Crashing on a bike is never planned, but it’s a reality many cyclists face. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend rider, wearing a helmet is crucial for your safety. After extensive testing of over 30 helmets in the past decade, we’ve determined the top picks to help you choose Good Bike Helmets that offer the best protection and comfort.
Our Top Recommendations for Good Bike Helmets
We’ve rigorously evaluated numerous bike helmets to bring you the best options across different categories. Here are our recommended good bike helmets:
Top Pick
Met Downtown Mips Bike Helmet for commuters, showcasing its sleek design and MIPS technology.
Met Downtown Mips: The Best Commuter Bike Helmet
The Met Downtown Mips stands out as the best bike helmet for commuters. This reasonably priced helmet combines comfort, versatility, and excellent safety ratings. It performs exceptionally well in safety tests and is suitable for various riding styles. However, it’s worth noting that it is available in only two sizes.
Buying Options
- Check price on Amazon
Runner-up
Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet, highlighting its aerodynamic shape and WaveCel liner for enhanced safety.
Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet: Excellent Crash Protection
The Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet is a close second, particularly praised for its generous crash replacement policy. This lightweight and aerodynamic helmet offers good ventilation and utilizes WaveCel technology for superior impact protection. It’s ideally suited for riders using drop-bar bikes, though it may be less versatile for more upright riding positions.
Buying Options
- Check price on REI
- Check price on Trek
Upgrade Pick
Giro Aries Spherical Helmet, emphasizing its lightweight construction and advanced Spherical MIPS technology for serious cyclists.
Giro Aries Spherical: Premium Helmet for Road Cyclists
For serious road cyclists seeking top-tier performance and safety, the Giro Aries Spherical is the upgrade pick. Rated as the safest helmet by Virginia Tech, it is also the lightest and best-ventilated model we tested. While it’s the most expensive, its exceptional features make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated cyclists prioritizing concussion protection and superior comfort during long rides.
Buying Options
- Check price on REI
- Check price on Amazon
Also Great for City Streets
Specialized Mode Helmet designed for city riding, showcasing its urban style and ventilation for commuter comfort.
Specialized Mode: Stylish and Safe for Urban Cycling
The Specialized Mode helmet is an excellent choice for navigating city streets. Designed for upright riding positions, it appeals to commuters who prefer everyday clothing over cycling gear. Despite its urban style, it outperforms many other similar helmets in safety tests and achieved a high score in Virginia Tech crash testing, making it a good bike helmet for city environments.
Buying Options
- Check price on Specialized
Also Great for Mountain Biking
Sweet Protection Trailblazer Mips Helmet, demonstrating its robust build and extended rear coverage for mountain biking trails.
Sweet Protection Trailblazer Mips: Robust Protection for Trails
Mountain bike enthusiasts should consider the Sweet Protection Trailblazer Mips. This helmet is another top performer in Virginia Tech’s safety assessments and is specifically designed for mountain biking trails. It offers extended coverage at the back of the head compared to commuter helmets, providing extra protection for more aggressive riding. While it is a bit heavier, the added safety features make it a good bike helmet for off-road adventures.
Buying Options
- Check price on Amazon
- Check price on Backcountry
Key Considerations When Choosing Good Bike Helmets
Beyond specific models, here are crucial factors to keep in mind when selecting a good bike helmet:
- Helmet Replacement After a Crash: Always replace your helmet if you experience a crash involving head impact, or even if you suspect your head might have hit the ground. This is non-negotiable for maintaining safety.
- Crash Replacement Policies: Consider helmets from manufacturers that offer crash replacement discounts. This can significantly reduce the cost of replacing a helmet after an accident, making safety more accessible.
- Avoid Used Helmets: While buying used gear can be economical, it’s not advisable for helmets. You cannot reliably assess if a used helmet has sustained internal damage that compromises its protective capabilities.
- Proper Fit is Essential: A bike helmet must fit snugly and correctly to provide adequate protection. Avoid “one-size-fits-all” models and ensure you choose a helmet size that matches your head circumference for optimal safety and comfort.
Choosing a good bike helmet is a vital decision for any cyclist. By considering these recommendations and key factors, you can ensure you’re well-protected on every ride.
