Bike Helmets

Selecting the right bike helmet involves considering a few key factors:

The bike helmet's internal shape (or mould) should fit snugly around your head with even pressure mapping.

If there's any sharp pressure points, this will eventually lead to a headache.

So, think of the inside of the helmet trying to grab onto your head. Once the dial at the back of the helmet is tightened, try to gently pull the helmet off your head. You should notice resistance, almost like the helmet is sucking back down.

Ventilation is also important.

If ventilation is a priority, then road bike helmets are the most ventilated. These have a lot of cool air intake vents and large exhaust vents that suck out hot air.

Mountain bike helmets tend to be a little less ventilated.

Because these prioritise shell/foam volume over ventilation. You'll notice helmets like the Fox Speedframe are thicker at the back and the sides compared with other helmets.

One of the important characteristics of MTB helmets is depth of coverage.

MTB helmets come down deep at the back of the head and sides.

Additionally, there's much more volume and thickness in crucial parts of the helmet - especially the back of the MTB helmet.

And these helmets don't need to be used just for mountain biking.

Recreational riders who want better than average protection will appreciate the deeper coverage.

One example is the Fox Mainframe.

Designed with Mips (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), it reduces rotational forces during certain impacts, providing enhanced protection for riders.

With extended coverage at the back of the head and a lightweight yet durable construction, this helmet ensures all-day comfort and security on rugged trails.

Large ventilation ports keep you cool, while the adjustable fit system guarantees a snug and personalised fit.

For those who want a little more ventilation, consider the Fox Speedframe. The Speedframe has 19 air vents compared to the Mainframe which has 13.

Kids bike helmets are sized and adjusted the same as adult bike helmets.

There's a couple of things to note though.

Strap length is important.

Straps can't be too long. Otherwise, there's a lot of excess under the chin and the side buckles don't sit next to the ears correctly.

The helmet can't sit on top of the head. It's got to sit low and surround the head.

Taking this a step further, the helmet has to gently grab the head - without the straps tightened - and should not slide from side-to-side or back-and-forth.

Some kids helmets we really like are:

• Giro Scamp II features an easy-to-use fit system and vibrant designs.
• Bell Lil Ripper is a super lightweight and adjustable BMX-style full-coverage helmet.
• Fox Mainframe Youth kids helmet has Mips brain protection layer and superb head coverage.
• ByK Mini has an integrated visor, good ventilation and head coverage.

For kids upwards of 6 years, these are the kids helmet options:

• ByK Youth is adjustable lightweight and adjustable between 50-56cm.
• ByK Teen is similar in profile to the ByK Youth and has an adjustable range of 52-58cm.
• Giro Elixir Youth is our most popular helmet. Out of these 3, it's got the deepest coverage and largest adjustment range of 50-57cm.

A road bike helmet is a lightweight helmet specifically designed for road cycling.

It offers essential protection while prioritising ventilation, low weight, and comfort for long rides at higher speeds.

Lightweight Design. Road helmets are built using in-mould construction that fuses a tough outer shell with an EPS foam liner.

This keeps the helmet strong yet light enough for long rides and climbs.

Ventilation. Good road helmets feature large vents and internal channels that guide airflow across your head. This helps regulate temperature and reduce sweat buildup during intense efforts or hot conditions.

Aerodynamics. Many road helmets are aerodynamically shaped to reduce drag. Especially important for racers and fast group rides.

Some models balance ventilation and aerodynamics. While others (aero helmets) prioritise speed above all at the expense of ventilation.

Fit and Comfort. Most helmets feature an adjustable fit system, often using a dial or cradle (like Giro’s Roc Loc or Giant’s Cinch system) that can be easily adjusted on the go for a snug, secure fit.

MIPS or Other Safety Technology. Many premium helmets come with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) or similar tech, which allows the helmet to move slightly during an angled impact to reduce rotational force on the brain.