fitting helmets
#2
Chi-Chi Monger

Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clarita, California
Bikes: 08 Cannondale Synapse, 09 Marin Alpine Trail 29er
Originally posted by Spire
I was looking on the web for a helmet and the normal range in size is 55-60 cm. What measurement is this of?
I was looking on the web for a helmet and the normal range in size is 55-60 cm. What measurement is this of?
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When it's good it's really good...And when it's bad I go to pieces - David Bowie
When it's good it's really good...And when it's bad I go to pieces - David Bowie
#3
serial mender

Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
From: Bonn, Germany
Your Head. The metric way to measure is simply the circumference of the ole' noggin (not some arcane sizing like 7-3/8). If you have a tape measure, just run it around at about the point where the brim of a hat (or the helmet) would run. 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.
But, I would absolutely concur that this is a purchase to be made through trying on the helmets. I just bought new helmet myself. I found only one or two helmets from about 8-10 models which really fit me properly. Most of the others were either more round or more elliptical than my head.
Also, pay close attention to "hot spots" or pressure points when you try the helmet on. If you notice a pressure point when trying it on, recognize that it is likely to blossom into a headache after 1/2 hour on the bike. When you try them on, try to leave them on your head at least a minute or two to see whether something develops. I rejected at least one attractive model due to an obvious pressure point.
Best of luck,
Jamie
But, I would absolutely concur that this is a purchase to be made through trying on the helmets. I just bought new helmet myself. I found only one or two helmets from about 8-10 models which really fit me properly. Most of the others were either more round or more elliptical than my head.
Also, pay close attention to "hot spots" or pressure points when you try the helmet on. If you notice a pressure point when trying it on, recognize that it is likely to blossom into a headache after 1/2 hour on the bike. When you try them on, try to leave them on your head at least a minute or two to see whether something develops. I rejected at least one attractive model due to an obvious pressure point.
Best of luck,
Jamie
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
A flexible band fitting is much more snug than padding out the wrong shape with bits of foam.
My Met was pretty cheap but more comfortable than many more expensive one. Look for ones with moulded in shells rather than ones which are stuck or taped to the polystyrene. A few big vents allow you to lock the helmet with a D lock, but lots of smaller ones are cooler.
My Met was pretty cheap but more comfortable than many more expensive one. Look for ones with moulded in shells rather than ones which are stuck or taped to the polystyrene. A few big vents allow you to lock the helmet with a D lock, but lots of smaller ones are cooler.





