Helmet Knowledge Every Cyclist Must Know

Do You Need to Wear a Helmet While Cycling? 

This mainly depends on your cycling speed, purpose, and environment. Of course, some people might say that a helmet is a must on the road. However, those more experienced cyclists are concerned with professional cycling safety, and this advice is not wrong.

Speed and danger are proportional. The faster you go, the less time you have to react. The chances of encountering an accident with other people or vehicles, or the possibility of slipping, turning, poor visibility, or even a flat tire, increase with speed.

For beginners or those who bought a mountain bike or an affordable road bike for commuting, I think it’s best to consider your personal feelings during the ride. If you feel like you’re riding too fast or it feels risky, it's time to wear a helmet.

I’ve checked some data, and in fatal cycling accidents (many involving e-bikes, though bicycles are less common), 75% of the deaths were caused by fatal head injuries.

A cycling helmet is the most solid protection for your head in cycling sports. Wearing a helmet while cycling can prevent head injuries to some extent and significantly reduce the mortality rate in accidents.

The Protection Mechanism of Bicycle Helmets 

A bicycle helmet consists of the outer shell, cushioning layer, comfort padding, and the fastening device. For the outer shell and cushioning layer, most products use PC (Polycarbonate) and EPS (EPS is a lightweight high-molecular polymer, mainly composed of polystyrene resin and foaming agents). The shell should be smooth, and you shouldn’t feel any rough edges when you touch it. The cushioning layer should not shift during wear.

Since cycling causes a lot of sweating, many helmets now have removable inner linings for cleaning, so you don’t have to ride with a smelly helmet all the time. The ventilation hole design greatly improves the comfort of the helmet.

How to Choose the Right Helmet 

If you have neck issues, consider the weight. There’s not much difference between a 300g and a 400g helmet. Almost everyone who spends long hours sitting at a desk has some neck discomfort. Personally, I feel that cycling is very helpful in relieving neck pain caused by sitting for long periods.

However, these benefits may be ruined by an ill-fitting helmet.

Measure your head circumference. This is something most male cyclists should consider. Most helmets are adjustable through a buckle, but there is usually a maximum size. Whether you ride for an hour or several hours, wearing a helmet that’s too tight will make you feel like you’re being tortured. Be sure to measure your head size properly.