmet. Only a helmet in good condition can protect you effectively.
- After a few years
Depending on your discipline and the number of rides you go on, you are advised to change your helmet if it gets too old (you can keep it for five years if you think it is in good condition). A helmet which is too old may have parts and materials which age less well than others, especially if your helmet is stored in a cold and/or damp place.
- change of discipline
If you want to try a new biking discipline, you will need a different helmet which is more suited to your new discipline. (For example: change from BMX to freeride, change from road biking to MTB, etc.).
- other possible reasons
There are a number of other reasons: quite simply because you want to change it, because you want a lighter helmet, one that looks more fashionable, is better ventilated, etc.
Choice of helmets
Size of cycling and MTB helmets
Helmet sizes are written in the format “53-56cm”, corresponding to the wearer’s minimum and maximum head circumference. To find out your size, you just need to measure around your head: use a flexible tape measure to measure around your head at your forehead, where it is biggest.
- Choosing a child’s helmet
The most important consideration when choosing a child’s helmet is size. Children grow quickly and there are various sizes available. Also check that they have ventilation holes and that they conform to the CE standard which validates helmet quality.
- Choosing a hybrid/city biking helmet
Hybrid and city biking helmets are usually relatively round and have lots of air holes. Check that you can wash the whole helmet, or at least the detachable foam inner parts. Check the standards which guarantee product quality (CE standard, etc.).
- Choosing a road biking helmet
Once you have a clear idea of the circumference of your head, you just need to pay attention to a few little things: presence of air holes, how the helmet is washed, standards (CE standard which validates quality), and possibly the weight of the helmet if you are looking for a really light one. Road biking helmets are generally all as lightweight as possible, the biggest difference being the design (aerodynamic shape and colours) of the helmet.
- Choosing a mountain biking helmet
In the case of conventional mountain biking use (challenging rides, cross country, etc.), helmets look very much like road and city biking helmets. They must have plenty of air holes, be certified (standards) and be relatively lightweight. MTB helmets may have little peaks, which protect against rain (possibly sun) or mud splashes.
- Choosing a Freeride helmet
If you go mountain biking in a very serious way, with jumps, mountain downhills, etc., it is very important that beginners and experts alike wear a helmet. Full-face helmets (like a motocross helmet, but lighter) are very effective because that really protect your whole head, including your jaw, in the event of a fall. Falls in these disciplines can be very serious and very violent, hence the importance of such a helmet.
- Choosing a BMX helmet
There are two possible types of helmet: full-face helmet (like a motocross helmet which really protects your whole head) and the “bowl”-type helmet, which as the name suggests looks like a bowl. Full-face helmets protect more but can also hinder you more (weight, visibility, etc.). They are generally used by BMX racers. “Bowl” helmets are more used in sports other than BMXing (city, skate park, etc.).
Wearing your helmet properly
The helmet must encircle your head properly and there must be no empty spaces or slack between the helmet and your head. It must be straight and cover the upper part of your forehead (a few centimetres above your eyebrows) and the back of your head. In the event of an impact only the helmet must be able to touch the ground.
The strap must neither be too tight (you need to able to turn your head without discomfort) or too slack (no chance that the strap will come out from under your chin). To be sure that the helmet is fitted properly, turn your head from left to right and then move your head up and down: Neither the helmet nor the strap should move or cause you discomfort.
Do not:
- wear your helmet without fastening it
There is no benefit in wearing your helmet on your head if you do not fasten it. It could even be more dangerous than not wearing it at all. In the event of a collision or fall your head will not be protected at all.
- ride without a helmet
While riding with a helmet is not compulsory, it is still very strongly recommended. A fall or collision, whatever your biking discipline, can happen to anyone, whether they are a beginner or experienced rider. Your helmet is an important safety component and can prevent serious after-effects. It could quite simply save your life. For any ride on any type of road or path, wear it!
- wear a helmet which is too big or badly fitted
An overly large helmet loses all effectiveness. Any impact will not be distributed across the whole helmet and can cause serious harm. A badly fitted helmet can be very dangerous and can strangle the wearer or injure him/her very seriously.
- use the helmet for anything other than biking
A bicycle helmet is designed exclusively for riding your bike. You must not use these helmets for motorsports (motorbike racing, for example). Similarly, a full-face BMX or Freeride MTB helmet is absolutely not designed or approved for motorbike racing, or anything other than biking.