Cycling helmets

It is also very important to choose the right type of cycling helmet for your intended use. And the first essential safety requirement is that a bicycle helmet must be certified.

All bicycle helmets sold in the European Union must be certified to the European Directive 89/686/EEC and have a EN 1078 certification, which guarantees the minimum safety standards considered by the competent European authorities. You can check that they comply with the standard by verifying that they have the CE EN 1078 marking.

The usual structure of cycling helmets consists of an inner layer of EPS (expanded polystyrene), to dissipate the impact force on the head, and an outer layer to protect the polystyrene, usually made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic or even carbon fibre and polycarbonates in the higher range helmets.

Manufacturers face the challenge of achieving the highest level of protection, with the lowest possible weight and the best possible ventilation, depending on the use and discipline. To this end, many technologies have been developed and can be found in most quality helmets. We include the most important below, to use as a reference when choosing a helmet:

• Inmold construction. Instead of gluing or bonding the inner and outer layers, the shell is fused together in the EPS injection moulding process, resulting in a single piece that is stiffer, stronger and lighter.

• Variable EPS density, according to the needs of each area.

• The internal structure or skeleton inside the EPS, which is usually made of aramid or carbon fibre, serves two functions: to reinforce the polystyrene and improve strength with less weight, and to prevent the pieces from separating in case of breakage, leaving the head unprotected.

• Safety technologies such as MIPS, which improve dissipative force in the event of impact, or accident warning systems such as ANGi, found in Specialized bike helmets.

The lightest mountain bike helmets are similar to those used for road cycling and are even sometimes the same models. The main difference is that MTB helmets are used with and without a visor, while road helmets never have a visor, as this would reduce the field of vision, due to the more aggressive posture, and force the rider's head into a raised position, causing cervical vertebrae discomfort. MTB XC and road helmets need to be lightweight, highly ventilated and compact in order to reduce weight as much as possible and to ensure good aerodynamics.

Triathlon and time trial helmets are designed with aerodynamics as the priority. So-called aero and semi-aero helmets sacrifice weight and ventilation in order to offer the least possible air resistance with their shape. Those with a more pronounced aerodynamic design are intended for time trials. Semi-aerohelmets are designed for road cycling and triathlon events.

Among MTB helmets, those designed for Trail and Enduro are more robust, with fewer ventilation holes and a lower and reinforced occipital area to protect the nape of your neck, due to the greater risk of falling. They are heavier than XC helmets and always have a visor for protection from the sun, rain and branches.

The Endurorange of helmets includes full-face helmets, which are similar to those used for downhill, but with a removable chin bar. This is an interesting option as it provides greater protection and can be removed when riding uphill to make the helmet lighter and more ventilated.

The full-face bicycle helmet is unquestionable for Enduro disciplines, such as extreme Enduro and BMX racing. They are designed for speed and risk and the high level of protection required, means they have very few ventilation channels, to keep anything from hitting the rider.

Specific helmets are designed for Dirt and BMX free style, with a very resistant shell and little ventilation. These helmets have a retro or vintage design, made to withstand falls against concrete and are not for high intensity aerobic activities.

The range of urban cycling helmets to choose from is huge. MTB XC helmets are a popular choice, but specific urban bike helmets have their own characteristics and design. As they are not usually for sporty or high intensity use, designs do not give as much priority to ventilation or ultra-light weights. They are safe, compact and aesthetically pleasing helmets, and are usually at the forefront of technology, so it is easy to find models with special features, such as:

• Bicycle helmets with a light at the front, rear or both, for optimum visibility.

• Intelligent bicycle helmets that can adjust the lights automatically or manually via a dial on the handlebars, function as a walkie talkie, or connect to a smartphone, with multiple possibilities such as a GPS locator or sending accident alerts.

There is also a huge range of children's bicycle helmets. They are designed and developed to offer the same level of protection as adult models, but with fun designs to make the helmets more attractive to young cyclists and there are even helmets specifically designed for babies. The range also includes small-sized helmets with adult designs, and even full-face helmets, to suit all tastes and disciplines.

We end with some basic tips to ensure you make the most of the features included in your helmet.

• Choose the right size and adjust and fasten it correctly. This is essential for allowing the helmet to provide proper protection. Our Mammoth staff will be happy to advise you on this.

• In the event of an accident or heavy impact, even if the helmet has not broken, the impact may have damaged its internal structure, which causes it to lose its properties. In this case, it will NOT protect you adequately if you have another fall. We recommend you change it, for your safety.

• Helmets have an expiry date. Once they are in use, they are exposed to sunlight, bad weather, sweat, etc.... These agents damage the materials and the helmet loses its protective properties and effectiveness. The recommended period of use varies from one manufacturer to another, but the maximum is usually five years. We do not advise you to exceed this period without changing your helmet, in order to guarantee the best possible protection.

• Clean regularly with neutral soaps to remove dirt and sweat and avoiding extreme temperatures during storage. This will also help to maintain its properties.

• Do not constrict the MIPS system when attaching sports cameras to the helmet. The camera attachment straps should only be attached to the outer shell and should not touch the MIPS system, as this would impede its function.