How to properly fit a bicycle helmet.
A properly fitted helmet is crucial for providing the best protection of your head and brain in a bicycle crash, but how do you know if your bicycle helmet fits properly? Here are some tips of getting the best fitting bicycle helmet.
Bicycle helmets come in various styles, shapes, and sizes, for different head shapes and sizes, and various types of bike riding. Here, we’re referring to a typical recreational, road, or mountain bicycle helmet.
Before purchasing a bicycle helmet, ensure its certified by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). All bicycle helmets sold in the USA must meet and adhere to this certification. Certification should be prominently displayed on the inside of the helmet. Additionally, thoroughly inspect the helmet and packaging for any signs of damage, like cracks, scratches, dents, or deformity, any cuts or fraying of the straps, and any problems with the buckle clipping and staying clipped.
The best way to find the right helmet is to visit a bicycle shop or store that carries several different sizes and styles and has employees who are trained to fit you with the correct bicycle helmet. You can try on different helmets to find one that’s comfortable, visually appealing, and provides the coverage and performance features you need. Beyond head shape and fit you may consider how the helmet fits with your sunglasses by checking how they feel by your ears with the ratchet fit system and around the brim as some sunglasses have larger lenses that may not be compatible with the helmet. If you ride in the winter or like the protection of a cycling cap, you may want to try the helmet on for fit with any hat or cap you may wear under the helmet while riding.
Helmets offer different safety and technology features beyond what was available only a few years ago that make visiting a store or spending time researching on the internet a smart move. Some helmets have integrated technology and safety features you may want in see, feel, and learn about in-person. These features are changing regularly but include visors, lights or light/camera mounts, smart communication or sound, turn signals, MIPS, KinetiCore, and crash detection. With the growing popularity of e-bikes or “electronic assisted bicycles,” there are some bicycle helmets designed for the higher speeds of e-bikes. E-bike specific helmet certification is known as NTA 8776.
The helmet should securely fit so it doesn’t come off during a fall or crash, but it shouldn’t feel too tight or have pressure points that hurt. Most helmets have an adjustable ratchet system to fine tune the fit for your head and hairstyle. The helmet should sit level on your head and not tilted forward, backward, or side to side. The front edge should be just one inch above your eyebrow, or about two adult-sized fingers. Depending on the type of helmet, like a road or racing helmet versus a mountain bike style helmet, there may be more or less coverage around the back and sides.
If your head and hair don’t fit inside the helmet, it’s probably too small. If the helmet moves when you shake your head, you may need to adjust the straps or try a different size or brand helmet.
Adjust the straps so they fit comfortably around your ears. Your ear should fit snugly in the strap “V” shape. The chin strap should be tight enough to keep the helmet in place, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is two adult-sized fingers should fit between the strap and your chin.
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If you found this post helpful, you might also like to explore the other topics listed below and the many other topics in our comprehensive Safety & Prevention Guide, Brain Injury Guide, and Bike Injury Guide.
