[jebfour]

Before I start this thread I should say that I did do a search on this subject, but never really found the answer that I was looking for (this also seemed like the most appropriate place to post this type of thread)……….if you have a link to a thread that is appropriate, please post it.

With that out of the way…

I’m looking to by my first full face bicycle helmet in probably 17 years. It would be used for some general freeriding, minor DH’ing, maybe a mountain cross race or two, and generally when I feel like doing something that my wife would say wasn’t a good idea.

My problem is this: I don’t remember how my old bike helmets used to fit (it’s been a while) and for the last few years I’ve been doing auto racing where helmet fit is very tight by nature.

I really like the Mad Max II helmet, but the small feels like it will pinch off my brain and the med doesn’t feel loose, but doesn’t really feel tight either (but when I jump up and down and such it doesn’t seem to move much).

Anyways, I’m probably just blabbing…are there any general rules in regards to bike helmet fit? My LBS are primarily roadies and I think the “big chain store” was just trying to make a sale.

Any help?

Jeb4

 

[Kntr]

My vote is for the Vigor Vamoose II. It is supper light and vented. Its not a full on DH helmet, though. It sounds like it might fit the bill for ya. Its sort of between a Switchblade and a full on DH helmet. As for sizing, measure your head and order accordingly.

 

[partsbara]

i think you re on the right track... sung but not tight is the key... shouldn t pinch anywhere.... just make sure you try on loads of diff helmets and pick the one that suits your noggin best...

 

[ZJChaser]

Doubt it'll help but my auto race helmet is a Bieffe Compo-Tech GR1500 in a small 56 size. My DH helmet is a small MadMax II. the madmax was pretty tight to start but packed in a little and is very comfortable, still not quite as tight as my auto helmet. the fit of both seem ideal.

 

[Repack]

Go by what fits you. All helmets are designed to the same safety standards. More money gets you more venting and lighter wieght, usually. I have a TLD D2. It fit me very well from front to back, but I had to add some shims on the sides. Like you said, brain pinching is bad. I would just recomend finding the helmet that will require the least amount of shimming. Hopefully you won't need to do any. The helmet should fit snug. You want to keep you head from accelerating into the inside of the helmet in a crash.
Crap. Saying all that was pretty stupid since you said you wear auto helmets. I also have a driving helmet. It has a lot more padding than any bike helmet that I have worn. The closest feeling mtb helmet that I have fopund is the TLD. But anyways, basicly the same sizing rules apply to both. You want even pressure from the helmet across your entire head.

 

[jebfour]

Repack,

You mentioned adding shims......do most helmet manufacturers make these or did you make them yourself?

If the manufaturer makes them, do they generally come with the helmet or do you need to purchase them seperately?

I remember buying different size pads for my Bieffe F1 GP but don't remember shims....

Thanks again for the help!

 

[Kntr]

My Vamoose II had two different size snap-in pads that go around the earpart to fit a little more snug

 

[Repack]

Repack,

You mentioned adding shims......

My TLD came with adhesive backed foam shims. They are ~4 or 5mm thick. They have different shapes depending on where they are meant to be used. Smaller curved pieces for the sides of your head around the ear, wider pieces for the forehead and back of head, and a few smaller rectangles that I guess you can use wherever. For my head (very big, kind of round), I only used the pieces that fit above my ears. It makes a big difference. My helmet went from having a speed wobble problem (~35mph+) to fitting rock solid at all speeds. The TLD is pricey, but is the only helmet that I have seen (there are probably are others) that has a good mouth/chin guard. That is a nice feature to have. Its basically a piece of foam webbing that covers the bottme of the face guard. It forms a nice pocket that catches you mouth if you face plant.