Is My Bike Helmet Too Big?
Kids’ helmets are often sold by age, and sometimes by size. As a child ages, the fit of their helmet will change. To find the right fit you need to make sure the helmet is snug enough that it can’t be pulled off easily when not fastened but not so tight that your child complains about discomfort.
The same goes for adults – if you’re buying a new one or replacing an old one, make sure it fits well and try on different brands/models until you find one that suits your needs best! Keep in mind, you have to wear a helmet any time your ride, even if it is a three wheel bike.
Adult helmets are more broadly sized by circumference.
To get a proper fit, measure around your head with a piece of yarn or flexible measuring tape at the most prominent part of your forehead and do not pull too tight. Use this measurement to find the right size helmet for you:
For children and smaller adults, the helmet should fit snugly, but not too tight. If you have to tug on it to get it on or your child complains of headaches when wearing their helmet, it’s too big.
For larger adults: Adult helmets are more broadly sized by circumference. To get a proper fit, measure around your head with a piece of yarn or flexible measuring tape at the most prominent part of your forehead and do not pull too tight.
- Extra small: below 20″ (51cm)
- Small: 20″–21.75″ (51cm–55cm)
- Medium: 21.75″–23.25″ (55cm–59cm)
- Large: 23.25″–24.75″ (59cm–63cm)
- Extra large: above 24.75″ (63cm)
Some brands run small in sizing. A big-looking helmet may be the correct size for you.
If you’re still unsure of the correct size, try measuring your head. You can do this by using a soft measuring tape to find the circumference of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. Measure in centimeters for best results (or see below for an easy conversion).
Once you have that measurement, check out these charts from Universal Fitment (which offer sizing guidelines for all brands) and Bell Helmets (which offer their own brand-specific sizing) to determine which size helmet fits best:
How do I know if my helmet is too big?
The helmet should fit snugly and comfortably, but not too tightly. It should not be able to be moved around on your head, nor should it be able to be lifted off with your hands. You should also make sure that the straps are fastened properly so that they can’t be tightened too far or loosened too much.
- If you can fit more than two fingers between your head and the helmet, it’s too big.
- If when wearing the helmet you notice that it’s tilted back on your head, as opposed to sitting level, it’s too big.
The best thing to do when buying a helmet is to wear it for at least a few minutes before purchasing one so that you can feel if it fits snugly without being uncomfortably tight.
The strap should be adjusted so that your helmet sits on top of your head in a level position (not tilted back) and low on your forehead–no front to back adjustment is necessary. When you use the chin strap, the helmet should fit firmly enough to stay in place if you were to hang upside down.
Side straps should form a “Y” just below each earlobe when properly tightened. The side straps should be adjusted so that your helmet sits on top of your head in a level position (not tilted back) and low on your forehead.
The chinstrap should be tightened to form a “V” under your chin, without pressing uncomfortably into your chin or face. The strap should be adjusted so that your helmet sits on top of your head in a level position (not tilted back) and low on your forehead–no front to back adjustment is necessary.
Reasons Why Your Bicycle Helmet Looks So Big
The helmet is too big. Make sure that the straps are adjusted correctly and that the helmet fits snugly on your head, not sliding around or being too loose. If you can fit more than two fingers between it and your face, it’s probably too big.
The helmet is too small for your head shape (round, oval, long). A good fitting bike helmet should cover most of the circumference of your head but not be so large as to move around when riding – if there’s room for more than two fingers inside the helmet when tightened properly then try a different size until you find one that feels right on both sides of your head without being uncomfortably tight or leaving enough space for someone else’s hand!
It’s not adjusted properly – make sure all four straps are even (not twisted or uneven) before buckling them together under chin/neck area; tighten each strap evenly so they’re snug but not painful after putting on
What is the proper way to wear a bike helmet? which way is front?
The helmet should be worn level on your head. The straps should be adjusted so that the helmet sits on top of your head in a level position (not tilted back) and low on your forehead. You can adjust the fit of your helmet by tightening or loosening the chinstrap, but it’s important not to over-tighten it as this could cause discomfort and potential damage to your neck muscles.
Conclusion
It’s important to get your helmet fit properly. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact a bike shop or helmet manufacturer and ask them for help. The last thing you want is an uncomfortable experience on the road with an ill-fitting helmet!