Here at ASO Mammoth, we understand why people like to geek out about their mountain bikes. After all, if you can’t actually be riding then what’s better than prepping your bike for your next ride? Still, we know that no matter how much time, thought, and money you pump into your bike, it’s still not your most important piece of gear because your bike doesn’t protect your head.
There are plenty of ways to injure yourself while mountain biking, but none are as serious as a head injury. For that reason, we’ve made a list of tips and things to know when buying a mountain bike helmet. Check them out below before your next trip to the trail!
Don’t Hesitate to Get a New Mountain Bike Helmet After a Fall
When a piece of gear works well people want to hold on to it for as long as possible, and a well- fitting, comfortable bike helmet is no different.
However, helmets are designed to take one serious impact and then be replaced. Even if there is no noticeable damage, the structure of a helmet and its ability to protect your head from serious impacts can be compromised from one crash. We love gear that lasts a long time, but even helmets that have never had an accident should be replaced after years of use.
Take Time to Try on your Mountain Bike Helmet for Fit and Comfort
An uncomfortable helmet is annoying, but what’s even worse is a helmet that doesn’t protect you the way it was designed to. That’s why it is incredibly important that you take the time to try on a helmet not just for comfort, but also for fit.
Thanks to different brands fitting differently and accessories like adjustable fitting systems, it can be hard to find a well-fitting helmet. However, with a little patience and the help of the staff at your local bike shop, you can find a helmet that fits perfectly. When trying on a helmet, make sure you buckle all of the straps and adjust the helmet until it feels tight but is not squeezing your head.
Figure Out Which Design Works Best for You
With protecting your head being as important as it is, many helmet manufactures have come up with different systems and designs to protect your head as well as possible. For example, a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) uses an inner liner that works against the rotational forces that cause the most damage during a crash. Then there is the WaveCel system which also uses an inner liner to guard against rotational forces and help absorb some of the impact of the crash away from your head.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to helmet designs, so take the time to figure out which design works best for you before making a purchase.
Think About What Accessories You Want
Your first priority should be how well a helmet protects you, but after you’ve found the right one you can start thinking about what accessories you want out of your helmet.
For example, depending on where and when you like to ride, you may want vents in your helmet to keep you cool and comfortable. You may also want a visor to keep the sun out of your eyes or even a built-in mount to attach a camera to your helmet. Whatever you’re looking for in a helmet, it’s out there, so take the time to find the right one for you!
Stop by our shop to view our selection of mountain bike helmets!