HOW TO MEASURE FOR A BIKE HELMET

If a bicycle helmet doesn’t fit properly, a helmet may not perform as designed, so it is very important to follow the steps laid out in this guide in order to ensure a proper fit.

How To Measure For A Bike Helmet

You can find your proper helmet size by measuring your head circumference. Utilize a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string for this task. If opting for a measuring tape, encircle your head approximately one inch above your eyebrows and just above the ears, then consult our size chart to identify your size. Alternatively, if using a string, follow the same head measurement process and then measure the string against a standard measuring tape or yardstick for accurate sizing.

Another useful tip for finding your proper helmet size is knowing your hat size. If you know your hat size, you can use that measurement as well (centimeters, inches, head size —It's all going to get you the same thing).

Where Do I Find Bike Helmet Size Charts?

Once you've measured your head, refer to the product page, locate the size chart and click on it to find your size based on your measurement. Your measurement will correspond to a specific size range.

If you are in between two sizes, choose the larger size.

Put the Helmet On

Once you get your helmet, put it on before you ride and check to make sure the helmet fits comfortably and securely. Helmets that have a fit/stability system should fit with a little room between your head and the headband when the fit system is loose. If it does not fit this way, you should replace the helmet with one that does. Helmets without a fit system (pads only, such as a full-face helmet) should fit snugly but comfortably.

When we say it should fit snugly, we mean that when the helmet is on your head with the chin strap snugly fastened, the skin on your forehead should move slightly when the helmet is moved back and forth. It should not be uncomfortably tight or cause a headache. It should also not be so loose that it easily moves on your head.

How to Fit Your Half Shell and Full Face Helmet

Once you think you have the right size, snugly fasten the chin strap, and then grab the helmet and twist the helmet to the left and right. If the helmet fits properly, the skin on the forehead will move as the helmet moves. If it does not, the helmet is too big.

Next, grab the helmet with both hands and try to remove it by rolling the helmet forward and backward. THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you can roll it off the head completely, roll it forward so far that it blocks vision, or roll backwards far enough to expose the forehead, it is too big and not a proper fit. If you cannot adjust the helmet to fit properly according to these instructions, DO NOT USE THE HELMET. Replace it with a different size or model.

Once you are satisfied that the helmet fits correctly and that all straps are properly adjusted, take a short test ride. Make any minor adjustments to improve comfort and stability. If you have questions about fit, contact us.

How To Customize Your Helmet’s Fit

Each size helmet is going to fit a variety of head sizes. The beauty of our half shell system is that we have what's called a “Float Fit,” which is a dial in the back of the helmet that allows you to adjust the helmet’s fit on your head. So put the helmet on loose, take the Float Fit, adjust the dial so the helmet is nice and snug. You can adjust the fit even more on helmets with systems that offer height adjustment, which allows the helmet’s fore/aft tilt to be optimized. Simply move the system’s occipital pads (at the back of the helmet) up or down for comfort and best coverage. Experiment until you get a fit that is snug but not too tight. Be advised that the fit system helps keep the helmet in its proper position on your head while riding, but it will not keep the helmet on your head during an accident. The proper size and fit with a snugly fastened chin strap is what will help keep your helmet on your head during an accident.

For safety reasons, do not adjust the fit of a helmet while you are riding. If the helmet feels loose while you’re riding, stop and get off your bike before making any adjustments. You should not continue to ride if the helmet feels loose because it may not be able to properly protect you in a crash.

Adjust the Helmet’s Chinstrap and Buckle

Fasten the chinstrap buckle and tighten the straps until the helmet fits snugly. You should be able to open your mouth wide enough to eat but no more than that. Make sure the chinstrap is against the throat, NOT on the point of the chin. Straps worn on the point of the chin increase the chance of a helmet coming off in an accident. Make sure the loose ends of the strap pass through the rubber O-ring near the buckle. If they do not, the straps may slide loose in some accidents and the helmet may come off accidentally. Always wear the helmet with the chinstrap buckle fastened and the strap pulled tight.

How To Adjust the Fit of a Full-Face Bike Helmet

Ensuring the proper fit for a full-face bike helmet involves a slightly different process compared to fitting a half shell. Both processes will start with measuring your head circumference. However, the fit for a full-face is personalized by adjusting the padding to achieve optimal comfort and safety.

Many full-face helmets have additional pads included or available for purchase separately. Take the Bell Full-10 as an example; it includes three different thicknesses of cheek pads and two different thicknesses of crown pads. This allows you to tailor the fit according to your preferences, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. If you newly installed pads feel a bit tight, take a few rides to allow them to break in and pack out. This will give the pads the opportunity to conform to your head shape for a more comfortable fit over time.

How To Wear a Bike Helmet

Place the helmet on your head so that it sits level, covering your forehead. The front rim should be about one to two finger-widths (approximately 1 inch/2.5 cm) above your eyebrows. Don’t let the helmet go low enough to where it hinders your vision. Adjust the side straps so that they form a Y-shape directly under your ears, with the front strap sitting just below the earlobe. To adjust the strap positioning, open the adjusters on the straps around the ears (if present), put the helmet on and slide the straps through the adjusters until they are located comfortably under the ears. Tighten the straps until they are snug. Make sure there is no slack in any of the straps. Finally, close the adjusters and make sure they are secure.

How Should a Bike Helmet Fit?

It’s important to consider how tight or loose your helmet fits. You don't want it to be so tight that it's leaving a crease on your forehead, but you also want to make sure that it's not too loose and moving around. Shake your head gently from side to side and up and down. The helmet should stay in place and not shift around. If it does shift, readjust the straps until the fit is secure and snug.

Different Helmet Buckles

Traditional Plastic Buckle:

This buckle style is common in numerous standard bicycle helmets. To operate, it features a pinch-side release snap mechanism.

FIDLOCK:

Featured on newer and most premium models, a FIDLOCK helmet buckle is a magnetic fastener. Comprising two magnetic components, this buckle securely fastens when the two sides are brought into close proximity. Its design facilitates one-handed operation and ease of use, even when wearing gloves.

Read owner’s manual before using the helmet.

For helmets equipped with MIPS technology, please review the following warning:

SOME MIPS® LOW-FRICTION LAYERS, ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS OF A HELMET, MIGHT CAUSE LACERATIONS TO THE WEARER’S HEAD/FACE IN SOME ACCIDENTS. THIS MIGHT OCCUR DUE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE ON THE SCALP FROM THE IMPACT OR AS A BY-PRODUCT OF THE LOW-FRICTION LAYER’S MOVEMENT IN CERTAIN ANGLED IMPACTS TO HELP REDUCE THE ROTATIONAL ENERGIES TO THE HEAD. IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US.