How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet
Many people think that fitting a bicycle helmet is as simple as putting it on and fastening it up. There are actually a few simple steps that ensure a helmet fits comfortably and securely while offering the best safety guarantee. After all, a wrongly fitted safety helmet is very hazardous, and does not provide the fullest safety potential.
First: Pick the right helmet for the job
Measure your head to get an estimated size. When you buy a helmet, try it first to ensure it fits snug. Everyone has a different shaped head and personal preferences, so what fits your friend comfortably, may not suit you at all. Make sure it sits flat with no rocking; use sizing pads if necessary, and try to find the greatest comfort.
Second: Strapping and buckles
Adjust the chin strap until it feels snug around your face and under your chin. Make sure the triangular side straps of the chin strap come down on either side of your ear and meet just below the front of your ear. You only want enough room between your chin and the strap to fit one finger. As for the buckle, center it under your chin securely. If done correctly, when you open your mouth wide, you can feel the helmet putting pressure on the top of your crown.
Third: Assess the results
Assess the comfort factor of the helmet by shaking your head from side to side and ensure that it stays securely in place. Check that it is not too tight; you do not want a lot of pressure or squeezing. You also want to assess the helmet's position to see if it sits level and comes off your forehead at a smooth right angle. The rim of the helmet should sit no more than an inch above your eyebrows. It should trace your head without leaving gaps or spaces.
Fourth: Final check
Give the helmet a once over to make sure you did not miss anything. If the helmet rocks forward into your eyes, unbuckle and tighten the back strap by shifting the slider up towards the ear. If the helmet rocks backwards away from your brow bone, shorten the front strap by shifting the slider forward. Also, roll the rubber band down to the buckle to lock it in place so it does not slip.