Every rider knows a good bicycle helmet is important. But actually choosing one? That’s a whole other story. With so many stylish bike helmets on the market today, it’s hard to pick one that’s just right for you. To help you narrow it down next time you shop, follow our checklist below and use this mantra as your guide: 

 

 

“My new stylish bike helmet should have…

...a visor."

Visors serve a dual purpose. First and foremost, they protect you from the sun, therefore making it easier to see on the road while you ride. Secondly, they make a statement! (A fashion statement, that is.) If biking is a core part of your lifestyle, your helmet becomes a part of your “look.” To best express your personal style, get the Closca Helmet and customize it with adjustable visors in six different colors. If you get more than one, and you can have a new look almost every day of the week.

 

...well-fitted straps.”

When it comes to helmets, straps are key—without them, your helmet would fly off your head and do little to actually protect you. Remember: helmet straps should not be too tight or too loose, and they should be easy to buckle and unbuckle. As a general rule, do the “finger test.” If you can fit more than two fingers between the chin straps and your chin, your straps are too loose; if you can’t fit two fingers between them at all, they’re too tight.

 

 

 

… good ventilation.”

Give yourself some room to breathe! Wearing a helmet for too long can make your head sweat, which is anything but attractive when you step into the office, the bar or, well, anywhere. Proper ventilation keeps your head cooler, protects you from sunstroke, and helps keep your helmet lighter. 

 

...anything and everything that keeps me safe.”

While finding stylish bike helmets might be your main objective, remember that you’re also buying one for safety reasons. (In some states in the U.S., it’s actually illegal to ride a bike without one!) Knowing this, it should go without saying that the helmet you choose should exceed safety expectations. While all helmets manufactured in the United States are required to meet standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), Closca takes that one step further and complies with both European and American EN 1078 and CSPC safety regulations—meaning you can take it with you when you travel overseas, too.

...comfort.”

Many things factor into a helmet’s comfort level, but few matter more than padding. Make sure your new helmet has extra padding. Doing so will not only make it more comfortable to wear, but it will also help absorb sweat as you ride, and let you arrive to your destination fresh and clean. Other comfort factors include proper ventilation, a rear adjustment system, and weight. The more lightweight a helmet is, the better. Besides, when zipping through the city on a perfect day, why would you want anything weighing you down? 

 

 

 

 

...style!” (Obviously.)

If your bike helmet doesn’t work with your personal style, don’t buy it. As long as it has all of the safety and convenience features we’ve listed above, go ahead and choose a stylish bike helmet with the color, feel and look that truly speaks to you. This is actually more important than you think. If you’re an avid bike commuter who has to wear a bike helmet every day, you might as well look good doing it, too.