Many cyclists choose not to wear a helmet as they find them uncomfortable or because they get too hot when riding with protective headgear.
Whilst the actual choice to wear one or not is up to the individual, helmet wearing is nevertheless compulsory in many parts of the US and Canada and in all areas of Australia and New Zealand. It is therefore worth knowing how to fit one properly for increased comfort even if a rider disagrees with local laws.
How Cycling Helmets Work
Bicycle helmets are made out of foam polystyrene, a rigid material which crushes easily due to the tiny air pockets inside. Acting like a crumple zone in the event of an impact, the foam absorbs energy, lessening the impact on the skull. To work effectively, a cycle helmet must fit snugly all the way round the head allowing any impact to be absorbed throughout rather than just in one specific area.
Fitting a Cycling Helmet
A correctly fitted helmet should be level and stable enough to stay put if knocked hard. It needs to sit as low as possible on the head for maximum coverage and the strap should be snug enough to hold the helmet level without strangling the rider.
- First pick the right size. Good quality cycling helmets from major brands like Giro and Met come in two or three sizes. There are also “one-size” options which may or may not suit.
- Fit can be adjusted using either foam pads or, on more expensive models, via an adjustable inner ring system.
- Adjust the inner ring or add/remove the foam pads until the helmet touches evenly all the way round the head without being too tight.
- The front should be just above the eyebrows or glasses if worn and not tilted back from the forehead.
- Adjust the length of the straps so that the Y fitting on each side comes together just under the ear then the length of the chin strap so that it is snug but not too tight. The helmet should pull down a little with the mouth open wide.
- Now test for stability. Push the helmet up at the front and back and shake the head. If it moves more than an inch in any direction then tighten the straps accordingly.
- Getting the perfect fit with strap adjustment can be very fiddly but the end result should be a helmet that feels level, solid and above all comfortable to the point where the rider forgets it is even there.
- If this cannot be achieved through continued adjustment of the straps or removing/adding foam pads then try a different helmet as no two brands are the same.
Correct Way to Wear a Cycling Helmet
Fitting a cycling helmet correctly can take time but will pay dividends in terms of both safety and comfort. Ensure the helmet fits snugly all round and stays level if knocked hard. Persevere with strap adjustment until, like a good pair of shoes, there is a perfect fit.
Related Articles
You may also be interested in our articles on How to Choose a Mountain Bike Helmet, Why Wear a Cycling Helmet and Best Riding Practice for Cyclists to ensure a comfortable ride.
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