The bicycle helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a cyclist. It can prevent serious head injuries and save lives. But how do you know if your helmet fits correctly?
The main reason your bicycle helmet looks too big on your head is because your head circumference measurement was taken incorrectly. If you don’t use a flexible tape measure and measure right above your eyebrow, the helmet sizing will be too big for your head.
There are many different sizes, styles, and brands that can make it difficult to choose which helmet will work best for you. If you feel like your bicycle helmet looks too big on your head, then read this article to find out why!
We share 7 reasons why your bicycle helmet might look so big in order to help you choose the perfect fitting bicycle helmet.
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Table of Contents
Wrong Head Measurement
The first thing that you should know is that helmets come in many sizes. They are measured by the circumference of your head. Take a flexible tape measure and measure around your head right above your eyebrows.
It is important to get a helmet that fits correctly because it will protect your head and neck from injury if you fall off.
If the helmet doesn’t fit, then it won’t do much good. It will just slide around on your head, which could lead to an even worse injury!
Bicycle Helmet Sizing:
- Extra small: below 20″
- Small: 20″–21.75″
- Medium: 21.75″–23.25″
- Large: 23.25″–24.75″
- Extra large: above 24.75″
- One size fits all: adjustable fit system
Straps Are Loose
The straps are loose, but you can tighten them. The helmet should fit snug without any slack in the strap at all. If it doesn’t then the helmet is too small or your head measurement was incorrect and needs to be adjusted
If you don’t adjust the straps, it will make for a very uncomfortable ride. The helmet will keep sliding back on your head, so it’s not providing protection against injuries.
Position it so that there are about two finger widths between the front of the helmet and top of your eyebrows in order to provide improved protection in case of an accident.
Adjust the side straps until they form a “V” shape below and in front of your ear.
To test that the straps are tight enough, open your mouth wide and the helmet should press against the top of your head.
Helmet Is On Backwards
If your helmet is on backwards, it won’t provide the same level of protection.
The adjustable fit dial that are in some helmets along with the size label will be located in the back. Some helmets have a brim or visor which will be the front.
Helmet Shape Doesn’t Match Head
When you first buy a bicycle helmet, it is easy to think that they are all the same. But after some time has gone by and you’ve used your bicycle helmet for a while, you might not feel quite as safe in it.
Your helmet may have shifted from its original placement on your head or become damaged in some way.
The shape of your head might also be a factor. If you have an oval shaped head, for example and the helmet doesn’t cover all of it, then this could make your bicycle helmet bigger than it needs to be.
The same goes if you have an elongated or rounder head that the bicycle helmets are not designed to fit properly.
How Much Hair You Have
Another thing to think about is how your hair sits on the top of your head. If you have a lot of hair, then this can make it look like you are wearing a big helmet that doesn’t fit properly.
But if you wear it with less hair and when there’s not as much pressure on the bicycle helmets, this will be less likely to happen.
Head Circumference Is Between Sizes
After you measure the circumference of your head, you might notice that it is borderline on which size to get.
If you get the smaller size helmet, it feels a little tight. However, the next size up feels a little big.
If you choose the bigger size because it feels a little better, it will make the helmet look a little big for your head.
You should always choose the smaller size in this scenario for safety reasons.
Brands Have Different Size Charts
Different brands use a different sizing chart for their helmets. Just because your last helmet was a medium doesn’t mean your new one will be as well. Especially if you go with a different brand.
One brand you might be a medium and the another brand you will be a large. Each brand uses different helmet molds to make their helmets.
Always try on the helmet at the store and don’t just purchase it online based upon an old sizing chart. This will make your helmet look too big or too small if you get the wrong one.
Final Thoughts
With so many people biking these days, it’s more important than ever to be safe. It might seem like a no-brainer that you need the right size bicycle helmet for your head.
The problem with helmets that are too big for your head is they can actually increase injury if you fall.
Getting professional advice from an expert at a bicycle shop will help ensure that you’re getting not only a proper fitting bicycle helmet but also one of high-quality construction.
From improper fit to being in between sizes, there are many things that can contribute to an ill-fitting helmet.
To ensure you stay safe during rides of all lengths, make sure you get the right size before hitting up the trails again!