| If there is one vital piece of mountain biking | | | | improve ventilation. There is usually a sweat band on |
| equipment, it is your mountain bike helmet. The | | | | the inside of the helmet to control sweat, and ensure |
| purchase of your helmet should be at least as | | | | comfort. |
| important as buying your bike. Whether in the city or | | | | Manufacturers are constantly striving to design lighter, |
| off-road, you have no business being on a bike, | | | | better ventilated mountain bike helmets. This may |
| without a mountain bike helmet. | | | | compromise reinforcement, and affect safety. Be |
| Although accidents cannot be eliminated, wearing a | | | | sure to look for a sticker that states that the helmet |
| helmet will reduce the risk and severity of a head | | | | meets the necessary safety standards. |
| injury by up to 88 percent. | | | | The best indication of this is the CPSC logo, or in |
| It is therefore worth spending as much as you can | | | | Europe the CE logo, or alternatively SNELL |
| afford on the best mountain bike helmet. Your life | | | | certification. Helmets with the ANSI standard are not |
| may depend on it! It is an investment in your safety, | | | | recommended. |
| and will be used for a long time. | | | | Never wear a mountain bike helmet that has been in |
| If you are a novice rider, buy your helmet from a | | | | a crash. Even if the damage is not visible, you should |
| store that specialize in biking equipment. Ask a | | | | always replace it with a new helmet. |
| knowledgeable sales person to advise you. A quality | | | | One example of exceptional mountain bike helmets, is |
| mountain bike helmet is of little use, if it isn't fitted | | | | the Giro range. Their E2 is sleek, light, and |
| properly. | | | | comfortable. The unique Wind Tunnel Ventilation |
| The helmet should be placed evenly on your head, | | | | system, offers all the channels and vents you need |
| and rest about 1" or 2.5cm above your eyebrows. | | | | for a cool ride. |
| Ensure that the helmet doesn't tip forward or | | | | The Giro Rib Cage, and in-mold technology ensures |
| backward, but rests straight on your head. | | | | superb reinforcement. The snazzy Point of View |
| Your mountain bike helmet should fit snugly. Utilize | | | | Visor features an inventive internal clutch mechanism. |
| the different foam pads inside the helmet to get the | | | | Adjustment is secure. You won't be distracted by |
| tightest and most comfortable fit. Pull the chinstrap | | | | irritating rattling on the trail. |
| as tight as possible, and adjust the side straps so | | | | Giro also offers an infant mountain bike helmet, the |
| that they rest just below the ears. The chinstrap | | | | ME2. Kids adore them! The strap guides are simple, |
| should never be on the point of the chin, but moved | | | | and the buckle won't bite young skin. The helmet |
| back. | | | | features a microshell with a built in bug net. |
| The helmet should pull down when you open your | | | | Young riders love looking and feeling cool with Flume, |
| mouth wide, although there should be just about | | | | the youth version of the mountain bike helmet. They |
| enough room to allow you to eat. If not, tighten the | | | | can choose between Lavender Space Girl, Yellow |
| chinstrap. Make sure that both buckles are on the | | | | Black Flames, or Silver/Blue Flames. |
| jaw and under the ear. | | | | Take your time when fitting a mountain bike helmet. |
| The mountain bike helmet should not feel loose, or | | | | It may take 20 - 30 minutes to get the correct |
| move more than 1" or 2.5cm in any direction when | | | | helmet fit. Examine all the different types and styles. |
| you shake your head from side to side. If it does slip, | | | | Experiment with pad and strap positions. |
| check and adjust the foam pads or side straps. If | | | | You will find that mountain bike helmet that was |
| you physically move the helmet, the skin on your | | | | made for you, that will hug your head snugly, and will |
| forehead will move with it, if it is a proper fit. | | | | enable you to tackle any trail with confidence and a |
| The airflow over the head is the means of ventilation | | | | feeling of security. |
| in a mountain bike helmet. Larger side vents also | | | | For more information visit Best-Mountain-Biking. |