Bicycle helmets
Basically, there is no legal helmet obligation for cyclists in Austria, which means that adults do not have the obligation to wear helmets. There is only a helmet obligation for children up to the age of 12. The child must wear a bicycle helmet when riding a bicycle, being transported in a bicycle trailer or being carried on a bicycle. In Slovenia and Slovakia the obligation applies up to the age of14, in Iceland, in Sweden and Croatia up to the age of 15. In the Czech Republic, children & teenagers must wear a helmet when riding until they reach the age of majority (18 years). Due to the different legal regulations, it is always advisable to inform yourself in advance.
Safety first
However, bicycle helmets can be vital guardian angels and protect you from serious head injuries in the event of a fall. It doesn't matter whether you're just rolling a few meters to the supermarket, whizzing along country roads on a racing bike or making forest trails unsafe on a mountain bike. Bicycle helmets are available for every head, every budget and every riding style. There are no excuses for not wearing a helmet while cycling. Nowadays, almost all models offer sufficient ventilation, comfortable padding and a low weight. Here we inform you about quality criteria, differences between helmet types and give tips on buying the right bike helmet.Helmets consist of a hard foam shell, which is/will be covered with a thin layer of harder plastic. This foam is designed to protect the head and distribute the impact energy in a collision so that the head remains protected. Openings on the helmet allow air to pass through and circulate, so you sweat less. It is important that the helmet fits well and fits the intended use.
Very good bicycle helmets have such good damping that they do not exceed the value of 82G (82 times the acceleration due to gravity) even in the event of an impact at "only" around 20km/h.
Safety standards for bicycle helmets
All bicycle helmets sold in the EU and Switzerland must undergo a test procedure including a crash test. All helmets must meet safety standards and testing norms or they may not be sold.
Since after a crash the foam is deformed, the bicycle helmet is a disposable product, which must be replaced. Also, if there are cracks or other signs of wear, you should replace the old helmet immediately and buy a new one. At the latest after five to six years you should replace the helmet. Only then can the safety of the helmet be guaranteed.
Purchase
If you want to buy a bike helmet, pay attention to the fit and size. It is best to measure the circumference of the head in advance. The helmet should fit well in any case, ie not press, wobble or slip. Using a knob at the back of the head, you can adjust the fit of your helmet even finer, so that it sits securely and tightly.
However, the head measurement alone is not enough. It's best to try different helmets and use the dial or ratchet - both located on the back of the inner shell - to adjust the helmet so that it fits perfectly but doesn't pinch. The helmet should only rest on the areas that are also padded. The ears should be free. It is also worth paying attention to the closure. This is one to a maximum of two finger widths under the chin. In no case should it lie close to the chin or even cut into it. Most manufacturers offer a ratchet, magnetic or click closure. Since everyone has a different head shape, the choice of a bicycle helmet is always individual. Here, too, try out what fits best for you.
What to look for:
- CE marking, the helmet complies with the EN1078 standard.
- Ventilation slots for a cool head
- Strap system is permanently connected to the helmet
- One strap runs in front of the ear, one behind the ear, the ears are exposed
- The chin strap is easy to adjust, open and close
- Reflective materials are attached to the helmet
- Helmet purchase only with the person who will also wear the bicycle helmet
Bicycle helmets for adults are basically unisex. However, some manufacturers offer women's bicycle helmets that either have a more feminine design or have special adjustment systems that are comfortable to wear even with long hair or braids.
How the bicycle helmet fits properly
- The helmet fits when you can lean forward with the buckle open without losing the helmet.
- The helmet protects the forehead area, temples, top of the skull and back of the head.
- The helmet must fit snugly and must not rest too far back or too far forward.
- The helmet should fit snugly.
- The chin strap should not be too tight on the lower jaw - must not constrict or pinch.
Choice according to intended use - areas of application
The appropriate helmet type is derived from your field of application. There are differences in safety and protection, but also in comfort.
Helmets for MTB trail, enduro, downhill & more
In hardly any other area is the risk of falling as high as on the mountain bike. Therefore, a suitable mountain bike helmet is also an absolute must. Therefore, mountain bike helmets are drawn further down at the back and sides, so that they offer the greatest possible protection without becoming too heavy. Ventilation is an important consideration for all bike helmets, but is not the top priority for MTB helmets. Features that are adapted to the intended use are more important: Bike helmets with visors are popular; often the visor can also be adjusted so that it is compatible with goggles.
For use on downhill trails or in the bike park, a full-face helmet (also called "integral helmets") is intended. They offer the most protection and by the chin bar is also your face and jaw protected. The counterpart to full-face helmets are open-face helmets - colloquially also called "half-shell". In general, the helmet shell is often more robust and they are also better padded than half-shell MTB helmets.
Helmets for MTB Cross Country (XC)
Cross country bike helmets are available with or without a visor, depending on your taste. Unlike MTB trail helmets, they are lighter and particularly well ventilated.
Road bike helmets
On the road bike, of course, speed counts. Road bike helmets are aerodynamically optimized to keep air resistance as low as possible. This is why visors are completely dispensed with - so road bike helmets are particularly light and well ventilated at the same time. Their shape ensures the largest possible field of vision when holding the head, and optimal ventilation always helps to keep a cool head. Racing helmets also include time trial helmets, which are designed to be extremely aerodynamic and save several watts of power.
Dirt, BMX and skate helmets
Bicycle helmets in this category are usually simpler in design, but are particularly sturdy, so they offer reliable protection even in more severe falls. The ventilation is usually less intensive. Characteristic of these bicycle helmets is the typical round helmet shape.
Helmets for everyday, city and urban
The design of bicycle helmets for everyday use is usually rather simple and based on that of BMX and skate helmets. Everyday helmets offer a good compromise between lightness, good ventilation and safety. Some models are additionally equipped with safety lights and / or reflective elements, so you are well seen by other road users.
Bicycle helmets for children
In essence, a bicycle helmet for children is not much different from bicycle helmets for adults. For both, the helmet is designed to perform the same function, which is to protect your head from impact in the event of a fall. However, there are a few differences, of course. Bike helmets for kids are smaller, of course. The designs are often more playful, so that children also like to wear their bike helmet. In terms of shape, there are no differences between bike helmets for girls and bike helmets for boys, but in terms of design, there are definitely different variants.
Extras and special features
Some bike helmets come standard with additional features or can be upgraded. Popular extras include:
- Crash sensors that can independently make an emergency call in the event of an accident by connecting to a smartphone
- integrated chips that can provide first responders with important medical information (so-called "NFC medical ID tags")
- Electronic additions such as lights for better visibility
- Turning lights that act as turn signals and can be controlled remotely from the handlebars
- Bluetooth hands-free phone system
Click here to go to the helmet selection.
The optimal care for your helmet
The better a bicycle helmet is cared for, the longer it will retain its full protective effect and the longer it will take before it needs to be replaced. The following three tips will extend the life of your helmet:
- Clean a dirty helmet inside and out with lukewarm water. Use a gentle dishwashing detergent at most, but never thinners or solvents.
- If possible, store your bike helmet in a dry and cool room and avoid permanent, direct sunlight.
- The pads of the helmet should be removed regularly and washed in the washing machine at 30 degrees on the gentle cycle.
When do I need to replace an old helmet?
Bicycle helmets do not last forever, but are subject to natural aging. This is especially true for the protective hard shell. The actual durability depends on the stress caused by sunlight, moisture and vibrations. A heavily used helmet should already be replaced after 3 years. Even after this short time, the helmet can lose a significant portion of its protective effect and thus no longer protect effectively in the event of a fall. Helmets that are not used much last an average of 5-6 years. Even after a fall, a bicycle helmet should be replaced immediately. Even if the helmet appears undamaged on the outside, it may already have cracks and other damage on the inside. Important: A helmet is a safety-relevant piece of equipment. False thriftiness is out of place here!
Smart heads seek advice
If you are unsure which helmet suits you best, then go to a specialist shop for advice.
We are happy to advise you! Just give us a call or send us an e-mail!
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