
As more and more people take to peddling to work – influenced by Government and employee initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint – protecting our skulls is paramount. Quality is a must and naturally we need to protect our heads but comfort, ease-of-use, visibility, airflow and style all play their part too. Not all helmets are created equal.
There are a few things to consider before you splash the cash; the size and fit of your helmet is crucial so ensure your choice has several adjustable methods to maximise snugness (not just for comfort but for effectiveness in an impact too). Look out for MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) – a technology that helps to absorb impact (an investment worth making in my mind); and finally, how long the helmet will last? Guidance on this varies from 3-8 years. As a rule of thumb, the more you pay, the better quality and in theory, the longer the lifespan - so do factor that into your decision. Remember to always replace your helmet if it does suffer impact.