How to Make Sure Your Cycle Helmet Actually Fits - and Why It Matters

When it comes to staying safe on your bike, there’s one rule that trumps them all: your helmet only protects you if it fits properly.

We’ve all seen those riders with helmets perched high or sticking out at the sides like mushrooms, saying “safety first!” - but an ill-fitting helmet isn’t truly safe. Here’s why, and how to make sure your cycle helmet fits as it should.

Why Helmet Fit Matters

If you come off your bike, you don’t want your helmet to move or slide. A helmet that’s too loose can shift on impact, leaving your head unprotected right when it matters most.

Equally, a helmet that’s worn too far back so it touches the top of your spine, isn’t right either. For cycling, your helmet should sit level on your head, covering the forehead but not resting on the neck. Helmets that extend too far down the back are great for skateboarding (where falls are more unpredictable) but can increase the risk of spinal injury in a forward-falling cycling accident.

Understanding Head Shapes: Why Fit Differs Around the World

Did you know that head shapes vary by heritage and geography?

Most Caucasian and Black riders have oval-shaped heads, whereas in parts of East Asia, especially China, Japan, and South Korea, rounder head shapes are more common.

This means a helmet designed for one market might not fit another. Many mass-produced helmets made in China are built for rounder skulls. If you have an oval head, those designs can feel too wide at the sides and too short front-to-back. If you can slide your fingers between your head and the side of your helmet, it’s too big and unsafe.

The Dashel Fit: Designed for Real Comfort and Safety

At Dashel, we spent years perfecting our proprietary helmet mould to suit the oval head shapes typical in Europe and the UK.

Inside every Dashel helmet you’ll find adjustable fit pads, so you can fine-tune the size at the sides, front, or even the crown. This gives you a snug, secure fit that stays comfortable, whether you’re commuting daily or exploring at the weekend.

Why Our Straps Make a Difference

Fit isn’t just about the shell, it’s also about the harness.

Avoid helmets with stiff plastic or thick leather straps that can’t adjust properly. Dashel uses soft, flexible webbing woven by a historic mill in Derbyshire, which has been crafting textiles for over 300 years. It’s strong yet gentle on skin, allowing a precise fit that won’t dig in or loosen as you ride.

The Takeaway: Fit First, Style Always

A cycle helmet isn’t just a legal requirement or a style choice, it’s a piece of protective design. When it fits correctly, it works as intended, keeping you safe without compromise.

So next time you try on a helmet, check:

• It sits level, not tipped back
• It’s snug but not tight
• The straps form a “V” just under your ears
• It doesn’t move when you shake your head.

Find your perfect fit in our range of stylish, sustainable, B Corp-certified helmets, designed and made in the UK.

Shop Dashel Helmets →