Mountain Bike Helmet: Reduce The Risk And Severity Of Any Head Injury

The mountain bike helmet is the most important bike accessory. Helmets provide important head protection, as falls can occur over rough, rocky, sandy, or mountainous terrain. Modern mountain bike helmet is both comfortable and stylish. They come in two varieties full-faced or regular. Full-faced helmets (BMX style) provide the highest level of protection.

Although accidents cannot be eliminated, wearing a helmet will reduce the risk and severity of a head injury by up to 88 percent.

It is therefore worth spending as much as you can afford on the best mountain bike helmet. Your life may depend on it! It is an investment in your safety, and will be used for a long time.

If you are a beginner rider, buy your helmet from a store that specialize in biking equipment. Ask a knowledgeable sales person to advise you. A quality mountain bike helmet is of little use, if it isn't fitted properly.

Place the helmet evenly on your head, and rest about 1" or 2.5cm above your eyebrows. Ensure that the helmet doesn't tip forward or backward, but rests straight on your head.

Your mountain bike helmet should fit comfortably. Utilize the different foam pads inside the helmet to get the tightest and most comfortable fit. Pull the chinstrap as tight as possible, and adjust the side straps so that they rest just below the ears. The chinstrap should never be on the point of the chin, but moved back.

The helmet should pull down when you open your mouth wide, although there should be just about enough room to allow you to eat. If not, tighten the chinstrap. Make sure that both buckles are on the jaw and under the ear.

The mountain bike helmet should not feel loose, or move more than 1" or 2.5cm in any direction when you shake your head from side to side. If it does slip, check and adjust the foam pads or side straps. If you physically move the helmet, the skin on your forehead will move with it, if it is a proper fit.

The airflow over the head is the means of ventilation in a mountain bike helmet. Larger side vents also improve ventilation. There is usually a sweat band on the inside of the helmet to control sweat, and ensure comfort.

Producers are continually striving to design lighter, better ventilated mountain bike helmets. This may compromise reinforcement, and affect safety. Be sure to look for a sticker that states that the helmet meets the necessary safety standards.

Never wear a mountain bike helmet that has been in a crash. One example of exceptional mountain bike helmets, is the Giro range. The Giro Rib Cage, and in-mold technology ensures superb reinforcement. The snazzy Point of View Visor features an inventive internal clutch mechanism. Adjustment is secure. Giro also offers an infant mountain bike helmet, the ME2. Kids adore them! The helmet features a microshell with a built in bug net.

Young riders love looking and feeling cool with Flume, the youth version of the mountain bike helmet.

Take your time when fitting a mountain bike helmet. Experiment with pad and strap positions. Examine all the different types and styles