Bicycle Helmets - One size fits all?

Bicycle helmets are obviously designed to protect heads in the event of mishaps. Whether you mountain bike, dirt track bike or are looking for youth protection, a helmet is designed to absorb the crushing blows from the head hitting a hard surface. But a helmet won't do much good if it isn't worn properly and it won't be worn properly if it's uncomfortable. The main thing is to make sure the helmet is strapped securely to the head so that it remains level.

Adjust the way the helmet fits around the top of the head. If a helmet employs a fitting pad, then add and/or remove padding to make the helmet fit snugly over the head. If the helmet uses a fitting ring, just adjust it for that same snug fit.

Now adjust the straps that hold the helmet on. With the helmet level, adjust the straps so that the "Y" fitting lands just below the ears.

After making your adjustments, the helmet should be snug and comfortable. By tugging on it, you should not be able to move the helmet more than an inch in any direction and the forehead should not be exposed.

When you're in the market for a new helmet, take a look at the "one-size-fits-all" helmets. An advantage is that these helmets can be adjusted for a good fit quite easily. A disadvantage is that some riders have found that these ring fit systems don't adapt to their heads comfortably - with the fitting ring snug enough to secure the helmet it can be uncomfortable and when it's set up to be comfortable the helmet can fit too loosely.

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