Bike Helmet Fit Guide

Step 1:

Determine Your Size

To determine the correct size, you should measure the circumference of the head. To do this, just wrap a measuring tape around the head, keeping the tape just above the ears and level front to back and about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Once you’ve determined the correct measurement, you can select a helmet in the correct size or size range.

QUICK TIP: Don't have a soft/cloth measuring tape?
If you don't have a soft/cloth measuring tape you can use a piece of non-stretchy string or shoelace. Wrap it around your head, following the same path just above your eyebrows and ears. Mark where the two ends meet and then measure the length with a ruler or a standard tape measure.

Step 2:

Put the Helmet On

Once you have your head measurement, visit the product page of your desired helmet. Match your measurements with the corresponding helmet size on the chart. Be attentive to any additional sizing considerations or recommendations provided.

Once on and adjusted, a helmet should fit snugly on your head, so that the skin on your forehead moves slightly when the helmet is moved back and forth. It should not cause a headache or be uncomfortably tight. It should also not be so loose as to move freely and without causing the skin on your forehead to move.

You should always wear the helmet positioned low enough in the front to protect your forehead, but not so low that it hinders your vision. A space of approximately 1 inch/2.5cm between the edge of the helmet and your brow is a good reference.

QUICK TIP: In between sizes?
If your measurement falls in between sizes on the chart, we recommend sizing up.

Step 3:

Adjust the Fit/Stabilizing System

For safety reasons, do not attempt to adjust the fit of a helmet while you are riding. If the helmet feels loose while you are riding, stop and get off your bike before adjusting. You should not continue to ride if the helmet feels loose because it may not be able to properly protect you in a crash if it is not properly fit.

To adjust the fit tension of the fit/stabilizing system while the helmet is on your head, simply rotate the dial adjuster on the back of the system to tighten or loosen the fit as needed. You can adjust the fit even more on helmets with systems that offer height adjustment, which allows the helmet’s fore/aft tilt to be optimized. Simply move the system’s occipital pads (at the back of the helmet) up or down for comfort and best coverage. Experiment until you get a fit that is most comfortable.

Step 4:

Adjust the Straps at the Ears

With a proper fit, the front and rear straps should join at a point slightly below the ears. To adjust the strap positioning put the helmet on and slide the straps through the adjusters until they are located comfortably under the ears. Make sure there is no slack in any of the straps. If your helmet has adjusters, open the adjusters and slide the adjuster up or down until they are located comfortably under the ears. Finally, make sure the adjusters are closed and secured.

Step 5:

Adjust the Helmet’s Chinstrap and Buckle

Fasten the chinstrap buckle and tighten the straps until the helmet fits snugly. How snugly? You should be able to open your mouth wide enough to eat. Make sure the chinstrap is well back against the throat, NOT on the point of the chin. Straps worn on the point of the chin increase the chance of a helmet coming off in an accident. Make sure the loose ends of the strap pass through the rubber O-ring near the buckle.

If it does not, the strap may slide loose in some accidents and the helmet can come off accidentally. Always wear the helmet with the chinstrap buckle fastened and the strap pulled tight.

Step 6:

Check for Proper Fit

Once you think a proper fit has been achieved, grab the helmet with both hands and lightly twist it to the left and right. If the helmet fits properly, the skin on the forehead will move as the helmet moves. If it does not, the helmet is too loose.

Next, grab the helmet with both hands and try to remove it by rolling the helmet forward and backward. THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you can roll it off the head completely, roll it forward so far that it blocks vision, or rolls backwards far enough to expose the forehead, it does not fit correctly. If you cannot adjust the helmet to fit properly according to these instructions, DO NOT USE THE HELMET. Replace it with a different size or model.

Once you are satisfied that the helmet fits correctly and that all straps are properly adjusted, take a short test ride. Make any minor adjustments to improve comfort and stability. If you have questions about fit, contact us at https://www.foxracing.com/contact

Read owner’s manual before using the helmet.

SOME MIPS® LOW-FRICTION LAYERS, ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS OF A HELMET, MIGHT CAUSE LACERATIONS TO THE WEARER’S HEAD/FACE IN SOME RARE ACCIDENTS. THIS MIGHT OCCUR DUE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE ON THE SCALP FROM THE IMPACT OR AS A BY-PRODUCT OF THE LOW-FRICTION LAYER’S MOVEMENT IN CERTAIN ANGLED IMPACTS TO HELP REDUCE THE ROTATIONAL ENERGIES TO THE HEAD. IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US.