Small Head, Trouble finding a helmet.
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 53
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From: Vancouver, Wa
Bikes: '08 Bianchi Via Nirone, '72 Peugeot U-08, '72 Schwinn Le Tour Fixed Gear
Small Head, Trouble finding a helmet.
I need a cycling helmet but I have a small head and can't seem to find one that makes it look like I'm an alien of sorts. I just want something that is, ya know, compact.
Any product suggestions?
Any product suggestions?
#2
I have a small head too. Bell small helmets are smaller than the other selection of helmets I've tried on a Performance. While you can get helmets with adjustable plastic things on the rear of the helmet, I still want a helmet that mostly fits my head instead of being held in place.
And you know what? Kids helmets aren't any smaller than adult helmets! I would love to have a bright green helmet with dinosaurs on it! Any Universal fit helmet is a FAIL. I don't know if anyone makes helmets in XS, but I've never seen any.
And you know what? Kids helmets aren't any smaller than adult helmets! I would love to have a bright green helmet with dinosaurs on it! Any Universal fit helmet is a FAIL. I don't know if anyone makes helmets in XS, but I've never seen any.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Warwick, UK
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
You might try broadening your search to skateboard/BMX helmets or similar. These tend to be available in a range of sizes, and are also more 'head shaped' than your average bike helmet so shouldn't look as odd. Both should give similar levels of protection from bumps and scrapes.
#5
Fat Guy Rolling
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 1
From: Louisville Kentucky
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
You might try broadening your search to skateboard/BMX helmets or similar. These tend to be available in a range of sizes, and are also more 'head shaped' than your average bike helmet so shouldn't look as odd. Both should give similar levels of protection from bumps and scrapes.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, Ohio
Bikes: All City Nature Boy, Salsa Ti Fargo, Kona Electric Ute
I have just the opposite problem. I have a huge head and helmets that fit me (if I can find them) look like a 70s Ultra Fro for the top half of my head
#7
Banned
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,787
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https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Sport...-Blue/14003648
Don't cringe at the source, this helmet actually is decent; in-molded, decently ventilated, and VERY adjustable. They have adult and youth sizes, same design, assorted colors, and my kids wore them for YEARS. If there would be weak points: ventilation COULD be better, and the visor can be fragile. Treat it well, and it will last.
Don't cringe at the source, this helmet actually is decent; in-molded, decently ventilated, and VERY adjustable. They have adult and youth sizes, same design, assorted colors, and my kids wore them for YEARS. If there would be weak points: ventilation COULD be better, and the visor can be fragile. Treat it well, and it will last.
#8
Fat Guy Rolling
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 1
From: Louisville Kentucky
Bikes: Bacchetta Agio, 80s Raleigh Record single-speed, Surly Big Dummy
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Sport...-Blue/14003648
Don't cringe at the source, this helmet actually is decent; in-molded, decently ventilated, and VERY adjustable. They have adult and youth sizes, same design, assorted colors, and my kids wore them for YEARS. If there would be weak points: ventilation COULD be better, and the visor can be fragile. Treat it well, and it will last.
Don't cringe at the source, this helmet actually is decent; in-molded, decently ventilated, and VERY adjustable. They have adult and youth sizes, same design, assorted colors, and my kids wore them for YEARS. If there would be weak points: ventilation COULD be better, and the visor can be fragile. Treat it well, and it will last.
#9
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Wa
Bikes: '08 Bianchi Via Nirone, '72 Peugeot U-08, '72 Schwinn Le Tour Fixed Gear
Thanks for the replys, but I think I should have been more specific. I posted this like, right before bed so my head wasn't on so straight...
I have a Pro-Tec BMX helmet, but I'm looking towards racing, or at least more serious riding, and I guess, I'm kinda sick of looking like a kid, and want people to take me more seriously. But I also don't want to look like a totally ****.
I have a Pro-Tec BMX helmet, but I'm looking towards racing, or at least more serious riding, and I guess, I'm kinda sick of looking like a kid, and want people to take me more seriously. But I also don't want to look like a totally ****.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Warwick, UK
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
#12
Intrepid Bicycle Commuter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 819
Likes: 95
From: Upstate New York
Bikes: 1976 Motobecane Grand Jubile, Austro Daimler 'Ultima', 2012 Salsa Vaya, 2009 Trek 4300, Fyxation Eastside, State Matte Black 6, '97 Trek 930 SHX, '93 Specialized Rockhopper, 1990 Trek 950
I have a small head. I wear a Bell Muni, and love it. It's relatively cheap, and works great with the Bell front and rear Flea lights. It has integrated rear flashers too.
https://youtu.be/zz9zCNzL9ts If your head is really small, maybe try the Arella.

https://youtu.be/zz9zCNzL9ts If your head is really small, maybe try the Arella.

Last edited by AlmostGreenGuy; 01-19-12 at 09:14 PM.
#13
Mrs. Hop-along
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Seville, FL
Bikes: Ladies Schwinn Super Sport and Gateway
Not sure how small "small" is. When looking for a helmet I found that starting with my head measurement was best, and trying them on next best. I have a head shape that is decidedly oval-shaped, not round, which is why I have to try them on. I might be able to find a 20.75 inch helmet easy, but if it's that circumference in a perfect circle, the thing won't fit me front to back. Likewise, a lot of helmets wobble side to side on me.
Kids sizes are great. If you see a Bell helmet with the True-Fit stretchy back section- Don't get it. Those things stretch out permanently in no time and then of course it doesn't fit anymore.
To be honest, your perception of yourself with a helmet on is a TON more dorky than what other people think of you. I personally love the look of skate helmets on everyone else- yet I worry that mine makes me look funny anyway. I can't help it. So I'd say get the helmet that fits and don't worry about it
Kids sizes are great. If you see a Bell helmet with the True-Fit stretchy back section- Don't get it. Those things stretch out permanently in no time and then of course it doesn't fit anymore.
To be honest, your perception of yourself with a helmet on is a TON more dorky than what other people think of you. I personally love the look of skate helmets on everyone else- yet I worry that mine makes me look funny anyway. I can't help it. So I'd say get the helmet that fits and don't worry about it
#14
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I realize this question was posted many months ago, but in case you're still looking for a helmet - or in case other people are using this as an online resource to identify small helmets - I searched for over a year and was disappointed at how big all the Bell and Giro and Costco helmets were on me. I also saw an online review indicating that Schwinn helmets (the ones carried by Costco) are very big, so I did not go try those. Even though helmets have ziptite mechanisms to adjust their heads, I wanted a helmet that fits snugly so that I wouldn't have a double impact in a crash. I finally found one that fit very well! It's a Trek Vapor WSD size 49-57cm. I was just in a crash recently and am looking to replace it now - they don't make that exact model anymore, though they do make a similar one. My problem is that the new model doesn't come in the color of the old model... and I do have a bit of a matching scheme going with my bike gear! <sheepish grin>






