Bike Helmets

Bicycle Helmets are the single most important piece of cycling safety equipment you can buy. At Wersell's, we have a variety of great helmets from Giro and Louis Garneau.

Fit

It is imperative that cycling helmets fit properly. A helmet that is too large can easily slide off in the event of a fall, rendering it useless, while a helmet that is too small is simply uncomfortable. Some of our helmet shells are one-size-fits-all, while others come in varying sizes. However, all the helmets we sell at Wersell's have some sort of internal retention system to customize the fit of the helmet. Once you find the helmet shell size that fits you, this retention system is used to snug the helmet down around your head and keep it in place. In combination with the chin strap, this should keep the helmet in place during even the most horrendous crash, protecting your head from injury. In order to test the fit of a helmet, place it on the head. The front rim of the helmet should sit just above the eyebrows. Many people ride with their helmets tilted back on the head, and this does not allow the helmet to protect the head in the event of a frontal impact. Once the helmet is on the head properly, adjust the retention system for proper snugness. With the chin strap undone, the helmet should stay in place as the wearer rocks their head forward and back or from side to side. Another good test of fit is the "pick-up" test. While wearing the helmet, bend over as if you were picking up a penny from the floor. The helmet should stay in place even with the chin strap undone. Once this fit is achieved, it is time to adjust the chin strap. The rule of thumb is to give enough room to fit two finger between the chin and the strap. When buckled, the strap should be tight enough that it cannot slide over the chin, but loose enough to open the mouth.

How Helmets Work

Helmets use a high impact styrofoam to absorb the force of a fall. In the event of a crash, the styrofoam compresses and sometimes cracks as it absorbs the force of the impact. It is completely normal for a helmet to break during a hard crash. After any crash in which the helmet has taken an impact, it is important to inspect the helmet for damage. If you find any deformation or cracking, replace the helmet immediately. It has done its job and is ready for retirement.

Helmet Care

It is important to take good care of your helmet, as it is protecting you from potentially fatal injury. Avoid storing your helmet in direct sunlight, or in a car on a hot day. The heat can damage the structure of the foam, limiting its ability to absorb force. Avoid getting lubricants or oils on the helmet, as they can sometimes interact with the foam, eating it away or causing it to become brittle. This again limits its ability to absorb force and protect you. To clean your helmet, use a mild soap and water. Most helmets feature removeable pads that are machine washable, but require air drying. It is important to replace your helmet every two years, as UV rays degrade the structural integrity of the foam over time, reducing its ability to absorb impact and protect you.

Price

Helmets start around $30, but can cost as much as $150. It is important to point out that a more expensive helmet does not equal a safer helmet. All helmets must meet the same government safety ratings, so even the least expensive helmet will protect you in a fall. More expensive helmets use ligher weight materials, feature better ventilation, and utilize better retention systems. In other words, a more expensive helmet will generally be ligher, more comfortable, more breathable, and offer better fit.