Cycling is a fantastic way to commute, exercise, and explore. But no matter your experience level, safety should always be your top priority. A bike helmet is the most crucial piece of safety gear for any cyclist. While we never plan to crash, accidents happen, even to the most seasoned riders. Over years of rigorous testing, we’ve determined the top bike helmets that offer the best blend of safety, comfort, and features for various cycling needs.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
We’ve evaluated numerous helmets and narrowed it down to these exceptional choices, catering to different riding styles and priorities.
Top Pick
Met Downtown Mips
The Best Bike Helmet for Commuters
For the majority of commuters and everyday cyclists, the Met Downtown Mips helmet stands out as the best bike helmet. It offers an excellent balance of affordability, comfort, versatility, and proven safety performance in independent tests. While it comes in only two sizes, its adjustability makes it a great fit for many.
Buying Options
$79 from Amazon
Runner-Up
Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet
A Top-Rated Helmet with Excellent Crash Replacement
The Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet is a close second, especially for riders who prioritize advanced safety technology and a generous crash replacement policy. Its WaveCel liner offers a unique approach to rotational impact protection. It’s particularly well-suited for cyclists riding drop-bar bikes, though slightly less versatile for upright city riding.
Buying Options
$105 from REI
$105 from Trek
Upgrade Pick
Giro Aries Spherical
The Best High-Performance Helmet for Road Cyclists
For serious road cyclists seeking peak performance and top-tier safety, the Giro Aries Spherical is the best bike helmet upgrade. It boasts the highest safety rating from Virginia Tech, exceptional ventilation, and a remarkably lightweight design. While it comes at a premium price, its advanced features justify the investment for dedicated riders.
Buying Options
$300 from REI
$300 from Amazon
Also Great for City Streets
Specialized Mode
Top Choice for Urban Cycling
The Specialized Mode helmet is an excellent choice for city riding and commuters who prefer a more casual, street-style aesthetic. Despite its urban look, it performs exceptionally well in safety tests, exceeding expectations for this helmet style. It’s designed for upright riding positions and offers a great balance of style and protection for navigating city streets.
Buying Options
$50 from Specialized
Also Great for Mountain Biking
Sweet Protection Trailblazer Mips
The Best Mountain Bike Helmet for Trail Riding
For mountain bikers hitting the trails, the Sweet Protection Trailblazer Mips is a top contender for the best bike helmet. It provides enhanced coverage at the back of the head, crucial for off-road riding. Earning high marks in Virginia Tech safety tests, this helmet offers robust protection for all-around mountain biking, though it is slightly heavier than commuter-focused options.
Buying Options
$200 from Amazon
$100 from Backcountry
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Best Bike Helmet
Beyond specific models, there are crucial factors to keep in mind when selecting a bike helmet to ensure maximum safety and satisfaction.
Helmet Replacement After a Crash is Non-Negotiable
If you experience any impact to your head during a crash, or even suspect a possible head impact, immediately replace your helmet. The protective foam inside a helmet is designed to compress upon impact, absorbing the energy and protecting your head. Once compressed, it cannot return to its original shape and offer the same level of protection in a subsequent crash. Always err on the side of caution and replace your helmet after any crash where your head may have been impacted.
Crash Replacement Policies Offer Peace of Mind
Many reputable helmet manufacturers offer crash replacement policies, providing a discount on a new helmet if yours is damaged in an accident. We prioritized testing helmets from brands that offer such policies. Trek, for example, provides a generous free replacement within one year of purchase. Check the manufacturer’s website for specific details on their crash replacement programs, as this can significantly reduce the cost of replacing a helmet after an incident.
Never Buy a Used Bike Helmet
While purchasing used gear can be a cost-effective option for many cycling accessories, helmets are an exception. It is impossible to determine if a used helmet has sustained internal damage from a previous impact, even if there are no visible external signs. The internal foam may be compromised, rendering it ineffective in protecting you during a crash. For your safety, always buy new bike helmets from authorized retailers.
Proper Fit is Paramount for Helmet Effectiveness
A bike helmet can only do its job if it fits correctly. It should sit level on your head, snugly but comfortably, and the straps should be adjusted so the helmet stays in place during a crash. “One-size-fits-all” helmets are generally not recommended as they often fail to provide a secure and personalized fit. Most helmets come in a range of sizes (Small, Medium, Large), and many have adjustable fit systems to fine-tune the fit. Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart and try on helmets whenever possible to ensure a proper and secure fit.
By considering these factors and exploring our top picks, you can confidently choose the best bike helmet to enhance your safety and enjoyment on every ride.
