
Consider…
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…
A helmet that 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 BIKE HELMET Solutions
SIZE
TYPE OF RIDING
FEATURES
SOLUTION
S, M, L
Ranging from 51cm-61.5cm
Town rider
Fun and funky great graphics. Good head coverage.
One size
Ranging from 53cm-60cm
Town rider, easy recreational on and off road riding.
Lightweight, colourful and good head coverage.
S, M
Ranging from 51cm-59cm
Recreational mountain biking or any type of rider wanting a high performance helmet.
Lightweight, MIPS technology, colourful, good ventilation and head coverage.
S,M,L
Ranging from 52cm-62cm
Road rider, easy to intermediate road riding.
Lightweight, MIPS technology, great ventilation and good head coverage.
For Mountain Bike Helmet options see the specific MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMET BUYING GUIDE
Make your purchase a success…
Adjustment 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 every ride. See How to size & fit a bike 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) See tips- caring for your helmet.
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