How to Size and Fit a Kids Bike Helmet
For a helmet to provide the protection your child needs it must be the correct size helmet for the size of their head and adjusted correctly to stay on and over their head in an impact
Kids MUST wear a Bike Helmet when on a bike whether a passenger or riding independently
Supporting you to SMILE when you ride.
Helmet Size
Are you happy that you have the correct size helmet ?
To get the right size helmet you must measure. To do this place a tape measure around the head 1cm above the eyebrows and make sure the tape is level all the way around the head. Take the measurement in centimetres. If you don’t have a tape measure use string or wool then lie this along a ruler.
Now match that head circumference (measurement) to the correct helmet size…
View sizing of all our Kids/Youth Bike Helmets…
Helmet Fit
How to adjust your Helmet so it fits snug on your head
If you have the right sized helmet then lets get it adjusted correctly so it can perform well for you and/or see below for more detail on how to adjust.
the straps are adjusted and fitted correctly
if the helmet uses different thicknesses of pads for fit (like a town helmet) you need to use the correct thickness of pads to get the optimal fit to the shape of your head
the occipital (rear) dial or slide is tightened
See our video for support on how to adjust so that helmet will stay on and over the head in an impact
Read below for a more detailed information about correctly adjusting your helmet.
STRAPS
There are different straps on different helmets but most commonly you have 2 straps attaching to each side of the helmet that come together forming a ‘V’ below the ears and are secured under the chin.
Adjust using the 2v2 rule.
- 2 – the helmet should sit level on the head. The front of the helmet should sit no more than 2 finger breadths above the eyebrows.
- v – the side straps make a V with the adjustable clip forming the bottom of the V just below the ear lobe.
- 2 – you should be able to get a maximum of 2 fingers under the chin strap when fastened. …so it is firm but comfortable under the chin, You SHOULD NOT be able to pull the chin strap up and over the chin
- The straps should not be twisted
PADS
A street style often comes with two sets of pads, one thicker than the other. Usually these pads are secured by velcro sticking to inside surfaces of the helmet shell. You can take advantage of the pads to create a good match to the shape of your child’s head. This is important in street style helmets that often have a single chin strap so need to have a firm fit onto the head. Detachable and washable pads are ideal especially if your child tends to sweat. The Multisport Helmet has different pad thicknesses to adjust for size.
DIAL/SLIDE
Found at the back of helmets where your head meets the very top of your neck – this dial/slide when tightened or screwed in will secure the back of the helmet to the head. This feature can often be absent in cheaper helmets.
To support that helmet to fit the head every time you ride then we suggest you store it on a shelf and not hang it by the straps. Though this not always possible when the helmet is used and then stored away from home eg. school. It is important to do a quick helmet check before each ride.
A quick pre-ride check , yes a helmet check that you do before every ride
- is it level – around the head, no tilting
- is it low – sitting just above the eyebrows
- is it snug – does it fit snug not tight on your head, are the v clips snug below your ears and is the chin strap snug under your chin
- is it stable – use the palm of your hand to check forward, backward, side to side movement, the movement should be no greater than 1-2cm
We are always here to help. If you are have any questions please give us a call on 021 02515576 or 0800 443377 or drop us an email at hello@goride.co.nz or CONTACT goRide
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