Fahrradhelme kaufen: darauf solltest du achten

Buy bicycle helmets: You should pay attention to that

Fahrradhelm kaufen leicht gemacht: Entdecke, welcher Helmtyp zu deinem Fahrstil passt, welche Technologien wirklich wichtig sind und wie du die perfekte Passform findest. Von City bis Mountainbike – dein Ratgeber für den optimalen Kopfschutz.

KED Fahrradhelme

Safety meets style – because your head deserves only the best. Studies show that a Helmet can reduce the risk of injury in the event of an impact by up to 80 percent – and that’s a pretty convincing argument for wearing a helmet, right?
In Germany there is still no requirement to wear a helmet, but the impressive thing is that with a 75 percent share, children are the ones who use bicycle helmets the most. Time for us adults to set an example! No matter whether you're just going to the supermarket or planning an extensive mountain bike tour - your head should always be protected. But which helmet is the right one and what should you pay attention to when buying a bicycle helmet? Let's find out together! 

The different types of helmets: the right protection for every riding style

First, you should consider what terrain you will primarily be riding on. Accordingly, different helmet variants are suitable. 

City and trekking helmets: The all-rounders for everyday life

City and trekking helmets, also known as urban helmets, offer protection, usually in a simple and chic design. These helmets are the perfect companions for the daily commute to work or relaxed bike rides at the weekend. They have modern safety standards and, with their subtle look, adapt well to normal to sporty outfits. 

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Urban & Road

Safe, stylish and relaxed? No problem with the urban and road helmets from KED.
To the helmets

Mountain bike helmets: robust for off-road use

Are you a passionate MTB rider? We can understand this only too well, but caution is required. Because in hardly any other area is the risk of falling as high as on a mountain bike. A suitable mountain bike helmet is therefore an absolute must. MTB helmets are usually built a little more robustly and offer extended protection for the back of the head.

Trail and all-mountain helmets are perfect for the majority of mountain biking activities. These are usually cut deeper, especially at the back of the head, in order to protect this area as well. For extreme operations, there are full-face helmets that also protect your face and jaw with the chin bar.

Buy racing bike helmets: aerodynamics meets safety

Road bike helmets are on maximum aerodynamics and optimized for minimal weight. They usually have more ventilation openings and a more elongated shape to reduce air resistance. Perfect for anyone who loves high speed!

The sophisticated ventilation ensures a pleasant head temperature even during intensive training sessions, while the reduced weight prevents fatigue during long distances. Many models have special aerodynamic features such as retractable ventilation openings or streamlined rear sections.

Children's helmets: safety with a fun factor

The highest level of safety is important, especially when it comes to the little ones. Therefore, all of our protect Helmet your child's head perfect, in different, colorful designs and motifs!

An additional LED light on the back of the helmet ensures good visibility in traffic. The helmet shells are significantly smaller here and the motifs and colors are more childish. It is also important that children's helmets usually have less complex adjustment systems - after all, putting them on and taking them off should be easy, even for small hands. Many models are also equipped with extra soft padding that protects sensitive children's skin.

The most important criteria when buying a bicycle helmet 

We'll show you what you should pay attention to when buying a bicycle helmet. 

1. The right size – the be-all and end-all of safety

Measuring head circumference made easy: To measure your head circumference correctly, take your tape measure and measure the circumference approx. 2 cm above your eyebrows. If you don't have a tape measure at hand, you can use a thread that you can measure later with a ruler.

The helmet should now rest against your head without any pressure. Now let's get down to business: close the chin strap and shake your head. The helmet should not wobble or slip.

2. Safety standards and certifications

CE EN 1078: Like so many things, bicycle helmets sold in the European Union are standardized and must meet high material and safety standards. This standard is the minimum size for all bicycle helmets sold in Europe.

MIPS-Technology: The Multidirectional Impact Protection System is intended to provide additional protection against rotational forces. Also MipsAccording to Stiftung Warentest, technology doesn't help much - opinions differ here.

Test winners and awards: Check out the reviews from Stiftung Warentest, ExpertsTesten.de and ADAC. 

3. Ventilation: For a cool head

When buying, make sure you have a proper ventilation system, otherwise your head will quickly spin while driving. Modern helmets have strategically placed air inlets and outlets that ensure optimal air circulation.

Ventilation features:

  • Front air intakes for fresh air
  • Outlets at the back of the head for air evacuation
  • Internal air channels for optimal circulation
  • Insect protection nets in the ventilation openings

4. Weight and comfort

Lightweight helmets can be worn for longer and offer you a breezy, relaxed riding experience. 

Comfort features:

  • Washable foam pads for padding
  • Infinitely adjustable adjustment system
  • Soft chin straps without pressure points
  • Antibacterial pads

5. Additional security features

Lighting and visibility:

  • Integrated LED taillights
  • Reflective elements
  • Bright, eye-catching colors

Smart features:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Turn signals and brake lights
  • Crash detection with automatic notification

Materials and technologies: What's in the helmet?

Of course, when buying bicycle helmets you should also pay attention to the materials and technologies used. 

In-Mold-Technology

At the In-Moldtechnology, the helmet impresses with an extremely safe construction with optimal ventilation and ventilation. The outer polycarbonate shell is directly connected to the EPS-Foam bonded – this makes the helmet lighter and safer.

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The invisible enemy: hairspray and sunscreen

What many people don't know: chemical substances such as hairspray, sunscreen or insect repellent can attack the helmet shell and cause invisible micro-cracks!

EPS-Foam: impact protection

The EPS-Foam (Expanded Polystyrene) is the heart of every helmet. The provides impact protection In-Mold-Technology with the high quality EPS-Foam. In the event of an impact, this foam deforms and absorbs the energy.

Modern locking systems

The magnetic Fidlock helmet closure system impresses with its simplicity and security and makes putting on and taking off the helmet child's play.

Special requirements: E-bike & S-Pedelec helmets 

Because you can ride faster on your e-bike than on a bicycle, e-bike helmets undergo different safety tests. You should therefore always pay attention to the NTA 8776 standard. This assures you that your desired helmet will adequately protect you even at higher speeds. The same applies to S-Pedelec helmets, which must also comply with the NTA 8776 standard. 

Fitting and fit: This is how the helmet fits perfectly

First put the bicycle helmet on with the chin strap open and adjust it to your size. On most helmets this works via a small wheel at the back of the head.

The 5-point checklist:

  1. Fit: The helmet lies horizontally on the head (not on the neck!)
  2. Strap: The straps should run underneath the ear - this provides additional support
  3. Strength: Under no circumstances should the bicycle helmet wobble - the head is then not protected
  4. Comfort: No pressure points, but still firm
  5. Glasses: Wear your sports glasses/sunglasses when trying on the helmet

Price ranges: The right helmet for every budget

Beginner area (40-60 euros)

  • Basic safety standards met
  • Easy ventilation
  • Perfect for occasional riders

Middle class (60-120 euros)

  • Better ventilation systems
  • Higher quality materials
  • Advanced adjustment options

Premium area (120+ euros)

  • Innovative technologies (MIPS, etc.)
  • Ultralight materials
  • Smart features 
  • Integrated lighting

Where to buy? Online vs. specialist retailers

Advantages of specialist retailers

  • Personal advice
  • Try-on option
  • Direct size comparison
  • Professional attitude

Advantages of buying online

  • Greater selection
  • Direct price comparison
  • Detailed product descriptions
  • Customer reviews

Conclusion: Buy a bicycle helmet and protect your head 

A good bike helmet is not a chore, but an investment in your safety and comfort. Make sure you buy a bike helmet that meets your needs. And remember: the fit of your helmet is crucial, as is the quality and standard. You can wear lightweight helmets with good ventilation for longer and more comfortably. 

We believe that safety and style can go hand in hand. So: Helmet on and off the bike! Your head will thank you - and you'll look really good too.

Safety first, style comes second, but both together? Simply unbeatable!

Frequently asked questions about the topic

Can I also use my bike helmet while skiing or skating?

No, every sport requires special helmets! Bicycle helmets are designed for different impact angles and speeds than ski or skate helmets. Ski helmets offer more protection from side impacts and have a warmer lining, while skate helmets cover the entire back of the head. The different standards (EN 1078 for cycling helmets, EN 1077 for ski helmets) demonstrate these differences.

What does that mean? In-Mold-Technology specifically for my security?

At the In-Mold-Construction: The outer polycarbonate shell is exposed to heat directly with the inner one EPS-Foam fused – not just glued. The result: The connection is inseparable and cannot come apart in the event of an impact. In addition, the impact energy is distributed more evenly across the entire helmet structure. Helmets without In-Moldtechnology can disintegrate into individual parts in the event of strong impacts.

Is a helmet with Bluetooth and smart features really worth it?

That depends on your priorities. Smart helmets with crash detection can automatically notify your contacts in an emergency - a real safety plus on solo tours. However, Bluetooth features such as navigation or music are distracting and can be dangerous. When using smart features, make sure notifications are turned off and you're focused on driving.

Why do road bike helmets have more ventilation openings than MTB helmets?

Road cyclists reach higher speeds for longer periods of time and produce more body heat in the process. The larger and more numerous vents ensure maximum airflow. MTB helmets deliberately have fewer and smaller openings because they ride at slower speeds in the forest, where branches could get in through large openings - plus more material offers more protection in the event of a fall off-road.

What is the difference between a trail and a full face helmet?

Trail helmets have deeper back protection and sometimes a small visor, but weigh only 300-400g and offer good ventilation for uphill rides. Full-face helmets also protect the face, jaw and teeth with a firmly connected chin bar - but they weigh 800-1200g and are sweaty on climbs. Full-face helmets are intended for downhill and bike parks, not for normal MTB tours.

Do I really have to replace my helmet after every fall?

Yes, absolutely! Even if the helmet looks intact on the outside, inside EPS-Foam microscopic hairline cracks may have appeared, which massively impair the damping properties. The foam is designed to deform once to absorb energy - after which it is "used up".

Why do premium helmets cost over 200 euros - are expensive helmets safer?

All helmets sold in the EU meet the same minimum standard CE EN 1078 - so a 50 euro helmet is not necessarily less safe than a 200 euro model. The price difference lies in comfort features: lighter materials (Carbon instead of plastic), better ventilation systems, higher quality upholstery, more precise adjustment mechanisms and often additional technologies such as MIPS. If weight savings and comfort are important to you, it's worth the investment.

Why should the helmet sit horizontally and not on the neck?

A helmet that has slipped backwards is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes! If the helmet sits on the neck, the forehead remains unprotected - exactly the area that is hit first in a head-on fall. The front edge should be a maximum of two fingers above the eyebrows. A helmet that sits too far back offers virtually no protection in the event of falls over the handlebars, which are among the most common bicycle accidents.

Can I store my helmet in the car or on the luggage rack?

No, please do not store your helmet in the car! Extreme temperatures in the vehicle accelerate material fatigue EPS-Foam solid and make the helmet porous. Storage on the luggage rack is also problematic - constant UV radiation and weather attack the material. It's best to store your helmet in a cool, dry place in your home, protected from light. After each ride, let it air out before storing it away.

How do I clean my bicycle helmet properly without damaging it?

You can clean the outer shell with mild detergent and a soft cloth - never use aggressive cleaners or solvents as these attack the plastic! Remove the inner padding on most helmets and hand wash with mild detergent, then allow to air dry (do not tumble dry!). Do not use a high-pressure cleaner or immerse the helmet completely in water - moisture can get in EPS-Foam can be included.

Melissa

Melissa writes about bicycle helmets, cycling and safety in road traffic. With a clear view of trends and consumer questions, she prepares specialist knowledge in such a way that it is easy to understand for readers and can be used immediately.