When you get your first cycle helmet, it can seem confusing. Which way round does the helmet fit, bike helmet straps too long, too many buckles and adjusters. In this article we will look at how to fit a bike helmet correctly and what to do if it doesn’t seem to fit properly.
It is important that you fit the helmet correctly so that it can do its job.
If the helmet is back to front it will compromise its function. If the straps are incorrectly adjusted then the helmet won’t sit properly on your head.
Make sure that you know which way around the helmets fits. If there is a peak then this goes at the front. If you have a helmet without a peak then it is longer at the back. Also, if there is an adjuster then this goes at the back.
Fitting bike helmet
- Start with the helmet in your hands with the opening upwards.
- If the straps are twisted, straighten them.
- If the side adjusters have clips, then open them. Slide them all the way down on both sides.
- Turn the back adjuster anticlockwise so that it is at its loosest, essentially, so that the inside of the helmet is as big as it can be.
- Turn the helmet so the front is pointing towards your belly.
- Grasp the helmet in both hands making sure that the straps are on the outside of the helmet and tip it onto your head.
- If the helmet is too tight then you will need to buy a bigger size.
- Make sure that it is not over your eyes at the front or sloping over the back of your head. A good rule is to put one finger above the top of your eyebrow to give a suitable gap.
- At this point you may have to change your hairstyle! A high ponytail or a bun will stop the helmet sitting firmly on your head.
- If the helmet feels too loose then reach around to the adjuster at the back and turn it clockwise.
- You will feel the inner structure start to grip your head. If you keep tightening and it doesn’t grip your head then you’ll need to get a smaller helmet.
Adjusting site straps
Now your helmet is sitting securely on your head, you can start adjusting the side straps. These are quite long to give plenty of adjustment.
- There are two straps on each side, coming together under a side adjuster.
- Slide the adjuster under one of your ears so that the straps form a “V” shape from the helmet to below your ear. If the adjuster was open, click it shut.
- Repeat the process on the other side.
Now you are going to attach the helmet with the buckle under your chin. First snap the buckle into place. If you feel that it is a good tension, not feeling uncomfortable but also tight enough so that you can get a couple of fingers between your chin and the strap, then the helmet is fitted correctly. If it is too tight or too loose, remove the helmet and loosen or tighten it accordingly.
Bike helmet straps too short
- Remove the helmet.
- There is a rubber loop that stops the straps from moving. Slide this out of the way.
- Hold the buckle in one hand.
- From the adjuster to the buckle there are two straps. From the other end, hold both straps and simultaneously push them upwards.
- Still holding the buckle, pull the other side of the straps and the rubber loop until they lock into place.
- Refit the helmet and check the buckle.
- If necessary repeat the process until your helmet feels comfortable.
If you have over loosened the straps then follow the instructions below to tighten them.
Bike helmet straps too long
- Remove the helmet.
- There is a rubber loop that stops the straps from moving. Slide this out of the way.
- Hold the buckle in one hand and push the inside of the straps upwards.
- Still holding the buckle, pull the open end of the straps until they lock into place.
- Refit the rubber loop.
- Refit the helmet and check the buckle.
- If necessary repeat the process until your helmet feels comfortable.
If you have over tightened the strap then follow the instructions above to loosen it.
If there is no adjuster at the back of the helmet then you will probably have a set of spare pads in the box. These are held in place with Velcro™. If the helmet is too big fit the thickest pads and if it is too tight fit the thinnest ones.
Uneven straps. Sometimes the straps are uneven on each side. This can make it difficult to fit. Remove the helmet and identify which side has the straps that are shorter. Gently tug on the two straps on that side, one at a time. One set will probably be stuck in place, but the other one should pull through from the other side and allow you to set the straps evenly.
No size seems to fit. If you can’t seem to get any size helmet to fit in a certain brand, don’t give up. Different brands are shaped slightly differently and you will maybe find that another brand better suits the shape of your head.
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