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When you're new to cycling, you need to build the perfect cyclist's outfit to ride safely. For each piece of clothing or accessory, it is important to select the right size. Indeed, too big or too small, a helmet could quickly turn out to be dangerous. For this, it is necessary to refer to the size guide of the brand. Today, we propose to discover how to measure its head size.
Why should you measure your head size?
Knowing your head size is necessary in order to buy a bike helmet. This is because for a helmet to provide optimal protection on your head, it must be perfectly fitted to it. As a reminder, helmets are mandatory up to the age of 12, whether the child is a rider or just a passenger on the bike. Although it is not mandatory beyond this age, we strongly advise you to wear one for your safety in case of a fall.
How to measure your head size
To be able to measure your head circumference, you need a flexible dressmaker's tape measure (or tape measure). For ease of use, you can have someone else help you with this step, but you can do it just fine on your own. Eventually, use an ice pack to make sure you hold the tape measure horizontally and in the right place.
To take your head measurements, you need to measure your head circumference by passing a tape measure around your head. Position your tape measure around your head. The head circumference is taken starting from the middle of the forehead: pass the tape measure a few inches above the eyebrows for the front of the head, and for the back of the head, place the tape measure at the hump at the back of the skull. Be sure to get the tape measure over the ears and not to squeeze the tape measure too tightly so as not to distort the measurement. Pick up the measurement where the tape measure crosses the 0 in the middle of your forehead.
How to choose the right size based on your head size.
Once you have taken the measurement of your head size, to find out your helmet size, you will need to refer to the size correspondence table of the brand in order to choose the right helmet size. Beware that this correspondence table may vary from brand to brand. So, depending on the brand you choose, you may not buy the same size as in another brand.
Generally, helmets come in a variety of sizes ranging from S to L to fit the widest range of people. With some brands, helmets will only be available in two sizes S/M and L/XL. Choose the brand where the size fits you best so that you have a helmet that fits your head perfectly. If you are hesitating between two sizes or your measurement is on the borderline between two sizes, we advise you to choose the size above.
In the case of a brand that offers two sizes, if we take into account the measurement of head size, here is what each size corresponds to (size to be checked according to helmet brands obviously):
- The size S / M corresponds approximately to a head size of 54 to 58 centimeters;
- The size L / XL corresponds approximately to a hip circumference of 59 to 62 centimeters.
In the case of a brand that offers three sizes, if we take into account the measurement of the head size, here is what each size corresponds to (size to be verified according to the brands of helmets obviously):
- The size S corresponds approximately to a hip circumference of 52 to 54 centimeters;
- The size M corresponds approximately to a hip circumference of 55 to 58 centimeters;
- The size L corresponds approximately to a hip circumference of 59 to 62 centimeters.
For children, the circumference of the helmets starts at 45 centimeters of head circumference, which corresponds to approximately a 9-month-old child.
Also be aware that most bike helmets have a micrometric adjustment wheel on the back of the skull to adjust the occipital fit to the millimeter for each ride. To optimize the fit of the helmet, this occipital adjustment can also be made from the bottom up for a perfect fit.
Some helmets also come with different sets of foam to ensure a perfect fit for your skull.
With all of these features, and while it's no substitute for an in-store fitting, you can easily be able to purchase your helmet from an online store.
Now that you're able to measure your head size, how about finding out how to measure your waist size? How to measure your chest size? And how to find out your hand size for gloves?
