Why and how to wear a bike helmet?

Some ride for sport, some to get to work, some to let off steam, some to clear their minds…

Whatever motivates you to ride a bicycle, would you ever put your life and safety at risk?
We are sure the answer is NO!

That’s why cyclists should always respect the rules of the road, use their heads, and above all, protect it by wearing a HELMET.

Is wearing a helmet mandatory while cycling?

In Italy, there is no specific law, however, everyone using a bicycle, regardless of the length and "level of danger" of the route, should wear a helmet.
Studies show that around 85% of all bicycle accidents result in head injuries, some of which can lead to permanent damage.

For many, a helmet is an accessory that matches the rest of the cycling look, but it is primarily a component capable of protecting against impacts with the ground, vehicles sharing the road with the cyclist, branches and other elements that may be encountered along the way.

Here are 4 things to never forget:

• Choose a quality HELMET that is right for YOU
• Wear it and adjust it properly
• Check for wear and tear
• Never forget it!

How to choose a bike helmet?

We recommend choosing a reliable dealer like Cicli Mattio, who can advise you on the best helmet based on your needs. 
Materials, sturdiness, and ventilation are very important elements in the selection: have one of our salespeople describe the product to you or carefully read the description available on our site, so you can understand the features that each model presents.

How to take the measurement for a bike helmet?

Based on the circumference of your head, it is best to choose the size that is most similar, so that the helmet is neither too large nor too tight. 
When is the size right? When worn without fastening it, and only with the adjustment of the rear dial, it does not move when you turn your head left and right.

Once you have tried the helmet, you must adjust the micrometric dial located at the back, at the nape of your neck, to ensure that the helmet fits your head perfectly and does not apply too much pressure.
The micrometric adjustment of the helmet's circumference should be snug. Not tight but snug. A good trick to check this is to tighten the rear dial and then, as soon as you feel pressure on your skin, release it by one notch to loosen the micrometric adjustment. This way, the helmet should neither rotate nor sway forward or backward.

Moreover, it is important that the helmet is positioned correctly concerning front-back tilt: it should protect both the nape and forehead, and for this, it should sit just above the eyebrows, so that the distance between the edge of the helmet and the start of the eyebrows is about two fingers.

Finally, the strap should be adjusted so that it wraps around the neck without being too tight or causing discomfort.

There is no specific expiration date; however, it is advisable to change the bike helmet every 3 years. This is a general recommendation that does not take into account how and how much the helmet is used, but it is still a guideline that can be useful for all cyclists.
Over time, materials can lose their shock absorption properties and therefore their protective effectiveness...

It is still important to check that the helmet has no cracks or dents even before this suggested "limit," because in these cases it is NECESSARY to replace it immediately!

We've already said it but we prefer to repeat ourselves… 

Always wear a helmet, even if you choose the lightest, most ventilated, most performance-oriented model, just to experience the feeling of not feeling it almost on you, NEVER FORGET IT!

But what are the TOP helmet brands recommended by professionals?

The best helmet brands you can find at Cicli Mattio are MET, KASK, Fox Racing, Dainese, Las, Lazer, Mavic, Giro, Smith and many others.
They are the choice of many internationally renowned athletes and many of the strongest teams in the world!