Helmets are experiencing what feels like a revival. More and more cyclists proudly display their colorful life savers. According to Next Mobilty, the number of regular helmet users has increased by 6% in 2022 in Germany! And with good reason. Helmets protect your head in a fall, preventing injury or worse. "Thank goodness I had a helmet on " - that's what people like to hear. Since (unfortunately) helmets are not mandatory for cyclists, everyone is responsible for protecting themselves.

1. measure the head circumference

To find the right helmet for you, first measure your head circumference. The easiest way to do this is with a flexible measuring tape and a person to help you. If you don't have a tape measure at hand, you can also use a string and a yard stick. You start measuring over one ear. Run the string or tape measure forward over the forehead. There should fit 2 fingers between the tape and the eyebrows. Now continue the string over the other ear and to the back of the head. At the back of the head, the cord runs just above the skull bone. Now close the circle to the first ear. At the point where the tape measure overlaps, make a mark and read the result. If you use the cord-and-yard stick method, measure the length of the used cord on the yard stick.

2. choose the helmet

Helmet sizes are given in ranges, for example from 50 to 55cm. This is because bike helmets have an adjustable band inside that can be adjusted larger and smaller with a wheel or slider in the helmet shell at the back of your head. So with your measured head size, you can choose the helmet in your appropriate size range.
Depending on the area of use, there are different helmet types and styles. Maybe you have already seen a mountain bike race and you have noticed the helmets that almost look like motorcycle helmets. Of course, you don't necessarily need a helmet like that in the city - unless you want to! So there are bike helmets for "wild" rides and for the quiet everyday ride. No matter which helmet you choose, it should definitely not pinch and should only rest on the padded inner parts. For everyday helmets, the ears should be exposed. The edge of the helmet should be exactly as you measure it - 2 finger width above the eyebrow and just above the skull bone. The chin strap should be 2 finger widths below the chin. Under no circumstances should it go all the way up to your skin, or it could cut in or even choke you. If you have adjusted the helmet tightness with theinner strap using the wheel, the helmet should not move when you shake your head. If you think about its function, that makes sense too. The helmet should in no case slip or wobble!


If you have fallen and your helmet has suffered obvious damage, you must of course replace it. Even if you only see a small crack in the shell or are unsure whether the insulating foam in the helmet has been damaged, you should invest in a new helmet. It is often recommended that you replace the helmet if it has fallen. My helmet once sailed down the cellar stairs. I rode with it for two days, but then I was overcome with the urge to buy a new one. Just for fun, we cracked open the helmet and lo and behold, the foam was completely compacted in one place and wouldn't have fully protected me in a fall. * So if you're unsure, better invest in a new helmet. Even if you've had your helmet for a long time, remember that the foam and plastic will decay and become brittle over time. If you're going to wear a helmet, wear it properly!


Source:
next-mobility.de/fahrradhelm-gewinnt-an-popularitaet-a-1111402