How to choose your Road or MTB helmet?

A key element of cycling safety, the helmet is relevant for all disciplines and all riders! For a cycling helmet to provide you with optimal protection, it must perfectly fit your head and be properly fastened. Today's cutting-edge technologies allow manufacturers to offer models that are simultaneously resistant, lightweight and comfortable.
The shape, the fastening and adjustment system, safety patents and materials are among the features to consider and will have a significant impact on the price. Here are some tips to make sure your choice doesn't turn into a headache!

Standards

• Design: shell type (external, internal), assembly (classic moulding, In-Mold construction) and shell materials;
• Safety patents: Mips, ODS, Spin, Turbine 360;
• Comfort foams (or padding): standard or antibacterial fabric;
• Ventilation: air inlets, ventilation tunnels, air outlets;
• Adjustment types: occipital adjustment, vertical adjustment, chin strap;
• Adjustment systems: dial, micrometric buckle, BOA;
• Closure systems: clip, magnetic buckle, double D-ring, micrometric;
• Helmet types: classic, full-face with fixed or removable chin guard, jet with fixed or removable chin guard, bowl, aero.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROAD AND MTB HELMETS

CONSTRUCTION

Whatever the model, the structure and design share similar features. A helmet is therefore generally composed of two layers: an outer shell and an inner shell.

- The outer shell is the first layer to be struck in the event of an impact. It plays a protective role by preventing an external object from piercing the helmet and coming into direct contact with the skull.

It is made from PVC on entry-level models as it is low cost. However, since this material ages poorly, particularly in sunlight, most models are made from polycarbonate or ABS (a resistant thermoplastic material), which offer much better longevity. Finally, high-end models use composite materials or carbon. In addition to being very lightweight, these materials allow greater deformation of the shell compared to a plastic shell before reaching the breaking point. This makes it possible to dissipate more energy and therefore better protect the rider's head.

- The inner shell forms the core of the helmet by absorbing and dispersing the shockwave.

It is always made from polystyrene foam, but its construction varies according to the finish level of the helmet. On the least expensive helmets, it is a single-piece polystyrene block. It can also feature a solid and very lightweight honeycomb construction, or even a multi-density composition. On more advanced models, the inner shell consists of a polystyrene frame and one or more internal structure(s) made from nylon, Kevlar or aramid, providing enhanced protection, especially in the event of successive impacts, while being extremely lightweight.

The assembly of these two elements varies according to the manufacturing process.

Very widespread in the industry, In-Mold construction involves fusing the two shells by heat bonding, resulting in a single piece. In addition to a better finish, this process provides great strength to the whole while offering greater lightness and more effective ventilation.

Increasingly uncommon, classic moulding involves simply gluing the two parts together. This process is now only found on entry-level models and certain bowl helmets, as while it is more economical, it results in a heavier helmet with reduced ventilation.

SAFETY PATENTS

While all helmets effectively protect against impacts and hold CE certification, innovative safety patents have been emerging for several years to further enhance this protection. The company MIPS is behind these innovations, which have taken several forms

MIPS technology refers to a thin independent inner membrane located between the inner shell and the protective foams. Mobile thanks to elastic anchors, it further cushions impacts. This protection against "multidirectional" impacts allows maximum kinetic energy to be dissipated, even in the event of an impact spread across several areas: that is so much energy that the rider's head will not have to absorb directly.

Other manufacturers have followed this innovation and offer their own safety patents, notably the Turbine 360 from Leatt, the Spin from Poc and the ODS from 6D. This last technology uses two layers of expanded polystyrene (EPS): numerous "mini shock absorbers" made from elastomer are inserted between these two layers to improve the helmet's absorption capacity, regardless of the angle of impact.

Having appeared some time ago, notably with Smith Optics and Endura, Koroyd technology could revolutionise helmet manufacturing. In practice, this technology makes it possible to replace EPS with a structure composed of thousands of extruded polymer tubes thermally bonded together. Capable of collapsing over more than 80% of their length, these tubes reduce the transmitted energy by 30 to 50% by dispersing it progressively. Effective on heavy impacts as well as micro-impacts, unlike EPS, Koroyd also has the advantage of being lighter and offering improved additional airflow. The result is a more breathable and lighter helmet while offering superior protection against impacts compared to standard construction.

FOAMS

Comfort foams (or padding) are then added to bridge the gap between the inner layer and the skull. The foams help finalise the fit of the helmet on the head and provide the greatest comfort, particularly by playing a moisture-absorbing role. They are often removable so they can be cleaned. They can be of standard quality or make use of antibacterial and breathable technologies, including Coolmax and X-Static.

VENTILATION

Good ventilation is essential for rider comfort. A helmet features air inlets, more or less numerous and wide depending on the model. The air that enters can be channelled through a true tunnel that cools the rider's head before being expelled through an outlet at the rear. Some helmets also feature insect-proof mesh at the vents to prevent stings.

ADJUSTMENT TYPES

The occipital adjustment, at the back of the neck, allows the helmet to be properly adjusted horizontally (head circumference) and ensures reliable retention. More elaborate models also offer a vertical adjustment option to further fine-tune the fit to one's morphology and improve stability. Finally, the chin strap and lateral straps ensure the helmet stays in place in the event of a fall or strong jolts.

ADJUSTMENT SYSTEMS

To adjust the helmet, manufacturers use dials, micrometric buckles or the BOA® system. The dial works simply: by turning it, a strap driven by ratchets tightens more or less around the rider's head. The micrometric buckle is similar but offers an even more precise adjustment. Finally, the BOA system provides the most reliable and finest adjustment by putting a cable under tension.

CLOSURE SYSTEMS

An effective helmet must stay in place when you move your head, without being restrictive, particularly regarding the chin strap, which must not press against the throat. It can be fastened in the traditional way with a simple clip, but also via micrometric fastening, magnetic buckle Fid-Lock® or a double D-ring. This system, often reserved for Enduro/DH helmets, is certainly the most reliable but also the least intuitive to use.

The lateral straps, which must cross just below the ears, are adjusted by sliding on entry-level models, or by locking (much simpler and faster) on more refined models. A detail that can make all the difference when you use your helmet all year round and therefore need to adjust the strap length depending on whether you are wearing a thicker or thinner under-helmet.

HELMET TYPES

Classic helmet

The most widespread, the classic cycling helmet offers an excellent compromise between protection, ventilation and lightness. It can be fitted with a visor, which protects against the sun and/or projections (rain, dust, gravel) as well as contact with vegetation (branches).

Aero helmet

The aero helmet is designed to allow airflow even when the rider lowers their head during effort. Ventilation is not overlooked, an important point for competition performance. It can feature an integrated visor. They are mainly used in time trials.

Bowl helmet

Used in BMX or dirt riding, the bowl helmet has a simple, very sturdy, enveloping and minimally vented shell. This makes it an accessible, straightforward helmet that fits the urban, BMX and dirt scene.

Jet helmet

The jet helmet is a derivative of the classic helmet: more enveloping at the occipital area (back of the skull / top of the neck), it sits lower at the back of the head to enhance protection.

Full-face helmet

The full-face MTB helmet offers maximum protection: with it, the entire face is protected in the event of contact with the ground. Its robust construction makes it capable of absorbing a great deal of energy. It is most often used with goggles.
The helmet with a removable chin guard is similar but remains rare in manufacturers' catalogues. Its modularity represents an interesting compromise for enjoying maximum ventilation during climbs.

The removable helmet

The removable helmet is a versatile model combining the advantages of a jet helmet and a full-face helmet. Even if relatively few models are available on the market, this type of product is increasingly popular for the versatility it offers: very high comfort and optimal ventilation on climbs, and maximum protection on descents.

WHICH HELMET FOR MY DISCIPLINE?

All helmets are designed to protect against impacts. But why do we find so many different models on the market? It's simple. The constraints and characteristics of each discipline require the use of a different type of helmet.

Touring

A classic helmet is most suited to leisure mountain biking. With a good level of protection, its lightness avoids putting too much strain on the neck, even after several hours. The often numerous vents help keep the head cool.

Cross-Country

For intensive Cross-Country rides on a hardtail MTB where every optimisation counts, a lightweight classic helmet equipped with a short visor guarantees the best protection-to-performance ratio. Some competitors even use road helmets, which are lighter and more aerodynamic than MTB ones.

For marathon-style rides on sometimes very demanding and technical mountain terrain, a more enveloping model, such as a jet helmet, can be considered for greater protection.

All-Mountain

For tackling mountain slopes on a full-suspension MTB in an All-Mountain context, a jet helmet is a safe bet. Its enveloping shape offers a high level of protection. The weight of jet models remains manageable. These helmets can therefore be worn for long periods. The numerous vents help regulate temperature when climbing under one's own power! A helmet with a removable chin guard is a viable option on rides where very fast and technical descents alternate with long climbs. You then get the best of both worlds: full protection on descents and ventilation on climbs.

Enduro

Here, a helmet with a removable chin guard represents an excellent compromise. Without the chin guard, it behaves like a jet helmet and remains very manageable for pedalling on link sections. For descents, it offers protection close to that of a monobloc full-face helmet. If the regulations do not allow it, or if one wants to benefit from the best protection available, a monobloc full-face helmet is the way to go.

DH / Freeride

There is no doubt: a monobloc full-face helmet represents the pinnacle for the most extreme Gravity disciplines. The manufacturers' range is vast and one may opt for a composite outer shell. It makes it possible to reduce the risk of head trauma as much as possible in the event of a violent impact.

Road

Fans of classics, stage races or simple Sunday adventures, a classic helmet will protect you from the hazards of road riding. The vents sometimes allow you to hang your sunglasses, arms open. Handy when the weather turns, for example! For Time Trial, Track or Triathlon riders, an aero helmet is a great ally for optimising performance.

Gravel and Cyclocross

A classic helmet is the right choice here. It can be worthwhile in this case to browse both the Road and Cross-Country MTB catalogues from various brands to find the perfect match.

BMX

In BMX Street, Dirt or Skatepark, a bowl helmet is most commonly used. Very sturdy, simple in its design and accessible, it provides broad protection.
In Racing, a full-face helmet is necessary to protect against falls at high speed!

LEGISLATION ON WEARING A CYCLING HELMET

The cycling helmet is part of every cyclist's basic equipment. It is not compulsory for adults but is strongly recommended! In the event of a fall, even at low speed, it makes all the difference.
It should be noted that since March 2017, a law has made it compulsory for children under 12 to wear one, whether they are riding their own bike or are passengers in a seat or trailer.