Many things in cycling are purely a matter of taste. However, one important basic rule should always apply: Wear a cycle helmet - even for short distances! You don't necessarily need a legal requirement for common sense and conviction. That's why TREKKINGBIKE has been following this rule for many years: Please never go topless! Unfortunately, the helmet-wearing rate in Germany is still relatively low. No matter how often and intensively accident surgeons and insurance companies warn against serious head injuries and their often fatal consequences. Yet the right head protection is available relatively cheaply. TREKKINGBIKE has tested thirteen popular models from the best-known manufacturers. The urban helmets that have become fashionable were left out. These may offer a little more impact protection due to their shape, but their higher weight and unsatisfactory ventilation make them relatively uncomfortable for longer rides. Therefore, only classic touring helmets were included in the test field.
We tested the helmets to see how heavy, how well ventilated and how comfortable they are. What particularly struck the test team was that the features and comfort have now reached a high level, with the exception of one weak point: the straps are almost as rough and uncomfortable today as they were 20 years ago. We would like to see a noticeable innovation here. A tip up front: Even if a helmet has been rated highly, you should definitely try the model on before buying it. Heads can be very different, so not every helmet automatically fits every head shape despite the extensive customisation options.
The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 3/2016.
You can download the individual articles as PDF files here.
