How to Measure Bike Helmet Size? 5 Simple Steps!
Those who love bicycling know there are few greater pleasures than riding your bike. Nothing really beats zooming along a wide road, the wind in your hair, and the feeling of freedom in your chest. Until you crash. Don’t deny it! It has happened to even the most experienced bicyclists. And that’s why it’s important to wear the right helmet. Regardless of your skill level, your safety should always be a priority. The right helmet also enhances your comfort while riding.
Struggling with finding the right fit? No worries—below is our detailed guide on how to measure bike helmet size, so you can find the right one and be on your way.
We’ve also answered other pressing questions on the matter. Let’s get started!
Finding the Perfect Bike Helmet
The simple 5 steps of how to measure the size of a bike helmet properly are
- Measure Your Head
- Put the Helmet on
- Tighten the Chin Strap
- Shake Your Head
- Enjoy Your Ride
Check out these Must Have Fat Bike Accessories
With no further ado, we present below our step-by-step guide to find you the perfect bike helmet.
Tools You Need
1. Measure Your Head
The obvious first step in finding the right helmet is measuring your head. And by your head, we mean, of course, its circumference.
But how do you measure head circumference for a helmet? With the help of a flexible tape measure (this video is helpful)! Place it one inch above where your ears and eyebrows end, then measure.
If you don’t already have a tape measure, you can find one at less than $5. Don’t want to buy one? Use a piece of string, then mark the circumference points. Then measure the distance using a yardstick.
Now cross-check your measurement against the following chart to find your ideal helmet size chart:
| Helmet Size | Measurement (in centimeters) |
| XS | 53 to 54 |
| S | 55 to 56 |
| M | 57 to 58 |
| L | 59 to 60 |
| XL | 61 to 62 |
| 2XL | 63 to 64 |
| 3XL | 65 to 66 |
The right size for a helmet is one that fits snugly and does not loosen off as you ride. The size of the helmet should allow enough room to fit your head inside it, but at no point do they need to be very loose or feel like they are suffocating, this may result in falling over during a fall.
How Can You Prevent Injury While Cycling, Read here
2. Put the Helmet on
Pretty standard stuff, right? Sure, but it’s important that the fitting of the helmet meets certain criteria. So how should a bike helmet fit? Here are the indicators of a well-fitting bike helmet:
The helmet should sit at a low point on your forehead (but of course, it shouldn’t obscure your vision).
Remember earlier, when you were measuring for your helmet size? Above the highest point of your ears and eyebrows, there should be a distance of no more than one or two finger-widths.
When you look up, you should be able to see the helmet’s front rim on your own head.
The helmet’s straps should come together in a “Y” shape right below your ear.
3. Tighten the Chin Strap
After you’ve placed your helmet snugly over your head, secure it by tightening the chin strap. As mentioned before, the helmet’s straps should come together in a V-shape under each ear. If they don’t, keep adjusting each buckle until they do.
Why wear a bicycle helmet unless it can protect you, right?
Measure the circumference of your child’s head to ensure they have the right size helmet before going bike-riding.
4. Shake Your Head
No, we’re not crazy! Doing this allows you to ensure with certainty that your helmet is on properly. As such, you should feel the helmet pressing against your crown; there should be no precarious-feeling looseness. If there is, keep adjusting and tightening until you get the right fit.
You also want to avoid uncomfortable tightness, of course; you don’t want to cut off circulation or limit the range of movement for your head.
5. Enjoy Your Ride
And you’re all set! Let your heart take the lead as your mind relaxes on the trail, road, or path. No matter where you’re biking to, we wish you a good ride. Make sure you ride safely, were a helmet, and take all precautions. Ultimately it will help you prevent injury. Easy enough? Now you know how to measure head for helmet size and get the best helmets for you!
Types of Helmet
Not all helmets are created equal. While some are better suited for athletic purposes, for example, others are more suitable for daily commutes, etc. So which one is right for you? Here are the 3 main different types of helmets to consider before making your final purchase.
1. Recreational Helmets
If you are looking for a helmet on a budget, then a recreational helmet will suit your needs best. Perfect for casual use, recreational helmets are the ideal choice for casual and amateur riders.
2. Road Bike Helmets
Are you into trail biking or aspiring to more serious athletic biking?
Then you’ll need a road bike helmet, which is equipped with an aerodynamic design to facilitate movement. They usually also come with better ventilation and breathability to make sweaty rides a bit more comfortable.
Read More: Best Road Bike Helmet Under 100
3. Mountain Bike Helmets
Helmets made for mountain biking also tend to be well-ventilated and are characterized by a design that prioritizes coverage of the back of your head. If you frequently find yourself on treacherous trails, you’ll definitely benefit from a mountain bike helmet. A Mountain bike helmet visor helps the rider to protect their face from the sun.
The important factor is to make sure you have a suitable size
Sizing a bike helmet is important, but some people do not seem to realize it. Most bike helmets will come with a sizing chart that can help you get the right size and make sure all of your holes are covered.
Checking the fit of your bike helmet can be a tricky process, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. A snug helmet will offer better protection while also not causing discomfort and irritation around your ears due to excessive pressure points or gaps in the shell.
As a cycling enthusiast, you need to know how the MIPS size will fit on your helmet. The best way to measure it is from chin straps that should be level with earpieces when wearing the MIPS over your head. After measuring and knowing what kind of MIPS you are buying, go ahead and buy it!
Conclusion
If you came to this article wondering how to measure bike helmet size, well, we dare say you’ll be leaving satisfied. Just remember, as long as your helmet sits low on your forehead and allows for the insertion of no more than two fingers under the chin strap, it offers a reasonably good fit.
Stay safe and have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do kids’ helmet sizes work?
Much in the same way as adults’ do, actually. You’ll have to measure your child’s head and find the right fit accordingly. This is a very helpful guide.
-
How do I know my helmet size?
The short version: wrap a measuring tape around your head approximately one inch above where your ears and eyebrows end (remember to use the centimeter side!). Use your findings to get yourself a helmet. The long version: scroll up!
-
What size of helmet is 57/54cm?
Widely considered to be the “medium” size for bike helmets, a helmet measuring 57cm is roughly 22.5 inches. 54cm helmets are usually the smallest helmet size available from most brands.
-
When do you need to replace your bike helmet?
Most bike helmets are sturdy enough to last up to 10 years, but depending on the quality, this time frame might be as small as 3 years. So make sure you choose a good helmet!
-
How to clean a bike helmet?
Rinse the helmet in a mixture of water and mild detergent. You can choose to use a sponge for a more thorough cleaning. Then let it air-dry.
Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is simply cool and i could assume you are an expert on this subject.
How to properly measure a bike helmet: First is to measure the head size for a bike helmet. It is more appropriate to use a cloth tape measure when taking your head size. Typically, the manufacturer will provide you with an exact size chart, and you should try on several hats to determine the exact size you require. Then make adjustments to your helmet so it can fit properly. It fits your head perfectly. The final step is to perform a vibration test, shaking your head around, side to side, and in all directions. Make sure that the product does not move an inch in any direction.
Once you put the helmet straps on, the last step is doing a shake test. You should shake your head around, from side to side, and in every direction. Make sure that the product does not move an inch in any direction. Check whether the straps are loose, make sure they do not compromise comfort.