Help with XXL helmets
#1
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Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Frankfort, KY. USA
Bikes: None yet still looking
Help with XXL helmets
OK I am certain that this question has been asked before but I am new to this forum and bicycling in general so please forgive me. Also not sure how to search on this forum board yet. Anyway. I have a REALLY big head. I went to Dicks just to see if they would have anything. They have the one size fits all to size 61. It most assuredly does not fit all. My guess is I am a 63 maybe bigger. So where am I going to find such a beast. I do not have a bike yet but will shortly and really would like a nice helmet to where. Any help would be welcome.
Thanks
Steve
Thanks
Steve
#2
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Vegemite Island
Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830
I've got a big melon head and got sick of never being able to find a helmet that fits.
People said that the Quantum Helmet in XL that Bontrager makes is a good choice for people with big heads, but it didn't even go close to fitting me.
Similarly with heaps of other brands of helmets I tried on.
Finally I stumbled into a Giant dealership and tried on a Giro Hex in XL that states it is for people with head sizes 61 - 65 cm and it fits pretty damn well.
People said that the Quantum Helmet in XL that Bontrager makes is a good choice for people with big heads, but it didn't even go close to fitting me.
Similarly with heaps of other brands of helmets I tried on.
Finally I stumbled into a Giant dealership and tried on a Giro Hex in XL that states it is for people with head sizes 61 - 65 cm and it fits pretty damn well.
#5
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From: Houston
Bikes: Novarra Randonee 2016, Trek Verve 2 2015
Steve, welcome to BF. Do yourself a favor and measure the circumference of your head with a cloth tape measure. The size is the circumference in cm. If your tape measure is in inches, multiply by 2.54 first.
Once the guesswork is out of the way, you might find it easier to search, or get advice. I am a 61. It took me 3 years to find a skiing helmet (I lived in Europe at the time). The 61s weren't
!Eventually I found that Giro made all kinds of larger helmets and have no problems since.
Things were easier when it came to bike helmets. An off the shelf adjustable Bell is a very snug fit!
Once the guesswork is out of the way, you might find it easier to search, or get advice. I am a 61. It took me 3 years to find a skiing helmet (I lived in Europe at the time). The 61s weren't
!Eventually I found that Giro made all kinds of larger helmets and have no problems since.Things were easier when it came to bike helmets. An off the shelf adjustable Bell is a very snug fit!
#6
#7
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Flat Rock, NC
Helmet makers use different shape molds, kind of like shoe lasts. Some are round, some are oval. I have a somewhat large head 23" (58cm) but its more oval than round. Giro's are the only helmets that I have found that comfortably fit. Others manufacturers were just too round; tight front to back, loose side to side. Go to a couple of LBS and try different mfg's., eventually you'll find one that just feels right.
#8
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Bikes: 1997 Rivendell Road Standard 650b conversion (tourer), 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10 (gravel/tour), 2013 Foundry Auger disc (CX/gravel), 2016 Cannondale Fat CAAD 2 (MTB/winter), 2011 Cannondale Flash 29er Lefty (trail MTB)
I feel you. I bought an XXL Bern helmet... and had to return it for an XXXL size.
Bern makes some nice helmets; their Allston finally offers a Bern with enough vents for summer riding. I have a Bern Brentwood that I use for fall/winter (with the winter liner)/spring riding.
I have a Bell XLV for summer riding.
Bern makes some nice helmets; their Allston finally offers a Bern with enough vents for summer riding. I have a Bern Brentwood that I use for fall/winter (with the winter liner)/spring riding.
I have a Bell XLV for summer riding.
#10
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
I have a Giro Bishop. Not familiar with specific measurements, but it fits me.
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#12
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 684
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From: Jersey City, NJ
Bikes: Jamis Coda Elite - custom 1x9 setup
I discovered the Lazer O2 XL helmet to fit my larger noggin and it fits perfectly. I have to tighten it so that means it still has some wiggle room for bigger heads. It's about $110 US. Sizing puts the XL at 61-65. I find it lightweight, good fit, nice ventilation. Good luck!
The Lazer O2 helmet - Mid- Level road helmet
The Lazer O2 helmet - Mid- Level road helmet
Last edited by idiotekniQues; 08-30-16 at 05:47 PM.
#14
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Joined: Apr 2015
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From: East Bay CA
Bikes: 2016 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Disc Di2, Cannondale F1000 SL
The POC Octal AVIP size large is officially listed as 56-62cm, but can say that it feels larger than that to me. It wouldn't shock me if a 63cm head fit comfortably in it. If nothing else it's one to try on.
#16
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 44
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From: Fallston, MD
Bikes: Salsa Vaya2, Raleigh Merit 3, Trek Antelope 800, Schwinn World Sport
Specialized Max
I have a ginormous head, and I was making do with the Bonyrager Starvos in XL which kinda fit but not really... And then I was poking around in a bike store in Raleigh - one of the salesmen introduced me to the Specialized Max. Most comfortable helmet ever! And cheap at $40.
#18
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 139
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From: St. Augustine, FL.
Bikes: 2016 Specialized Crosstrails Disc XL Frame. 2021 Trek Verve 2 Step Through XL frame.
I have a ginormous head, and I was making do with the Bonyrager Starvos in XL which kinda fit but not really... And then I was poking around in a bike store in Raleigh - one of the salesmen introduced me to the Specialized Max. Most comfortable helmet ever! And cheap at $40.
#19
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 135
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From: Cleveland, OH
Bikes: 1986 Specialized Allez SE "Jim Merz" edition, Trek 750
Giro Savant, a helmet saved my life last August. They have an XL that will fit you. Most comfortable helmet I have ever had. Not sure about measurements but a 7 5/8 fedora is a good fit for me.
#20
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,207
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From: Northern VT
Bikes: recumbent & upright
Helmet makers use different shape molds, kind of like shoe lasts. Some are round, some are oval. I have a somewhat large head 23" (58cm) but its more oval than round. Giro's are the only helmets that I have found that comfortably fit. Others manufacturers were just too round; tight front to back, loose side to side. Go to a couple of LBS and try different mfg's., eventually you'll find one that just feels right.
Have a fat & round head, took me a while to figure this out.
An oval just does not feel good.
#21
Fredly Fredster

Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 740
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Bikes: Trek Domane S5, Trek 1.1c, Motobecane Omni Strada Comp, Trek X-Caliber 6
I have a colossal monster fat-ass head. I found it impossible to find XL helmets at bike shops or sporting goods stores. I had to order both of my helmets online. I use a Bontrager Starvos XL for road cycling and Giro Bishop for mountain and gravel biking.
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