Things You Should Know About Bike Helmets

Bicycle helmets are the most critical piece of safety equipment we have as cyclists, and yet, are often the most ignored and neglected. I know far too many folks with helmets that are improperly stored, used and abused, and in need of replacement.

Here are some of my top tips on caring for your helmet and choosing a new one when the time comes.

Replace Your Helmet Every Few Years (Yes, Bicycle Helmets Expire!)

I talk to a lot of folks who are riding in helmets that are OLD, and they have no idea that they need to be replaced fairly often.

So how often is “fairly often”?

Most major helmet manufacturers–including Giro, POC, and Sweet Protection–recommend replacing helmets every 3 to 5 years. The Snell Memorial Foundation recommends every 5 years, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) suggests every 5 to 10 years.

This range exists because helmet degradation depends heavily on how often you use the helmet.

If you’re someone who rides multiple times per week or daily, your helmet will degrade faster due to increased UV exposure, sweat, and general wear. The foam inside your helmet breaks down over time, and the more you use it, the more quickly this happens. For frequent riders, leaning toward the 3-year replacement timeline makes sense.

On the other hand, if you only ride occasionally and treat your helmet with care, you might be able to safely extend its lifespan to 5 years or more.

If you’re unsure how old your helmet is, you can check the inside the helmet. Assuming it hasn’t fallen out or faded, you’ll find a sticker that shows the year of manufacture. Keep in mind, however, that the helmet may have sat on a shelf for a year or more before you purchased it.

Signs You Need To Replace Your Helmet ASAP

While it’s fine to wait 5 years or more to replace a helmet in good condition, there are times you need to replace your helmet right away (even if you’ve only had it a few months).

Helmets are designed for a single impact. If you crash and hit your head, your helmet needs to be replaced immediately. Even if there’s no visible damage, the internal foam structure may be compromised, reducing its ability to protect you in future impacts.

Many helmet manufacturers offer crash replacement programs. If you’ve crashed, it’s worth checking with your helmet’s manufacturer to see if they offer a discount. It’s also something consider when buying a new helmet.

Even if you haven’t had a crash, there are other signs of wear that warrant immediate replacement. These include cracks (in either the shell or foam), dents, and broken buckles or fit cages.

These are red flags that indicate that your helmet’s structural integrity has been compromised and it is time to replace it.

Store Your Helmet With Care

Where and how you store your helmet significantly impacts its lifespan. Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can cause the materials to deteriorate faster, so avoid storing your helmet outside, in your car, or in a non-climate-controlled garage.

Instead, bring your helmet inside and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This simple habit can extend your helmet’s effective life and ensure it continues to provide optimal protection.

Understanding Bicycle Helmet Safety Standards

There are lots of safety standards out there, which can be confusing. For U.S. based riders, here are the ones I recommend paying attention to:

👉 CPSC. All bike helmets sold in the United States must meet the CPSC standard for safety, which provides a baseline level of protection.

👉 ASTM F1952. This is the standard for downhill mountain biking. This is an important one to check because not all full face helmets meet it.

👉 ASTM F2032: The standard for full face helmets for BMX racing.

👉 NTA 8776. There’s no North American standard for e-bike helmets, but this Dutch standard is a good one to look for.

There are plenty of other international standards, so depending on where you live, you may want to do additional research on standards for helmets sold in your geographical market.

Independent Safety Testing

Beyond the standards listed above, it can be tough to determine if one particular helmet is safer than another. If you want to do further research, the Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Ratings are your best bet.

They provide an excellent independent resource for evaluating helmet safety. While not every helmet is tested and the ratings shouldn’t be considered gospel, they do serve as a great starting point when choosing a new helmet.

Do You Need MIPS?

Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology has become increasingly common in bike helmets, but the question remains: is it legit or a marketing ploy?

The honest answer is that there isn’t enough independent research to definitively say MIPS provides superior protection. However, the Virginia Tech ratings do seem to favor helmets with MIPS technology, and many safety experts recommend erring on the side of caution.

That said, don’t completely discount a helmet without MIPS if it otherwise meets your needs and fits well. Many brands are developing their own alternatives to MIPS technology–Lazer Kintecore, POC SPIN, and Smith Koroyd are but a few–and a well-fitting helmet without MIPS is better than a poorly fitting helmet with it.

Hair and Helmet Fit

This topic doesn’t get much attention, but it’s crucial for cyclists with longer or thicker hair (particularly women and people of color). While there’s limited research specific to cycling, studies on football helmets show that more hair can lead to a looser fit, which correlates with more severe concussions.

Research also demonstrates that poorly fitted bike helmets increase the odds of facial and head injuries. If your hair is preventing a proper helmet fit, you’re potentially at higher risk for injury.

Consider experimenting with different hairstyles to see what provides a good fit, and look for adjustable retention systems which can provide a better fit.

Avoiding Counterfeit Helmets

The market is flooded with counterfeit helmets that may look legitimate but don’t provide adequate protection. These knockoffs often lack proper safety certifications and use inferior materials that could fail when you need protection most–yikes!

To avoid counterfeits, purchase your helmet directly from the manufacturer or from a reputable local bike shop. If you’re shopping on Amazon, double check to see who the seller is. If it’s the manufacturer or a big shop like Backcountry.com, it should be legit. Otherwise, steer clear.

Other Things To Consider When Choosing A Helmet

In addition to safety standards and ratings, here are a few other things to consider when choosing a helmet:

👉 Does it fit well on MY head? Head shape compatibility is crucial since different brands design their helmets for different head shapes, so what works perfectly for your riding buddy might not work for you. Don’t rush the fitting process. Take time to try different brands and models, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from knowledgeable bike shop staff.

👉Is it breathable? Check for air holes as well as ventilation channels on the inside of the helmet.

👉 Are there any weird pressure points? Unfortunately, this one can be hard to determine until you’ve had a helmet on for a few hours. Still, if a helmet feels uncomfortable immediately when trying it on, run.

👉 Does it provide good coverage? Ensure the helmet provides adequate protection for both your forehead and the back of your head without leaving vulnerable areas exposed.

👉 Does it have any “extra” features I’m looking for (GoPro mount, Recco, reflective features, MIPS, etc)?

Our Favorite Helmets

The Femme Cyclist team and I have tested and researched lots of different bike helmets to help you find the very best ones. Here are our recommendations by helmet type: