Wearing a Bike Helmet is law and vitally important for your safety. Ride with confidence knowing you have the ‘right’ bike helmet for the type of riding you do.
The right bike helmet
A helmet that fits, matches the type of riding you do, a helmet you feel good in and is comfortable to wear
Helmet fit
The size of a Bike Helmet refers to your head circumference. Some helmets come in one size others a range of sizes.
YOU need to find out your head circumference. To measure your head circumference place a soft tape measure around your head 1 cm above your eyebrows and make sure the tape is level all the way around the head. Take the measurement in cm.
As sizes of bike helmets suit a range of head circumference. Having ability to adjust the fit.
How you adjust the fit varies depending on the helmet. Generally through straps and fastener at the back of the helmet. Some helmets also come with different thicknesses of foam pads to allow you to adjust the helmet to fit your head size.
Helmet Safety Standards
All Bike helmets sold in New Zealand need to comply to a safety standard. So it doesn’t matter what the cost or style of the helmet if it is sold in New Zealand it will comply to the minimum standard.
We think there is more to consider when it comes to safety
- At goRide we believe one of the most important safety features to consider when purchasing is the shape of the bike helmet. We suggest a shape that gives you good head coverage and is smooth and round like your skull/head.
Read what the Helmet Safety Institute recommends:
- The more of the head that is covered by the helmet the better (consider the head as starting from the bump at the top of the back of the neck, around the top of the ears and to the top of the eyebrows. The rest really is your face).
- They prefer the more round smooth style helmet , basically round like your head. No protrusions. Being round with no protrusions it will slide better along a surface, reducing the peak forces with sudden stopping and isolated points of impact from protruding shapes also reducing the risk of snagging. All factors that may result in a head and/or neck injury.
Other considerations for safety is the reflective capacity of the Helmet. A bright colour and reflective strips can help to make YOU be more visible.Â
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A helmet that you are comfortable in
- Friction points – are there any friction points?  Do you feel points or areas of rubbing or tension? If you have the correct sized helmet it is more than likely to be an adjustment issue. You do need to invest a bit of time when you first get your Helmet making the necessary adjustments so it is comfortable and will stay on and over your head in an impact.Â
- Weight – this can be particularly important to consider if the helmet is for a child. However most helmets today are generally reasonably lightweight. The harder shell skate style helmets are little heavier.
- Ventilation – does the helmet have good ventilation or do you get hot and sweaty under there. The foam liner is an insulator, so it will get hot under there unless there are some holes to allow air flow. You will get better air flow from holes located at the front of the helmet. Some ventilation holes will have mesh over them called bug nets to keep those bugs out. Holes reduce the strength of the helmet but manufacturers work to overcome this and ensure that it will meet the required standards
- Visors – Visors are designed to help protect you from the sun and rain. Though they are a protrusion to out round helmet, so removable visors are advised.
- Colour and Graphics on the Helmet – This is really all about looks, but bonding with your helmet is important. In fact the introduction of skate style helmets into the riding world was not targeted at better performance but that it provided a wonderful base for graphics and a helmet with personality. Choose a helmet that you will enjoy and stand out in -a colour and graphis that reflect you.
 Matches the type of riding you do
All bike helmets are made slighlty differently. By matching your bike helmet to the riding you do you know that you will get the level of protection that is ideal for your riding,
goRide provides Bike Helmets to suit your riding, including traffic riding, e-biking through to all levels of Mountain Biking. Learn your options:
It must not be damaged
Most bike helmets do not respond well to being thrown on the ground, stood on or run over. Damage to bike helmets is not always visible to the human eye, so the best piece of advice is take care of your bike helmet. Have a process of care in place, like – you must not drop your helmet. When you are finished using your helmet store it in ‘this’ safe place (that is not hanging over the handlebars of their bike).  It is important to check for damage to the straps clips, shell and inner foam of the helmet, especially if the helmet is not “treated with care”. See  Helmet Care for more information.
We also advise that you use a new helmet and not a secondhand helmet as you are unaware of the damage to a helmet.
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Bike Helmets
Stories and Support – Bike Helmets. Enjoy all our Bike Helmet stories on one easy to navigate page
Bike Helmet Buying Guide
Get tips for buying the right Bike Helmet for the type of riding you do. Learn about fit, sizing and features. Use our Buying Guide and get the right solution.
Mountain Bike Helmet Buying Guide
What is the best MTB helmet for the type of riding you enjoy? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our Buying Guide to get the right bike helmet solution.
How to Size and Fit a Bike Helmet
Learn how to measure for the right size helmet, then adjust that helmet for a great fit.
MIPs Explained
What is MIPS and how does it improve your safety?
Ride More Places
Read stories about NZ trails, tracks and parks. Find our what other families and riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?
Caring for your Helmet
Care for your helmet so you get the safety you need.Â
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