Choosing the right bicycle saddle is not that easy as you think. You have to find out the best shape, material, and padding to have a comfortable ride. Sometimes it gets complicated when you try to choose the saddle that suits the best to your needs. You might get in a lot of trouble if you do not choose the best saddle for your bicycle.

It seems like I am over thinking over it. But I am sure I am not overthinking about it. If you do not choose the right saddle for your bicycle it might cause you many injuries or infections at the bottom of your body. It will also make you feel discomfort when cycling. That's why we are here to help people to choose the best saddle for their bicycle. Down below we are giving the best instructions possible to choose the right saddle for you and make your ride more comfortable.

Choosing the right saddle is important for a comfortable ride. Before buying a saddle, check its material which it is made of. Try to buy a saddle with lightweight materials like molded carbon fibers. It will help you with your weight. It is also helpful if you want better speed measurement. For lighter materials, you do not spend too much. Titanium rails are good for the comfortable ride, but it might not that good for speed. Titanium rails will help you with the vibrations. It absorbs a lot of vibrations which pass through the seat post and helps to pass through the bike's frame. 

Different kind’s materials provide different kinds of comfort to your ride. Like leather, saddles are more comfortable for a longer ride. A full leather saddle needs more maintenance than any other saddles. It needs more protection and needs waterproofing because in wet weather it will get damaged. So you have to be extra careful about that. Synthetic leather saddles are also available which offer addition like Kevlar edges. It helps to prevent aging. Moreover, choose the saddle materials which is fitted to your riding techniques. You should also keep in mind about the comforts, speed, frequency and the duration of riding while purchasing a saddle for your bicycle.

To have a comfortable ride you need a saddle that is well suited to your riding style and is fitted to your body shape. There is a different type of saddle available. But you need to choose which saddle fit you the most. People who move around in their saddle more and need a wide range of hand position, they need a narrower saddle. But people who like to stay in one position more while riding and need more support to their weight with more riding positions, they need a wider saddle. 

A saddle should support your sit bone more than your whole bottom. It is important that your saddle should support these areas more. Because it is fundamental that your saddle makes contact with your sit bones. If you do not care enough about the alignment of your sit bones it will cause injuries. It will contribute to stiffness and aches while you are riding the bicycle or after the riding. That may cause you to go to physical therapy or chiropractic. 

For a healthy ride and to avoid this type of injuries and infections, choose the saddle that suits you the best in every way. Different types and shapes saddle are available. You should choose the saddle that fit your ycl properly. Saddle manufacturers make different types and shape saddle. You just have to choose that what suit you the most and your shape and riding position that you are comfortable with.

Padding quality of a saddle depends on cycling prerequisites of a person. Padding foam and gel amount and density make the differences between good and bad quality. For more comfort, recreational cyclists or commuters use softer padding in their saddle. But the racier saddles have less padding to reduce weight. It also helps to get more speed ability. 

A few extra padding or gel can cause chafing instead of providing support to the people who ride regularly. So you use the perfect amount of padding and gel which fits you the most. Besides that, or does not last that long. It loses its effectiveness and gets compressed because of using the padding too much. You should change your padding when it could not support properly. Because it is important for the better alignment of your sit bones and it will provide you maximum comfort.

There are different widths of saddles for different sizes of people. Choosing the right width saddle can make you feel more comfortable while riding.

You need to choose the padding with the right pointer. There is a test called thumb test. When you press your thumb into the padding, if you feel soft then it is good for the upright riding position. It usually works like that. But if you are choosing the saddle for a long ride then it might not works as you expected.

After purchasing the saddle you should check that it is well balanced and positioned at the right height. It would be at the right distance from your handlebars and pedals. It would be very disappointing if the saddle that you have purchased after spending a lot of time to choose it does not fit your ride properly. Sometimes you might buy the best saddle but it didn't fit your riding style and position and it is not beneficiary while you are riding. Then it would feel like a total waste of time and money. So be aware of choosing the right saddle with the right height and fit.

Sometimes the saddle may be positioned a little forward, backward, too high, too low, not well leveled. Or maybe your hand reaching out too far for the handlebars. But fortunately, you can fix this problem professionally from the place you have purchased the saddle. A professional can fix your problem with your saddle position by knowing your physical limitations, riding style or flexibility levels. That's how you can overcome your saddle problem.

Cycling is a great exercise for health. Cycling is per better than going regularly to the gym. But bicycle needs repairing or Needs to change its body parts sometimes. Pedals are important parts of a bicycle. It is not only for powering the driving train. But it also helps to balance your body. It also provides surface control. It allows the rider to steer his bike more appropriately. It also helps the rider to shift his body weight on to the pedals in different positions while riding. We never care that much about a bicycle pedals. Sometimes it receives a lot of abuse. Sometimes, because of grime and general wear, pedals creak or sometimes bind. Then the pedals do not spin around the spindle properly, it may get stuck. Maybe this problem can be solved by removing the pedals and installing new ones. But it may not be the best idea because it can be solved or fix with a little bit of effort. You do not need to waste your money to buy a new pair of pedals. By giving fresh grease to the spindles and bearings, then tightly reinstalling them can fix the problem more easily. Here are some instructions below on how to fix a bike pedal.

A bicycle rider may face a lot of problems with bicycle pedals. So for fixing a problem, a rider may need to remove his pedals. First, you need to clean up all the parts. It is always helpful for fixing a pedal and it can help you to avoid any kind of unexpected problem. Then remove the necessary parts one by one with the help of appropriate tools.

Now follow the instructions that are given below. That will help you to fix your bike pedal.

We tried to give proper instructions to fix a bike pedal. We found these problems and solutions from our experience. We hope it will help you to fix your pedal. Just follow the instructions properly. If you face any more problem or you need further help, please mail us or comment us on our website. We are always at your service. And last but not the least enjoy your ride!

Do you love the extreme thrill of getting off the roads and tackle the obstacles? Then I have a bad news and a good news. The bad news is choosing a good mountain bike didn’t get any easier. From the right frame material to the suspension there are literally hundreds of factors to consider. It is easier to get overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The good news is to clear up your confusions I am here to help. This is a precise guideline and collective knowledge shared by the expert riders specially crafted for you. You will know about all the necessary information about how to choose a mountain bike in this article.

Before you choose a mountain bike, it is important to know what kind of ride you are up to. Also, you have to consider the suspension types and wheel size and other critical components as well. But before getting to them, I wish you to identify what will be your riding style.

As I have mentioned already, this versatile bike is a very good option if you are just getting into the sport. Whether you are a casual rider or hit the forest trails hard, it will serve you accordingly. These bikes are specially designed keeping recreational riding in mind. Its sophisticated suspensions and geometry give you the balance you crave for when going uphill or downhill.

If the idea of mixing up regular tracks with irregular track excites you, this is your perfect match. Cross Country bikes are made for racing in cross-country trails. But Cross Country riding often requires greater skills and fitness from the rider. If your fitness is not up to the par, it might not be the best choice. But if you have a squad who loves racing, it the best bike you can get. Because these bikes are made for speed and competition. You have both option to choose from full suspension or hardtail.

As its name suggests, this bike is specially designed for riding the downhill slope. Downhill mountain bikes are the most aggressive one in the bunch. It is for the most hardcore riders you have seen jumping and throwing themselves from the hills and slopes. If going down on the much harder trails is your goal then nothing can really beat it, period. It gives you the extra edge over your squad or even for the solo rides. These are built for taking the beating for you. Built for racing and jumping hard, It’s a full suspension bike designed to provide maximum comfort.

Branched out from the Downhill Bikes, this discipline has become arguably most popular of all. While the differences are very subtle between Downhill and Freeride bike, but it is important to know nonetheless. Freeride bikes are lighter compared to the Downhill bikes. So you will be able to ride faster and pedal quicker. These bikes are quite popular for its durability and fun.

You have learned about the different types of mountain bike available. It's time for you to learn about one of the most critical factors when choosing a mountain bike.

The suspension can be found in both the front and the rear of a mountain bike. It consumes the overloads when you’re riding in a tough terrain. Suspension makes It more comfortable and safe. Try to ride a hard trail without suspension, it’s possible but much more dangerous and you will ride much slower.

Hardtail bikes come with only front suspension. Hardtail bikes are good for general purpose usage. But if you do plan to climb hills it will be much more tiring. Because the front suspension can absorb the shock but there is no rear suspension. While they are as much efficient as full suspension bikes, they are less comfortable to ride. Hardtail bikes also require less maintenance cost. So overall a good choice for if you are on a budget.

Full suspension bikes are perfect for climbing up and down comfortably. It has both front and rear suspension. In the simplest terms, it takes vibration out of steering and helps the front wheel track more accurately. full suspension is much better for your back and overall health. While they are a bit more expensive than hardtail bikes, the improved bike control and traction it provides certainly worth it.

Rigid bikes have no suspension. Which makes it pretty hard to ride.Your ride will be bumpier and less comfortable. While they are pretty cheap and easier to maintain, most riders don’t opt for it. Because it is nearly impossible to control over very rough terrains. Obstacles that would twist and jolt the grips out of your hands can be absorbed with the suspension. A full suspension bike can cover terrain with ease and at a speed that would be impossible on a non-suspended bike.

The Frame materials are very important because the frame is going to handle all the beating for you. It is also the deciding factor in price and quality. While the other factors are equally important its something that you should consider more carefully.Enter your text here...

Aluminum is more widely used in bikes because it is very light. It also doesn’t rust like steels. Steels frames are great too but its way too dense and heavier. Steel doesn’t have the ability to be as quick or lightweight as the aluminum frames. Though it is cheaper compared to aluminum not so much preferred. The carbon and titanium frames are equally good but its way too expensive. So the winner here is Aluminum.

There are 3 standard size wheels to choose from now. There used to be only one standard size to in the past which was the 26”. But then the 29” came and quickly gained popularity because it's easier to tackle the obstacles with them. The 29” covers more ground when going through a rough terrain which makes riding more smooth. But let's not forget the 27.5”. It covers more ground than the 26” while taking the less effort than 29”. So if you are just starting out 27.5” is a good option despite the fact 29” is more popular.

Ever since we have been blessed with the mighty gears speed wasn’t an issue anymore. But the problem has been shifted to a new issue altogether. Now we have options to choose from bicycles with 30 or even 4o gears. But do you really need that many gears? If you don’t know then there is a safe shortcut. Just choose a bike with 10 gears. Because it is considered pretty standard.

People waste their hard earned money on bikes that don’t meet their needs. Maybe all you need is some infrequent weekend riding with your friends. In that case, you will not need an expensive bike. An inexpensive trail bike is a right match.

I have given a precise guideline about how to choose a mountain bike for beginners here. Enjoy your ride and getting into shape. Don’t forget to cross check all the information about buying a good bike.

Long before the cars were the most convenient mode of transportation, there were cycles. These manually moved two-wheelers were really popular in 1890’s in the U.S.A. Though there are countable bikes seen on U.S. roads these days but back then, people use this as their personal vehicle to go to every possible place. From 1817 till date, the humble bike has gone through various milestones and renovations. This is the only possible reason that bikes haven't lost their charm even after 2 centuries. The evolution of cycling in the U.S.A. has been very interesting. From being a popular transport to a sports bike, exercise machine, pollution free transport and much more, cycles have come a long way.

There are many countries which encourage biking for a pollution free environment and health benefits. In the USA, there are protected bike lanes just like sidewalks for the safety of the bikers. To encourage biking even more in the U.S., The U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) has a close network of signed and numbered bicycle routes close to 12,000 miles in 25 states. The more interesting fact is that the USBRS is expanding it to 50,000 miles. This will open up opportunities for cross country travel and regional touring on a bicycle.

A sneak peak to the past

Though bikes have gone through a lot since its invention, there is more than just its physical appearance. With time and requirements, bikes have been blessed with more aesthetics, comfort, and technology. This evolution of cycling in the USA had brought a bigger evolution in the lives of the people.

Commuting

As mentioned earlier, bikes were the most popular mode of computation in 1890’s. There were not many modes to travel and with a low maintenance vehicle like this, people found it a one-time investment for all their commutation needs. Until 1920's, cycling was in a rage when cars entered into the US markets. But still, people were loyal considering the fitness, low cost, environment and enjoyment factors.

Bike Racing

The bike racing in the US was one of the most popular sports of all times. On 31st May 1868, the first cycle race was organized in the US with different events. The first bicycle racing club was established in the year 1870 under the name of St. Louis Cycling Club and has sponsored various races and events since then.

Relaxation and Fun

Racing brought the lost charm of the cycles back and made it even more popular than ever. Soon after the racing started in the USA, people began using bikes for relaxation purpose. Later on, Women also started riding bikes and that brought another revolution but this time in the fashion industry. With more women on bikes, the women’s cycling attires were changed from more conventional to trendy and comfortable.

Surely, bikes have been through a long way with this evolution in cycling in the USA, There are many options available now when it comes to the model part. It is very easy to get confused while buying a bike. Here are few factors which you should keep in mind while making your purchase.

Decide the Category

You should be sure about the purpose of your purchase. There are various types of bike, like - city, hybrid, mountain, sports and road bikes available in the market. The bikes may vary in terms of styling, structure, equipment, and technology. These differences allow you to cycle in the terrains they are meant for.

Budget

The budget of the bike you want to purchase should be very practical. The budget depends on the category and technology, you want to go for. It would be better if you invest 70-80% on the purchase of the cycle and rest on necessary accessories like helmet, bottles cage, water bottle, knee pads and air pump.

A test drive

Yes, usually people take test drive only while purchasing motor vehicles but why to consider cycle less. It is important to check the comfort on a bike also and so taking a short test ride on the model you intend to purchase won’t hurt. You should compulsorily check the most important features. The handlebar should be comfortable and right in size, the height of the seat should be adequate and allow good posture. Also, check if the paddles should be easy and light to move.

Price

After searching for a perfect bike within your budget, you can save some extra bucks. That would add more joy to your bike ride for sure. You can do a little market research to know the price for the shortlisted models before actually purchasing one. Also, you can check for deals online to grab a good one fitting your budget.

Authorized dealers

You might not get the best deals or big bargains from the authorized dealers but there are other benefits which you can fetch from them. You will have an assurance that you have bought a genuine product and not a copy of the branded bicycle if you go for an authorized dealer. You will get authentic guarantee or warranty on the purchased bike offered by the manufacturer. You can also book for maintenance services at really affordable or discounted cost.

Buying a cycle may initially not sound really a big decision but you might regret later for not giving it a good thought. So, it would be better to consider the aforementioned points, especially checking out all the features and comfort through a test ride. Other than adding fun and health to your life, bikes can also save you from financial difficulties. Many people take public transports and cycles to cut the fuel cost and maintenance. Needless to mention how much you can make your contribution in saving the environment by using a bike more often than gas/ fuel running vehicles. Also, there would be fewer chances of getting stuck in a traffic jam and creating congestion and raising the noise level.

Cycling can be taken as a fun or professional activity, depending on the interest you have it in. There are various bike clubs in cities which promote these activities and spread the word for a better environment and stress-free lifestyle. Take the best benefits of this evolution and have gift yourself a better lifestyle and health which you and your family totally deserve.

When you purchase a mountain bike online, the retailer usually offers some options for assembly, too. For example, for some selected models, the bike is shipped to a partner shop or bike service in your area, where it is assembled for free or in exchange for a preordained fee. Other times, it is shipped to your house, where a mechanic comes to put it all together. Eventually, if the retailer offers no options for assembly or you want to save some extra money, you can take the matter into your own hands. You may appeal to a local bike service or even assemble it yourself. This last option it’s not that demanding as you might think. It could also be a great chance to put that handiness of you at work. Anyway, here are a few tips on how to assemble a mountain bike.

What do you need?

If you are on your own, the first step is to ensure that you have everything you need for the job. Basically, you have to check for three main things: some tools, a little patience and of course, all the bicycle parts. The good news is that the bike is already partially assembled, as to fit in a middle- sized box. Therefore the hard work is already done.

Is anything missing?

Before starting, take a little time to inspect both the owner’s manual and the parts of the bike. Open the box carefully, avoiding any scratches or breakages. Check if there are all the parts of the bike, as they appear in the user’s manual. If there is no user’s manual then check the producer’s website. Also, verify every piece for a potential damage during shipping. There is a low chance that something had broken on the road but it’s worth checking twice.

The amount of time needed to complete the work might vary. Some companies assemble every bike for testing and afterward only minimally disassemble it for shipping. But if the bike is shipped to you directly from the factory, it might require a finer work and more time to complete.

Check your toolbox

The user’s manual should also give information on the needed tools. You might need keys, a screwdriver, a cable cutter or torch wrench. The use of a torque wrench might be particularly important to tighten the screws and is explicitly required by some manufacturers in order to ensure a proper functioning.

How to solve it?

Take it step by step

The process might seem complicated at first glance because there are a lot of parts to put together. Still, it all makes sense if you break it into some small, distinct steps. One needs a little patience to go through all the instructions in a users manual. Every little rule has its own importance for the proper functioning of the bike, though. There might be some specific instructions, distinct from one model another. Nevertheless, the manufacturers usually recommend the same sequence of steps, starting with attaching the seat and ending with checking the accessories.

The seat

Therefore, the preparatory step would be to detach and to unpack each part of the bike, paying attention to do no damage. Afterwards, the first big step is to attach the seat. You have to insert the seat-post into the seat tube. There should be a mark on the post, showing the so-called point of minimum insertion. You have to insert the post into the seat tube at least to the level of this mark in order to be safe. After properly adjusting and centering the saddle, use an Allen key to secure the seat.

The handlebar

The next step is the handlebar. There are two main types of handlebars, the quill stem type, and the A-head type. You can check the owner’s manual. If you have an A-head type, remove the stem cap using a 4mm Allen, and put the handlebar in its place and use a 4mm Allen key again to turn the screws. If you have a quill stem handlebar, fixed all its parts before attaching it to the bike. Afterwards, insert the stem of the handle into the tube situated on the front side of the bike. Pay attention again to the insertion mark. Also, if there are any cable attached to the handlebar, check for any knots of entanglements.

The front wheel

The third step the front wheel. First, you have to inspect the wheels to verify if the tires are in their place on the rims. Also, you have to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. When the tires are inflated and placed correctly on the rims, attach the front wheel. Place the wheel in the correct position. The wheel should be center wheel should be centered evenly in the middle of the fork. Also, there should be signs telling which one is the right and which one the left side of the wheel. As usual, you have to tighten well the bolts.

The details

The fourth step comprises everything left. A fine work is adjusting the brakes. You have to place the rear brake cable into the cable holder situated on the frame and pull it. Also, the front brake cable is placed into the brake caliper holder and pulled. You attach the pedals (they are marked with L and R, for the left and the right side respectively). Afterwards, you check the details- the chain, the breaks, the lever, the reflectors.

Other things to consider

What’s more to say? My main purpose was to show you that assembling a mountain bike can be dived into some clear, well-defined steps. I hope this makes it look easier and gives you confidence that you can assemble your bike if you want to. Nevertheless, each model has its own features and I didn’t get into the finest details. For example, I didn’t insist too much on fixing the brakes; also, I didn’t mention that some parts should be lubricated to reduce the damage due to friction or corrosion.

Some tips for the future

What I strongly recommend is that you take the need patience to read carefully the assembly instructions and also to follow the tutorials posted to the manufacturer's websites. Sometimes your safety is in the details. Moreover, especially if it’s your first bike, take the time to read about how it works and about maintenance. Purchase in advance everything you need for fixing the minor problems that you might encounter- like putting the chain back into its place.

One more word…

As in many circumstances, in assembling the bike, the good work might be a matter of patience and moderation. Don’t tighten too little nor too much the bolts, neither inflate to little or too much the tires. And don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Finding a mountain bike (MTB) that fits the rider is a very crucial part of starting on the hobby. To promote a rider’s safety and comfort at all times, you must know how to find the MTB that is suitable for you. You can do it if you know how to choose the right bike size. The secret lies in the frame as it is the basis of the sizing. Even if you are about to buy one or sell one on the internet, you must know how to measure a mountain bike frame.

What Will You Need To Measure A Mountain Bike Frame

A Tape Measure/Measuring Tape

To do the measuring job, you need the aid of a tape measure. The good thing about tape measure is that it is very flexible. Flexible in the sense that you can fold it and tilt it in any angle or position. You can find one in your house. Look over to your mother’s sewing kit and you will have one. If you cannot find any, you can buy it in department stores and bookstores. They come at very affordable prices.

Help From A Friend

This one is optional. You may need a help from a friend if you are about to measure your size. If you are going to buy a new mountain bike, you will need your body measurement. You can do it to find the MTB suitable for you. You cannot stand and at the same time, measure your standing height. It could be your biking partner, your girlfriend, your father, your wife or anyone else in the house that can give you this little favor.

How To Go About It

Measuring the mountain bikes frame promotes safety and comfort for the rider. It can also help you to market your bike with ease especially online. It is one of the most important specifications needed in choosing an MTB. You don’t need to be a professional to perform this simple steps. Make sure that you will get accurate measurements from your measuring tape. That would not be too difficult to do.

Getting the C-C Measurement

There are types of bike measurements that are acceptable in the MTB industry, the C-C type, and the C-T type. To get the C-C type, you must get the distance of the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the top tube. The bottom bracket is worn the chain set or the crankset is located. In simple words, it contains the gear-like mechanism where the pedals are attached. Locate the center of the bottom bracket and extend the tape measure to the center of the top tube.

Getting the C-T Measurement

The C-T measurement is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the top tube. Mountain bike frames are commonly based on this kind of measurements. Most of the times, smaller mountain bikes come in C-C type measurements. It is also sometimes called the length of the seat tube because this tube is where we connect the seat post. Extend the measuring tape from the top of the top tube to the center of the crank hole.

Measuring Your Standing Height

If you are about to buy a bike, you must consider measuring your body sizes not only the bicycle frame size. The essential body measurements are your standing height, length of the inseam, the length of your torso and arm length. After asking a friend to help you with the measurement, stand to measure your standing height. Kindly stand against the wall, measure the distance from your head to your feet. Stand straight and your feet distant from each other (5-8 inches).

Measuring Your Inseam Length

Inseam is the distance between your legs. This measurement is important to know whether the big is too high or too low for you. It will also affect your pedaling comfort as you ride on your mountain bike. To measure it, stand straight with your feet still 5-8 inches distant from each other. Ask your friend to measure the distance from your inseam to your feet. You can also be the one to hold the tape end near your inseam if you feel awkward.

Measuring Your Torso Length

Torso length is a little essential for men if measuring it for the bike frame. Most men’s heights are proportional their torso length as well as their arm length. But that is not the case with ladies. Some ladies have shorter torso but with long legs which affect their height. But even if you are a man and you want to have a precise measurement, you can still measure your torso. Ask your friend to get the distance of your inseam up to the middle of your collar bones.

Measuring Your Arm Length

Like the torso length, the arm length is essential for the women. Yet, it is also applicable for the gentlemen. They should consider it to ensure the comfort while riding their MTB. The first step to measure it is to raise one of your arms side wards. Be sure that it forms an almost perfect right angle to promote accuracy on measurement. Ask your partner to measure the distance of your collar bone to your palm using the measuring tape.

Some Tips and Tricks

You should do the measuring using both English and Metric or SI unit. You should use inches for the English system and centimeters for the Metric system. But it can be a hassle to measure the frame in inches and centimeters at the same time. In that case, you may only choose one unit and convert it later. The conversion factor for inches to centimeter is 2.54. So, for every centimeter, there are 0.39370 inches. Remember to list down your measurements immediately so you won’t forget anything.

Things to consider to do it

Make sure that your measuring tape shows precise and accurate measurements. Some cheap measuring tapes may show wrong figures at times. When you get a little confused on the graduation of the measuring tape, you can round-off to the nearest half inch or half centimeters. But if you can make it precise at all times, you must make do it. Or when you have a dilemma on choosing between two sizes of MTB, always choose the bigger one. This could happen sometimes if your body size lies between two mountain bikes sizes.

Final Words

There are a lot of other ways to measure your mountain bikes. But the above stated are the often used yet the most basic. After you found your perfect bike, you must still update it at times. There may be circumstances that will change your preferences. It is the time where you should make extra adjustments. remember, your comfort and safety are the most important things to consider. As it will allow you to enjoy the adventures brought by Mountain Biking.

If you are going to cycle either on or off the road, you need to wear a helmet. No matter what! In 2014, 720 bicyclists died on US roads. About 60% of them were not wearing helmets. When a statistic is that high, it is not a coincidence. In fact, New York reported a much higher incidence of fatalities that were not wearing helmets, 97%. There are a few things to consider when you need to know how to pick a bicycle helmet.

So, helmets are important, and choosing the right helmet is just as important. Amazon has 13,674 cycling helmets. So, how do you choose the right one? So before narrowing down your choices, consider the information below.

Which Tools Do You Need to Do It : The Basics

First, let me address a few things that everyone should keep in mind when buying a helmet. Your helmet needs to be certified, and it needs to fit. It also needs to be safe. Also, the price is important, but your safety is even more important.

Feature 1: The Certification

If it is sold in the US, the helmet should comply with US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). That means each helmet should be just as safe as the next. If you do not see the CPSC certification on a helmet you buy from Amazon, you should return it. However, almost every helmet sold on Amazon will be certified by some governing body. You may find an import from the UK, Australia, or somewhere else. And they will have a similar certification standard to the CPSC.

Feature 2: The Fit

It is important that the helmet fits you properly. Everyone has a differently shaped head. Find one that is likely to fit your head in particular. There should be no more than a finger between your eyebrows and the front tip of your helmet. Get a measuring tape and measure your head to find the right sized helmet on Amazon. Look for a retention system in the product photos. That is the dial at the back. That way, the key to getting the perfect fit is just a quick turn.

Feature 3: The Price

The certification on a sticker on the helmet tells you that every helmet should be equally safe. So, it does not matter how much you pay as far as safety is concerned. However, the higher price can often be a result of more than just fashion or brand name. Lighter helmets, especially with more ventilation, will be more expensive. Also, many companies will give you a discount on a replacement if you have an impact on your old one. This is a good thing to consider when buying your first helmet.

How to Solve It : The Considerations

As I said, lighter helmets are more expensive. The manufacturer needs to make less of a helmet that is just as safe as any other certified helmet. So buying the right helmet depends on your personal reasons for cycling and how you cycle. So, here are five considerations before deciding on the right bicycle helmet.

Feature 1: Consider Your Riding Style

Do you cycle for fun? Buy a commuter or multi-sport helmet. The skaters love these, but they are really just solid, economical helmets perfect for any use. Are you a mountain biker? Look for one specifically for mountain biking. These should ventilate well at low speeds, extended head coverage, and an extra secure fit for riding those rough trails. Do you cycle on the street? You want a light helmet with plenty of air flow and sweat management. Avoid holes if you have a need for speed. They reduce aerodynamics.

Feature 2: Consider the Weather

If you live in a cold climate area, you probably want to buy a solid helmet especially if it often rains. Otherwise, you will want to get as much ventilation as you can. If it is sunny where you live, buy one with a visor. Actually, some visors are handy when it rains, too. Ultimately, you will want to buy more than one helmet unless you are only a sunny day cyclist. Buy one for rain and cold and another for sun and heat.

Feature 3: Consider Your Comfort

Sweat management is very important. The helmet should fit just above your eyebrows. So, it should be easy to keep sweat out of your eyes. However, cheaper helmets may not be as effective as some other, more expensive helmets. I’ve already spoken about getting the right fit, but be sure you try on the helmet when it arrives. If you don’t like the feel of it, return it to Amazon. Therefore, you need to think about the seller and the return policy on any helmet you buy. Also, buy one you think looks cool so you’ll wear it.

Feature 4: Consider the Needs of Others

The visibility of your helmet is just as important to your safety as anything else. Dark helmets are not easily seen by drivers or even other cyclists. You should buy a helmet that is easily visible and eye catching. Sure you want to buy your favorite color, but again, your safety is more important than your color preferences. Some bike helmets have a tail light on the helmet. This will help to identify you from behind, but it may not help with head on traffic. Be seen!

Feature 5: Consider the Helmet’s Needs

How are you going to take care of the helmet? This is important to point out even before you buy one. If you take care of the helmet, the helmet will take care of you. You can use a soft cloth or sponge with water and mild soap. You can remove and wash the padding. Avoid storing the helmet anywhere hot such as an attic, garage, etc. Also, do not loan your helmet to anyone else. You need to know how it is cared for. Also, if your helmet gets damaged or is hit during a crash, replace it even if it looks fine. Internal damage can prevent the helmet from properly protecting your head.

Some short tips and tricks

The straps can be a little tricky. The rear straps need to be longer than the front straps. That way the helmet can remain situated on your head in the perfect position. You may need to spend some time getting the perfect fit, but it will pay off in the end. Your helmet should feel snug but comfortable. And, it should remain in place if you turn your head upside down.

Final Words

Getting the perfect helmet is a little difficult especially with so many to choose from. However, you are now armed with all the information you need to consider when picking the right bicycle helmet. And just to drive home the point that you need a helmet, remember that Evel Knievel wore a helmet.