Helmet fitting advice

[Holdsworth]

*PLEASE NOTE: This is not intended as a helmet debate, do not make it one!*


As the title says really, I am looking for some help on getting my helmet, Giro Indicator, to fit my noggin correctly. Since getting a few months ago I haven't been able to get to sit correctly and feel comfortable.

The problem I get is that it won't stay still even when the fitting band is done up tight, even when it is done up way too much there is a lot of lateral and vertical movement which I know there shouldn't be and could make it dangerous to wear. The fact that I have to do it up tight makes it uncomfortable to wear and digs in on my forehead and leaves a bright red strap mark after every ride, very unsightly especially so as I do tend to get a sweaty brow when riding.



The chin straps are done up to be moderately loose as I was told that they don't need too tight as the strap around the head does most of the job of keeping the helmet steady.

I don't have any foam pads with the helmet so maybe this is why the fit is terrible. The straps have some thin fabric pads attached all the way around and two small trips either side of the top, centre vent.

Any advice and tips would be much appreciated

 

[gaz]

The chin straps are done up to be moderately loose as I was told that they don't need too tight as the strap around the head does most of the job of keeping the helmet steady.

Either that is your problem or you bought one that is too big. One size does not fit all.

 

[Holdsworth]

Either that is your problem or you bought one that is too big. One size does not fit all.

According to the specs on the Wiggle site, where it was bought from, it has a universal fit from 54-61cm head sizes. My head has a circumference of 58.5cm so should be a good fit as it falls well within the range.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giro-indicator-cycling-helmet/

 

[sdr gb]

The problem could be that some helmets that cover a large range of sizes usually come with extra foam pads that you stick in to get down to the smaller size. I think this could be your problem as you said you didn't get any with the helmet. Although without seeing it personally, it is hard to give a definitive answer.

Try to get in touch with Wiggle to see if it should have come with the foam pads.

 

[vickster]

I have one of these bought a few years ago and I am sure it came with extra pads? Have you been sent a duff one by Wiggle?

 

[Holdsworth]

I have sent a message to Wiggle to see if some pads can be sent, I think I may have to contact Giro if Wiggle cannot supply the pads themselves.

In the meantime, is it advisable to continue using the helmet considering the fitting problems?

 

[gaz]

tighten up the straps or wear a cap / rolled up buff underneath to make your head bigger.
I wouldn't recommend wearing a loose helmet, it won't protect you as designed and may cause injuries.

 

[Holdsworth]

I have adjusted the chin straps to make them tighter but the helmet still rotates by 10 degrees or so either side of centre and there is rolling to the left and right. I am not sure how much movement there should be in a properly fitted helmeted but I really think that mine doesn't fit right. Dunno what to do for next week's commute or this weekend's planned ride.

 

[summerdays]

Not all helmets or heads are the same shape ... it is definitely worth trying before you buy. My head is quite round whereas my 2 of my children's heads are narrower.

But your main problem is likely to be the lack of pads for the inside. Your helmet shouldn't be done up so tight to be uncomfortable. If you don't get a response from Wiggle you could try your local LBS to see if they stock spares or have some hanging around. It might even be worth going into a shop and finding the same helmet to see what pads they do have in them.

 

[pepecat]

Different helmets do seem to suit different head shapes - just cos a head is 58cm circumference, it may not be the same shape as someone else's 58cm head! I tried a small Met helmet that didn't fit me at all, but a small Giro one was perfect. No movement at all with straps undone. Have you tried other makes of helmet? The chap at the LBS where I got mine from was of the opinion that people are either a 'Met head' or a 'Giro head', in that one make of helmet seems to fit them better, for whatever reason!

 

[sabian92]

Go into a shop and try a few on. I tried a few on before I bought one - I ended up on the Bell Venture. See what suits your noggin before buying - it's worth doing, because a comfy lid is something you won't even notice. An uncomfy one you will hate.

 

[Holdsworth]

Well I bought the helmet off Wiggle so I had no chance beforehand to try before I bought it. I haven't tried any other helmet apart from the Argos cheapie I had which I replaced with the Giro.

I might pop into the LBS to see what they stock in the way of helmet spares and see what they can advise on fitting.

 

[Tyke]

Lots of shops have different brands and models of helmet you could try them on and then order the one you like from the net if you wish or buy from the shop.

If you decide to buy a new helmet consider the safety standard as well as the stile, SNELL is recognized as the higher standard in the UK but not many helmets reach it due to the lower EU standard being enough to sell them. Look at http://www.smf.org/stds

Whatever helmet you choose needs to fit or you would be better without it. My choice for better or worse was the Spcialized Align. Very happy but first helmet in 45 years of falling off bikes.

 

[Holdsworth]

I went to the LBS yesterday for some advice and to have a look at the stuff that they stock. I was advised on how to get the helmet to fit properly by getting the strap to sit below the back of the head and have the forehead more exposed than I had it. He said movement shouldn't happen when shaking my head from side to side but can move when grasping the helmet with my hands and forcing it.