Junge schließt den Verschluss seines KED Fahrradhelms unter dem Kinn

Threading or replacing a bike helmet buckle: how to do it safely

Buckle broken or strap twisted? Check the model, buckle system, webbing and helmet before you choose a spare part.

Go to KED spare parts

Is the buckle stuck, the strap twisted or a part missing? A matching spare part often solves it. Whether that is enough depends on your helmet model, the buckle system and the condition of the webbing and helmet. Here you can read how to find the right original part and when you need to replace the helmet.

Bike helmet buckle at a glance

What you seeWhat to do now
A buckle part is missing or brokenIdentify the model and buckle system, then compare the details on the spare part.
The strap looks twisted or has slippedLook at the whole strap. If the routing or fit is unclear, don't force anything.
The webbing is cut, frayed, loose or detachedStop using the helmet.
The shell or load-bearing parts are damagedStop using the helmet.
Only the removable pads are wornLook for matching inner pads for your model.

The KED spare parts overview shows buckles, pads and adjustment systems in one place. Start there to work out which kind of part you need.

Close-up of the webbing and buckle of a bike helmet under the chin

Finding the right buckle

Check the exact model name on your helmet and see which buckle system it has. The spare part's product page lists the KED models and systems it is made for. If those details don't match your helmet, it is the wrong part.

Depending on the model, KED uses different buckle systems, for example the Fidlock magnetic buckle, the ratchet buckle or the K-LOCK chin buckle. The KED Fidlock chin buckle is made for KED models with a Fidlock buckle. For KED models with the ratchet buckle system there is the KED ratchet buckle with flap.

KED Fidlock chin buckle as a spare part
KED ratchet buckle with flap as a spare part

The chin straps & buckles category shows the Fidlock chin buckle and the KED flap side by side.

Threading or replacing a buckle: the safe way

How the strap runs through the buckle depends on the helmet and the system. So follow the details for your model. On the product pages of the Fidlock chin buckle and the ratchet buckle, KED links a video showing the fitting. KED recommends having the part fitted by a specialist. You can find a KED dealer near you with the dealer finder.

  1. Identify the model name and the buckle system.
  2. Check the webbing, shell and load-bearing parts for damage.
  3. Read the compatibility details of the original part.
  4. Have a specialist fit the spare part.
  5. Check the fit and the buckle before your next ride.
Closed KED helmet buckle with webbing under a child's chin

How to check the fit after the swap: the straps lie flat and untwisted against your head. The side straps form a Y just below the ear. One finger fits between chin and chin strap. The article Find the right bike helmet size explains more.

If the webbing is cut, frayed, loose or detached from the helmet, stop using the helmet. A new buckle won't fix that.

Pads and adjustment systems

Some fit problems have nothing to do with the chin buckle. Removable pads and the rear adjustment system are separate spare parts.

If only the inner pads are worn, the inner pads for KED helmets category has the matching versions. Check the model details there too.

Cyclist adjusting the rear fit system of his red bike helmet

If you can no longer adjust the helmet properly at the back of your head, check the adjustment system. You'll find replacements under adjustment systems for KED helmets.

When to replace your bike helmet

Replace the helmet after a fall or a harder impact, even if you can't see any damage on the outside. The same goes for damage to the shell, load-bearing parts or webbing. The article When does a bike helmet need to be replaced? covers the main cases in more detail.

For KED helmets there is one more rule: replace them no later than five years after the date of first use. If only a replaceable part such as the buckle, pads or adjustment system is affected, a matching spare part is often enough. Read how KED thinks about repair and replacement in Repair instead of throwing away.

Frequently asked questions about the topic

How do I know which buckle my bike helmet has?

Check your helmet's model name and compare the buckle with the details and photos on the spare part page. KED assigns buckle parts by model and system.

Can I replace a bike helmet buckle myself?

KED recommends having spare parts fitted by a specialist. The product pages of the Fidlock chin buckle and the ratchet buckle also link a video showing the fitting.

What should I do if the webbing is damaged or frayed?

Stop using the helmet. A new buckle part can't fix damaged webbing.

Are Fidlock and ratchet buckles interchangeable on bike helmets?

At KED, Fidlock, ratchet buckle and K-LOCK are different buckle systems. Choose the spare part that the product page lists for your helmet model.

Where can I find the right KED spare part?

Start with the KED spare parts overview. You'll also find the Fidlock chin buckle and the KED flap in the chin straps & buckles category.

When do I need to replace the whole bike helmet?

After a fall or a harder impact, even if you can't see any damage on the outside. The same applies to damage to the shell, load-bearing parts or webbing. Replace KED helmets no later than five years after the date of first use.

KED Ahead

Team KED

KED stands for bicycle helmets “Designed and Made in Germany”. As a family-run company with our own production in Germany, we have been developing and producing independently, responsibly and with uncompromising quality standards since 1985.

Our editorial team combines expertise from development and production with experience from everyday cycling and shares this knowledge in the form of well-founded, practical articles.