Mountain biking is a dangerous sport. You can tumble to the ground at any time. You can't always control how you land when you fall and wearing a helmet helps protects your head from serious injury. For your helmet to be effective, it needs to fit correctly. You'll need to measure your head to get a proper fitting helmet.
Measure Your Head
Before selecting a helmet, you will need to measure the size of your head. Don't guess. Actually measure it. Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your head, usually about 1 inch above your eyebrows. You can also use a string and then measure the string. Write this number down. As you shop for a helmet, check the size guidelines from each manufacturer. They provide charts that match your head size to their helmet sizes.
Size Category
Manufacturers vary in their methods for translating inches to a size category. What is categorized as a small by one company, may be a medium at another. REI provides a basic guideline for converting your head size into a helmet category. If your head is between 20 and 21.75 inches, it is a small; if it is between 21.75 and 23.25 inches, it is a medium; if it is between 23.25 and 25.75, it is a large. Anything less than 20 inches is an extra-small, and anything more than 24.75 inches is an extra-large.
Features
Many higher-end mountain bike helmets have a universal fitting on the inside of the helmet. This is an adjustable ring that helps contour the helmet to your head. If you can afford a helmet with this option, it will provide an even better fit. Try a helmet on before purchasing. Make sure the chin straps are easily adjustable and don't pinch or dig into your skin.
Cost
Mountain bike helmets generally cost between $25 and $150 as of January 2011. One of the features you pay for is air. In general, the more vents your helmet has, the more expensive it is. You also pay for more sizing options. Lower-end helmets sometimes offer only a one-size-fits-all, adjustable size. More expensive helmets are available in three or four different size categories, such as small, medium, large and extra-large. These helmets will usually fit better and be more comfortable.
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