Road Bike Helmets

The Importance of Road Bike Helmets

Pith helmets were the first ones which were used by bikers when they realized the number of head injuries that occur due to biking. This was during the 1880s when there were no motorized speeding vehicles but the possibility of head injury existed simply because the threat of a fall from the bike onto the hard roads.

The designs of the bike helmets evolved to involve a helmet strip made of leather providing some padding which could protect the head. These were specifically manufactured in Italy in 1970s. The first designs were made with the padding of wool, and the later models developed consists of foam in their padding. This change was not really very successful. It provided limited protection and after use for some time the foam starts to disintegrate due to sweat.

The further history of road bike helmets

Soon a lot of research was conducted to focus on making the helmets protective and safe for the riders. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association was one agency which was focused enough to find out the best bike helmet. As a result of their research and testing bike helmet finally hit the markets around 1975. It consisted of a suspension system to absorb shock that the rider may experience during a crash and also had nylon straps.

Use of EPS started with these helmets and further developments were made. Their shells were hard and the liners provided soft padding. The material is popular even to this day although the designs have changed for the better. Bell helmets were the first ones to hit the market made of finest and strongest materials.

Credit: hkinuthia

Uses of road bike helmets

It is important to own and use a road bike helmet while riding a road bike because of the increased risk of having a crash. These days no matter how careful one may be, there is always a risk. Either the vehicle coming from the front is at fault or you as a bike rider is at fault. It doesn’t matter whose fault it is as the person getting hurt on the head could be you. Taking such a risk is foolish and you should select a helmet from the best available brands.

The variety of brands in the market of road bike helmets

Now the variety in the brands available in the marketplace is immense and a particular model, Bell still succeeds in making one of the strongest helmets. Whether your head is big or small you can get the helmet of your choice. These modern helmets consist of vents for cooling and have cam lock levers for securing the straps.

In fact, the Bell kinghead helmets are specifically meant for people whose head size is big. They also consist of visors to offer clear view of the road ahead and so that there is no distraction from the surroundings. It weighs as less as 260 grams. And of course, the helmet is certified by CPSC for its strength and various other qualities.

Similarly another famous brand is Giro which specializes in bike helmets which are rough and tough. Their weight is slightly more than the ones with Bell. Most of them weigh 300grams but have 24 vents for cooling to take place. With so many choices riders will have a great time buying road bike helmets for themselves.

Some helpful advice on how to fit a road bike helmet:

Next Post: Kids Bike Helmets