Ever felt like your head is a bit… spacious? If you’re a cyclist with a larger head, finding a helmet that fits comfortably and safely can feel like a quest for hidden treasure. You’ve probably tried on helmets that pinch, wobble, or just look plain awkward, leaving you frustrated and wondering if a proper fit is even possible.
Choosing a cycling helmet is serious business. It’s your primary protection on every ride. But for those with bigger heads, the market often seems to forget them. Standard sizes might not offer enough room, leading to discomfort, pressure points, and even a compromised fit that won’t protect you as well as it should. This can make you feel excluded from the cycling community or simply make every ride a less enjoyable experience.
But don’t despair! This guide is here to help. We’ll dive into what makes a helmet truly suitable for larger heads, what features to look for, and even share some top picks that prioritize both safety and a great fit. By the end, you’ll feel confident and equipped to find a helmet that keeps you safe and comfortable, so you can focus on the joy of the ride.
Our Top 5 Cycling Helmet For Big Heads Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cycling Helmet For Big Heads Detailed Reviews
1. Giro Fixture MIPS X-Large Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet – Matte Black (Limited)
Rating: 8.7/10
The Giro Fixture MIPS X-Large Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet in Matte Black is a fantastic option for adult mountain bikers. It offers top-notch protection and a comfortable fit, all in a stylish matte black finish. This helmet is designed to keep you safe and cool on the trails.
What We Like:
- MARKET LEADING PROTECTION: This helmet is built in Giro’s top-rated test lab. It provides excellent safety for your rides.
- INTEGRATED MIPS: The Multi-Directional Impact Protection System helps to redirect impact energy. This adds another layer of safety in case of a fall.
- VENTILATION: With 18 Wind Tunnel vents and internal channeling, your head stays cool. You won’t overheat on long rides.
- RUGGED: The in-molding construction makes this helmet strong. It can handle tough trail conditions.
- UNIVERSAL FIT SIZING: The universal X-Large size (58-65 cm) ensures a great fit right away. You don’t have to worry about finding the right size.
- LIMITED EDITION: The matte black color is a limited edition. This gives your helmet a unique look.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Availability: Since it’s a limited edition, you might want to get it quickly before it sells out.
This Giro Fixture MIPS helmet offers serious protection and great comfort for any mountain biker. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their safety gear.
2. Schwinn Thrasher Helmet for Adults
Rating: 9.3/10
Hit the road with confidence wearing the Schwinn Thrasher Helmet for Adults. This black helmet, designed for riders 14 and older with head sizes between 58-62 cm, is perfect for both fitness rides and casual cruising. Its lightweight microshell construction and 20 air vents keep you cool and comfortable, while the adjustable dial and straps ensure a secure, custom fit.
What We Like:
- The adjustable dial makes it super easy to get a snug and safe fit.
- It’s really lightweight, so you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it.
- The 20 air vents do a great job of keeping your head cool, even on warm days.
- You can easily remove the visor for different riding conditions.
- The interior padding is comfortable and can be taken out to wash.
- It meets important safety standards for bike helmets.
- Schwinn is a trusted brand with a long history in biking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 20 vents are good, some riders might prefer even more airflow.
- The visor is removable, but it’s a simple attachment and might not feel super robust to everyone.
This Schwinn Thrasher helmet offers a fantastic blend of comfort, safety, and adjustability for adult cyclists. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable protection on their rides.
3. Giro Register MIPS Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet – Matte White/Charcoal
Rating: 8.9/10
The Giro Register MIPS cycling helmet in Matte White/Charcoal is a fantastic choice for adult recreational riders. It offers a blend of safety, comfort, and a great fit, making it ideal for your daily rides or weekend adventures. The universal sizing means you can get a good fit without a lot of hassle.
What We Like:
- The Hardshell with In-Mold Hardbody Lower Wrap makes the helmet tough and durable without being too heavy.
- The Integrated MIPS Brain Protection System adds an extra layer of safety, designed to reduce rotational forces in case of a fall.
- Universal Fit Sizing is a big plus, making it easy to find a comfortable fit for many riders.
- The matte white and charcoal color scheme looks clean and stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- While designed for broad appeal, some riders might prefer more specific sizing options for a truly custom fit.
- The recreational focus means it might not have all the advanced features found in helmets designed for competitive cycling.
This helmet is a solid option for anyone looking for reliable protection and a comfortable ride. It’s a smart investment for keeping yourself safe on the bike.
4. ILM Adult Bike Helmet with USB Rechargeable LED Front and Back Light Mountain&Road Bicycle Helmets for Men Women Removable Goggle Cycling Helmet E3-10L(Matte Black
Rating: 8.7/10
The ILM Adult Bike Helmet E3-10L in Matte Black (Large/X-Large) is a fantastic choice for anyone who rides a bike. It’s designed to keep you safe and comfortable whether you’re cruising around town or hitting the trails. With its built-in lights and adjustable features, this helmet makes your rides more enjoyable and secure.
What We Like:
- Top-Notch Safety: This helmet is certified by major safety standards like ASTM, CPSC, CE, and EN1078. It uses a strong one-piece design with EPS and PC shells to protect your head really well.
- Stay Visible and Safe: The helmet has USB rechargeable lights on both the front and back. The front light helps you see, and the rear light makes sure other people see you, especially at night. You can easily switch between steady, flashing, or blinking modes.
- Ride Cool: It has 10 vents that let air flow through to keep you cool. This means you won’t get too hot, even on long rides. The helmet is also lightweight, so it won’t feel heavy on your head.
- Customizable Fit: The helmet comes with a size adjustment system so it fits most people comfortably. It also includes a tinted lens that you can attach or remove. This lens helps block UV rays and dust, and the helmet is even designed to be worn with glasses.
- Fresh and Clean: The inside lining is made of a soft, breathable fabric that wicks away sweat. You can also take it out and wash it to keep your helmet clean and fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- Electronic Component Reliability: While the lights are a great feature, the description mentions that electronic products can sometimes have issues. If the light doesn’t work, you need to contact the seller for a solution.
Overall, the ILM E3-10L helmet offers excellent safety features and comfort for a great cycling experience. It’s a smart investment for any cyclist looking for protection and visibility.
5. UPANBIKE Adult Bike Helmet – Adjustable One-Piece for Men and Women – Head Safety Protection for Mountain and Road Biking (Carbon Black)
Rating: 9.3/10
The UPANBIKE Adult Bike Helmet in Carbon Black offers reliable head protection for both men and women. It’s designed for various cycling styles, from mountain trails to city roads. This helmet aims to keep you safe and comfortable on your rides.
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What We Like:
- It’s super light, weighing only 200g, so you’ll barely feel it.
- The outer shell is tough, made of PVC and PC, and the inner EPS foam absorbs bumps well to protect your head.
- You can easily adjust it to fit your head perfectly with the dial system and straps. It fits head sizes from 22 to 25 inches.
- The helmet has vents that let air flow through, which helps you stay cool and go faster.
- It comes with a visor to shield you from the sun, and you can take it off if you don’t need it.
- The inside pads are soft and made of breathable material. They are easy to remove for washing and put back on.
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What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for general use, advanced riders might want more specialized features.
- The “one-piece” design might mean fewer options for custom fits beyond the standard adjustment.
Overall, the UPANBIKE helmet is a solid choice for everyday cyclists. It balances safety, comfort, and a good price point.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Your Guide to Cycling Helmets for Big Heads
It can be tough to find a cycling helmet that fits comfortably and looks good when you have a larger head. Many helmets are designed for average head sizes, leaving those with bigger heads feeling squeezed or with helmets that look comically small. But don’t worry! With the right knowledge, you can find a helmet that keeps you safe and comfortable on every ride.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cycling helmet for a bigger head, keep these important features in mind:
- Adjustable Fit System: This is the most crucial feature. Look for helmets with a dial or ratchet system at the back. This lets you tighten or loosen the helmet for a snug, custom fit. Some helmets also have adjustable straps for the chin and ears.
- Extended Coverage: Some helmets are designed with deeper shells, meaning they cover more of your head, especially at the back and sides. This can offer extra peace of mind and a more balanced look.
- Ventilation: Even with a larger helmet, staying cool is important. Look for helmets with plenty of vents. More vents mean better airflow, which helps keep your head from overheating on long rides or in warm weather.
- Visor: A visor can help shield your eyes from the sun and rain. Some helmets have removable visors, giving you options for different riding conditions.
- Lightweight Design: A heavy helmet can become uncomfortable quickly. Many modern helmets are made to be lightweight without sacrificing safety.
Important Materials
The materials used in a helmet play a big role in its safety and comfort:
- Outer Shell: Most helmets have an outer shell made of polycarbonate plastic. This material is strong and helps the helmet resist impacts.
- Inner Liner: The inside of the helmet is usually made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam. This foam is designed to absorb the shock of an impact, protecting your head. High-quality EPS foam is essential for good protection.
- Straps and Buckles: The straps are typically made of nylon. They should feel soft and durable. The buckle should be easy to use and secure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a helmet better or worse:
- Construction Quality: A well-made helmet will have a smooth outer shell with no rough edges. The EPS foam liner should be evenly distributed. The fit system should feel robust and easy to adjust.
- Improved Quality: Seamless construction, high-density EPS foam, and a well-engineered adjustable fit system all contribute to a higher-quality helmet.
- Reduced Quality: Poorly molded shells, uneven foam density, or flimsy adjustment mechanisms can reduce a helmet’s quality and safety.
- Safety Certifications: Always look for helmets that meet safety standards. In the US, this means looking for a CPSC sticker. In Europe, it’s EN 1078. These certifications mean the helmet has passed rigorous testing.
- Weight: While not always a direct indicator of quality, a helmet that feels overly heavy might be less comfortable. However, some larger helmets might naturally be a bit heavier to provide adequate protection.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good helmet for a big head should feel comfortable and secure, not tight or wobbly. You should be able to wear it for extended periods without discomfort.
- Commuting: For daily commutes, you’ll want a helmet that’s comfortable for shorter rides and offers good ventilation if you’re in stop-and-go traffic.
- Road Cycling: Road cyclists often look for aerodynamic helmets with good ventilation. Many brands now offer larger sizes or models specifically designed for a wider range of head shapes.
- Mountain Biking: Mountain bike helmets often have more coverage and sometimes a visor to protect from branches and sun.
- Casual Riding: For casual rides in the park or around town, comfort and ease of use are key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I measure my head for a cycling helmet?
A: Wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your head, about an inch above your eyebrows and ears. Keep the tape measure snug but not too tight. Write down the measurement in centimeters or inches.
Q: What if I’m between helmet sizes?
A: It’s usually better to try a helmet on. If you can’t, look for helmets with a very good adjustable fit system. Some brands offer “XL” or “XXL” sizes, which are often designed for larger heads.
Q: Are helmets for big heads more expensive?
A: Not necessarily. While some premium helmets might be more expensive, many brands offer larger sizes at similar price points to their standard sizes. Focus on fit and safety features over price.
Q: How should a helmet fit?
A: The helmet should sit level on your head, covering your forehead. It should feel snug all around, with no major pressure points. When you shake your head gently, the helmet shouldn’t move much.
Q: Can I wear a hat under my helmet?
A: You can wear a very thin skullcap or cycling cap. However, wearing a thick hat can affect the helmet’s fit and safety. It’s best to wear the helmet directly on your head for the most secure fit.
Q: What is MIPS technology?
A: MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a safety feature. It’s a low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows the helmet to slide slightly during an angled impact, helping to reduce rotational forces on the brain.
Q: How often should I replace my cycling helmet?
A: You should replace your helmet if it has been in an accident or if it shows signs of wear and tear, like cracks or frayed straps. It’s also a good idea to replace it every 5-10 years, as materials can degrade over time.
Q: Do I need a different helmet for road cycling versus mountain biking?
A: Yes, generally. Road helmets are often lighter and more ventilated. Mountain bike helmets typically offer more coverage and a visor. Choose based on the type of riding you do most.
Q: What if a helmet feels tight on the sides but loose in the back?
A: This is a common problem. Look for helmets with a highly adjustable fit system that allows you to fine-tune the fit in both areas. Some helmets have adjustable padding for a better custom feel.
Q: Where can I find cycling helmets specifically for big heads?
A: Many major cycling brands now offer extended sizes. Look at specialty cycling shops or online retailers that clearly list helmet dimensions and offer a wide range of sizes, including XL and XXL options.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!