OBERSON BUYING GUIDE
How to choose a bike helmet
Road or mountain biking, fit, safety, and comfort: Oberson's experts guide you in choosing the right bike helmet for your activity.
IN SHORT
How to choose a bike helmet
To choose a bicycle helmet, start by determining your type of riding: road or mountain biking. Road helmets prioritize lightness, ventilation, and aerodynamics, while mountain bike models offer greater coverage and a more robust construction. Pay particular attention to fit, which remains the most important factor for safety and comfort. Also ensure that the helmet meets current certifications and, if necessary, incorporates technologies like MIPS for increased protection.
Which bike helmet should you choose based on your activity (road or mountain)?
To choose the right bike helmet, start by identifying your riding style. Helmets are mainly divided into two broad categories: road and mountain bike. Road, gravel, urban, and hybrid cyclists generally opt for road helmets, while trail enthusiasts prefer mountain bike helmets that offer more extensive protection.
| Headset type | Perfect for | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Road bike | Routes, urban travel, gravel | Lightweight, ventilated, streamlined |
| Mountain bike | Technical trails, forest paths | More covering, robust, with a visor |
Understanding the Different Types of Helmets
Road bike helmets
For road cycling, opt for a lightweight, well-ventilated, and comfortable helmet. These models are designed for long rides on asphalt, where heat management plays an important role. Their numerous vents promote airflow, helping you stay cool during exertion.
Some road helmets focus more on aerodynamics. More enclosed and compact, they are designed to reduce wind resistance and optimize performance at high speeds.
Road helmets are also very suitable for urban cyclists on hybrid bikes and gravel cyclists looking for a lightweight and comfortable model.
Mountain bike helmets
For mountain biking, opt for a helmet with more extensive coverage and a more robust construction. These models offer greater protection for the back and sides of the head, which is particularly useful on technical trails where the risk of falling is higher.
Some models offer an even higher level of protection, particularly with an integrated or removable chin bar. They are especially suitable for disciplines such as aggressive trail riding, enduro, or downhill, where impacts can be more significant.
Most mountain bike helmets incorporate a visor, which protects against sun, branches, and debris. More comprehensive models often feature a larger or adjustable visor to provide enhanced protection.
Other types of bike helmets
BMX helmets, recognizable by their rounded shape and robust construction, offer increased protection for park or track riding.
Children's helmets are designed to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, with sizes adapted to the morphology of younger riders.
Some helmets for urban commuting emphasize comfort and simplicity, with a more enveloping design and generally more discreet ventilation, suitable for everyday use.
What size and fit should I choose?
To choose the correct helmet size, measure your head circumference and ensure a precise fit. A well-fitting helmet is essential for effective protection and comfort.
Helmet size is determined by head circumference. Use a flexible measuring tape and place it around the widest part of your head, about 2 cm above your eyebrows. If you don't have one, you can use a string and then measure it with a ruler.
Once in place, the helmet should be centered, cover the forehead and back of the skull, and remain stable when you move your head. The straps should form a Y under the ears, and the buckle should be adjusted under the chin without being too tight. You should be able to slide one finger between the strap and your chin.
Each brand uses a different shape, which can lead to variations in fit. It is therefore important to try on several models when possible. Some helmets are also available in different widths to better adapt to head shape.
To check for fit:
The helmet is well-centered and covers the forehead.
It stays stable when you move your head
The straps form a Y under the ears
The strap allows a finger to slip under the chin
Which security certifications and technologies should I choose?
All helmets sold in Canada must meet strict safety standards, such as CSA, CPSC, Snell, or ASTM certifications. These certifications guarantee a reliable level of protection in the event of an impact, regardless of the helmet's price.
Some models incorporate advanced protection technologies designed to enhance safety in specific situations. Mips® (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, for example, aims to reduce rotational forces on the head during certain oblique impacts. Other systems, developed by different brands, are based on similar principles.
High-end helmets often stand out due to the integration of these technologies, as well as a more precise fit and lighter materials. That said, a certified helmet that fits well remains the most important factor for effective protection.
FAQ — How to choose a bike helmet
Find here the answers to the most frequently asked questions about choosing bike helmets.
Why wear a bike helmet?
A helmet is essential to protect your head in the event of a fall. Current models offer effective protection against impacts, while being lightweight, comfortable, and well-ventilated.
In Canada, wearing a helmet is mandatory for all cyclists in some provinces, such as British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. It is also required for electric bicycle users in several provinces, including Quebec and Ontario, and mandatory for minors in other regions, such as Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Which helmet should I choose for gravel biking?
For gravel biking, most cyclists opt for a road helmet due to its lightness and ventilation. However, if you ride on rougher forest trails, a mountain bike helmet can offer additional protection with its more extended coverage. The choice therefore depends on the type of terrain you frequent most often.
When should you replace a bike helmet?
It is recommended to replace a bicycle helmet every 3 to 5 years, even without impact, as the materials can degrade over time due to UV rays and heat. After a fall or a significant impact, it is essential to replace it, even if no damage is visible, as the inner foam may have lost its shock absorption capacity. Signs of wear, such as cracks, damaged straps, or a faulty adjustment system, also indicate that it's time to change your helmet.
What is Mips® technology?
Mips® (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology is designed to reduce rotational forces on the head during certain oblique impacts. It is now widely used by many brands and provides an additional layer of protection, complementing safety certifications.
Are more expensive bike helmets safer?
All bicycle helmets sold in Canada must meet the same safety standards, so even entry-level models offer reliable impact protection. More expensive models are mainly distinguished by better ventilation, lighter weight, more precise adjustment systems, and technologies like Mips®.
Can a helmet be reused after a fall?
No. After a significant impact, a helmet should be replaced, even if it appears to be intact. The inner foam may have been damaged and may no longer provide adequate protection.
Bike helmets at Oberson
Find the right helmet for your activity
At Oberson, you'll find a wide selection of road and mountain bike helmets for all types of cyclists. Our specialists are available in-store and online to help you find the model and fit that are right for you.
