Cycling protection: how to buy a helmet and protective gear
Choose protection for your riding style
For a city bike, a light, well-ventilated helmet is enough. For enduro and downhill, people take a full-face helmet or one with an extended peak, plus knee pads, elbow pads and back protection. For a child, it matters more that the helmet fits snugly and does not get in the way than that it has many features.
So in your request say at once where and how you will ride: it narrows the choice best and helps sellers offer the right thing.
Size decides everything
A helmet that is too big does not protect, and one that is too small is uncomfortable. Measure your head with a soft tape above the eyebrows and ears and write the number, for example 56–58 cm. For knee pads, measure around the knee, and for gloves, the palm. Size charts differ between brands, so give your own measurements, not just the letter S, M or L.
For a growing child, ask about the adjustable headband in the helmet, but do not buy “to grow into”: the helmet must fit properly now.
What to put in your request
- What exactly — helmet, knee pads, back protector, gloves, glasses;
- Size — head or knee circumference in cm;
- Riding style — city, cross-country, enduro, downhill;
- Model, if you have already chosen, for example Fox Speedframe;
- Age — if it is for a child;
- Condition — new or used;
- Colour;
- Budget and city for delivery.
Example: “Looking for a new enduro helmet, head circumference 56–58 cm, black, preferably a Fox Speedframe or similar with MIPS. Perth, courier delivery, budget up to $140.”
What not to buy used
A helmet that has taken a hit can have hidden micro-cracks in the foam even if it looks whole outside. So it is better not to buy a used helmet. Used knee pads and gloves are quite possible if the Velcro and plastic are fine. For a new helmet it helps to ask about the manufacturing date and certification, such as the safety certification mark where it applies, because foam ages with time. Also ask whether it has MIPS or a similar system: it further reduces rotational forces in an angled impact, but usually makes the helmet dearer. For downhill and enduro, look at the extended chin guard and the camera mount.
How you find what you need through BlaBlaPrice
Create a request on the home page: sellers of gear will answer in the chat with the price, available sizes and delivery. They see where they stand among the other offers, so they compete for your request. Contacts are hidden, and the buyer does not pay for the service. How it works is on How it works.
Separately, look at bicycle accessories, and if you do not yet have a bike, bicycles.
