Evaluate how well a Bike Helmet meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a bike helmet and you've learned about the different features of bike helmets. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of bike helmet - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the bike helmets available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed bike helmets to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Bike Helmet meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available bike helmets in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any bike helmets that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any bike helmets that clearly exceed your price limit.
A bike helmet, much like a bike, should be chosen depending on the activity that it is going to be used for. Those competing in BMX dirt-jumping competitions will want a BMX bike helmet that resembles a motorcycle helmet because of the all-around protection it provides. These helmets are meant to protect not only the top, but also the rear part of the head, in addition to the jaw and face of the rider. Other helmets are designed for downhill racing, and still more exist for regular road use. Those made for the road are usually sleeker in their design in case of a collision, allowing the helmet to skid and not jerk.
Tip: Helmets designed for road use are recommended to not have any protrusions, such as a sun visor. Such features might cause the neck and head unnecessary injury in the event of a collision. The most recent bike helmet models are sleeker for aerodynamic purposes, but also to allow skidding on paved surfaces. The debate continues as to whether visors do or do not cause such problems if trail riding.
If you are going to buy a bike for yourself or your children, be sure to pick out a helmet that fits properly. Some kids have small heads for their size, while others have larger heads. It is hard for a parent to judge exactly what helmet might work best, unless they are opting for a one-size-fits-all model. If the child finds a helmet that fits nicely, but might need some extra foam for a fully snug fit, then accessory foam can be purchased separately.
Tip: If you are purchasing helmets for the whole family, see if you can get a discount. Local bike shops might be more willing to make a deal. Additionally, if you are buying new bikes for your family, see if you can get the helmets thrown in as a part of the package. Moreover, remember that more expensive helmets don't always mean they are better. Discount helmets might work just as well as other brands. If you are buying a helmet outside of the U.S. or Canada, ask about the safety standards it meets before you purchase.
What it ultimately comes down to is finding a helmet that will work for you and perhaps your family's needs. You do not need to purchase a multi-impact helmet if you don't want to spend a lot of money. If you or someone else is ever in a crash, however, you will have to replace the helmet before riding again. Medium-market helmets might cost as much as a cheaper pair of shoes, so the investment for safety is worthwhile.
When you were considering your requirements in a bike helmet it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as helmet type, size and fit, construction materials, weight and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various bike helmets meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Type
- Downhill - motor cross style, chin guard required
- Mountain & road - optional sun visor, same standards, optional multi-impact
- BMX - motor cross style, full helmet, with chin guard
- Chrono - light, aerodynamic, for time trials, performance oriented
Sizes
- Toddler - Size 6 1/2, rear head guard, light foam, bright colors, adjustment foam
- Youth & children - tested as adult helmets
- Adult helmets - high-end features & accessories available
- Optional ring-fit system - one size fits with extra adjustment foam
- Size XXXXS - 18 1/10 inches (460mm), small head toddler
- Size XXS - 18 1/2 inches (470mm), toddler
- Hat size 6 to 6 1/2 - (19 to 20 1/2 inches; 483mm to 521mm), small
- Hat size 6 5/8 to 6 7/8 - (20 7/8 to 21 5/8 inches; 530mm to 550mm), medium
- Hat size 7 to 7 1/8 - (22 to 22 3/8 inches; 559mm to 568mm), upper medium
- Hat size 7 1/4 to 7 1/2 - (22 3/4 to 23 7/8 inches; 578mm to 606mm), large
- Hat size 7 3/4 - (241/4 inches; 616mm), largest generally available, unless special ordered
Outer Shell Construction
- Hard-shell types or soft-shell types (often polystyrene)
- Plastic - made to skid on pavement
- Bright colors - recommended with reflectors
- Compact, aerodynamic shapes, air vents
- Kevlar models - becoming out of date, expensive
- Carbon fiber models available - super light, cutting edge, expensive
- Optional built-in LED Flashers - switch operated, battery powered, expensive
Foam Makeup
- EPS - expanded polystyrene, common, one-time impact
- EPP - expanded polypropylene, common, one-time impact
- Re-up foams - multi-impact, more expensive
- Beaded foam - cheap & common, allows “breathing”, lightweight, one-time impact
- GECET - strong foam, invented in early 1990s, limited production
- EPU - expanded polyurethane, most modern material, lightweight, different impact models
Comfort
- Strap - thinner are less comfortable, comfort chin straps available to prevent “strap creep”
- Ventilation - airflow overhead, front vents control airflow allowed
- Brow pad - sweat absorption
- Weight - only issue for professionals, otherwise all similar
- Internal webbing - nylon or polypro for comfort fitting
Certification
- CSA - Canada
- ASTM - international
- CPSC - United States
Accessories
- Visors - not recommended for road riding
- Mirrors - adjustable, attach to helmet
- Extra foam - helps with finer adjustments
- Strap ties - keeps strap ends bundled
- Speciality eyewear
Women Specific
- Pony tail port - losing appeal, less common
- Different colors, graphics, emblems
- Internal webbing, ring fit systems, air vent considerations
Other Considerations
- Extra fitting pads available with velcro
- Bald riders can avoid bigger air vents
- Helmets for special needs available
- Helmets for law enforcement can have different standards
Maintenance & Support
- Warranties available, usually 2 to 5 years of normal wear
- Cleaning methods, light soap and water, avoid washing machines
- Check outer shell and foam before purchase, keep receipt
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your bike helmet needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a bike helmet.
Once you have finished evaluating the bike helmets available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the bike helmets one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Bike Helmet compares with competing Bike Helmets
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of bike helmets that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of bike helmets that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which bike helmet on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these bike helmets best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed bike helmets has the best warranty?
Which bike helmet is the easiest to wear?
Which of the bike helmets seems of the highest quality?
Which short-listed bike helmet has the best cushioning?
Which bike helmet do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating bike helmets that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the bike helmet, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the bike helmet is put together. Check the assembly - is the bike helmet solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the bike helmet from the perspective of ease of use. Is it easy to adjust and fit? Make sure the bike helmet fits you physically, and that it is user-friendly - some bike helmets look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to use
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as damage caused from a fall off your bike.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need a visor, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing products?
- What else will you need to fully utilize this product?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of bike helmets that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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