A helmet is definitely THE most important thing to have when riding a mountain bike, or any bike for that matter! One of the most important things about that helmet, is how well it fits. If it doesnt fit properly, then it wont protect you properly, so you really need to make sure whatever helmet you have fits your head well.
There are four major steps to making sure any given helmet is right for you:
- Measuring
- Trying it on
- Position and fit
- Straps
Measuring
The first step is to measure your head. For this, youll need a cloth tape, or piece of string. Wrap that around your head, typically two finger widths above your eyebrows.
From here, compare that diameter to the sizing chart available on the helmet you like. Go ahead and add that size to your cart, proceed to the check out, and wait patiently for it to rock up at your doorstep.
Trying it on
How the helmet should fit
Don't wear it like this!
Now that your swanky new helmet has arrived, youll want to carefully remove it from the packaging and back the retention dial all the way out. Pop the helmet on your head and tighten the dial until it is snug, but not too tight that its uncomfortable. Give your head a good shake around, the helmet shouldnt move. You should find it difficult to stick your finger under the retention system.
Positioning and fit
Now that its nice and snug, it needs to sit in the right position. None of this 12 oclock business! It should sit horizontal, around 2-3 fingers above your eyebrows, with no tilts or slants in any direction.
Now, you want to focus on how the helmet conforms to your head. Everyone has a different head shape, and that means not every helmet will fit everyone. See if there are any parts where the helmet does not meet your head, and any parts where one bit is tighter or firmer than other parts. If there are any of these cavities or hot spots, and theyre noticeable or uncomfortable, then that helmet probably is not for you.
Straps
Last, but not least, are the clasps and straps. Clip the helmet up under your jaw, and tighten it until its snug under your chin. It shouldnt be tight, but it shouldnt dangle either. 1-2 fingers in between the strap and your jaw should be plenty. For the yokes, you want to position them somewhere comfortable and out of the way of your ears, preferably with even lengths fore and aft. I find it best to have them just at the pointy part of my jaw.
Should the helmet not fit well in any way, you may be able to return the helmet and grab a different size (take a look at our returns policy).
Once youve got your new helmet fitting perfectly, stick it on your head and go ride!