Bike helmet size chart and how to measure for a bike helmet

What is the bike helmet size chart? How to measure for a bike helmet? Safety will always be the most important factor when it comes to cycling. There are many ways to keep yourself safe, such as wearing high-visibility clothing, staying off busy roads, using proper tube signals, and even having a mirror on your bike. 

The best way to stay safe is to wear a bike helmet. Not only does it protect your head in the event of an accident, but it also shows other cyclists and road users that you are taking precautions.

Why are bike helmets so important?

Bike helmets are so important when it comes to cycling, and many people forget the advantages of wearing one while riding. Here’s what you need to know!

Protect you in the event of a crash

The first point is that helmets can protect you in the event of an accident. Head injuries are one of the biggest causes of cycling injuries, and many of them can be avoided simply by wearing a helmet. Protecting your head and brain is vital when riding anywhere. 

It’s in the rules and the law

If you plan on going to a cycling event, most will not let you ride without a helmet, which we completely understand. Also, in many countries now, wearing a bike helmet is the law and must be done. If not, you can get fined heavily.

It shows competence 

The next important factor to mention is that wearing a bike helmet shows competence with other road users. If you wear a helmet, they know you are making an effort to stay safe, and quite often, that is respected with better driving around you.

It can help performance

If you want to improve your aerodynamics and speed, wearing a bike helmet makes a difference. If you ask a time trialist or professional cyclist, they will tell you the huge difference it can make on a windy day or a long course.  

Bike helmet size chart: First, understanding bike helmet sizing

Bike helmets are generally sized differently by each company, deepening the styles and designs of each helmet. Surprisingly, there are a lot of different styles of bike helmets on the market.

Although there are many types of bike helmets, they generally follow similar sizing when it comes to having the correct fit for the user on the bike helmet size chart. The small, medium, and large time road cycling helmets are similar to mountain bike helmets and even commuter helmets. 

Bike helmet size chart

Now for the bike helmet charts. These will help you determine what size helmet you need and give you the best possible chance of getting a great-fitting helmet for the first time. 

Adults bike helmet size chart

Adult helmets are measured around the circumference of the head. We will explain how to do this later in this article. Most brands generally size small to large, but some go extra small and extra large.

It’s good to remember that you typically also have a large amount of adjustment to play with when it comes to each helmet in case you are in between sizing. For example, if you are between a small and medium they will often both adjust to where you need to be. 

Children's bike helmet size chart

Children's sizing works differently compared to adult sizing. They size it depending on what stage they are at growing up compared to their age. It’s easy to fall into the trap of not measuring their head when you should to make sure where they are at.

How to measure for a bike helmet

To get the perfect helmet fit, it’s important to measure your head and not just guess. You could be 5ft 4” tall and require a large helmet, or you could be 6ft 5” and need a small helmet. Head size is quite unique to each person and is difficult to compare to height.

Measuring your bike helmet is easier than you might think. All you need is measuring tape or string and a ruler. Using another person to help you will make this much easier. 

Measure the largest part of the head above the ears and eyebrows with the tape or string. Go all the way around, and we recommend measuring multiple times. When you have your measurement, write it down so you don’t forget it. Now you know how to measure for a bike helmet.

The same process goes for how to measure for a childs bike helmet, how to measure a dirt bike helmet, and much more.

Testing

If you don’t want to measure, another option is to test some helmets. Going to your local bike shop and trying different styles in different sizes is a good way to go. You will be able to see what works and what different styles you like. 

It’s also good to speak to bike shop employees about the benefits of certain helmets and even to feel the weight of different helmets, as some can weigh a lot, and others are incredibly lightweight. 

Adjustability

It’s also good to remember that helmets are very adjustable. This doesn’t mean you will be able to use a medium if you are small. It just means they are adjustable within the sizing range you are choosing.

What to look for in a bike helmet

When it comes to finding the right bike helmet, there are other factors besides size. There are also a lot of other things to consider. Here’s what we recommend taking into account alongside the correct size.

Weight

When choosing a bike helmet, it’s good to consider weight. Some are very lightweight and feel like you are wearing nothing, while others can be quite heavy, which can make them feel uncomfortable. Light helmets weigh 150g to 250g, and heavy helmets weigh 300g to 500g.

Style 

When it comes to picking the right helmet for the job, think about the type of helmet you want, whether it be a mountain bike helmet or a road bike helmet. Then think about what it looks like and if you like the way it looks.

Safety standard

Helmets need to meet the correct safety standards. Going with a good brand will ensure this. If you are looking at helmets that offer great specifications but are incredibly cheap, it’s good to check whether they are CPSC or EN 1078, depending on where you are. 

Age and use

Helmets have a shelf life, and it’s important to make sure of the age and also the use when buying. If the helmet is secondhand, we don’t recommend buying it, as if it has been crashed already, it is useless. Age, They only last a few years and less with lots of UV damage. 

Special features

Finally, we have extra features. Some come with amazing extra protection systems, such as MIPS, and others have inbuilt lights. Take these into account, as they can add a lot of value to your riding experience. 

Are you ready to buy that new bike helmet?

There’s no time like the present to start looking at a new helmet. Just make sure to measure your head beforehand and also go for the right helmet for you. With this article you now will know how to measure for a bike helmet. Make sure to check out buycycle for a bike to match your new helmet!