In Lithuania, helmets must be worn by persons under the age of 18 when cycling on the streets. A helmet is recommended for all other cyclists. Helmets are especially recommended for those who often have to ride a bicycle off-road, engage in rapid downhill descents. The Bikko.lt team knows that choosing a helmet can be quite difficult – after all, there are many different types, and the chosen one must be not only comfortable, but also functional. Professional cyclists consider helmets to be almost the second necessary item after the purchase of the bicycle itself.
A cycling helmet usually consists of three parts:
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Plastic (outer part of the helmet);
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Styrofoam (soft, inner part);
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Adjustment strap.
Depending on the helmet manufacturer and the type of bicycle you choose, how these three parts are accomplished can vary. For example, helmets designed for people riding road or mountain bicycles will differ not only in their shape, but also in the available ventilation holes. For those who ride road bicycles, helmets are extremely light, have a lot of ventilation holes, and they fit tightly to the head. Helmets for mountain bicycles are also fairly lightweight, but are designed to provide more protection for the back of your head. Mountain bicycle helmets also have a peak that can protect from the sun.
Before buying a helmet, you should know the size of your head. Helmet sizes are divided according to head circumference, with the smallest XS being 49 cm and the largest XL starting at 62 cm. The size of the head should be measured 1 cm above the ears and forehead. It is worth noting that BELL and GIRO recently also produce ONESIZE helmets, which are universal in size. These helmets usually fit head circumferences between 54 and 61 cm – the size can be adjusted. The helmet should neither put too much pressure on the head nor move when the head is moved. You shouldn't feel it when you put the helmet on. If it feels, it means the helmet is either too big or too small. In winter, you should also have a cycling cap, which goes under the helmet.
One of the largest manufacturers of helmets is Bell. They make helmets suitable for road, mountain and other bicycles. Their helmets are special in that they have the MIPS system, which even 43 per cent reduces the chance of injury compared to helmets that do not have this system.
A helmet should be replaced every five years and should be replaced immediately if it cracks or you have fallen while wearing it. Once you've started choosing, prioritize teikitelight colored helmet – they will help drivers see you on the streets and avoid collisions.