How To Check Your Bike Helmet

HOW TO CHECK YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMET IS FIT FOR PURPOSE

Nobody enjoys crashing, yet it will undoubtedly happen at some point. When I'm abruptly and unintentionally separated from my bike, it's nice to know that my head is covered. Perhaps I'm becoming older and wiser, but preserving the few remaining brain cells is at the top of my priority list. Knowing that my helmet will do its job allows me to ride with confidence and appreciate the trails even more. While many of us spend hours tinkering with our bikes in the hopes of achieving technical perfection, when was the last time you examined your helmet?

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for when purchasing a new helmet or inspecting your current brain bucket!

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR HELMET?

To begin with, few individuals are aware that you should update your helmet every three years at the very least. A helmet begins to disintegrate as soon as it is created. This can be caused by UV damage, small scrapes from putting it in and out of kit bags, as well as larger knocks and even sweat. Examine the manufacturing label on the inside; if it's older than three years, you've got yourself a good reason to buy a new lid!

After any major collision in which your helmet has sustained a significant amount of damage, it should be replaced. It's also a good idea to inspect your helmet after you've traveled, as it could have been damaged in transportation.

The majority of helmets are constructed of EPS foam, which can be easily molded and is designed to distribute impact force. When EPS is hit, it crushes and changes shape, making certain sections of the helmet thinner and more vulnerable to another impact in the same spot.

When it comes to choosing a new lid, fit and function, as well as protection, are the most important factors. For fit, I want to see if it sits comfortably and securely on my head without wobbling. I check how far it comes down the back and sides of my head for protection.

More often than not I’m riding rocky trail in the mountains and that bit of extra coverage can make all the difference between walking away with just a dent in my pride and not in my head!