Bike & Skate Helmets

Bike helmets are sized by head circumference. To find this measurement, wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest part of your head, just above your eyebrows. Ensure the tape is level front to back (it should rest above your ears). If you don't have a flexible tape measure, you can wrap a string around your head, mark it, and measure its length.

Once you have your head circumference, compare it to bike helmet sizes (Small, Medium, Large, etc.) to find a match. See the “Sizing” tab at the bottom of your helmet’s product page for more info. (Many bike helmets, like our bestselling Silas and Lennon helmets, come in one standard size and have an ErgoKnob dial to let you fine-tune a snug, comfortable fit.)

Bike helmet shape is based on discipline, and is less a question of safety and more of comfort and style. For example, helmets designed for road cycling, like Silas, are elongated and aerodynamic to reduce wind resistance, with large vents for cooling during long rides. Mountain bike helmets like Rowan prioritize protection, with extended coverage at the back of the head and a visor to shield the face from sun, rain, and debris.

Commuter helmets like Lennon offer a blend of versatile protection and breathability, while cruiser helmets like Remi have a classic skate-style design, with a rounded shape and minimal vents. These focus on style over aerodynamics or specialized features.

It depends on what you consider “expensive.” Extensive research shows that in crash testing, most bike helmets offer a similar level of protection, regardless of cost. As long as your bike helmet complies with the U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, you can feel confident in the safety your helmet provides. As helmet prices increase, you’ll usually see lighter weight and added comfort (ventilation, padding, straps), but there shouldn’t be a difference in safety.

Yes, as mentioned above, even low-cost ($20 to $50) bicycle helmets are safe. According to research by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, “When you pay more for a helmet you may get an easier fit, more vents, and snazzier graphics, but the basic impact protection of the cheap helmets [equals] expensive ones. Just look for a helmet that fits you well.”

The 2-2-2 helmet rule, sometimes called the 2V2 rule, is a guideline for fitting a bike helmet. It states that:

• The front of the helmet should be no more than two finger widths above your eyebrows. The widest part of the helmet should rest against the back of your head.
• The two side straps should fit snugly around each ear in a “V” shape, with the adjustable clip forming the bottom of the V just below the earlobe.
• The chin strap should fit snug but still allow you to open your mouth wide. You should be able to fit two fingers between your chin and the strap.

Neither. Your bike helmet should be snug and comfortable, without any pressure points. A loose helmet can slip and fail to cover your head in a crash. It might also slip while riding, obscuring your vision and actually causing a crash. An overly tight helmet will cause pain. In an accident, it can also cause one area of your skull to absorb proportionately more force.

Measure your head circumference before purchasing a helmet to avoid buying one that is too tight or too loose. See the “Sizing” tab at the bottom of your helmet’s product page for more info.

Bike helmet visors come with pros and cons, which is why they’re usually included on mountain bike helmets but not road cycling helmets. In short, visors block sun, rain, and debris and offer additional facial protection in a crash. However, they increase wind resistance, add weight, and can reduce visibility in low light. If mountain biking, a visor is a good choice, and for urban commutes, a helmet with a mini visor may come in handy. For road cycling, however, a visor is probably a downside.

It’s best to avoid sizing up or down, and instead find a bike helmet that is made for your head size. All retrospec bike helmets have either an adjustable ErgoKnob dial to fine-tune the fit or several size models with a range of compatible head circumferences (or both!). This means you shouldn’t have to make any sacrifices. If your head circumference is on the cusp of two ranges, then size up. Sometimes a smaller helmet may feel comfortable for short periods but can cause pain on longer rides.

The average adult head size is 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm). Different bike helmet brands may use different ranges for their sizing (Small, Medium, Large, and so on). At retrospec, we offer “one size fits all” adjustable helmets like Silas, which can accommodate a wide range of head sizes (54-61cm), and fixed helmets like Remi, which come in size ranges: Small (54-57cm), Medium (57-59cm), Large (59-62cm).

It’s up to you! Each of our bike and skate helmets comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose protection that fits your head and your style, too! For road cycling, studies do suggest that lighter, brighter-colored helmets are more visible to motorists, particularly at night. Our road bike helmet, Silas, also has an integrated 4-LED three-function safety light on the back, dramatically increasing your visibility.

Bike helmets and skateboard helmets are slightly different. Bike helmets tend to be lighter and more heavily ventilated and may include accessories like a visor or rear LED light. Skateboard helmets typically offer more coverage to the back of the head and sides, as falls in skateboarding often involve hitting those areas.

Bike helmets don’t come with a fixed expiration date, but no helmet lasts forever. It’s recommended to replace your bike helmet every three to five years or after any crash. These don’t have to be major crashes, either. Even a light impact, which leaves little or no visible external damage, could affect the EPS foam lining in a way that gives the helmet less ability to protect you in future crashes.

To decide when it’s time to replace your helmet, check for any cracks, dents, or signs of wear on the helmet's shell or fraying in the straps. If you find damage, replace the helmet. Also consider the helmet’s crash history. The EPS foam used in the best bicycle helmets is designed to absorb maximum force in a single impact. A wreck can compromise a helmet's structural integrity even if there's no visible damage. Always replace your bike helmet after a crash.

The basic certification to look for when buying a bike helmet is the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) standard. This certification is the most common certification you'll find in the U.S. and indicates that the helmet meets current CPSC safety standards. All retrospec bike and skate helmets meet CPSC standards.

To keep your bike helmet clean, gently hand-wash the removable interior pads with mild soap and water. Wipe the helmet's shell with a damp cloth. Allow everything to air dry completely before reassembling. Always store your helmet in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing the helmet to harsh chemicals or placing it in direct sunlight or excessive heat.

No, you should not use a bike helmet after a significant crash, even if it appears undamaged. The EPS foam used in modern bicycle helmets will deform to absorb maximum force on impact but is not designed to withstand repeated hits.

A bike helmet's structural integrity could be compromised after a crash, reducing its ability to protect your head in a future accident. This doesn’t mean you need to replace your helmet after minor dings, but it's best to err on the side of caution and replace it after any significant impact.

Bike and skate helmets can certainly be used for other pavement activities, such as rollerblading and scootering, because the risks and potential impacts are similar. However, some bike and skate helmets are best for certain activities.

Helmets like Silas, with a lightweight build, LED safety light, and lots of vents, are designed for road cycling, while helmets like Rowan—built for mountain biking—have trail-focused features like a sun visor and high-coverage rear. Helmets like Dakota are more multi-sport, great for nearly any activity on the pavement, from scootering to rollerskating to skateboarding.