Bike Helmets-6/4/12

Brent Mather learned firsthand just how important it is to wear a bike helmet. Brent Mather, “I was hit by a car several years ago. And if it wasn’t for the helmet, I’m pretty positive my injuries would have been far worse.” Consumer Reports tests bike helmets – both adult and youth sizes – to see how well they’ll protect in an accident. Because a helmet can’t do any good if it doesn’t stay in place, testers perform this test. It assesses whether the chinstraps will stretch, break, or open upon impact.

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All 13 bike helmets passed this test. To see how well a helmet will protect your head upon impact, Consumer Reports performs this test. Rich Handel Consumer Reports “The act test simulates what happens when a helmet impacts different surfaces, like a flat surface like a street, a rounded triangle like a curb, and a hemispherical surface, which simulates hitting a rock.” Two adult helmets did poorly – the Nutcase Street Sport 8 Ball and the Bern Brighton Thin Shell E-P-S for women. On the plus side, two helmets rated very good for impact resistance. They’re the Specialized Echelon for adults – which costs 60 dollars – and for children, the 45-dollar Bontrager Solstice Youth. But a helmet can only protect when it’s worn properly. Make sure it’s level on your head, with no more than one or two fingers-width above the brow. The straps should form a “V” under each ear with the buckle centered under the chin. Lastly, when you open your mouth, the helmet should pull down. All this will help ensure your next ride is a safe one.”