Bike Helmet Buying Guide

Answer the following questions and/or think through the points.  This will help with the correct bike helmet choice.

Supporting you to get the right solutions so you can smile when you ride

Kids endurance goUnders

Helmet Size

It is essential you buy the correct sized helmet.  Find the correct size to buy by using goRide’s  How to Size & Fit a Bike Helmet.  You will need a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string and ruler.

Helmet Adjustment

How does the helmet adjust?  As a general rule traditional bike helmets are adjusted by straps, and an occipital dial or slide.  Compare this to street style helmets that use foam pads and a chin strap. It is essential that the adjustment system of the helmet is good enough and used well so you get the right fit.  This means the helmet will stay on and over your head in an impact.   Again go to the Size & Fit information page.

Helmet Shape

All bike helmets sold in New Zealand need to meet a minimum safety standard. To get maximum protection for your head we suggest a helmet shaped like your head – that is round and smooth. No protrusions. Being round and smooth it allows the helmet to slide better along a surface, reducing the peak forces with sudden stopping. An outcome that reduces the risk of a head injury.  The shape of the helmet needs to provide good coverage of the head. Coverage from above the eyebrows to right down low at the back of the head (where the head meets the neck).   See a helmet that works for you

Materials & Construction

Different brands use different materials and construction methods which effects the overall performance of the helmet. For higher performance helmets consider the new technology MIPS ( MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). For a detailed overview of what this means read our story Bike Helmets – Components & How They Work.  This will help you understand things like how the shell is attached, what the foam is designed to do…

Matches the type of riding you do

All helmets that are sold in NZ are required to meet a minimum standard of safety.  However some bike helmet features are suited to different types of riding. A street style helmet used by urban or town riders has great head coverage and doesn’t worry so much about ventilation.  Recreational helmets should have good coverage but more ventilation and better fit systems.  High performance helmets are designed with impacts in mind so are good for all types of riding – mountain biking (see Mountain Bike Helmet Buying Guide), road riding, bike paths or riding in traffic.  You cannot over do protection of your head – your head is worth it. See a helmet that works for you

Colour/Graphics

A bright and fun helmet can help you be visible and it is nice to have things you love and enjoy – choose a bright colour you love. The foam used in a helmet is an insulator so you will need ventilation holes for breathability.

Women/Youth Girl Bike Helmet Solutions

Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
SHOP
Urban Multi Sport Helmet
Fun and funky great graphics. Good head coverage. Hard shell. MIPS. Adjustable fit dial.
Best suited to Town, urban, skate park rider.
Unisex S, M, L. Ranging from 51cm-61.5cm

$145.00

Traffic & Recreation Bike Helmet
Great head coverage, bright colours, rear vent light.
Best suited to traffic rider, E-Bike rider, on and off road riding.
Unisex S, M Ranging from 54cm-61cm

$179.00

Recreation Bike Helmet
Lightweight, colourful and good head coverage. MIPS protection.
Best suited to Town rider, easy recreation, on and off road riding.
One size 53cm-60cm

$119.00

Multi- Environment/ Best All round Helmet Solution.
MIPS equipped, Roc Loc 5 Dial fit system. 14 vents, Goggle compatible.
Best suited to: Beginner - Intermediate Mountain Biking. Best all round recreation helmet
Womens S,M. Ranging from 51cm-59cm

$159.00

Road Riding-Recreation
Lightweight, MIPS technology, great ventilation and good head coverage. Includes rear light.
Best suited to Road rider, easy to intermediate road riding.
Unisex S,M,L. Ranging from 52cm-62cm

$199.00

Men/Youth Boy Bike Helmet Solutions

Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
SHOP
Urban Multi Sport Helmet
Fun and funky great graphics. Good head coverage. Hard shell. MIPS. Adjsutable fit dial
Best suited to Town, urban, skate park rider.
Unisex S, M, L. Ranging from 51cm-61.5cm

$145.00

Traffic/Recreation Bike Helmet
Great head coverage, bright colour options, rear vent light.
Best suited to traffic rider, E-Bike rider, on and off road riding.
Unisex S, M Ranging from 54cm-61cm

$179.00

Recreation Bike Helmet
Lightweight, colourful and good head coverage. MIPS protection.
Best suited to Town rider, easy recreation, on and off road riding.
One size 53cm-60cm

$119.00

Multi- Environment/ Best All Round Helmet Solution.
MIPS equipped,Roc Loc 5 Dial fit system.14 vents, Goggle compatible.
Best suited to: Beginner - Intermediate Mountain Biking. Best all round recreation helmet
Unisex S,M,L Ranging from 49cm-62cm

$159.00

Road Riding-Recreation
Lightweight, MIPS technology, great ventilation and good head coverage. Includes rear light.
Best suited to Road rider, easy to intermediate road riding.
Unisex S,M,L Ranging from 52cm-62cm

$199.00

Mountain Bike & E-Bike Helmet options see the specific MOUNTAIN BIKE/E-BIKE HELMET BUYING GUIDE

MAKE YOUR PURCHASE A SUCCESS…

Adjust to the head for a SNUG Fit.

get Safe – when you first purchase your helmet you need to invest some time to make the necessary adjustments to make the helmet fit snugly to the head. Then you need to do a pre-ride check- that is a quick helmet check before you goRide. 

Caring for your helmet

Role model good habits with your helmet, how do kids learn…by watching you.  Wear your helmet every time you ride a bike, don’t drop it or throw it, store it in a safe place, hang it by the chin strap not through the V-straps (otherwise you will be forever adjusting it) 

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goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride

Women

Padded Bike Underwear

Pants for Biking

Tops for Biking

 Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking

Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes

 Warmth Accessories

Bike Saddles

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Bike Bells

Hydration

Handlebar Grips

Kids & Youth

Padded Bike Underwear

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Riding Clothing

Jackets for Biking/Outdoors

Protective Padding

Bike Gloves

Bike Lights

Bike Bells

Handlebar Grips

Bike Saddle

Bike Locks

Hydration

Family 

Ride with a baby/ 1 year old

Ride with a 2-6 year old

Ride with a  4 + year old – on their own bike

Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed

Create a Family Biking Holiday

Ride More Places with Kids

Men

Padded Bike Underwear

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Saddles

Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Handlebar Grips

Bike Bell

Be comfortable & confident

Successfully Ride an E-Bike

Beginner Rider

Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking

Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat

Riding in Cooler Weather

Riding in Wet Conditions

Be Visible on the Bike

Enjoy a Biking Holiday

‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.

Clothing & Bags

Padded Bike Pants & Underwear

Pants & Shorts for Biking

Bike Tops

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Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking

Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking

Rider Safety & Protection

Bike Helmets

Mountain Bike Helmets

Bike Gloves

Protective Padding

Bike Lights

Bike Bells

First Aid & Personal Care

Hydration

Bike Tow Ropes

Bike Parts & Care

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Handlebar Grips

Bike Locks

Bike Carriers

Bike & Chain Cleaning

Bike Tools & Tool Kits to Carry

Kids Bike Seats & Bikes

Rear Kids Bike Seats

Mid Kids Bike Seats

Front Kids Bike Seats

Towing Kids who ride their own Bike

Bike Trailers for Kids

Kids Balance Bikes

HIRE Kids Bike Seats

Be Comfortable & Confident

Comfort on your Bike Seat

Be Visible on the Bike

Beginner Riders

Get Started – Ride with a baby

Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking

Riding in Cooler Weather

Riding in Wet Conditions

‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking

Bike Path Riding

Beginner to Fitness

Multi-Day

With Kids of all Ages

Kids Riding Bikepaths

Multi-Day with Kids

Bike Path Riding Guide

Ride more Bikepaths

Mountain Biking

Women Beginner to Intermediate

Men Beginner to Intermediate

Multi-Day

With Kids of all ages

Kids Mountain Biking

Multi-Day with Kids

Mountain Biking Guide

Ride more Mountain Bike Trails

Riding in Traffic

Be Visible in Traffic

Commuting

With Kids of all Ages

Kids Riding in Traffic

E – Biking

E-Biking in Traffic

E-Biking on Bikepaths

E-Biking on MTB Trails

A Biking Holiday

E-Biking Guide

Multi-Day Riding

Multi-Day on Bike Paths

Multi-Day on MTB Trails

Multi-Day with Kids on Bike Paths

Multi-Day with Kids on MTB Trails

Multi-Day Guide

A Biking Holiday

Family Biking Holiday

Ride more Multi-Day Rides

Family Riding

Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed

On Bikepaths with Kids

MTB with Kids

In Traffic with Kids

Family Biking Holiday

Family Riding Guide

Ride More Places with Kids

Kids Attached or Towed Buying Guides

Rear Kids Bike Seat

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat

Front Kids Bike Seat 

Towing Kids who ride their own bikes

Kids Bike Trailers

Kids & Youth Buying Guides

Kids Bike Helmets

Kids Riding Clothing

Kids Padded Bike Pants

Kids Padded Protection

Kids Handlebar Grips 

Kids Balance Bike

Comfort on the Bike Buying Guides 

Womens Bike Saddle

Mens Bike Saddle

Padded Bike Pants

Bike Jackets

Carrying Gear 

Handlebar Grip

Hydration

Rider Safety Buying Guides

Bike Helmet

Mountain Bike Helmet

Protective Padding

Be Visible 

Bike Glove

Bike Light 

Mountain Bike Light

First Aid & Personal Care 

Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides

Bike Carriers

Bike Cleaning

Bike Locks

Chain Cleaning and Lube

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.

Women & Families Learning

Comfort on your Bike Seat

Clothing for Biking

Family Biking

Improve your Riding

Carrying Gear

Care for ‘you’

Care for your Bike

Ride More Places

Ride more Bikepaths

Ride more NZ Cycle Trails

Ride more Mountain Bike Trails

Ride more Multi-Day Rides

Ride more Places with Kids

Riding Gear

Bike Helmets

Bike Saddles

Padded Bike Underwear & Pants

Bike Gloves

Bike Jackets

Protective Padding

Bike Locks

Bike Lights

Bike Tools to Carry

Handlebar Grips

Bike and Chain Cleaning

Kids Bike Seats & Bikes

Kids Bike Trailer

Towing kids who ride their own bike

Rear Kids Bike Seats

Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats

Front Kids Bike Seats

Balance Bike

Types of Riding

Bikepath Riding

Family Riding

E-Bike Riding

goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear

Women, Mens, Youth & Kids

SHOP goUnders.