A bicycle helmet is one of the many types of protection for outdoor enthusiasts. With increasing speeds, the risk of injury increases, whether it is a walk along the busy city streets or an extreme sport on a bicycle. Particularly relevant is the issue of protecting children from possible injuries.
History
A bicycle helmet has become popular due to the general development of freeways, an increase in speed limits and a large number of vehicles on the roads.
The first serious development to create a helmet was undertaken in the seventies of the last century. Increasing fatal accidents forced some athletes and fans of fast two-wheeled vehicles to use a hockey headgear as a bicycle helmet.
Unfortunately, such protection was rather illusory than real. Sports equipment companies continued to develop and manufacture helmets for cyclists. In 1984, the ANSI (American National Institute of Standards) committee defined clear criteria for them. A large number of equipment that did not meet the approved requirements disappeared from the market.
Giro company
Giro is recognized as the global manufacturer of bicycle guards and helmets. It is located in the city of Santa Cruz, USA. The use of innovative developments, unique design and high-tech production helps the company to maintain a leading position in the sales market.
Giro bicycle helmets must be thoroughly tested in the laboratory before being released to the wide sale. According to the test results, the models are finalized and brought to perfection.
Helmets not only perfectly protect the athlete's head, but also provide comfort in use. Advantages of models:
- openings for ventilation, and the intensity of ventilation can be adjusted;
- hair holes;
- size adjustment;
- light weight;
- stylish design;
- the use of modern materials;
- unsurpassed durability of helmets.
Types of helmets
There are three main types of protective hats for cycling.
- Sports - a universal model, suitable for mountain, highway and city roads. It is used by skateboarders and skaters.
- Helmets for mountain roads are designed for maximum protection. Their design provides for a visor, a wide back for reliable protection of the neck and a special system that firmly fixes the product on the head. A bicycle helmet of this model is also used by cyclists participating in cycling.
- Special helmets for racing and road biking. They are characterized by lightness, excellent aerodynamic performance, good ventilation. These helmets are used mainly by professional racers.
In addition to types, helmets are also divided by type of construction:
- A bowler hat is the simplest model. Usually used in urban environments, it has a characteristic semicircular shape and a minimum number of ventilation holes.
- Cross-country is considered a universal model. It optimally combines protection, lightness and convenience, equipped with a removable visor.
- Full face, made on the basis of helmets for motocross. The lower part of the face is covered by a protective “jaw”.Another feature is the presence of a large visor. Mostly these helmets are used for downhill from the mountains.
- Drop racing. A specific model, heavy and uncomfortable, but with excellent aerodynamic performance. Use for races with separate start.
Security
Security is a personal issue for everyone. But, getting into the car, most drivers do not forget to fasten their seat belt. A bicycle is also a vehicle with a high degree of injury. Neglecting one’s own life without wearing a helmet for a far-fetched reason (“it doesn’t suit me”, “I look funny in it” or “ruin my hair”) is at least stupid.
When falling from a bicycle, the head suffers the most. A bicycle helmet will help prevent severe traumatic brain injury. The choice of models, colors, design is simply huge. In any specialized store, competent sellers will help you choose a quality model of the appropriate size.
The size
In order for the helmet to fulfill its protective function, it must correspond to the size of the head of the cyclist.
Two options are available:
- adjustable model, in this case it is very easy to fit the helmet to the size of the head;
- helmets made to a specific head size:
- very small - up to 51 cm;
- small - 51-55 cm;
- medium - 55-59 cm;
- large - 59-63cm;
- very large - more than 63 cm;
- universal male - 54-61cm;
- universal female - 50-57 cm;
- children - 46-57 cm.
The sizes of bicycle helmets are selected individually for the athlete’s head. It is not difficult to determine its size: you need to measure the circumference by applying a measuring tape 1.5-2 cm above the level of the eyebrows.
Children's helmets
What could be more expensive than a child’s health? According to statistics, regular wearing of a helmet reduces the risk of injury by 85%. Children's bicycle helmets are produced by leading manufacturers of protective ammunition.
In size, they are divided into S - head circumference is 45-50 cm, and M - 50-55 cm. Adjustment is provided in almost all models of children's helmets. It should be simple and, most importantly, reliable. The helmet should sit tightly on your head and at the same time not create a feeling of discomfort. Well, if the model has a visor, this will help protect your face from injuries and eyes from the sun.
Bicycle helmets for children should be lightweight, with good ventilation. Some manufacturers cover the ventilation openings with a mosquito net to protect them from insects.
A wide range of products is able to satisfy the wishes of the child in color and design. It is up to the parents to ensure that the helmet is guaranteed to protect the child’s head.
Criterias of choice
How to choose a bicycle helmet? First of all, it is necessary to determine for which type of riding a bicycle a helmet will be used. For leisurely city trips, a bowler hat is suitable; for extreme descent from the mountains, it is better to purchase a full face. But each of the selected helmets must meet certain requirements:
- suitable for a certain type of cycling;
- tightly and securely attached to the head;
- have no visible damage;
- Be comfortable for the cyclist.
At the same time, do not forget about such indicators as the weight of the helmet, the mounting and adjustment system, ventilation, the presence of a protective net, a visor, the quality of the inner gasket, the provided hair hole (if necessary), and equipment with reflective elements.
No matter how reliable the helmet may be, it, unfortunately, does not guarantee 100% protection against injuries. When riding a bike for a walk or for competitions, it should be remembered that safety largely depends on the attention and care of the cyclist himself.