Why is it so hard to find a helmet that fits

So many brands do medium to 58 then large 59 up. My heads 58.5 cm. Medium ends up too small or pressure points and large ends up big n flappy falling over my eyes or uncomfortable from doing the cradle to stop it falling over my eyes.

After a big off last week its new helmet time.

Troy Lee seems the only brand that covers my size and fits despite being top end of  M/L. My previous A2 fit fine although with mips it was sauna hot and overall it was concrete block heavy. And the A3 I’ve read runs even hotter.

I’ve tried Lazer, Kask, Giro, Bell in various sizes and none fit well.  Why is it so damn hard to find a comfy, light, cool running helmet without ordering and returning loads?

Any suggestions?  Or am I going to be stuck with another A2?

Grow more hair, buy the large. Conversely… shave it off and go for medium. Not sure what the answer really is other than as you say, a like for like replacement.

Try one of these? https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/helmets-for-different-shaped-heads/

A medium in the right shape from a brand with slightly different size ranges probably exists, but not easy to find!

if you have a round head (as opposed to a rugby ball head) then try specialized. Like you I’m right between a M and L.

Their medium (adjusted to max size) fits me perfect

Plus I like their simple straps and good padding all round

Problem is, at least around me, that there isn’t anywhere that has a decent selection to try on.

Last time I bought a helmet I ordered a load from Chain Reaction to try, but obviously that’s not an option now.

Interesting re the Specialized helmet – I think I have a rugby ball shaped head and they fit me well too when other brands often don’t. Although I’m right on the cusp of small / medium I did manage to try on as they’re in lots of stores including Evans. Can’t go wrong with the Tactic (Evans selling off for around £50) or Camber which I’ve moved onto now as it was £30 in a sale!

Halfords had quite a few brands in last time I was in a store. Could be worth a visit if one nearby.

Good shout on halfords. Written them off as muddy fox type stuff so wouldnt have thought of them.

Got a lazer coyote on sale and fits like a glove.

I’m in exactly the same boat.  Current Troy Lee M/L A3 Mips fits great, but I know I struggle with many many other brands.  So I just but the same A3 when it needs replacing.  Keeping an eye out for the inevitable “old” colours that are always on offer somewhere.

Edit: I don’t think it runs that hot.  It’s a proper coverage trail helmet, not a road helmet.  I have a POC something or other for the gravel bike that doesn’t fit as well, not sure it’s really noticeably more airy.

I’m mostly Small/Medium in helmets and have a slightly ovalized head. Fox and Sweet Protection fit me the best, lots of adjustment, simple to use. Troy Lee fit well, but as you’ve said are silly hot. Giro and Specialised can be made comfy, Bell is entirely the wrong shape.

I buy the size up from the one they think will fit me ( I tend to be in between small and med), and crank the ratchet down when I need it to be tight. That way I have space for helmet warmer or buff.

You know them fellas off of Indiana Jones and the kingdom of the crystal skull? That’s me. Never found a lid that works properly

@sam_underhill

whats the A3 sizing like?  Nearly clicked the button on one but then read they size small and the sweat mover is pretty marmite!

they’re on offer at Saddleback ATM. Cheaper than direct from troylee.co.uk who probably divert the order to Saddleback to fulfill as UK distributor!

Just got a Rudy Project Egos for my big head and it’s very comfortable/light/vented (my head likes: Giro, Bell, Troy Lee; dislikes: Kask, Met); their med runs up to 59cm.

Discounted here: https://www.bikeloungeonline.com/collections/rudy-project-egos (red and black both showing available in med)

some manufacturers use more shell sizes than others.  If you can find out which it might help.  Met maybe?

Go Outdoors tends to have loads in stock to try on also.

I always think I’m a 59cm (compared to your 58.5) head. The A3 MIPS with the thinner liner (as comes fitted) and the tensioner moved down to the lower position is a great fit for me. I’ve still got some room to tighten up just snug, and can expand to fit a buff on in the cold. I think if you like the A2 you’ll be fine.

I’d just wear some kind of ‘buff’.

its easier to wash than your bike helmet.

and I’d appreciate having something to keep the insects off.

decathlon did a nice merino skull cap for £12.99

Similar problem with my swede, very frustrating

Go outdoors has a good range of makes, Halfords as mentioned

I tend to end up going medium and removing the little pads to give a bit more space. You have to cover the velcro though otherwise it’s a bit scratchy