Cycling is a great way to get around and stay fit, but it’s important to stay safe while doing it. Wearing a helmet is one of the most important safety measures you can take when cycling. In this listicle, we’ll be exploring the best cycling helmets on the market and what features to consider when making your purchase. From ventilation to fit, we’ll cover it all so you can find the perfect helmet for your cycling needs. So, if you’re ready to stay safe while cycling, let’s get started!
GIRO REGISTER (MIPS) – BEST OVERALL
Giro’s Register is one of the cycling helmets with amazing value for its all-encompassing features, including the essential MIPS technology. And its sleek design is both aerodynamic and well-ventilated, making it the perfect choice for any cyclist. Plus, it features an In-Mold polycarbonate shell with EPS liner for lightweight protection, a Roc Loc Sport fit system for easy adjustment, and 21 vents for maximum airflow. Also, it has a removable visor to protect from the sun and debris, and reflective accents for increased visibility.
HALFORDS URBAN – BEST AFFORDABILITY
For urban cyclists, something lightweight, comfortable and sleek is key in terms of cycling helmets. And it features an adjustable fit system, allowing you to customize the fit for maximum comfort and protection. Also, the helmet also has a removable visor to protect your eyes from the sun and wind.
S WORKS EVADE 3 – MOST LUXURIOUS CYCLING HELMET
Specialized’s S Works Evade 3 helmet is the pinnacle of cycling helmet technology, offering superior breathability and aerodynamic design. And its wind tunnel is tested to ensure optimal performance, this helmet is the perfect choice for cyclists looking to shave seconds off their PBs. All in all, it’s a lightweight, aerodynamic helmet designed to provide maximum ventilation and protection. In fact, it comes with a patented 4th Dimension Cooling System, which uses deep internal channels to draw cool air over the head, and a Mindset micro-dial fit system for easy adjustment. Besides that, it also has a removable visor and a reflective rear decal for increased visibility.
RAPHA + SMITH FOREFRONT 2 TRAIL (MIPS)
Rapha might be better known for its innate sense of style relative to most cycling brands, but that’s not to say it’s not without some road-safe engineering to boot. Collaborating with Smith, this helmet is primed for mountain biking rather than the streets of W1, with rotational forces catered for thanks to MIPS plus visor and eyewear garage for sunglasses storage, keeping you shielded from the increased sun exposure of tall peaks.
VAN RYSEL ROADR 500
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a helmet with MIPS technology. Van Rysel, Decathlon’s in-house brand, offers a road-focused helmet with all the safety features of the anti-rotation system for a decent price. Not only that, but it also has large vents on the front, top and rear to keep your head cool and an aerodynamic design to help you cut through the air.
ABUS STORMCHASER
If you’ve ever heard of Abus, you may have thought of them as a bike lock manufacturer. But the German company also specializes in making protective headgear. The Stormchaser model is perfect for summer, with 23 air inlets and outlets built into its lightweight 240g shell. From the front, it looks like a standard helmet, but the rear has a supercar-like energy that will make you look faster, even if it doesn’t make you go faster.
MET ALLROAD (MIPS)
If you’re looking to explore the world of road and gravel riding, the Allroad model from Italian brand MET has you covered. And it’s a sleek, lightweight helmet is designed to keep you safe and aerodynamic on the tarmac. Additionally, when you take the path less traveled, the visor provides shade from the sun and extra protection in case of a fall. Plus, the integrated rear LED light and reflective rear decals will help keep you visible to other road users.
POC VENTRAL
Since 2005, Swedish company POC has been dedicated to safeguarding lives and reducing the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. And their innovative, research-based approach to design helmets and armor for cycling and snow sports has resulted in the Ventral MIPS, first released in 2018. So, this helmet is renowned for its aerodynamic design and excellent ventilation. Following this helmet, POC has released several iterations of the Ventral MIPS, including one with a built-in NFC chip that can provide first-response rescuers with your emergency details in case of an accident. However, the original Ventral MIPS is still tough to beat.
GIRO ISODE (MIPS)
Giro’s Isode helmet is a great example of how you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a top-notch bike helmet. And this is one of the greatest cycling helmets is equipped with MIPS technology, a polycarbonate shell, 22 vents for aerodynamics, and a Roc Loc Sport fit system for maximum comfort. Whether you’re commuting or taking a leisurely weekend ride, the Isode will keep you safe and comfortable.
DASHEL URBAN CYCLE
Dashel helmets are not only stylish and aesthetically pleasing, but they are also an eco-friendly option. Made from recycled and recyclable materials, they are perfect for those who have chosen cycling as a sustainable alternative to driving. At only 310g, these helmets are lightweight and have been rigorously tested for safety in all conditions. Plus, Dashel offers a part exchange program for when you are ready to upgrade to a new helmet, re-using the materials from the old one. With a Dashel helmet, you truly have a helmet for life.
CLOSCA FUGA
Closca’s cycling helmets are the epitome of stowable function. Their patented folding system reduces the helmet’s size by 55% in just one second, making it easy to fit into a bag after a ride. And it’s also lightweight, weighing only 250g to 290g depending on head size. Not only has this innovation earned them design awards, but it also provides maximum safety on the road. Plus, the helmet is designed to evenly distribute collision impact across its surface. Great, isn’t it? And it also includes an NFC chip that stores your medical history and allows you to quickly call an emergency service in the event of an accident.
BONTRAGER STARVOS WAVECEL
Bontrager is revolutionizing the safety standards of the industry with its exclusive WaveCell technology, which replaces the traditional MIPS design with a collapsible cellular structure. And this is one of the cycling helmets that help to absorb impact before it reaches your head. First by flexing and then crumpling like a car bumper to redirect energy away. Moreover, this leading technology has earned a five-star rating from Virginia Tech. And Bontrager offers a Crash Replacement Guarantee, providing a free helmet replacement if you are involved in a crash within a year of ownership.
BELL AVENUE (MIPS)
Before, it would have been unimaginable to find a MIPS-equipped cycling helmets for less than $100. Bell’s Avenue helmet is a great example of how this safety measure is now being incorporated into more affordable road helmets. The helmet is slightly heavier at 310g, but its many vents and polycarbonate shell make it an ideal choice for summer rides at this price range.
GIRO SYNTAX (MIPS)
If you’re on the hunt for stylish and affordable option for commuters, this will impress you. And its sleek shape and dual colouring give it a professional look, while its 25 large vents ensure maximum ventilation. Additionally, the helmet is equipped with MIPS technology to protect against rotational forces on impact, and an EPS foam liner to reduce stress transfer to the head.
LAZER SPHERE (MIPS)
Designed with the help of top athletes, the Lazer Sphere is the perfect combination of design, comfort, safety, and technology. As the official helmet supplier for British Cycling, it has been endorsed by many elite cyclists and is sure to turn heads on the road. With 18 inlet and exhaust ventilation holes, it will keep you cool in the summer, and the Aeroshell provides protection from April showers. And it also features MIPS technology to reduce the risk of brain injury in the event of an impact, making it an ideal choice for city cyclists.
Picking the right cycling helmets:
Once you shortlist the cycling helmets that suit you, make sure to consider the below:
If your choices have undergone strict road test policies. One standard to consider are the MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System). And it’s a form of technology that adds an extra layer of safety using technology. Precisely, it is a slip pane technology absorbs both linear and rotational impact, reducing strain to the brain and reducing the likelihood of resulting concussion and other neurological injuries.
If you know your right size. A helmet fit system should provide a comfortable and secure fit. It should include straps and a rear adjuster on the helmet itself, as well as an adjustable chin strap. To ensure the right size when buying online, use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your head at its widest point. Generally, size small is suitable for heads under 56cm and size large for heads over 58cm, but this may vary depending on the brand. Check the respective brand’s size guide before very purchase.
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