A full-face helmet is an piece of safety equipment that a bicycle rider wears to protect the head and facial area of the cyclist. Full-face helmet offer the most protection for bicycle riders due to the inclusion of a chin bar that cover the chin and cheeks of the wearer. However, the chin bar and the remaining portions of the full-face helmet must correctly fit the cyclist in order to provide safety without causing discomfort for the cyclist.
If a full-face helmet is too loose, it can shift on the cyclist’s head while they are riding. If the helmet is too tight, it may cause discomfort for the cyclist as it can press against the cheeks and head of the cyclist. To ensure that a full-face helmet correctly fit the cyclist, you must measure the circumference of the cyclist’s head.
How to choose and fit a full face bike helmet
A soft tape measure can be used to measure the circumference of the head at its widest point, approximately one inch above the eyebrows. The tape measure should remain level to the head to obtain the correct measurement. The circumference of the head can be measured in centimeters.
Many cyclists has different head shapes; thus, the shape of the head will impact the way that the full-face helmet fits the cyclist. Full-face helmets come in many sizes, including small, medium, large, and extra-large size. Small full-face helmets are for individuals with heads that measure between 54 and 56 centimeter in circumference.
Medium full-face helmets are for the average head size of adult cyclists. Large and extra-large full-face helmets are for individuals with large head circumferences. Cyclists with large heads should ensure that there is enough space in the chin bar to breathe while cycling.
If the cheeks of a cyclist feel too tight within the full-face helmet, the cyclist can often replace the cheek pads with thinner pads to provide more comfort. Full-face helmets come in different types, based off the type of cycling that the cyclist perform. Downhill full-face helmets are designed for the type of cycling that occurs in downhill biking races.
Downhill full-face helmets are heavier than other types of helmets due to the thick shells that they have. Enduro full-face helmets are helmets that are designed for cycling that includes both climbing and descending bike ramps. These helmets often have removable chin bar.
Trail full-face helmets are light in weight and are designed to allow for maximum ventilation while cycling for long periods. Full-face helmets also have chin bars that can be fixed, removable, or a snap-on system. With a fixed chin bar, the helmet permanently attaches the chin bar.
Helmets with fixed chin bars provide the best amount of protection for downhill biking. A helmet with a removable chin bar allows the wearer of the full-face helmet to detach the chin bar from the helmet; this allows the wearer of the full-face helmet to cycle in an open-face helmet mode. A snap-on chin bar uses a quick-release system to attach the chin bar to the helmet.
Snap-on chin bars are useful for cyclists who may require the change of helmet type. However, the chin bar must be secured in place for proper protection for the cyclist. Another feature of full-face helmets is the ventilation for the cyclist’s facial area.
All full-face helmets have some level of ventilation; however, the amount of ventilation varies depending on the type of full-face helmet. Trail full-face helmets are often engineered with many ventilation openings to allow cyclists to breathe while cycling long distances. Downhill full-face helmets have fewer ventilation openings then other types of full-face helmets.
This is due to the need for increased coverage of the facial area with the downhill foam. Enduro full-face helmets are engineered to have a balance of ventilation and protection for the cyclist. Helmets with increased ventilation openings will have more space in the helmet shell for the cyclist’s facial area.
Thus, helmets with increased ventilation may feel different than helmets with less ventilation. Another feature that must be considered before purchasing a full-face helmet is the size of the eye port of the helmet in relation to the width of the cyclist’s goggles. The eye port should be wide enough to accommodate the cyclist’s goggles.
Additionally, the nose gap located under the chin bar should be checked to ensure that it is wide enough to allow the cyclist to breathe, but not so wide that mud could enter the helmet during rainy weather. Another area that can be inspected is the rear strap retainers of the full-face helmet. These straps will keep the cyclist’s goggles from moving while cycling.
Once the cyclist has examined all of the measurements and specifications, the cyclist should perform a fit check of the full-face helmet. Full-face helmets should be pushed on the brim of the helmet to ensure that it will not roll forward on the cyclist’s head. The helmet should be level with the head; it should be approximately one to two fingers above the eyebrows of the cyclist.
The helmet straps should form a “Y” shape beneath the ears of the cyclist. The helmet should be secure enough that the cyclist will not feel the chin bar move; however, the fit of the helmet should not press too tightly on the cyclists cheeks. Any full-face helmet that has suffered a significant crash should be replaced.
The foam that absorbs the impact of the crash will no longer return to its original shape. You should of checked the foam as well. Its important to make sure it is not dented.
Most people dont realize how much impact a helmet can take. Actualy, many riders dont replace there helmets often enough. If your head feel’s weird in the helmet, its time for a new one.
It is alot more better to buy a new helmet than to risk a bad accident. Its also worth noting that the helmets size matters more than most people think.
