Whether you are a causal rider or race enthusiast, a properly fit helmet keeps you comfortable and safe! Follow these simple steps to make sure your helmet fits correctly.
Step 1: Helmet Shell Size
Before adjusting your helmet, you want to make sure the is the right size for your head. All helmet brands have a unique shape that will fit some heads better than others. If you are purchasing a new helmet, try a few on to see which one feels the most comfortable to you. To ensure you purchase the right size helmet, you can measure your head and reference the circumference against the manufacture’s recommendations.
To check if your current helmet is the right size, first loosen the retention system found at the back or top of your helmet. When the system is fully open, you should not be able to get more than one finger between your forehead and the helmet. Having the retention system fully open allows you to judge the size of the helmet’s shell versus the size of its retention system.
Step 2: Helmet Placement
Proper placement is a crucial component of helmet safety. Your helmet should sit level or slightly forward, just out of your eye line. It should definitely not sit towards the back of your head! If your helmet’s position is too far back, it is extremely unsafe and offers no protection in a crash!
Step 3: Retention System
Once your helmet is in place, tighten your retention system until it feels snug. A good test is to lower your head and give the helmet a shake. If the helmet stays in place, it is a good fit!
Step 4: Chin Straps
Chin straps are vital to keep your helmet in place if you have an accident. It is best to tighten the straps so you can fit no more than two fingers between your chin and the straps. If you have a spill and they are too loose, your helmet can come flying off! Conversely, the straps should not be so tight that they restrict your range of motion or constrict your breathing.
Step 5: Slide your helmet’s side buckles
To increase comfort, slide the buckles up or down the straps on either side of your helmet. Generally, they feel the most natural if they sit flat just below your ears.
These same techniques can be applied to mountain or road specific helmets. It is important to note that helmets should be replaced after an impact or after 5 years from their manufacturing date.
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