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
Helmet Size
t 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.
goRide’s Women/Girls Youth Bike Helmet Solutions
Town Bike Helmet
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$99.00
SHOP
Recreation Bike Helmet
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$99.00
SHOP
Multi- Environment/ Best All round Helmet Solution.
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$199.00
SHOP
Road Riding-Recreation
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$299.00
SHOP
goRide’s Men/Boys Youth Bike Helmet Solutions
Town Bike Helmet
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$99.00
SHOP
Recreation Bike Helmet
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$99.00
SHOP
Multi- Environment/ Best All round Helmet Solution.
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$199.00
SHOP
Road Riding-Recreation
Helmet
Protection/Features
Level of Mountain Biking
Size Range
Cost
$299.00
SHOP
Mountain Bike Helmet options see the specific MOUNTAIN 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.
LEARN MORE: How are you wearing your helmet
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)
LEARN MORE: caring for your helmet.
Riding stories, support & solutions that will make you & your family SMILE.
Ride More Places
Read stories about NZ trails, tracks & parks. find out what other families & riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?
Buying Guides
Use our full range of buying guides to get the right solutions for you and your family.
Women and Families Learning...
Read our stories that support you to learn about all things biking related. Learn what you need to know to safely ride your bike.
Solution Finder
We are here to help. Use goRides quick and easy Q&A forms to receive personalised support… support specific to you and your family.
Types of Riding Stories
Stories in Types of Riding support you to ride a bike in different riding environments. So you can be confident you have the skills to ride more places, more often.
Bike Gear Stories
A collection of stories that will help you learn about bike gear. goRide supporting you to get the right bike gear solutions for where you ride or want to ride.
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride
Helmet Fit
To find the natural crease line of your waist, stand straight with hands at the side. Then bend sideways running the hand down the outside surface of the leg. This movement will produce a crease at the waist so place your measuring tape on this crease. Return to standing straight and place the tape measure around your waist at your crease point (usually the narrowest part of your torso).
Firstly you will need to find the point 2cm above the top of their knee cap.
To find your inside leg measurement stand with heels against a wall. Place a book between your legs as high up as it will go. Move away from the wall keeping the book against it. Place a tape measure at the top end of the book and let it drop to the floor.
To find the natural crease line of your waist, stand straight with hands at the side. Then bend sideways running the hand down the outside surface of the leg. This movement will produce a crease at the waist so place your measuring tape on this crease. Return to standing straight and place the tape measure around your waist at your crease point (usually the narrowest part of your torso).
