A helmet protects you from serious head injuries if you fall off your bike, scooter or e-bike. For optimal protection, however, the helmet must be adjusted correctly. We'll explain how to adjust your helmet correctly in seven steps for maximum safety and maximum riding pleasure.
How to adjust your helmet correctly in seven steps
1. Measure head circumference
The size of helmets is determined by the head circumference for which a helmet is made. Most helmets are designed for specific size ranges. This is how you measure your head circumference: Take a measuring tape and wrap it around your head above your ears and read the value at the point where the measuring tape touches the starting point again. Choose a helmet where your head circumference is roughly in the middle of the size range covered. This gives you some leeway if you wear a hat under the helmet in winter, for example.
2. Adjust the head ring and carrying system to maximum size
Before you put on a helmet for the first time, you should make two adjustments:
- Open the head ring as far as possible
- Pull the height adjustment out of the helmet as far as possible
At the back of the helmet you will find dials or buckles that allow you to make these adjustments.
3. Put on your helmet
Now place the opened helmet horizontally on your head. Your forehead, temples and the back of your head should now be protected. If the helmet sits too far back, your forehead is not sufficiently protected. In this case, check the fit of the helmet or try a different model. You can remember the following rule of thumb: There should be around two fingers' width of space between the bridge of your nose and the base of your helmet.
4. Adjust height
Next, adjust the height of the helmet. Adjust the height so that the carrying system sits correctly on your head. In this position, the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the width of the carrying ring is below the curve of the back of your head. In other words: the mechanism is around two centimeters above the transition from the neck to the head.
5. Close the head ring
Next, close the head ring so that the ring is tight but not too tight. You can test the adjustment like this: simply shake your head with the chin strap open. If the helmet slips or even falls off, it is too loose. Tighten it. If that doesn't work, choose a different size.
6. Adjust the strap triangle on the helmet
Open the buckle of the belt distributor and move it so that the belt distributor rests on your cheekbone just below your ears. The individual belt straps should be evenly tight.
7. Adjust helmet closure
Adjust the strap using the sliders so that the fastener sits below your chin. There should be a finger's width of space between the closed strap and your chin.
Do you still have questions about your bicycle helmet and its adjustment? Then contact our service staff. We will be happy to advise you.
