Cycling helmets: how to make sure yours fits properly

Your helmet is an important bit of your cycling kit and should you fall you want it to protect you.

In terms of safety, fit is arguably the important thing to consider when buying a cycling helmet. This is because budget bike helmets have to meet the same minimum safety standards as the priciest aero helmets.

Therefore, a bike helmet costing £50 / $50 could be as safe as one worth four times more. But you have to wear a helmet correctly for the protective technology to work.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to put on a bike helmet and ensure it’s fitted properly. The same advice applies for all the different types including road, aero and TT helmets.

How to fit a bike helmet

Sizing

Helmets come in different sizes to suit different heads. Usually brands use a combination of T-shirt sizes (S, M, L etc) and head circumference ranging from about 50cm to 60cm.

Although you can measure your own head if you’re buying online and compare the circumference to a brand’s size guide, we’d recommend trying before you buy if possible.

Certain brands’ helmets are better for rounder heads, for example. Shape is hard to factor in when shopping online.

Your helmet should have a comfortable, snug fit without being too tight. Bear in mind that you’ll probably be wearing it for hours at a time.

Line up the padding

Now you know your helmet is the right size, you can secure it to your head.

Inside the helmet there’ll be a layer of padding. This needs to be in line with the vents in the helmet foam otherwise the helmet won’t sit right on your head. Often the padding has Velcro on the back for you to stick it in place.

Likewise, the dial needs to be sitting proud of the back of the helmet so you can tighten it once you’re wearing it.

Flat and level

Then, put the helmet on the right way round. The dial goes at the back and the peak faces forwards. This may sound extremely obvious, but we have seen people get this wrong!

Next, the helmet should sit level on your head. A sign your helmet is too small or tight is that it perches on top of your crown. If it slants to one side, it’s probably too big or loose.

The front of the helmet should cover most of your forehead. Make sure your temples are underneath the internal foam.

Once the helmet is covering your head properly, tighten the dial at the back to ensure it stays there.

If the helmet tilts back and exposes your forehead, it’s not going to protect you.

On the other hand, if the helmet tilts too far forward, it will compromise your line of sight.

In addition, the back of your head will be exposed, which isn’t safe you fall backwards.

A snug strap

After you’ve clicked the buckle together to secure the strap, you should barely be able to fit a finger between the strap and your chin.

Adjust the side straps so that the point of the V sits just below your ears.

If you can move the helmet more than an inch back on your head, tighten the straps in front of your ears.

If you can push the helmet forward, adjust the straps behind your ears.

Usually there’s a band on the strap for you to tuck the loose end under. You can cut the strap shorter if there’s a lot of excess material: it can be annoying and it’s far from aerodynamic.