Bicycle helmets - for you and your kids
Bicycle helmets are an important part of riding a bike safely. In Sweden, we love cycling, and it’s a very popular mode of transport and leisure activity, but unfortunately the number of serious head injuries is still high. That’s why it’s important to wear a bicycle helmet to minimise the risk of head injuries.
At Biltema we have a large selection of bicycle helmets for both children and adults that comply with the applicable safety standards and ensure optimal protection. We have helmets in different sizes and designs, and at different prices, so it will be easy for you to find a helmet that suits your needs.
We will guide and help you below to choose the right bicycle helmet, and we’ll offer some tips for proper use and maintenance. We will also help you by considering specific considerations when choosing a helmet for children and youngsters. Read on to learn more about how you can protect your loved ones’ heads when cycling.
Why should I wear a bicycle helmet?
A bicycle helmet is an essential piece of equipment for cyclists since it reduces the risk of serious head injuries in bicycle accidents. According to the Danish Council for Traffic Safety, wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injuries by up to 50%. The helmet acts as a protective shell that absorbs impact and distributes it over a larger surface, reducing the risk of serious brain damage.
In addition to protecting the head, bicycle helmets can also make wearers more visible in traffic. The helmet may have reflectors or lights that make the cyclist more visible to other road users, especially in the dark or in poor weather conditions.
In this way, it can have a preventive effect and not only help you when accidents occur.
It’s also worth noting that a helmet will only protect you if you use it correctly. That’s why it’s important to choose a bike helmet that is comfortable and fits correctly so that it gets worn regularly.
At Biltema you will find a large selection of different bicycle helmet designs, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a new bike helmet that suits you.
How to choose the right bicycle helmet
When choosing the right bicycle helmet, it’s important to consider your needs and the requirements you set for the helmet. There are different types of bicycle helmets on the market, and they are designed for different purposes and types of cycling.
- Racing helmets are designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic to provide the best performance when cycling very fast on the road.
- Mountain bike helmets are more robust and are designed to provide better protection against knocks and falls when mountain biking.
- Urban helmets are more versatile and can be used for a wide range of city cycling. This is the type of bicycle helmet that most people probably associate with a typical bicycle helmet.
- Skate helmets have a unique shape and specially designed for skating and BMX. They look more rounded and are less aerodynamic.
- There are also helmets specially designed for children and youngsters, and are lightweight and are more comfortable.
When choosing a bicycle helmet, it’s also important to ensure that it is approved and meets the relevant safety standards. Bicycle helmets that meet the standards will have an approval label on the helmet showing that it has been tested and approved to protect against head injuries.
In Sweden, bicycle helmets must meet the standard DS/EN 1078 in order to be sold and used legally.
By finding the helmet that is best-looking, best suited for the purpose and safest, you can be sure that you will have the right bicycle helmet for you.
At Biltema we have a large selection of bicycle helmets that have been tested and approved according to the applicable safety standards. There are helmets in different sizes and designs, so it’s easy to find the right helmet for your needs.
New bicycle helmet? Find the right size
Once you’ve chosen the right type of bicycle helmet, it’s important to make sure the helmet fits correctly. The first step is to measure the circumference of your head to choose the right size. A bicycle helmet should fit tightly – but mustn’t be too tight – and rest just above the forehead to protect the head properly. It’s also important to adjust the helmet so it fits correctly. To get the optimal fit, you can use the adjustable straps and buckles.
When finding the right bicycle helmet, the most important thing is that it protects your head and is comfortable to wear. Of course, it’s also important that the bicycle helmet is the right size, since this is what determines whether or not the helmet fits well.
You determine the size based on the circumference of your head, and it will typically extend over 2 to 3 centimetres, as our bicycle helmets can all be fastened. See our measurements below and find the size that suits you:
Adults
- Small: 53-55 cm.
- Medium: 55-58 cm.
- Large: 58-60/61 cm.
Junior
- Bicycle helmet: 52-56 cm
Children
- Small: 48-52 cm
- Medium: 52-56 cm
Bicycle helmets for children and youngsters
When it comes to choosing a bicycle helmet for children and youngsters, there are some special considerations. First, size is crucial to ensure optimal fit and protection. It’s important to measure the child’s head and choose a helmet that fits correctly. But you probably know that already.
When it comes to design, it may be a good idea to involve your child when choosing a bicycle helmet, since they will be more likely to use a helmet that they pick. At Biltema there is a large selection of colours and designs for children that can make choosing a helmet fun and exciting.
For babies, there are special helmets with extra protection for the neck and head. These helmets also have a softer fit and are more comfortable for the little ones. They can also use the helmet when they get a little older and ride scooters or sit in a bike cart.
For the more adventurous children and youngsters, there are also specific helmets designed for BMX, mountain biking and skateboarding, which provide extra protection against bumps and falls. These helmets are called full-face helmets, and they have a greater coverage on the face and chin, providing extra protection at these areas.
Whatever type of helmet you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s approved and meets the necessary safety standards.
At Biltema, all bicycle helmets are CE marked, which guarantees that they comply with the European standards for bicycle helmets.
What is MIPS and why should you consider it?
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and is a technology developed to protect the head from rotational forces in the event of a bicycle accident. When falling and hitting the ground, the head will typically rotate and turn, which can cause serious brain damage. MIPS technology works by inserting an additional protective layer between the outer shell of the helmet and the inner lining. This layer can move in different directions and helps absorb and reduce rotational forces when the head is subjected to a violent impact.
In other words, MIPS adds an extra layer of safety to your bike ride.
There are several advantages to choosing a bike helmet with MIPS as your new bike helmet. First and foremost, MIPS technology significantly increases head protection and can reduce the risk of serious brain injuries in bicycle accidents. In addition, the technology is designed to improve the overall comfort and fit of the helmet, making it more comfortable to wear the helmet for longer periods.
If you want to buy a bicycle helmet with MIPS technology, you can find a selection of these helmets in our range. The range includes MIPS helmets for adults as well as children, and you will find several different styles and colours to choose from. All helmets with MIPS ensure that you get a helmet with the extra protection needed to protect your head from rotational forces in bike accidents.
Maintenance and replacement of bicycle helmets
Maintaining your bicycle helmet is very important to ensure that it continues to provide optimal protection. It’s a good idea to clean your helmet regularly by wiping it with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid the use of chemicals or solvents, as these can damage the material of the helmet. It is also recommended to allow the helmet to dry completely before storing it and avoid exposing it to high temperatures or direct sunlight.
If you wear a full-face helmet or have multiple mountain bike or BMX helmets and use them for sports, you may need to clean them more frequently, since they will absorb more dirt, dirt and sweat during these activities.
Although bicycle helmets are designed to protect the head in the event of an accident, the helmet must be replaced if it has become damaged or outdated. If the helmet has been involved in a collision, even though there appears to be no visible damage, it may still have been damaged and it must therefore be replaced with a new helmet.
The helmet should also be replaced if it is more than five years old or has been exposed to extreme heat or sunlight, as this may weaken the helmet material.
There are some signs that may indicate it is time to replace your bicycle helmet.
- If the outer shell of the helmet has cracks, is visibly damaged or has lost its shape, the helmet must be replaced.
- If you notice that the helmet is loose or cannot be adjusted properly, consider replacing it as well.
- It’s important to remember that the helmet can only protect your head if it is in good condition and fits correctly.
Browse our full range of bicycle helmets below
As mentioned, bicycle helmets are essential for protecting your head in the event of an accident. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right helmet and maintain it correctly to ensure optimal protection and service life.
The guide above has described the many different bicycle helmets, their purpose and specifications, how to find the correct size, and how to adjust the helmet for an optimal fit. We have also discussed the latest technology in helmet design, such as MIPS, which provides extra protection against rotational forces in bicycle accidents.
At Biltema we offer a wide range of bicycle helmets for both children and adults in different designs and styles. Take a closer look at our range and find your next bike helmet at Biltema.
Frequently asked questions about Bicycle helmets
Why should you wear a bicycle helmet?
If you use a bicycle helmet, you can protect the brain from extensive brain damage in the event of an accident.
Which bike helmet should you buy?
You should buy an approved bike helmet that fits your head and is comfortable.
How should a bicycle helmet fit?
The helmet should sit far down over the forehead without obscuring the view. It must also sit properly on the head without leaving an air space between the head and the helmet.