How to Properly Wear a Mountain Bike Helmet
Wearing a helmet while riding a mountain bike is critically important for all riders. Helmets provide essential protection for the head, significantly reducing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities in the event of a fall or collision. For young riders, who are still developing their coordination and biking skills, helmets are a crucial safety measure. But simply wearing a helmet is not sufficient, an athlete must have helmet protection that fits properly. Buying a helmet that doesn’t fit correctly will reduce or eliminate the protection it is designed to provide.
Helmets come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. If you look around at a Georgia Cycling race you will see an array of different styles. This is partially due to different personal taste, but it is also because everyone’s head is a different shape and size. So what fits one person, might not properly fit the next. So it is crucial that you find a helmet that is comfortable and fits properly. Manufacturers also make helmets specifically for people with long hair and ponytails.
HOW TO WEAR A HELMET
A helmet should cover the head. If it is too small, it will be uncomfortable and a helmet that is too big will move around. In both cases, you risk compromising the safety integrity of the helmet. The helmet should sit level to the head, and come midway down on the forehead.
CHECKING FOR TIGHTNESS
The straps should straddle the ears on each side. The strap under the chin should be snug. A good check for tightness is to place one or two fingers – no more than two – between the chin and strap. If you can do that, the helmet is likely adjusted correctly. This finger test should be done every time you wear the helmet because straps can and will loosen up.
In this example, the helmet is too far back on the athlete’s head. Also, note that the chin strap is much too loose. In the event of a tumble, the helmet will not work as it has been designed and may not provide the proper protection.
This is an example of a helmet sitting too low on an athlete’s forehead. The helmet so far forward, that there is little protection should the rider fall forward. The strap is also too loose and will provide little protection.
Here is a great example of a helmet being worn correctly. The helmet is centered from side to side and front to back. The strap under the chin is snug but comfortable and allows for proper movement.
CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER
These are high-level guidelines that should apply to most helmets. However different helmets may have different ways of confirming a proper fit. Therefore, you should always consult with the helmet manufacturer for the proper placement of your helmet.
Lastly, most, if not all, manufacturers recommend changing the helmet after a crash. These helmets are not designed for repeated impacts. Very often the helmet manufacturers have a trade-in program for helmets involved in a crash resulting in a head impact. Before you purchase, ask your point of purchase about their trade-in program.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR: Michel van Musschenbroek has been a volunteer with the Georgia Cycling Association since 2015. He is currently one of the coach trainers in the state and is a former provincial champion and nationally ranked speed skater. Entering his first cycling race in 1974, he had success competing in Road Races, Criteriums, and Track and was regional Time Trial and Criterium champion.