CHOOSING THE RIGHT BIKE HELMET
Like all road users, cyclists take risks on their bikes. So it's a good idea to use a bicycle helmet for every journey, whether short or long, on the road or on the track, as a leisure cyclist or a sports cyclist. The question now is how to choose the bike helmet best suited to your needs.
WHICH HELMET IS RIGHT FOR SPORTY CYCLING SESSIONS?
There are as many helmets as there are types of cycling. A road bike helmet will be different from a mountain bike helmet or an urban helmet designed for city bikes and velotafs.
ENDURO
Enduro riding is the most committed and demanding of all mountain bike disciplines. Whether on the trails or in the ski resorts in summer, wearing a full-face helmet is essential to ensure maximum protection during DH sessions. The full-face helmet provides maximum coverage of the face and head thanks to its chin strap and its coverage of the occipital area at the back of the head.
MTB
MTB helmets appeal to a wide audience, with wide disparities in skill levels. So you'll find them at every price point. They all have ventilation and a sporty shape, but depending on the model, some are lighter than others to make riding comfortable and safe. It's also worth noting that some helmets have insect nets (like all Cairn helmets) and a visor, which make them special.
ROAD
Road helmets also have vents to ventilate the cyclist's head and prevent over-transpiration, which is very common in road cycling. With its elongated, aerodynamic shape reducing wind resistance, the road bike helmet will also be very light and will therefore benefit from the best materials.
WHICH HELMET IS RIGHT FOR LEISURE CYCLING?
CITY
If you're cycling in town, we recommend a full-coverage helmet, with less ventilation but a larger protective surface area. You need to see as well as be seen to cycle safely, so choose a helmet that makes you visible: flash colour, reflective strips on the sides, lights integrated into the bike helmet like the FUSION, which has removable LED lights integrated into the back of the helmet...
ELECTRIC BIKE
On an electric bicycle or VAE (electrically assisted bicycle), the effort is less for the cyclist, but the speed is much greater, so the risk is also greater. You should therefore opt for a full-face helmet with plenty of coverage, and why not one with a visor like the QUARTZ VISOR, which will protect your eyes from wind and insects.
MOUNTAIN BIKE
For mountain bikers, it's all about accessibility and comfort. So it's best to choose a helmet that's accessible, versatile and ventilated, like the PRISM.
Whatever your level of cycling, the choice of helmet is closely linked to your riding style. It will determine the look and shape of the helmet, but above all the technologies and materials used.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HELMET SIZE FOR THE RIGHT PROTECTION
Choosing the right bicycle helmet for your activity is a good start, but it will only provide effective protection if it is adapted to the user's size. So you'll need to find out what size helmet you wear.
MEASURE YOUR HEAD SIZE
All you need is a flexible tape measure to make a circle from the middle of the forehead through the occipital hump to find out your head circumference.
CONVERT ITS SIZE
Helmet sizes are often displayed in centimetres. However, for some brands there is a display in S / M / L.
Note that 52-55cm corresponds to a size S, 56-58cm to a size M and 59-62cm to a size L. Sizes XS are used for children's bicycle helmets, and there are also helmets in size XL for people with a head of more than 62cm.
These references are given for information only, as they may vary slightly from one model to another.
SETTINGS
Bicycle helmets also have adjustment features such as knobs or foam pads that allow the helmet to be optimally adjusted to the cyclist's body shape.
To ensure optimum protection, the bicycle helmet must fit snugly and not move around on the head.
SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGIES OPTIMISE THE HELMET'S PROTECTIVE FUNCTION
Among all bicycle helmets, there are different types of "shock absorption" and "performance" technologies, all of which are effective and adapted to the rider's riding style and budget. These technologies are also found in Cairn bicycle helmets.
IN-MOLD
In-Mold technology, ideal for a lightweight, durable bicycle helmet, is made up of an inseparable double layer that distributes the impact over the entire absorption surface.
AFC
The Aero Flow Channel is a special ventilation system, cut directly into the helmet's EPS, providing natural ventilation for a protective, ultra-light helmet! Perfect for both road and mtb.
OPZ
The Occipital Protect Zone is a technology developed by Cairn that enhances safety and protection by providing more coverage at the back of the helmet, protecting the nape of cyclists' necks. It's ideal for more committed cyclists (mountain bikers), and for the safety of young cyclists.
In addition, don't hesitate to ask a professional for advice when making your purchase. A cycle helmet is an essential piece of protection and safety equipment, so take the time to make the right choice!
In yellow: The Occipital Protect Zone.
CAIRN BICYCLE HELMETS HAVE EXTRA PROTECTION FEATURES
FLASH LIGHT SECURITY
A Cairn innovation, fitted on all urban cycle helmets, this is a removable light originally positioned on the back of the helmet but which, thanks to its gripping strip, can be placed on any surface of your bike or on your other equipment.
REFLECTIVE SYSTEM
Cairn technology applied to all the brand's children's and junior helmets. This system consists of reflective stickers positioned in strategic places to make you more visible, and therefore safer, when cycling.
THE CAIRN FIDLOCK MAGNETIC LOOP
The buckle clips on magnetically using an easy-to-use, highly reliable magnetic clamping system.
LABEL PROTECT SYSTEM
Cairn is a benchmark in safety, so the brand has launched its own helmet safety label that goes beyond current regulations.
WHEEL FIT SYSTEM
The Cairn Wheel Fit System allows you to adjust the tightness of the helmet to the nearest millimetre for perfect head support in all conditions.
ANTI-INSECT NET
The anti-insect net on the helmet limits the passage of insects through the helmet vents, particularly when you're out in the forest, so you don't get in the way.
DOES MY CHILD ALSO NEED A HELMET?
Sometimes shunned by young people and the subject of debate among adults, the wearing of cycle helmets is often controversial. Nevertheless, since 22 March 2017, bicycle helmets have been compulsory for children up to the age of 12.
Bicycle equipment manufacturers now offer helmets that are specifically designed and conceived for children, to protect these budding adventurers on all roads.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HELMET FOR SAFE CYCLING:
Thanks to a range of innovations designed to improve comfort and performance, cycle helmets are now specialised so that they are perfectly suited to the different riding styles on offer.
At the same time, helmets are becoming increasingly popular, and are being worn by more and more people, even occasional riders. Whether for children or adults, in the city or out in nature, protection and safety come first.
Wearing a helmet is and always will be an important safety measure for cyclists, but it will not prevent accidents. The best way to stay safe is to be vigilant and practise good road safety.