Bicycle helmets are, in some areas, required by law. Even if the law doesn't require adults to wear a helmet, children may still need to do so. There's little doubt that helmets are useful, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, bicycle helmets can prevent 85 percent of potential head injuries to cyclists. Bike helmets also help to make you more visible if worn in bright, attention-getting colors. A bicycle helmet won't do you any good, however, if it can't protect your forehead and the back of your head--to accomplish that, you have to find a bicycle helmet that fits.
Step 1
Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your head, parallel to the ground, about 1 inch above your eyebrows. Read the measurement (your head circumference) off the tape, and use it as a starting point to find the right size bike helmet. While exact sizing may vary between manufacturers, REI recommends the following general size parameters: small--20 inches to 21.75 inches; medium--21.75 inches to 23.25 inches; large--23.25 inches to 24.75 inches. Anything smaller or larger than this size range would be classified as extra small or extra large, as appropriate.
Step 2
Put the helmet on. Adjust the universal fit sizing ring, if present--usually located in the back of the helmet--until the helmet fits snugly on your head with its bottom edge horizontal to the ground.
Step 3
Rock your head from side to side. Push on the helmet from the sides. If the helmet shifts noticeably from either test, either add bigger pads to adjust the fit, adjust the sizing ring again, or try a smaller helmet if neither of the previous solutions helps. Note that this test should be done with the chin strap still unfastened.
Step 4
Buckle the chin strap. It should fit back against your throat, but not cut into, pinch or otherwise restrict your throat. The "V" gaps on either side of the strap are meant to accommodate your ears. You may need to adjust the buckles just beneath each "V" to get a comfortable fit.
Step 5
Push up on the front of the helmet, then push up on the back of the helmet. Nod your head vigorously in an up-and-down "yes" motion. If the helmet moves noticeably under either test, adjust the chin strap until the helmet no longer moves. The chin strap should still be comfortable yet snug.
Step 6
Open and close your mouth as wide as possible. Next, pretend you're chewing something. You should feel the helmet pressing down on your forehead as you open your mouth, but not as your chew. Tighten or loosen the strap at the chin buckle until you have an appropriate fit.
Things You'll Need
- Flexible measuring tape
Member Comments