A helmet protects you from serious head injuries if you crash while riding a bike, scooter, or e-bike. For optimal protection, however, the helmet must be adjusted correctly. We will explain how to adjust your helmet in seven steps for maximum safety and riding enjoyment.
How to adjust your helmet correctly in seven steps
1. Measure your head circumference
Helmet sizes are based on the head circumference they are designed for. Most helmets are designed for specific size ranges. Here is how to measure your head circumference: Take a measuring tape, wrap it completely around your head above your ears, and note the measurement at the point where the tape meets its starting point. Choose a helmet where your head circumference is roughly in the middle of the specified size range. This leaves you some leeway if, for example, you wear a hat under your helmet in winter.
2. Set the head ring and suspension system to the maximum size
Before putting on a helmet for the first time, you should make two adjustments:
- Open the head ring as far as it goes
- Pull the height adjustment out of the helmet as far as possible
You will find dials or buckles on the back of the helmet that you can use to make these adjustments.
3. Put on the 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 how the helmet sits or try another model. You can remember this rule of thumb: there should be about two fingers' width of space between the bridge of your nose and the front edge of the helmet.
4. Adjust the height
Next, adjust the height of the helmet. Set the height so that the suspension system sits correctly on your head. In this position, the adjustment mechanism for the width of the head ring lies below the curve of the back of your head. Or in other words: the mechanism is about two centimeters above the transition from your neck to your head.
5. Close the head ring
Next, close the head ring until it fits snugly, but does not pinch. You can test the fit this way: Simply shake your head while the chin strap is open. If the helmet slips or even falls off, it is too loose. Adjust it tighter. If that is not possible, choose a different size.
6. Adjust the strap triangle on the helmet
Open the buckle of the strap divider and move it so that the divider rests on your cheekbone just below your ears. The individual straps should be equally taut.
7. Adjust the helmet buckle
Adjust the strap using the sliders so that the buckle sits under your chin. There should be about one finger's width of space between the closed strap and your chin.
Do you still have questions about your bicycle helmet and how to adjust it? Then please contact our service team. We are happy to advise you.
