by Vernon Huffman

Created on: November 26, 2007

Traumatic brain injury is worth avoiding. Not only can a helmet save your life, it can make recovery much more pleasant should you happen, as many cyclists do, to bounce off the pavement. Along with gloves and bright clothing, a helmet is the most essential piece of sensible safety gear for biking.

To be sure you're getting the most protection possible from the helmet, look to see that it meets the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF.org). These are the highest standards in the industry. Nothing but the best for your brain!

Obviously, to protect your head, a helmet must fit properly. Salespeople in most good bike shops can help with the adjustments, which I'll detail below. The bottom line is this: "Don't buy any helmet until it passes the test. Given a sharp blow on the leading edge by your palm, the helmet must remain over your forehead." If it moves, it won't protect you.

Today's helmets often have a dial adjustment on the back of the head. When you find a helmet that seems to be the right basic size for you, twist this adjustment wheel to its loosest setting until you've made every other adjustment. Then you can tighten as much as comfortable.

Most helmets have a strap adjustment below each ear. You want to shorten the front strap nice and tight on each side and work the slack around until you can take it up under the chin. The straps will work loose over time, so you'll need to repeat this adjustment periodically. Remember to test the helmet by hitting it above your forehead. If it moves, shorten those front straps.

Because heads come in many shapes, helmets generally ship with a variety of internal pads. Some use Velcro, while others have adhesive. Either way, you can replace them as necessary until you have the most comfortable lining for your particular head shape.

Of course there are other considerations in buying a helmet, most more practical than how it looks in the mirror. Racers consider aerodynamics. Those who ride at dusk will look at how easily front and rear lights can be added, as the helmet is the safest place to mount lights. Comfort is the most important consideration.

Heat is a major factor in the comfort of a helmet. That's why most bike helmets have holes designed to increase the airflow across your scalp. While these are generally a boon, those of us who ride in all weather conditions carry a shower cap to put over the helmet in cold weather. There is no quicker way to warm yourself when riding.

Many people assume the hard outer shell of the helmet is what protects you. In an accident, the shock is actually absorbed by the foam below. If this foam becomes compressed, the helmet will no longer do its job. Generally, if you've had an accident or just compressed your helmet through handling, it is time to buy a new one.

Buy a good fitting helmet. Keep your skull round and your brains functioning. It's worth it!

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