Having a large-sized head can help you stand out of a crowd but it can also stand in the way of finding the perfect helmet that can keep you cool, feels light on the head and protects the skull against harsh impacts. No worries, we’ve compiled a list of 10 top-selling bike helmets for large heads and a guide on fitting and size!
The 10 Best Bike Helmet for Large Heads
Let’s help you zero in on a high-quality bike helmet that sits perfect on your head!
1. Abus Urban-I 3.0 Large Bike Helmet
Stylish Choice – Most Durable
Engineered in Germany, the Abus Urban-I 3.0 bike helmet is constructed with an in-mould polycarbonate shell which provides lightweight durability and prevents impact harm. In addition, the shell is lined with an EPS foam layer which dampens impact energy for extra protection.
The stylish Abus Urban-I helmet features the company’s exclusive Zoom Ace Urban fit system which comes with a dial and a ring-connection to easily customise the helmet to the cyclist’s head shape. The helmet is secured by a magnetic buckle.
Also, the Abus 3.0 bike helmet is equipped with 17 large vents which keep the head cool and dry.
Our Take:
The ABUS Urban-I 3.0 is a masterclass designed helmet featuring an industry-leading fitting system and durability.
2. BELL Falcon MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet
Our Top Pick – Most Impact Protective
BELL has launched yet another bombshell headgear and this time, it is their Falcon MIPS road bike helmet that offers exceptional durability at a lighter weight through its fusion in-mould polycarbonate shell and maximises the safety by integrating MIPS into it which protects the cyclist from rotational impact energy.
Besides its incredible size range, the BELL Falcon helmet features a Float Fit system which customises it to the head shape using a dial and secures the helmet through the No-Twist Tri-Glides.
The cyclist’s head is kept cool and dry with the help of the sweat-guide padding inside as well as the 18 large-sized vents.
Our Take:
BELL has surpassed expectations with its Falcon MIPS road bike helmet.
3. Giro Cormick MIPS Large Helmet
Value Choice – Best Weather Shield
The Giro Cormick MIPS helmet is sculpted using an in-mould polycarbonate shell which protects the riders from gravel rash and even head sores after a crash. It is lined with an EPS Foam which cushions the head during impact. Safety is further maximised by the addition of MIPS which reduces rotational impact energy.
Speaking of safety, the Giro Cormick helmet also features a cloth visor which prevents flying dust, the glaring sun and bugs from getting into the eyes and blinding the cyclist. For cooling, the helmet is equipped with 18 large vents.
Also, the helmet can be fitted proportional to the head easily using the dial-system provided by the Roc Loc fit system.
Our Take:
The Giro Cormick MIPS helmet ticks off all boxes of comfort, construction and cooling.
4. KASK Mojito Adult Road Bike Helmet
Reliable Choice – Most Comfortable
With an in-moulded polycarbonate shell lined with an EPS foam layer, the KASK Mojito road bike helmet offers more-than-average impact protection and saves the rider from damaging the skull at low and high speeds.
The KASK Mojito helmet is equipped with an easy adjustment system which with one step can fit the helmet perfectly on the cyclist’s head. Also, it features a whopping total of 26 vents which, coupled with its low profile design, offer exceptional cooling and keep the rider dry in blistering heat.
Our Take:
The KASK Mojito road bike helmet is safe, fits snug around the head, is incredibly lightweight and provides exceptional cooling – it’s a great bang for buck!
5. Giro Radix MIPS Mountain Cycling Adult Helmet
High-Quality Choice – Best for Mountain Bikers
The Giro Radix MIPS helmet is constructed with the industry-best in-mould polycarbonate shell and layered with EPS foam to provide incredible impact protection and keep the cyclist safe from harm on the tough terrain. In addition, it is integrated with MIPS technology which prevents rotational impact harm.
It is positioned on the cyclist’s head perfectly through the company’s exclusive Roc Loc 5.5 fit system along with a CoolFit padding system allowing the cyclist to adjust the helmet using a single dial twist.
Our Take:
The Giro Radix MIPS mountain cycling helmet is lightweight, durable and fits perfectly on the head.
6. Giro Montaro MIPS Adult Helmet
Recommended by Experts – Best Features
The Giro Montaro MIPS helmet features an incredible system for safety, including a polycarbonate hard-shell exterior lined with an EPS foam layer and covered with an internal in-moulded polycarbonate roll cage. In addition, it is integrated with MIPS technology which saves the rider from rotational force harm upon impact.
The Montaro helmet can be fitted perfectly using the dial provided by the company’s exclusive, high-quality Roc Loc 5 Air fit system. 16 vents coupled with an internal channelling system keep the rider cool and dry in sweltering heat.
Our Take:
The Giro Montaro MIPS helmet is best for large heads for its incredible fitting system, durability and lightweight.
7. Smith Optics Signal MIPS Cycling Adult Helmet
Versatile Choice – Best for Daily Wear
The Smith Optics Signal MIPS helmet offers great impact protection through a tough polycarbonate structure that is in-moulded and fused with a layer of EPS foam. Together with the integration of MIPS, this helmet surpasses all expectations of durability and safety.
The Smith Optics helmet takes safety up a notch by including its exclusive VaporFit adjustable fit system which secures the headgear to the head, prevents it from moving at high speeds and ensures a light, breezy feel.
Comfort of the cyclist is enhanced through the industry-first Performance Comfort lining inside as well as the AirEvac ventilation system.
Our Take:
The Smith Optics Signal MIPS helmet is a great find for larger-than-average heads – especially at such an affordable rate!
8. Giro Register MIPS Large Helmet
Editor’s Choice – Best Looks
Constructed with Giro’s special combination of durability, an in-mould polycarbonate shell layered with an EPS foam liner, the Register MIPS helmet provides efficient safety. It is levelled up by several notches with the integration of MIPS technology which prevents rotational impact energies from reaching the head and harming the skull.
Although it is designed to fit all heads universally, the addition of the Roc Loc Sport system allows cyclists to fine-tune the helmet proportionally and customise the shape to their head. Ventilation is maximised through 22 intake and exhaust airflow ports.
Our Take:
The Giro Register MIPS helmet has a great fitting mechanism, excellent protection technology and great ventilation system.
9. Giro Syntax MIPS Adult Cycling Helmet
Premium Choice – Most User-Friendly
Shelled in an in-mould polycarbonate exterior and layered with an EPS foam liner, the Giro Syntax MIPS offers great cushioning against falls. Add in the integration of MIPS technology at the shell and the helmet becomes the definition of durability.
Safety is enhanced and ensured by the inclusion of Giro’s industry-patented Roc Loc 5 Air Fit system and the CoolFit padding which allows the cyclist to adjust the headgear to their proportions easily as well as reduce the risk of heat exhaustion.
Our Take:
The Giro Syntax MIPS helmet ensures comfort for the cyclist through an intelligently-designed helmet that features the best safety measures and is well-fitting for better security.
10. Team Obsidian Airflow Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
Under-Rated Choice – Best Ventilation
Team Obsidian recently launched their Airflow mountain bike helmet and it has quickly raised a storm of positive reviews for its exceptional strength and cooling. It features an ABS shell fused with an internal EPS foam layer to protect the cyclist from impact harm.
The intelligent construction provides enough room for the helmet to integrate 22 intake and exhaust vents, so every ride feels like a breeze on the road. For fitting, the Team Obsidian helmet is equipped with a dial retention system which pulls the helmet to the shape of the head with a twist of a dial.
Our Take:
The Team Obsidian Airflow helmet is comfortable, best-fitting and durable.
How to Know Your Helmet Size?
Before getting a helmet fitted, it is imperative that you know your helmet size. Especially for larger-than-average heads as most helmets do not have a size range of more than 59cm and instead feature removable padding and an adjustable fitting system.
If you’re unsure on how to size your head, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Take out a tape measure, not the ‘wall measuring’ kind but the soft, fabric ones as they are more pliable and give accurate readings.
- Stand in front of the mirror and for better measure, get a friend to supervise.
- Wrap the tape measure around the circumference of the head i.e the widest part of the head as this is where the helmet will sit. Usually it is right above the ears and an inch above the eyebrows.
- Make sure to bring the tape measure around to the front so the reading can be clearly seen.
- Write down the reading in inches as well as centimetres as sizing charts can have measurements listed in either of those.
If there isn’t a tape measure available, fret not because there is an easy way to measure your head size. Take a piece of yarn or a thick string and wrap it at the circumference of your head. Now, mark where it ends and measure the length using a basic ruler.
Always make sure to have these measurements ready and recheck the sizing chart’s range multiple times for good measure as one brand’s small can be another’s medium. Also, make sure to read the customer reviews as some helmets may need to be sized up.
How to Fit a Bike Helmet?
A common confusion among cyclists is that a helmet’s sizing and fitting criteria is the same i.e a helmet that is sized proportional to the head will fit correctly. This is generally untrue.
Where getting the correct size of helmet means it may be designed for your head shape, fitting the helmet correctly means it will be positioned right on your head, feeling snug and light.
There’s no doubt that a well-fitting helmet is a safer helmet because when the helmet is snug, it reduces the wind drag, prevents the helmet from flying off and protects the head from harsh impact energy.
Here’s how you can fit a helmet correctly:
- Adjust the dial-fit. Most helmets, nowadays, feature a dial system which allows cyclists to fit the helmet by turning a dial.
- If there’s no dial, use the pads inside to customise the shape of the helmet. For narrow heads, add in pads on the side and for smaller heads, add one on the back. Large-sized heads can move the pads around and leave a few gaps for optimal air circulation.
Always make sure the helmet is level on the head. You’ll know it fits correctly if it’s hard to chew gum, when you look up the front rim is barely visible, the Y of the side straps sit below the ear and the chin strap is snug at the neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest size in bike helmets?
On average, you can easily find a bike helmet that has a size range up to 66cm. Since larger-sized heads are relatively uncommon, bike helmets are usually manufactured in a universal fit with features to accomodate all head sizes. Ski and motorcycle helmets usually have size ranges up to 72cm.
Are MIPS helmets bigger?
No, MIPS helmets aren’t bigger or bulkier because weight and size of the helmet is determined by the material used and its form factor respectively. MIPS is a safety technology which benefits the cyclist by providing greater impact protection and does not add to the weight of the bike helmet.
How do I know if my helmet is too small?
When a helmet is too small, it won’t go past your ears and if it does, it will be quite an uncomfortable fit, become a source of headaches, cause neck strain and a red forehead. Also, it won’t provide healthy ventilation which can cause heat exhaustion and a sweaty mess.
Do helmets get looser over time?
Yes, most helmets need 15 to 20 hours to break in which is why it’s recommended to go for a helmet that fits snug and is a tad bit close-fitting, it will loosen with time. The general rule of thumb is that a new helmet will make chewing gum difficult.
Final Thoughts
After going through this comprehensive guide, you’re one pedal closer to zeroing in on the perfect helmet for your large-sized head and sizing it perfect to your proportions for best safety!
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