How to size and properly adjust/fit a helmet to your head.

It takes a little know-how to size and properly adjust the fit of a helmet to your head (click to enlarge). Photo courtesy of Art's Cyclery​

Editor's Note: This article is courtesy of the team at Art's Cyclery. The original post can be found here.

Just picked up a new helmet, but not exactly sure to adjust it for your head? All those straps and buckles can be a bit mystifying. Fear not, though. The crew from Art's Cyclery have put together this great step-by-step video on dialing in your helmet fit.

httpv://youtu.be/l98dxtruvck

Need a refresher on what you just watched? Here's a step-by-step guide in written form.

  • To determine your helmet size, wrap a tape measure around your head just above your ears, being sure to keep it level. Check the circumference of your head with the size charts on the Art's Cyclery product pages.
  • Once you have the correct size helmet in your hands, place the helmet on your head.
  • Snug the horizontal retention system. This will usually be a dial or push tabs.
  • Clip chin strap under chin and make it snug but not tight, don't worry about buckle placement.
  • Open the left side adjuster and adjust the webbing so it comes together under your ear with minimal to no slack.
  • Open the right side adjuster and adjust the webbing so it comes together under your ear with minimal to no slack.
  • If needed, snug the chin strap again.
  • Note centering orientation of the chin strap buckle. Move the chin strap buckle towards center by snugging or loosening the appropriate webbing, and take up slack throughout, while keeping side adjusters in their same relative spot. This takes some patience, so proceed slowly.
  • Repeat the steps until the chin buckle is centered, side buckles are comfortably under the ear, and the webbing is snug everywhere.
  • Finally, adjust the helmet's vertical position. Not all helmets have this option. Position the helmet as low on your head as possible while maintaining comfort.