bike helmets

The five-step helmet fit test

1. Movement from front to back
With one hand, gently lift the front of the helmet up and back. The helmet should not move. If it does, adjust the straps and/or the padding.

2. Movement from back to front
With one hand, gently lift the back of the helmet up and forward. The helmet should not move. If it does, tighten the back strap, chin strap and/or the padding.

3. Side-to-side
Put a hand on each side of the helmet and rock from side to side. Shake your head "no" as hard as possible. The helmet should not slip. If it does, check the padding on the sides and make sure the straps are adjusted evenly.

4. Helmet pull-down
Open your mouth (lower jaw) as wide as possible, without moving your head. The top of your helmet should pull down. If it does not pull down, tighten the chin strap.

5. Forehead coverage
Check to see if the front edge of the helmet covers your forehead. The front edge of the helmet should not be more than one to two fingers-widths from your eyebrows.