Ten errors when using the helmet

Posted by tan xiao yan on

More and more cyclists care about the usages of helmets. After all, it relates to people's security. But some people still have some misunderstand about it. So what should we pay attention to when we use a helmet? Following are ten misunderstandings so please avoid making these mistakes.



Error 1: the lighter the helmet is, the better it is.

Relatively speaking, the lighter the helmets are, the better they are. But if the helmet is lighter, the chance of passing the test of National Safety Certification becomes smaller, so relatively their price is higher.

Therefore, the helmet you choose must pass the National Security Certification Test standard. Most the helmet about 200 yuan weights 260G. This is already enough for a long distance and you won't feel tired. So don't care so much about the weight of the helmet unless you take part in a riding racing because it is important to decrease your dead weight. Otherwise, there is no need to spend extra money in buying a helmet in light weight.

Error 2: The bigger or more holes are on the helmet, the more ventilate it is.

Ventilation is the key of the helmet and it can keep your head dry in the course of cycling. If vents on the helmet are more and larger, the air flow around your head will be larger, and then you are cooler. But you should bear in mind that more holes are on the helmet, the more space your head exposes. So the protection of your head will be reduced accordingly. Road bike helmets have more holes comparing to the mountain bike. Similarly, the weight of the helmet is a major consideration when compared to the road bike cyclists. Generally speaking, the lighter the helmet is, the more expensive it is.



Error 3: The buckle and the drawstring cannot bear certain strength.

People all know that there is impact testing for cycling helmet. But both the buckle and the drawstring have certain strength testing. If they don't pass this kind of testing, they can't be used on the helmets. So as for a qualified helmet, a small buckle and drawstring must pass a corresponding testing.

Error 4: the helmet cracks or is far longer than originally intended.

If your helmet cracks, don't use it anymore. It is just a psychological comfort and doesn't have any tangible use. It doesn't matter if you meet a little bump. But if you collide with another car, there is the massive strength so your helmet can't protect you. Although it's just a little crack, its capability of withstanding stress has changed in physical structure. Do you know the reason why a bridge collapsed in Seoul in the 1990s? It was inferred that some joints on the side of the bridge were not firmly welded and there was a crack. Another simple example is that you have to use much strength to pull apart a new A4 paper. But if there is a hole in the middle of the paper, it's much easier.

Cyclists should change their helmets every other three years even if you didn't tumble or collide. Some parts of the helmet will become age through sun exposure and sweat erosion. So the margin of safety has reduced and its protection has decreased.

Error 5: Wear a helmet without buckle up.

You may feel comfortable when you unfasten the buckle. But if you get a knock on the head, your helmet will fly away. So it can't protect you. To make the helmet work, please wear it at any time.



Error 6: wear a too big or too small helmet

If the size of the helmet is not correct, it can't protect your head when you get hit. Don't make such mistake to buy a wrong size helmet. When you buy a new helmet, you can measure the largest part of your head (generally it is 1cm above your eyebrow). Helmets divide into three sizes: small, medium and large. You may only buy relatively appropriate size, and then use the rotatable button of the regulator to adjust to achieve the most suitable size. When wearing a helmet, turn the helmet from one side to the other and move it from front to back until you feel comfortable. If it's too loose or too tight, you need to continue to adjust or change another one.

Error 7: Wear an inferior helmet

A helmet must pass the strict technical standard. But those inferior helmets often don't pass the standard and it will bring about the danger. Maybe some cyclists have no idea whether their helmets are secure or not. Actually, we simply cannot determine if the helmet is secure from its CE certificate. It must also have corresponding test reports and certificates. CE certification focuses on the safety characteristics of products. It is the conformity of the product to the public safety, sanitation, environment and personal safety requirements.

But in China, producers produce helmets according to the standard of CE EN1078. Most helmets produced in China are for export so the helmets we can buy mostly are of CN EN1078 standard. But they are not sent to TUV or SGS for certificating. Every product and every size should have corresponding testing report and certificates. Customers should pay attention to this. Helmets which don't pass the testing of safety certificate are dangerous.



Error 8: Wear helmets in the wrong position.

The most effective helmet position needs to keep the helmet and your head at the same level. The edge of the helmet should be about 1 cm above the eyebrows. If it's not at this position, check the size of the helmet, and then adjust the regulator and the drawstring to ensure that the helmet is at the right position.

Error 9: drawstring is too loose

A loose drawstring will make helmets move at any time and it may hurt you. So you should adjust the length of the drawstring between the helmet and your chin to hold the space of one finger. This can maximize the protection of the helmet.



Error 10: Leave helmets about after cycling.

After every use of the helmet, please place it in a cool and ventilated place and avoid high-temperature and long-time sunlight.