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 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:

1. 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).
2. 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. 

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. 
• 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.

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.

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