Even though wearing bicycle helmets is not mandatory in road traffic, it is undisputed that bike helmets can prevent or at least significantly mitigate life-threatening head injuries. Fortunately, it is observed that more and more people appreciate this benefit and wear a helmet. However, often the helmet does not sit correctly horizontally on the head but shifts to the side or to the neck. The correct fit is crucial for head protection because wearing a helmet reduces the risk of injury by 90% in a frontal impact alone.
Here, we would like to provide you with a brief guide so that you can first find the right helmet for your head and, second, put it on or adjust it perfectly. Only then does the bicycle helmet fulfill its purpose!
The Structure of a Good Bicycle Helmet
When buying your new bike helmet, it is best to choose from a specialized dealer who can guarantee solid brand quality. Good helmets are characterized by:
- A stable, shock-absorbing In-Mold construction: Outer shell and EPS inner foam are firmly welded together.
- An adjustment system that is easily adjustable in height and width
- Good ventilation through openings and internal channels to prevent the head from overheating
- Removable and washable inner pads that absorb sweat and significantly contribute to comfort
- Tear-resistant, skin-friendly straps with an easy-to-release, padded chin closure
- Also, pay attention to the EU DIN standard: CE EN-1078. It includes requirements for material, construction, shock-absorbing capacity, durability, and the adjustment system. The corresponding test procedures are also specified.
If you use your bike as a sports device and ride fast or daring, helmets are equipped with more specific features in terms of ventilation, comfort, and comprehensive head protection. In particular, you should consider the MIPS protection – in our blog article on the topic, you can find out if you should get a bike helmet with MIPS or not. However, this is less relevant for fit and positioning.
Please note: After a severe impact, the bicycle helmet must be replaced! The shock-absorbing EPS inner foam can break without being visible to the naked eye. No helmet is designed for multiple impacts!
Head and Bike Helmet Should Fit Like a Glove
Alone at Bobshop, you can find around 15 different bike helmet brands. Each brand has its own features and specific fits. So, whether the bike helmet is round or elongated.
Even if you rarely think about your own head shape, you should do so when buying a helmet. So, first define your head shape and then measure your head circumference. The easiest way to measure is with a tape measure, which is led over the back of the head, above the ears, and about two finger widths above the eyebrows around the head.
Try bike helmets from different brands and models according to your head size. For this, always place the helmet horizontally and straight on the head.
Helmets are offered in 2 or 3 size scales or in one-size-fits-all. If your head circumference is at the edge of a size range, it is better to choose the larger size so that a head covering still fits underneath.
You will notice best which helmet matches perfectly with your head. Then, it does not slip or wobble during movement, and there are no uncomfortable pressure points.
Individual Fine-Tuning Is Important
Once you have made your choice, it's time for fine-tuning:
1. Adjustment of the helmet height: Depending on the adjustment system, this is done through small ratchets on the inside or through height adjustment of the rotary knob holder.
2. Adjustment of the helmet width: Mostly done with a rotary knob at the back of the head. The internal head ring is tightened millimeter-precise around the head. The helmet should fit snugly but not press.
3. Adjustment of the straps: The Y-shaped strap construction should be fixed with the slider a finger's width below the earlobe.
4. Adjustment of the strap length: Close the straps and adjust the length: Not too tight, not too loose, it has proven useful to have 2 finger widths of space under the chin. Excess strap can be fixed with a rubber band or cut off and briefly flamed with a lighter to prevent fraying. Do not cut off too much, because if you wear a hat in winter, you will need more length.
The bike helmet should now sit about 1-2 cm above the eyebrows and above the ears. The width adjustment knob should be located at the transition to the neck. When shaking your head, the bike helmet should sit firmly and not slip.
Attention: If you ride in a deep bent road bike position, the helmet shell should not fully cover the back of the head because, in the angled neck position, the helmet will press forward.
Conclusion:
It is not only important that you wear a helmet when cycling. It is also important that the helmet fits perfectly on your head, sits in the right position, and is ideally adjusted. Only then can it provide protection. If you cycle a lot, you should also consider ventilation and inner pads to ensure pleasant wearing comfort. The best helmet is the one that forms a symbiosis with your head, one that you don't feel!
