Dick's Sporting Goods Bike Helmet: How to Choose the Right One (2026)

12 sections 9 min read

1 Step 1: Confirm the Helmet Meets a Safety Standard
2 Step 2: Measure Your Head for the Right Size
3 Step 3: Choose the Helmet Style for How You Ride
4 Step 4: Check Ventilation, Weight and Retention System
5 Step 5: Fit the Helmet Properly Before Every Ride
6 Step 6: Compare Where You Buy
7 Common mistakes
8 Tips for getting the most from your helmet
9 Recommended gear
10 FAQ
10.1 What safety certification should a bike helmet have?
10.2 How do I know what size bike helmet to buy?
10.3 How often should I replace my bike helmet?
10.4 Can a helmet be too tight?
10.5 Do children need a different type of helmet?
10.6 Is a more expensive helmet safer?
10.7 Can I use a bike helmet for skating or other sports?
11 Conclusion
12 Related reading

By Nora Fairbanks

If you are shopping for a dick’s sporting goods bike helmet, this guide will help you move from browsing to buying with confidence. You will learn what safety certifications to look for on any helmet, how to measure your head and find the right size, which helmet style fits your riding, and how to check fit before you ride. The steps work whether you are buying in a store, ordering online, or comparing a sporting goods chain’s selection against specialty bike shops.

Step 1: Confirm the Helmet Meets a Safety Standard

Before you think about color or ventilation, check the label inside the helmet. In the United States, bicycle helmets sold for riding on public roads are generally expected to meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard, which is listed as 16 CFR 1203. Many helmets also carry certification to ASTM F1447 or Snell B-95 (the Snell foundation’s standard). Some helmets pass multiple standards. Both are legitimate signs that the helmet has been impact tested.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Women's Helmet for Bike: 8 Best Picks for Women Riders (2026).

If you cannot find a certification label, put the helmet back. Novelty helmets, costume helmets and some very cheap toy-style helmets are not built for real impact protection, even if they look sturdy. For mountain biking, look for helmets that also meet ASTM F1952 (downhill-rated) if you ride aggressive terrain, though this is a more specialized rating.

Helmets degrade over time, and most manufacturers recommend replacing them after a significant crash or roughly every five years, even without visible damage. Check the manufacturer’s stated lifespan before you buy. If you want more background, see 7 Best Electric Bike Helmets for Men: Buyer's Guide for Commuters and Riders.

Step 2: Measure Your Head for the Right Size

Helmet sizes are based on head circumference, not on age or how the helmet looks on the shelf. Use a soft tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Wrap the tape around your head about one inch above your eyebrows and the top of your ears, keeping it level all the way around. Note the measurement in centimeters or inches, then compare it to the size chart printed on the packaging or listed on the product page.

Head circumference (inches)	Head circumference (cm)	Typical size label
20.5 to 21.5	52 to 55	XS
21 to 22.5	53 to 57	S
22 to 23.5	56 to 60	M
23 to 24.5	58 to 62	L
24 to 25.5	61 to 65	XL

Ranges vary by brand, so always defer to the specific size chart for the model you are considering. If your measurement falls between two sizes, most fit guides suggest trying both and choosing the one that sits more snugly without pressure points.

Step 3: Choose the Helmet Style for How You Ride

The right helmet depends on what you do most of the time. A few common categories:

Road helmets: Lightweight, heavily ventilated, with a low profile for aerodynamics. Good for paved routes and group rides.
Commuter and urban helmets: Often include a visor, a broader coverage area, and sometimes reflective details or a light mount. Suited to daily riding in traffic.
Mountain bike helmets: Extended rear coverage and a visor to shield your eyes from branches and sun. Many have more coverage at the back of the head than road models.
Youth helmets: Sized for children and built with the same standards as adult models, usually with bright colors and easy-adjust retention systems.

If you split your time between street and trail, a versatile helmet with a visor and good ventilation is often the most practical starting point. For a closer look at trail-oriented options, see 7 Best Bike Helmet MTB Picks for Trail Riding in 2026. Commuters who ride in traffic may find 7 Best Helmets for Street Bike Picks for Commuters and Riders (2026) more relevant.

Step 4: Check Ventilation, Weight and Retention System

Once you have narrowed the style, compare the features that affect comfort on a long ride:

Vents: Look for a balance between airflow and coverage. More vents help in hot weather but can reduce protection in some designs, so check the manufacturer’s description.
Weight: Many lightweight helmets weigh well under a pound. Heavier helmets are not necessarily less safe, but comfort on long rides often favors lighter models.
Retention system: Most modern helmets use a dial-style fit system at the back, which lets you tighten or loosen the band in small increments. Some use adjustable straps that you set by hand. Dial systems are generally easier to fine-tune.
Visor: Useful for sun, rain deflection and eye protection from debris. Check whether it can be removed if you prefer a cleaner look.

Step 5: Fit the Helmet Properly Before Every Ride

A helmet only protects you if it sits correctly. Follow these steps every time you put it on:

Place the helmet level on your head, about one to two finger widths above your eyebrows. It should not tilt back to expose your forehead or pull forward over your eyes.
Adjust the rear retention dial until the helmet feels snug all around, with no pressure points or hot spots.
Set the side straps so they form a V shape under each ear. Adjust the buckle so it sits just below your ear lobes.
Fasten the chin strap so it is snug but allows two fingers to fit between the strap and your chin.
Shake your head gently from side to side and front to back. The helmet should not shift significantly. If it does, tighten the retention system or revisit the size.
Open your mouth wide. You should feel the helmet pull down slightly on top. This is a sign the chin strap is working.

Step 6: Compare Where You Buy

A large sporting goods chain can be a convenient place to try on several helmets in person, which matters for fit. Specialty bike shops often provide staff who can measure you and recommend a model based on your riding. Online retailers offer wider selection and easy comparison of ratings and specifications, but you will need to rely on the size chart and possibly exchange if the fit is wrong. Whatever channel you use, confirm the certification label before you buy and keep the receipt in case you need to return a poor fit.

Common mistakes

Buying a helmet a size too large for a “room to grow” argument. Helmets should fit snugly from the start, and children’s helmets are sized for their current heads.
Leaving the chin strap loose. A loose strap can let the helmet slide during a crash.
Ignoring the replacement schedule. A helmet that has taken a hard impact should be replaced even if the shell looks fine, because the inner foam may be compressed.
Choosing by color or price alone. Certification and fit matter far more than style.
Wearing a helmet tilted back over the forehead, which leaves the front of the head exposed.
Storing the helmet in a hot car or leaving it in direct sun, which can weaken foam and plastic over time.

Tips for getting the most from your helmet

Try on at least two models in the same size range, since shell shape differs between brands even when sizes match.
Wear the helmet with the glasses or sunglasses you usually ride with to check the visor clearance.
Clean the pads with mild soap and water, and let them air dry. Avoid harsh solvents.
If you wear a hat or hair in a bun under the helmet, check the fit again with that setup.
For winter riding, a helmet with a cover or a separate liner can extend your riding season. See Bike Helmet for Winter: How to Choose and Fit One for Cold Weather for more on that.

Recommended gear

These accessories can make a helmet more comfortable or more useful, depending on how you ride.

Bike helmet tape measure: A soft, flexible tape makes the initial head measurement quick and accurate, which is the foundation of finding the right size. View on Amazon
Helmet light mount: Adds a rear or front light to the helmet for better visibility during commutes and night rides. View on Amazon
Helmet cover for rain: A fitted cover protects the shell from wet weather and can help you ride comfortably in cooler conditions. View on Amazon
Helmet liner or cap: A thin, moisture-wicking liner absorbs sweat and can make a helmet feel more comfortable in cold weather. View on Amazon

FAQ

What safety certification should a bike helmet have?

Look for a CPSC label, which indicates compliance with 16 CFR 1203, or certification to ASTM F1447 or Snell B-95. These show the helmet has passed impact testing.

How do I know what size bike helmet to buy?

Measure your head circumference about one inch above your eyebrows and ears, then match the measurement to the manufacturer’s size chart. Sizes vary by brand, so use the chart for the specific model.

How often should I replace my bike helmet?

Many manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet about every five years and immediately after a significant crash, even if there is no visible damage.

Can a helmet be too tight?

Yes. A helmet should feel snug without causing pressure points or headaches. If it creates discomfort that does not ease after a short time, try a different size or model.

Do children need a different type of helmet?

Youth helmets are sized for smaller heads and should meet the same safety standards as adult helmets. Choose one based on the child’s head measurement rather than their age.

Is a more expensive helmet safer?

Not necessarily. Any helmet meeting the required certification has passed impact testing. Higher-end models often offer better ventilation, weight savings or comfort features, but a properly fitted certified helmet is what protects you.

Can I use a bike helmet for skating or other sports?

Bike helmets are designed for bicycle impacts. Skating and other activities may involve different impact patterns, so check whether a helmet is rated for your sport. For a comparison, see Skate Helmet vs Bike Helmet: Which Should You Choose?

Conclusion

Choosing a bike helmet comes down to three checks: a valid safety certification, the right size measured against the manufacturer’s chart, and a fit you confirm every time you ride. Match the style to your riding, compare ventilation and retention features, and replace the helmet after any serious impact or when it reaches its recommended age. Whether you shop in person or online, taking these steps will help you ride with real protection.