How to Buy the Right Bike Helmet

It's been said time and time again: Helmets save lives. For tips on finding the right bike helmet for you, follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Cleated Bicycle Shoes
• Bicycle Route Guides
• Credit Cards And Loans
• Arm Pads
• Bicycle Helmets
• Elbow Pads
• Knee Pads
• Children's Bicycles
• Elbow pads
• Knee pads

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Instructions

• 1

  Go to a bike shop or a sporting goods store.

• 2

  Choose a helmet in a color and style you like.

• 3

  Open the box and take out the helmet.

• 4

  Flip the helmet over and look inside.

• 5

  Locate the sticker from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If the helmet is a newer model and does not have this sticker, choose another one (see Tips, below, for information on older helmets).

• 6

  Try the helmet on if it has been approved as safe. Adjust the straps to fit snuggly under your chin.

• 7

  Shake your head around to check that the helmet does not move. If it does, and the straps are as tight as is comfortable, choose a smaller size.

• 8

  Push up the front of the helmet with one finger. It shouldn't slide too easily off your forehead. If the helmet cannot be adjusted to fit, choose a smaller size.

• 9

  Try to unbuckle the helmet with one hand. Try several other helmets with different buckle designs.

• 10

  Buy the helmet that fits and has an easily operated buckle.