How to Buy a Mountain Biking Helmet

Expressions such as "I rung my bell" and "where am I" are usually uttered from helmetless bicyclists. Save your brain cells and buy a helmet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick an amount of money to spend on a helmet at the local bike store. Helmets cost between $30 and $120.

2. Look for an adjustable helmet to be able to customize it to your head. The chin strap and inner pads should adjust.

3. Try on a helmet and fasten the chin strap. Make sure it is comfortable and feels neither big nor small.

4. Keep the helmet on your head and determine if the weight of the helmet feels good or if it taxes your neck muscles.

5. Eye the helmet and consider if it would protect your head in a crash with a rock. For example, styrofoam helmets with a plastic outer covering are stronger than styrofoam only.

6. Buy the helmet and wear it every time you go mountain biking.

Tips & Warnings

• Some mountain bike helmets come with a visor. These are nice to have while biking to keep the sun off your face and the mud out of your eyes.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

on 2/14/2006 Depending on how fast and aggressive you ride, you may want to consider investing in a full-face helmet. Similar to a motocross helmet, a full-face will protect your chin, jaw and teeth if you crash. These helmets cost between $100-$300, dental surgery costs much, much more.