Wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle can save your life, but a poorly fitting one can fail to protect you in an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that a "properly fitted bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent." Measuring your head is the first step to finding the correct helmet size. It serves as a guide for which helmet to try on, but you still must check for a proper fit. The unique shape of your head affects the fit of a helmet.
Step 1
Measure the circumference of your head with a flexible measuring tape to figure your approximate helmet size. Place the measuring tape just above your eyebrows and wrap it around your head, pulling the tape taut. Write down the measurement on a piece of paper.
Step 2
Find your head circumference measurement on the helmet manufacturer's sizing chart.
Step 3
Try on and adjust the helmet of your size. Push the helmet down so it snugly cradles your head. If the helmet feels too tight or loose, adjust or replace the helmet pads. Position the helmet level on your head. Fasten and adjust the chin strap. The "Y" on the side straps should sit just below the ears.
Step 4
Perform the "finger test" to see if the chin strap is adjusted correctly. Place two fingers between the underside of your chin and the chin strap. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the strap and your chin. The chin strap should feel snug but not uncomfortably tight.
Step 5
Check the helmet for a good fit. The helmet should touch every surface of your head. It should feel tight, without causing pain. If there is space between the top of your head and the helmet, the helmet is too small.
Step 6
Shake your head back and forth and up and down. The helmet should not move around; if it does, it is too big.
Step 7
Try on different helmets until you find one that passes all the fitting tests.
Tips and Warnings
- When sizing a motorcycle helmet, do an additional test to make sure the helmet will not fall off in an accident. Bend your head forward while pushing the bottom, backside of your helmet up with your hand. If you can push the helmet off your head, it is too big.
Things You'll Need
- Flexible measuring tape
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