Cycling helmets are non-negotiable for road cyclists. Their primary function is to protect your head, and thankfully, all helmets sold in major markets like the UK, USA, and Europe must pass rigorous safety standards. But beyond basic safety, modern Road Bike Cycling Helmets offer a wealth of features designed to enhance protection, comfort, aerodynamics, and ventilation.
Recent advancements have brought innovations like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which significantly reduces rotational forces during angled impacts, adding an extra layer of security. However, choosing the best road bike helmet involves balancing safety with other crucial factors like weight, aerodynamics, and ventilation. Your riding style, typical routes, and weather conditions should all play a role in your decision.
Trying on several helmets is always recommended to find the best fit for your unique head shape and size. This guide explores top-rated road bike cycling helmets across various categories and budgets, helping you make an informed choice. If budget is a key concern, be sure to check out our dedicated guide to the best budget bike helmets. For city riders, our article on the best commuter bike helmets might be more relevant.
Quick Picks: Top Road Bike Cycling Helmets
Giro Eclipse road bike helmet
1. Giro Eclipse Spherical Bike Helmet – Best Overall
The Giro Eclipse Spherical excels as an all-around performer, seamlessly blending comfort, speed, and safety. Featuring MIPS Spherical technology for enhanced impact protection, it also manages to maintain excellent ventilation despite its aerodynamic design. Some may find its shape slightly bulbous, but its comprehensive performance is undeniable.
Read more in our detailed review
Lazer G1 Genesis helmet
2. Lazer G1 Genesis Helmet – Best Lightweight
The Lazer G1 Genesis prioritizes minimal weight, tipping the scales at a mere 205g. Beyond its feathery feel, this helmet is remarkably comfortable and offers a user-friendly adjustment system. For those seeking aerodynamic gains, an aero shell is available separately.
Read more in our detailed review
Trek Ballista MIPS helmet
3. Trek Ballista MIPS Bike Helmet – Best Aero
The Trek Ballista MIPS is undeniably aerodynamic, yet it’s versatile enough for daily road riding thanks to its effective ventilation and easy BOA adjustment. Equipped with MIPS-style technology, it even accommodates riders with ponytails.
Read more in our detailed review
Kask Sintesi bike helmet
4. Kask Sintesi Bike Helmet – Best Budget
The Kask Sintesi delivers impressive performance at a more accessible price point. Well-suited for road, gravel, and commuting, it offers a versatile style and Kask’s WG11 rotational impact protection for added safety.
Read more in our detailed review
Giro Aether MIPS helmet
5. Giro Aether MIPS Bike Helmet – Best All-Rounder
The Giro Aether MIPS remains a long-standing favorite, consistently delivering exceptional all-around performance. Lightweight, well-ventilated, and featuring MIPS, it’s a comfortable and safe choice available in a wide range of colors.
Read more in our detailed review
MET Codatronca TT bike helmet
6. MET Codatronca Bike Helmet – Best TT (Time Trial)
The MET Codatronca is a dedicated time trial helmet that prioritizes comfort and ventilation alongside aerodynamics. Its shorter tail design makes it adaptable to sporting courses with varied terrain and riding positions.
Read more in our detailed review
POC Ventral Air SPIN helmet
7. POC Ventral Spin Helmet – Best Aero All-Rounder
The POC Ventral Spin strikes a balance between aerodynamics and ventilation, making it suitable for various road riding scenarios. It incorporates POC’s SPIN technology for rotational impact protection and remains surprisingly airy for an aero helmet.
Read more in our detailed review
Specialized Evade 3 helmet
8. Specialized Evade 3 Helmet – Best Ventilation
The Specialized Evade 3 prioritizes airflow with large front and rear vents, enhanced by MIPS Air Node technology. This combination results in exceptional ventilation without compromising aerodynamic performance.
Read more in our detailed review
Kask Utopia Y helmet
9. Kask Utopia Y Helmet – Best Lightweight Aero
The Kask Utopia Y expertly blends aerodynamic performance with lightweight design and comfort. Weighing just 260g, it provides excellent ventilation and a highly adjustable fit, making it a top choice for riders seeking marginal gains.
Read more in our detailed review
Detailed Reviews: Top Road Bike Cycling Helmets
Best Overall Road Bike Helmet
Giro Eclipse Spherical which is one of the best bike helmets
1. Giro Eclipse Spherical Bike Helmet
Best overall bike helmet
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS Spherical
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 6
- Weight: 270g (small)
Reasons to Buy:
- Very Fast
- Comfortable Fit
- Impressive Ventilation for an Aero Helmet
- Flap-Free Straps
Reasons to Avoid:
- Mushroom Head Look (on some)
The Giro Eclipse Spherical helmet utilizes Giro’s innovative MIPS Spherical technology, integrating MIPS between two layers of EPS foam. Testers found the helmet exceptionally comfortable, offering an unrestrictive fit and feel. Ventilation proved impressive, maintaining comfort even in temperatures exceeding 35°C. Thoughtful details like well-fitting, non-flapping straps and sunglass storage in the front vents further enhance its appeal.
Giro claims the Eclipse is their fastest non-TT aero helmet to date. While independent verification is challenging, our tester achieved personal best downhill speeds and improved average speeds while wearing it.
Read the full review: Giro Eclipse Spherical cycling helmet full review
Best Lightweight Road Bike Helmet
Lazer G1 Genesis which is one of the best bike helmets
2. Lazer G1 Genesis Helmet
Lightweight helmet with aero cover
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS (higher spec version)
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 6
- Weight: 205g (Medium), 247g (+aeroshell)
Reasons to Buy:
- Extremely Lightweight (just over 200g)
- Comfortable Fit
- Secure Feel
Reasons to Avoid:
- Aero Advantages Require Aftermarket Aeroshell
The Lazer G1 Genesis helmet is remarkably lightweight and comfortable, providing a secure feel with a stylish, minimalist aesthetic. The rear retention system offers substantial vertical adjustment for personalized fit, though horizontal adjustment is less fine-tunable compared to Giro helmets. Despite this, its comfort is undeniable, largely attributed to its incredibly low weight. At just 205g for a medium size, it’s among the lightest helmets tested, significantly lighter than the Giro Helios Spherical MIPS Helmet.
While aerodynamic performance requires an optional aftermarket aeroshell, this addition is affordable and adds minimal weight, transforming it into a very lightweight, aero-focused road bike helmet.
Read the full review: Lazer G1 Genesis cycling helmet full review
Best Aero Road Bike Helmet
Female cyclist wearing the Trek Ballista MIPS road bike helmet
3. Trek Ballista MIPS Bike Helmet
Best aero road bike helmet
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS Air Node
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 3
- Weight: 255g (claimed, size M)
Reasons to Buy:
- Good Airflow for an Aero Helmet
- Easy Fit Adjustment with BOA System
- Attractive Aesthetics
Reasons to Avoid:
- BOA Height Adjustment Can Be Fiddly
- Premium Price Point
Trek’s Ballista MIPS helmet represents their revamped aero racing line, now featuring MIPS Air Node technology, which eliminates the need for a separate internal liner. Its distinctive dropped tail design contributes to its aerodynamic profile.
The BOA dial system ensures a secure and stable fit, complemented by low-profile padding and easily adjustable straps. Remarkably, the Ballista provides impressive airflow, outperforming some more obviously vented helmets despite having only two front-facing vents. Its ponytail-friendly design is another appreciated feature, although adjusting the rear cradle height can be slightly cumbersome.
Read the full review: Trek Ballista MIPS bike helmet full review
Best Budget Road Bike Helmet
Kask Sintesi which is one of the best cycling helmets
4. Kask Sintesi Bike Helmet
Best budget helmet
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: WG11
- Sizes: M, L
- Colors: 11
- Weight: 230g (medium, claimed)
Reasons to Buy:
- Good Head Size Adjustability
- Comfortable Synthetic Leather Chin Strap
- Excellent Value
Reasons to Avoid:
- No Glasses Port
Kask designed the Sintesi as a versatile, mid-priced helmet suitable for recreational road cyclists, commuters, and gravel riders. Available in a wide array of colors, it offers exceptional value.
The Kask Ergo Fit retention system allows for extensive vertical and circumference adjustment, accommodating a broad range of head sizes within two size options. A comfortable synthetic leather chin strap adds to its premium feel. Instead of MIPS, the Sintesi utilizes the WG11 protocol for rotational impact protection testing.
In testing, the Sintesi provided good airflow, keeping heads cool, though the 13 vents lack a dedicated space for stowing glasses.
Read the full review: Kask Sintesi helmet full review
Best All-Rounder Road Bike Helmet
Red Giro Aether MIPS helmet which is one of the best bike helmets
5. Giro Aether MIPS Bike Helmet
Best overall road bike helmet
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 13
- Weight: 269g (small)
Reasons to Buy:
- Lightweight (under 270g for size small)
- Highly Breathable
- Extensive Air Channels for Cooling
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slightly Bulbous Appearance
The Giro Aether MIPS is a consistently top-rated road bike helmet, hailed as a “game-changer” due to its unparalleled all-around performance. Testing revealed exceptional ventilation and cutting-edge safety features. While slightly heavier than some ultra-lightweight options like the Kask Protone, its 269g weight (size small) remains impressively low.
Its sleek design and wide color selection make it aesthetically versatile, and its comfortable fit suits any riding style. The Giro Aether MIPS earned a five-star rating and a Cycling Weekly Editor’s Choice Award, solidifying its position as a top road bike helmet. The only potential drawback is fit incompatibility for certain head shapes.
Read the full review: Giro Aether MIPS helmet full review
Best TT (Time Trial) Road Bike Helmet
Met Codatronca helmet is pictured with it
6. Met Codatronca Bike Helmet
Best time trial helmet for versatility on longer and rolling courses
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: CE; AS/NZS
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 2
- Weight: 265g (small)
Reasons to Buy:
- Comfortable Fit for a TT Helmet
- Excellent Adjustability
- Versatile for Sporting Courses
Reasons to Avoid:
- Visor Doesn’t Offer Optimal Vision
The MET Codatronca’s short tail design distinguishes it as a more versatile time trial helmet, particularly beneficial for riders tackling varied courses. It provides significant aerodynamic advantages without requiring a constant, perfectly “turtled” position, crucial for dynamic sporting courses.
Testers found it remarkably comfortable, with a close fit achieved through Met’s ‘Safe-T Orbital’ retention system. Ventilation is adequate, thanks to three small front vents and two rear exhaust holes. The magnetic visor system is clever, though the visor’s length may require an adjustment period.
While carrying a premium price tag comparable to the Giro Aerohead MIPS helmet, MET helmets are currently unavailable for purchase or shipping in the US.
Read the full review: MET Codatronca full review
Best Aero All-Rounder Road Bike Helmet
POC Ventral
7. POC Ventral Spin Helmet
Aero all-rounder with sunglasses grippers
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: SPIN
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 12
- Weight: 251g (medium)
Reasons to Buy:
- Aerodynamically Tested
- Lightweight for an Aero Helmet
- Breathable Compared to Other Aero Options
- Excellent Sunglasses Retention
- Comfortable and Secure Fit
Reasons to Avoid:
- Divisive Aesthetics
The POC Ventral Spin impressed testers as one of the best road bike helmets for aerodynamic performance without sacrificing breathability. Its large air ports deviate from the typical solid appearance of aero helmets. It incorporates POC’s SPIN (Shearing Pad INside) safety technology, utilizing silicone bladders and pads to mitigate rotational impacts.
A standout feature is the integrated sunglass grippers, designed for POC sunglasses but proven to securely hold various brands during testing.
Read the full review: POC Ventral SPIN cycling helmet full review
Best Ventilation Road Bike Helmet
A side profile of the Specialized Evade 3 which is one of the best bike helmets
8. Specialized Evade 3 Helmet
Best ventilation
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS Air Node
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 6
- Weight: 290g (small)
Reasons to Buy:
- Aerodynamic Qualities
- Very Comfortable Fit
- Highly Breathable
- Optional Specialized ANGi Crash Sensor
- Minimalist MIPS Air Node
Reasons to Avoid:
- Heavier Than Some Alternatives (290g)
The third iteration of the Specialized S-Works Evade 3 helmet improves upon its predecessors with enhanced airflow and comfort while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. It features larger front vents and a drag-reducing “diffuser” with wide rear vents. Specialized has also implemented thinner straps, a standard buckle, and MIPS Air Node, integrated into the padding for a less intrusive feel.
The Evade 3 is compatible with the ANGi crash sensor (optional). Testers found it comfortable even in hot summer conditions, with a slightly narrow fit and wind flap-reducing straps.
Read the full review: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 full review
Best Lightweight Aero Road Bike Helmet
Kask Utopia Y which is one of the best cycling helmets
9. Kask Utopia Y Road Bike Helmet
Best lightweight aero helmet
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: WG11
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 9
- Weight: 260g (Medium)
Reasons to Buy:
- Well Ventilated
- Lightweight (260g for medium)
- Low Profile Design
- Aerodynamic Benefits
- High Level of Adjustability
Reasons to Avoid:
- Premium Price Point
The Kask Utopia Y helmet combines aerodynamics, aesthetics, and enhanced comfort, making it a top-tier road bike helmet. Despite its streamlined profile, deep channeling and brow vents provide effective cooling and sweat management. The highly adjustable retention system and thick interior padding contribute to a snug yet comfortable fit.
Weighing only 260g (medium), the Utopia Y is remarkably light for an aero road helmet, feeling virtually unnoticeable when worn. Its sleek, non-bulky design and wide range of nine colors further enhance its appeal.
Read the full review: Kask Utopia Y cycling helmet full review
Honorable Mentions: Other Great Road Bike Cycling Helmets
Kask Protone Icon Mips blue cycling helmet on wood background
10. Kask Protone Icon
Updated WorldTour-ready lid
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Sizes: 56, 58, 62
- Colors: 13
- Weight: 232g (M)
Reasons to Buy:
- Solid Build Quality
- Lightweight Construction
- Incredibly Comfortable Octofit System
Reasons to Avoid:
- Not a Top Performer in Hiper and Virginia Tech Ratings
The Kask Protone Icon is an updated version of the helmet favored by the Ineos WorldTour team. It retains a similar shape to the original but incorporates enhanced features like a more robust internal frame and a rear reflective insert. 20 vents and a Coolmax lining aid ventilation. Kask’s Octofit+ system provides a comfortable and adjustable fit, even with gloves. At 232g, it’s lightweight and performs well in sweat absorption and ventilation.
Read the full review: Kask Protone Icon full review
Lazer Vento KinetiCore which is one of the best bike helmets
11. Lazer Vento KinetiCore Bike Helmet
Low profile aero bike helmet
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety: KinetiCore (Lazer’s in-house tech)
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 4
- Weight: 291g (medium on test)
Reasons to Buy:
- Feels Fast
- Decent Ventilation for an Aero Helmet
- Independently Verified 5-Star Safety
- Secure Fit
Reasons to Avoid:
- Difficult Glasses Storage
- Not the Lightest (291g for medium)
The Lazer Vento KinetiCore is an aero-focused helmet that balances speed with ventilation. While ventilation is somewhat compromised for aerodynamics, it still performs favorably compared to other aero helmets. It features a low-profile design and Lazer’s KinetiCore safety technology, achieving a 5-star safety rating. The retention system is improved, though glasses storage remains challenging.
Read the full review: Lazer Vento KinetiCore helmet full review
Smith Ignite helmet featured front side on in black with green inserts on an orange background
12. Smith Ignite Helmet
Aero road bike helmet enhanced safety features
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: Koryd & MIPS
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 5
- Weight: 277g (Medium)
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional Safety Features (Koroyd & MIPS)
- Comfortable Fit
- Distinctive Aesthetics
- Good Aerodynamic Properties
Reasons to Avoid:
- Matt Finish Can Be Difficult to Keep Clean
The Smith Ignite helmet prioritizes safety and aerodynamics, featuring Koroyd and MIPS technologies. Smith’s VaporFit retention system allows for both vertical and horizontal adjustment, ensuring a snug fit for various head shapes. It’s a comfortable, aerodynamic, and safety-focused option, though the matt finish may require more frequent cleaning.
Read the full review: Smith Ignite cycling helmet full review
Giro Helios Spherical Mips which is one of the best bike helmets
13. Giro Helios Spherical MIPS Cycling Helmet
Great value all-rounder
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS
- Sizes: S – L
- Colors: 5
- Weight: 260g (medium)
Reasons to Buy:
- MIPS for High Safety Standard
- Lightweight and Comfortable on Various Terrains
- Aerodynamic Properties Comparable to Higher-Priced Helmets
Reasons to Avoid:
- No Eyewear Doc for Sunglasses Storage
The Giro Helios Spherical MIPS helmet is a versatile and excellent value all-rounder, bridging the gap between road and off-road riding. It features the same Spherical MIPS protection as the Giro Aether at a lower price point. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and offers aerodynamic performance comparable to more expensive helmets. The main drawback is the lack of dedicated sunglass storage.
Read the full review: Giro Helios Spherical MIPS cycling helmet full review
A rider wearing the Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 which is one of the best bike helmets
14. Specialized S-Works Prevail 3
Superior ventilation with top safety features
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS AirNode
- Sizes: S,M,L
- Colors: 7
- Weight: 280g
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional Ventilation
- Highly Ranked for Safety
Reasons to Avoid:
- Large Vents Can Attract Bugs
The updated Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 prioritizes ventilation and safety. Its Air Cage design increases ventilation by almost 25% compared to the Prevail 2 without compromising safety. It utilizes MIPS AirNode integrated into the padding. The large vents provide excellent airflow, making it ideal for hot weather riding, though they can be susceptible to catching bugs.
Read the full review: Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 full review
Bell XR Spherical MIPS which is one of the best bike helmets
15. Bell XR Spherical MIPS
Do-it-all helmet at home on tarmac and gravel
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: Spherical MIPS
- Sizes: S,M,L
- Colors: 7
- Weight: 285g (medium, claimed)
Reasons to Buy:
- Well Ventilated
- Comfortable and Easy to Adjust
- MIPS Protection
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slightly Heavier Side (over 300g for large)
The Bell XR Spherical MIPS is designed for both on and off-road cycling. Its compact, well-ventilated shape features 14 vents and an extended inner shell for added gravel riding protection. Spherical MIPS technology enhances rotational impact protection. The Bell Float Fit system, comfortable straps, and magnetic buckle contribute to a stable and comfortable fit.
Read the full review: Bell XR Spherical MIPS cycling helmet full review
MET Rivale MIPS
16. MET Rivale MIPS Helmet
Best for combining aero, ventilation and safety
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 9
- Weight: 250g (claimed), 242g (tested medium)
Reasons to Buy:
- Lightweight (242g for medium)
- MIPS Liner
- Good Ventilation
- Aerodynamic Design
- Adjustable Fit
Reasons to Avoid:
- Combined Aero and Ventilation Design Compromises Both
The MET Rivale MIPS balances aerodynamics and ventilation for versatile road cycling. 18 vents, primarily at the front, ensure airflow, while the rear shaping and enclosed design reduce drag. It includes a MIPS liner for enhanced safety. The fitting system is effective, comfortable, and highly adjustable. At 242g, it’s lightweight and offers good value compared to competitors.
Read the full review: MET Rivale MIPS full review
Male cyclist wearing the POC Ventral Tempus MIPS bike helmet
17. POC Ventral Tempus MIPS Helmet
Best helmet for riding in the rain
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 2
- Weight: 312g (tested small)
Reasons to Buy:
- Good Weather Protection
- High Visibility Features
- Comfortable Latest MIPS Integra
Reasons to Avoid:
- Premium Pricing
The POC Ventral Tempus MIPS helmet is designed for dark, wet conditions, featuring an enclosed shell, orange colorway, and 360° reflective details. It uses a more comfortable MIPS Integra iteration and provides good weather protection without overheating in cooler conditions. While slightly bulky, it’s well-suited for regular riding in colder or wetter climates.
Read the full review: POC Ventral Tempus MIPS helmet full review
Giro Aerohead Ultimate MIPS pictured in the color black
18. Giro Aerohead MIPS TT Helmet
Best TT helmet for speed without limitations
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Safety Features: MIPS
- Sizes: S/M/L
- Colors: 6
- Weight: 510g (Medium)
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional Aerodynamic Properties
- Wider Than Expected Field of View
- Comfortable Fit
- Lighter Than Other Options
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited Breathability
- Very High Price Tag
The Giro Aerohead Ultimate MIPS TT helmet maximizes aerodynamic performance with its wind-cheating silhouette and four Wind Tunnel vents, though breathability is limited. It offers MIPS and a wide field of view thanks to a ZEISS Optics wrap-around eye shield secured magnetically. While expensive, it’s a top-performing TT helmet.
Read the full review: Giro Ultimate Aerohead MIPS full review
POC Cytal Helmet
19. POC Cytal
Aero helmet with ventilation
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Sizes: S, M,L
- Colors: Carbon
- Weight: 265g (M, actual)
Reasons to Buy:
- 5-Star Safety Rating
- Excellent Ventilation
- Reduced Brow Contact Patch
- Good Adjustability
- Comfortable
Reasons to Avoid:
- Very Expensive
- Limited Color Options
- Shell Scuffs Easily
The POC Cytal is a range-topping, highly-vented aero helmet with a carbon wing designed to enhance aerodynamics, ventilation, and safety. Large vents and internal channels provide excellent airflow. It achieves a 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech despite not using MIPS. Comfortable and adjustable, its main drawbacks are its high price and limited color availability.
Read the full review: POC Cytal full review
Giro Cielo helmet
20. Giro Cielo
Mid-range all-rounder
Our Expert Review
Specifications:
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Colors: 9
- Weight: 295g (S, actual)
Reasons to Buy:
- Good Value
- Style Inspired by Classic Giro Helmets
- MIPS Equipped
Reasons to Avoid:
- Relatively Heavy
- Fit Not Universal
The Giro Cielo is a mid-range all-rounder inspired by the iconic Aeon helmet, offering good performance at a friendlier price. It features 22 vents, internal channels, and MIPS Evolve Core liner. Comfortable padding and easy-to-use rear adjustment enhance its appeal. Ventilation is well-balanced, though it’s relatively heavy for a road helmet.
Read the full review: Giro Cielo full review
Specialized
21. Specialized Search
Vented with an adventure focus
Specifications:
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Colors: 4
- Weight: 290g (M)
The Specialized Search is designed for gravel and adventure riding, prioritizing ventilation with large vents and 4D Brow Cooling technology. It features MIPS Evolve Core Solution for rotational impact protection and integrated sunglass storage. Weighing 290g (medium), it’s a well-vented option for off-road adventures.
Meet the Testers
Alt text: Anne-Marije Rook, cycling journalist and experienced bike racer.
Anne-Marije Rook
Originally from The Netherlands, Anne-Marije is a seasoned cycling journalist with 11 years of experience and a background in elite-level bike racing.
Alt text: Rachel Sokal, experienced bike tech reviewer and multi-time 24hr Champion cyclist.
Rachel Sokal
Rachel is a bike tech expert with 10 years of reviewing experience. She’s a multi-time European and UK 24hr Champion in mountain biking, with extensive experience in gravel and road cycling as well.
Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Road Bike Cycling Helmets
What is the Safest Road Bike Helmet?
Safety is paramount when choosing a road bike cycling helmet. All helmets must meet minimum safety standards (CPSC in the US, EN 1078 in the UK/Europe). Higher-priced helmets don’t necessarily equate to greater safety but often offer lighter weight, improved ventilation, and more comfortable retention systems.
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a widely recognized safety technology considered an industry gold standard for mitigating rotational impact forces.
For budget-conscious riders, our guide to the Best cheap and budget friendly bike helmets can help you find safe options without breaking the bank. Parents should consult our Best kids’ bike helmets guide for child-specific safety information.
How Do I Know if a Helmet is Safe?
Always verify that a helmet meets the safety standards relevant to your region (CPSC, EN 1078). These standards ensure helmets have passed tests for construction, vision, impact absorption, retention, and strap integrity. Many cycling events require helmets meeting these standards.
The best road bike helmets are worn by professional riders above is an image of Tom Dumoulin and team mate at at the 2020 Tour de France
What is MIPS and Do I Need It?
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is increasingly common in road bike cycling helmets. It’s designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during crashes by allowing the helmet to rotate slightly upon impact. While MIPS helmets often cost more, evidence suggests it can effectively reduce injury risk in certain crashes. Some brands offer similar proprietary systems.
How Should a Road Bike Helmet Fit?
Proper fit is crucial for helmet effectiveness. Helmets come in sizes based on head circumference. Consult each manufacturer’s size guide, typically found on their websites, for measuring instructions.
Measure your head circumference approximately 25mm (two finger widths) above your eyebrows and 15mm (thumb width) above your ears, ensuring you measure the widest part at the back of your head. If unsure, seek assistance from a local bike shop. Always try helmets on before purchasing to assess comfort and fit, as head shapes vary, and pressure points can occur even with the correct size.
Some helmets are designed specifically for women, sometimes including ponytail ports like Specialized’s Hair Port system. However, most helmets are unisex and suitable for all riders.
This image shows a road bike helmet from the rear being worn by someone with long hair taking advantage of the ponytail port. They are facing a white wall
Can I Adjust the Size of a Road Bike Helmet?
Yes, helmets feature retention systems, often dials or ratchets, to fine-tune fit. High-quality road bike cycling helmets allow one-handed adjustments, useful while riding. Retention systems should accommodate cycling caps or thermal skull caps worn underneath for warmth or rain protection. If the retention system is at its limit when trying on a helmet, it’s likely the wrong size.
best cycling helmets use a dial retention system like this one in the image. It is showing the back of a helmet with the head retention and adjustable dial in the middle
Should a Road Bike Helmet Feature Padding?
Padding enhances helmet comfort and wicks away sweat. Removable and washable padding is ideal. Padding style and thickness vary; trying on different models is recommended to find your preference.
The best cycling helmets come with removable padding so they can be washed. This image shows the inside of a helmet with blue padding
Should a Road Bike Helmet Be Vented?
Vents reduce helmet weight and improve ventilation. Fewer vents typically mean warmer helmets, though modern aero helmets utilize internal channeling for effective ventilation. Ventilation becomes crucial during strenuous riding, especially in hot weather cycling.
The best road bike helmets, like the one in the image will have plenty of ventilation as shown on this side ways shot Giro helmet
Is a Lighter Road Bike Helmet Better?
Lighter helmets are generally more comfortable and reduce neck strain. Weight reduction often increases price. For competitive cyclists, a lighter helmet improves power-to-weight ratio, though the benefit for most riders is minimal.
When Should I Replace a Road Bike Helmet?
Replace your helmet immediately after any head impact, even if damage is not visible. Internal safety features may be compromised even with minor outer scuffs. Manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three to five years due to “EPS volume loss” from minor impacts during storage and use, and UV degradation of the plastic shell. Extreme temperatures can also degrade the shell. Store helmets properly, avoiding direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, to maximize lifespan.
How We Test Road Bike Cycling Helmets
Our Cycling Weekly Tech Team rigorously tests road bike cycling helmets. With years of riding experience across disciplines, our testers offer diverse perspectives and ensure comprehensive recommendations. Where full reviews are available, links are provided. For helmets not yet fully reviewed, our recommendations are based on brand reputation, prior product testing, and expertise.
