How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet

If it appears on another website, it is a violation of the copyright owned by headsdontbounce.com. Regular cleaning of your helmet helps maintain its appearance and functionality. Use mild soap and water for the exterior and interior, and avoid harsh chemicals. Store your helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage to the materials.

Some helmets--even expensive ones--do not have locking pieces on the side where the straps come together under your ear. If you can move the side buckle with your hand, it will migrate in use. If you use heavy thread you only need five or six stitches to hold it. We have a page on strap creep if you need more details. For a final check, look in a mirror or look at the wearer whose helmet you are fitting.

Always check the specific brand’s size chart and, if possible, try the helmet on before buying. If you’re ordering online, check the return policy in case the fit isn’t right. Regularly inspect your helmet for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, loose padding, or a damaged chin strap. Even small damages can significantly reduce a helmet's effectiveness in protecting you during a crash. Different helmet brands and models offer unique features and fits.

You should be able to get a couple of fingers between the strap and the jaw, but nothing more. In addition to addressing these safety concerns, a comfortable helmet will mean a better riding experience and less stress. We should be able to strap our helmets on and then forget about them and concentrate on the road. For some sleek, stylish and lightweight helmets designed for safety, style and comfort, check out our DOT-approved Beanie-style half-helmets, such as the Blister Original.

A properly fitting helmet is crucial for safety, especially for children and young riders. It not only protects the head but also enhances comfort and confidence while riding. In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of helmet fitting, the importance of proper sizing, and tips on how to adjust your helmet for the best fit.

How do you determine whether it’s too loose or too tight? The salesman is telling you that it’s a perfect fit, but are there any tests you can do to know for sure? Taking the time to get the fit right now means you’ll have a helmet that’s comfortable, secure, and ready to do its job when you need it most. It's normal for a well-fitting helmet to leave slight marks on your cheeks or forehead initially, but these should not be painful or overly pronounced. Yes, helmets can slightly stretch or view publisher site 'break in' over time, especially the padding inside. However, a helmet that is too tight initially will not stretch enough to become comfortable if it's the wrong size.

If you feel movement on the helmet, look for the next smaller size. Loose-fitting helmets can be hazardous as they don’t offer the right protection. On the other hand, if your face and most particularly the cheeks feel stretched, your pressure points may feel uncomfortable. A correctly fitting helmet shouldn’t move around easily. When you wear the helmet, it ought to stay firmly in place, however not excessively tight. The only way to be sure of a proper fit is to try it on.

Similarly, helmets with sun shields, like the SOA Inspired DOT Beanie Flat Black, provide extra protection against glare, enhancing visibility and comfort during sunny rides. Safety wear that covers these areas should be given consideration, too. However, brain and head traumas are much more problematic, far less recoverable and more likely to lead to death or a permanently reduced quality of life. So before that motorcycle roars into life, make sure you're protected by a correctly fitted, DOT-approved helmet.

And if this is you, size up just a bit, or double-check that any adjustments on the back of your helmet haven't been set. A helmet that fits your head just right won't shift when you shake your head - it moves exactly as your head does and doesn't rub the top of your head in the process. Then start to shake your head side-to-side, or if you want to get into character, maybe do a more gentle version of head-banging in a mosh pit. While a lightweight helmet can reduce neck strain and fatigue during long rides, it may do so at the expense of safety and durability.

Typically, the width of your finger is a good place to start. A car window reflection, sunglass reflection, your phone’s camera, or feedback from your climbing partner can all be helpful to ensure the correct fit here. For the vast majority of helmets, the only difference between "women’s" and "men’s" models is the color. (This is why on WeighMyRack we only distinguish between Adult and Kid’s helmets for fit – and not by gender). Most the helmets in the photos above are either Black Diamond or Petzl, whose helmets come in two sizes. We are creating contact over the prominent areas and space is built into the helmet over the flattened areas to allow the head to grow into a more symmetrical shape.