Finding the Perfect Fit for your Bicycle Helmet

Bicycle helmets come in various sizes, with fit varying greatly among bicycle helmet manufacturers. Bike Thailand has outlined the steps necessary to properly fit a bicycle helmet. Be prepared for the possibility that not all bicycle helmets will be compatible with your particular head shape. You should expect to try on several brands and spend ten to fifteen minutes to get your helmet properly fitted.

Measure your head for approximate size. Try a similar sized helmet on to ensure it fits snugly. With the helmet placed level on top of your head, make sure the helmet doesn't rock side to side. Sizing pads come with new bicycle helmets, and you can use the pads to fine-tune the fit, mixing and matching the pads for comfort. Most new bicycle helmets now feature some sort of ratcheting, ring-sizing system instead of pads. Adjust the ring size to fit your head.

You want the helmet to be comfortably touching your head all the way around, with the helmet level and stable enough to resist even violent shakes or hard blows. It should be as low on your head as possible to maximize side coverage.

Center the left buckle on the chin. On most bicycle helmets, the straps can be pulled from the back on the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chinstraps. It is easier to make these adjustments if you remove the helmet.

Adjust the slider on both straps to form a “V” shape under, and slightly in front of, the ears. Lock the sliders if possible.

Buckle the chinstrap and tighten the strap until is is snug. No more than one or two fingers should fit under the strap.

The final and usually the most time-consuming step is adjusting the helmet straps. Open your mouth wide as if you were yawning. The helmet should pull down on your head. If not, go back and check the chinstrap, and no more than one or two fingers should fit under the strap. If your helmet rocks back more than two fingers above the eyebrows, unbuckle it and shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward. Buckle, re-tighten the chinstrap, and test again. If your helmet is sliding forward over your eyes, unbuckle and tighten the back strap by moving the slider back toward your ear. Buckle, re-tighen the chinstrap, and test again. Finally, once all adjustments are made, roll the rubber band down to the buckle. All four straps must go through the rubber band and be close to the buckle to prevent strap creep.