Bike helmet for a child.

Smiley_Mum

Can anyone recommend a good bike helmet for a child? Make/type etc. There seems to be such a range I don't know where to start. Any tips/info appreciated. Thank you.

Helen_from_yorkshire

Whch tested cycling helmets in July 2005, the best buy from the helmets they tested was the Canyon Cruz and the report states this helmet "was better than the competition for both shock absorption and ventilation", and their only gripe was regarding the instructions about adjustment and fit. They tested several others, some of which cost £60.

The Which report states that Trek Interval II helmet was the only one that failed in their tests ... during the simulated head-on impact the strap broke off and the same thing happened when they tested another sample.

Smiley - you don't indicate how old your child is, however the helmets are sized according to head circumference with the smallest one fitting someone with a 54cm head.

If you would like me to send you the complete report or if you would like me to check out any specific info, please let me know.

Helen

EvilMonkey

Would strongly recomend going to an established local bike shop (rather than say a halfords or looking on t'internet). They'll have a good bit of experience and (hopefully) will be able to provide ones they know will work well (as well as measurig your sprog up to make sure it fits properly...)

Helen_from_yorkshire

Evil, I accept your points are valid but could I raise an issue regarding what you raise. I do agree that an independent bicycle shop is a much more appropriate place to buy cycle helmets from but what how do you evidence that they "will be able to provide ones they know work well" - could this be because the staff have read the Which repor and what tests in terms of shock absorption or ventilation might they have undertaken on the helmets they sell and under what conditions.

fannyadams

Rats
I thought you meant Motorcycle helmet - I would recommend Baby biker in Leamington Spa. They have kids themselves and know what's what when it comes to kitting out your little uns for motorcycling. They have a returns thing too so that when yours grows out of their kit they buy it back and you can use this as discount onthe next lot.
Only thing you SHOULD buy new is a helmet.

Smiley_Mum

Thanks very much for all your replies. I shall take a trip over the bike shop tomorrow and have a few fitted to see how we go. My son is 6 years old and has not long learned to balance properly etc, but a little wobbly. Had a few scrapes but just around the forecourt outside. So about time I picked up a helmet for him. With regard to motorbike helmets, I grew up living, eating, breathing TT/Southern 100, I.O.M holidays etc year in, year out. I'd love to get a motorbike for them both at some point but no storage etc. Where I lived when I was a kid it was great, plenty wide open spaces to roam, run around, go nuts on a motorbike. Not the case now though unfortunately. Appreciate all the info and tips, just what I was looking for. Cheers everyone. :-)

kittiwoz

Since cycle helmets are required to conform to international standard CE EN1078 they should all basically be OK. Helmets with more ventillation holes tend to be more expensive but are probably more comfortable because you don't get as hot. Having said that if your kid can only just ride a bike he's probably not going to be doing long distances or cycling very hard so that might not matter too much.

I did once see a kid wearing a helmet which was polystyrene covered with stretchy fabric rather than a hard plastic shell. I don't know whether these are still sold but they shouldn't be. The function of the shell is not simply to keep the impact cushioning layer together: It skids along the floor. If you come off a bike at speed and your head hits the ground first the momentum of your body will keep it moving forwards after the initial impact. The low friction surface of most cycle helmets helps your head to keep moving with your body. A high friction fabric surface would have a braking effect on your head with the tarmac and increase the likelihood of a broken neck.

Smiley_Mum

Thanks for the info, I'm going to head over the local bike shop in a little bit with my son to have him fitted up with a helmet. He's itching to get back on his bike, even though he came off it a week or so ago and split the side of his eye open, ok now though.

Smiley_Mum

Adult helmets fit fine but straps are too long and can't adjust enough to be a tight enough fit. Kids helmets are too small for him. Wonder what I can do. Tried the skateboarding ones too and they are too big. Just have to keep on looking unless anyone has any suggestions.

kittiwoz

Argos do various sized helmets: child, junior and adult. While I think I'd rather buy a helmet somewhere I could try it on and get someone to help with adjusting the straps it might be the answer if your local cycle shop doesn't have much of a range.

Smiley_Mum

Thanks for the info. Most of the bike shops etc are on the outskirts of the town centre and I need to take him with me so would have to go after school or weekend. I'll have a look in Argos too next time I'm in as well. Thanks.