Cycling helmets are designed to protect riders from head injuries, but with brands constantly competing to create the best bike helmet, other factors also come in to play: comfort, aerodynamics and breathability being key opportunities for competition.
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The primary function of a cycling helmet is to protect your head – and all helmets sold by reputable retailers will meet the standards set out by the authority in the country of sale.
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However, if you choose to spend more, you’ll get a lid that is lighter, and more breathable. The retention system often becomes more comfortable on a more expensive cycling helmet, too.
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For competitive cyclists, aerodynamics become a concern. More expensive helmets will be wind tunnel tested, and will often provide a watt-saving figure as to how much energy can be retained thanks to the improved aerodynamics of the helmet.
Whilst during the summer months, breathability is a major concern, this is less so the case in autumn and winter. Since you’ll likely wear the lid all year round, it still makes sense to take venting into consideration – and if you suffer from a chilly noggin, you can always slip a cycling cap underneath.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite cycling helmets below, but you’ll find more information about specific considerations when buying a cycling helmet further down the page.
Our pick of the best cycling helmets
With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.
Giro Aether MIPS helmet
Score: 10/10
The Aether features MIPS Spherical technology, which sits between the two shells to make the added safety feature more comfortable.
The lid itself is made up of six different pieces, attached in the middle, and there’s the ‘Aura’ arch which extends across the top of the helmet for added reinforcement.
The total weight is 269g, and the RRP £259.99.
MET Trenta helmet
Score: 9/10
The MET Trenta is a good looking lid which manages to expertly combine breathability and aerodynamics with lots of vents as well as watt saving promises.
Specialized Evade II helmet
Score: 9/10
The Evade from Specialized has always had a stand-out aesthetic, but the newest iterations claims to be six seconds faster over 40km thanks to revised aerodynamics, and more breathable.
It’s also lighter by 12-20 grams when compared to previous versions – the small model comes in at 235g.
Bontrager Starvos MIPS bike helmet
Score: 9/10
We found this helmet to be incredibly comfortable, especially considering its fairly entry level price tag. The shape helped to eliminate pressure points and the design includes MIPS for added safety too.
Buy now at Rutland Cycles for £62.99
Mavic Comete Ultimate helmet
Score: 9/10
An aero lid that’s well ventilated, and comfortable thanks to the use of memory foam padding and thin straps. The sunglass retainers and side vents at the front are clever nods, though we found the surface was prone to scuffs.
Read our full Mavic Comete Ultimate helmet review here
Buy now at Sigma Sports for £189
Kask Protone helmet
Score: 8/10
The Kask Protone tries to bridge the gap between a full blown aero lid and a lightweight climbing helmet, all in one neat looking package. It’s got an impressive fit, and a comfortable leather chin strap that also adds a touch of class.
We found it to be quite well ventilated, but on really hot days it still struggled to cope. However, it’s cooler than a lot of aero helmets and lighter, too.
Read the full Kask Protone helmet review
Bell Stratus MIPs
Score: 9/10
The Bell Stratus MIPs punches well above its price point, feature lots of great features at a fraction of the price of its competitors.
18 vents make it very cool and the fit is superb, all at £124.
Read the full Bell Stratus MIPs review here
Bontrager Ballista bike helmet
Score: 9/10
This helmet has a major claim to fame – it was worn by Jens Voigt during his successful tilt at the Hour Record.
We’ve not been able to test its aero claims, but the brand says this lid is more aerodynamic than other leading helmets, such as the Giro Air Attack and Specialized Evade.
It’s a pro level lid, that our tester wore to a road race win – the vents provide enough breathability, though notably there’s no holes to slot your glasses into.
Read the full Bontrager Ballista helmet review here
Kask Mojito bike helmet
Score: 9/10
The Kask Mojito used to be the helmet of choice for Team Sky, being ridden to victory in the Tour de France by Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, before it was superseded by the Kask Protone.
However in our opinion, unless you’re after an aero helmet, the Mojito is the better lid, ticking all the boxes that you’d expect from a £200 helmet, let alone a £100 one.
Read the full Kask Mojito review here
Also available at AmazonGiro Synthe bike helmet
Score: 9/10 and Editor’s Choice 2017 selection (best of the best!)
The Giro Synthe is the helmet of choice for a few WorldTour pro teams and it’s easy to see why. The ventilation is the highlight, and even through trips abroad climbing in 30ºC+ heat, the Synthe has never let us down.
The fit is also excellent, with the rear dial offering plenty of room for manoeuvre to make sure the helmet sits securely, and just as importantly it looks good too, sitting close to the sides of your head.
For 2017, Giro introduced the Giro Cinder MIPS (buy it at Evans Cycles here) and Giro Ember MIPS (women’s version, at Evans Cycles here) – these are the same shape and still aero, but weigh a little more and come in at £124.99
Read the full Giro Synthe review here
Also available at AmazonSpecialized Airnet bike helmet
Score: 9/10
It may look pretty similar to the Giro Synthe, but at half the price the Specialized Airnet helmet might seem like a much more palatable option for those not willing to blow the bank on their new lid.
Performance is still very good, with impressive breathability and ventilation and a comfortable fit that has proved popular with everyone who has tested it.
Read the full Specialized Airnet helmet review here
Uvex Boss Race bike helmet
Score: 9/10
If you’re after a super-ventilated helmet, then the Uvex Boss Race probably isn’t for you, but in every other regard it is truly exceptional, even when compared to much more expensive lids.
The level of adjustability is the among the best you will find, the fit is comfortable and secure, and there’s even some netting across the front to keep the bugs out.
Read the full Uvex Boss Race helmet review here
Also available at AmazonBell Zephyr MIPS bike helmet
Review score: Editor’s Choice 2017 selection (best of the best!)
A departure from Bell’s typical styling, this more aerodynamic looking helmet uses a dial adjustable retention system that is integrated with the MIPS layer, to offer an overall more comfortable fit. It’s got plenty of venting and a clever sweat catcher at the front, for those who get sweaty on the climbs.
Read the full Bell Zephyr helmet review here
Also available at AmazonMet Manta bike helmet
Review score: Editor’s Choice 2017 selection (best of the best!)
The helmet worn by Mark Cavendish, we’ve seen a lot of the Met Manta bike helmet. It’s a super aero lid – with a claimed saving of 10 watts at 50kph – but it’s still comfortable for everyday use.
Read the full Met Manta bike helmet review here
Also available at AmazonWhat are the key features you should look for in a bike helmet?
Bike helmet safety
Always look to see if a helmet has a European CE EN 1078 sticker. The EN 1078 standard ensures the helmet has passed a number of tests that look at the following: helmet construction, field of vision, shock absorbing properties, retention system properties, chin strap and fastening devices. In order to cycle in certain events such as races, sportives and triathlons it is often a requirement to have a helmet that adheres to this standard or an international equivalent.
Lizzie Armitstead wearing a correctly fitting bike helmet
Bike helmets and MIPS: what is MIPS and do I need it?
In recent years, we’ve seen more and more bike helmet brands adopt MIPS. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System; MIPS is actually a brand in itself, and helmet providers using them build the layer into their own helmets.
The MIPS liner is designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain that can occur in the event of a crash, by adding an extra layer of friction and thus spreading the impact.
Helmets with MIPS layers often cost a little more – but there is evidence to suggest the layer is effective in reducing injury in certain types of crashes.
Bike helmet fit
If a helmet doesn’t fit properly then it will not do the job it is designed for. Helmets are often available in different sizes relating to the circumference of your head, and while you could measure your head with a tape measure and buy online, we strongly advise going to a bike shop and trying a helmet on before you buy it.
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You are going to be wearing the helmet a lot, potentially for over five hours at a time, so it’s imperative that it is comfortable. It is also advisable to try on a variety of makes and models to see which is most comfortable and the best bike helmet for you, as they are often different shapes internally.
Some helmets are women specific and even feature a special gap to allow for a pony tail, such as Specialized’s Hair Port system. However, most helmets are unisex and will fit both men and women.
This women’s specific Specialized Aspire bike helmet features a Hair Port (a gap for a pony tail)
Bike helmet adjustment/retention system
This is used to adjust the fit of the helmet to your specific head size. These are commonly adjusted by a click wheel or some kind of ratchet system. The best ones can be operated with a single hand, which is useful for making slight adjustments on the move.
The retention system on a Cube bike Helmet
It should be possible to loosen the retention system on a helmet to allow for a thermal skull cap or cycling cap to be worn underneath. This is done for added warmth, and the peak of a cycling cap can be useful for deflecting rain from the eyes. Because of this, caps are a common sight in the spring classics, such as Paris-Roubaix. If when you try on a helmet the retention system is on its limit, it is probably the wrong size for you.
Tom Boonen on his way to victory in Paris Roubaix in 2008; note the cap under his bike helmet
Which is faster?
Bike helmet comfort and padding
Padding makes a helmet more comfortable but also helps to wick sweat away from your head. Better designs feature padding that can be removed for washing and replacement.
The padding inside a Smith Overtake bike helmet
Bike helmet venting
These are holes in the shell of the helmet. They have two functions – to reduce the weight of the helmet, and also to add ventilation. Helmets with fewer or no vents are considerably warmer. This might not be obvious when you try one on in a shop, but once you start working up a sweat climbing a big hill at the height of summer it becomes invaluable.
The Catlike Mixino bike Helmet has lots of vents/holes to keep your head cool on long rides
Bike helmet weight
As is common with cycling kit, as weight decreases price tends to increase. Lighter helmets are more comfortable because they don’t place any strain on your neck, but the main advantage to a lighter helmet is increasing your power to weight ratio. 50g might not make much difference to most of us mortals, but to a top professional looking for any marginal gain, it becomes significant.
Different types of bike helmet
Leisure/commuting bike helmets
These kinds of helmets typically range from £40-80 and are ideal for those getting into cycling, or people who are not concerned about spending lots of money with a mind to saving 50-100g. They tend to be just as comfortable in terms of padding as more expensive helmets, but with a slightly heavier weight.
A Giro Savant bike helmet
A good example is the Giro Savant (£59.99), pictured above. The Specialized Echelon II (£50) is another great option, although there are many more.
>>> The best kids bike helmets: a buyer’s guide
Performance road bike helmets
These helmets are among the lightest available, often seen adorning the heads of professionals during races and particularly in mountainous terrain, owing to the low weight and abundance of venting. Helmet vents can be useful for stowing glasses, when not being worn.
Johan Van Summeren wearing the POC Octal bike helmet. A top-end, lightweight, performance lid
Time Trial bike helmets
Time trial (TT) helmets are designed to be worn during time trials and are not permitted in UCI road races. They are also a popular option for triathletes and track riders. These helmets often feature elongated or tear drop shapes to maximise aerodynamics and reduce drag. Venting is minimal, as vents create drag and visors are common. Do not turn up to a sportive or Sunday ride in a time trial helmet, unless you enjoy being ridiculed.
Bradley Wiggins during the World Championships Time Trial. He is wearing a Kask Bambino TT helmet
Aero road bike helmets
A new development that has become increasingly popular the last few years. An aero road helmet is a cross between a traditional road helmet and a TT helmet. It is designed to be more aerodynamic than a standard helmet, but this means they often try to reduce drag by featuring less venting, making them slightly heavier and warmer. This is a trade off and this kind of helmet is often favoured by break away riders and sprinters. The Giro Air Attack and Smith Overtake are good examples.
>>> Can an aero road helmet make you faster?
Mark Cavendish sprinting to victory, wearing a Specialized Evade Aero Bike Helmet
A cheaper alternative can be to fit a removable cover to a standard road helmet, such as the Lazer Z1 helmet, although these can be quite sweaty.
Top tips
Some manufacturers offer a crash replacement scheme, where you can buy a cost price replacement if your helmet is damaged within the first couple of years of the original purchase.
Most helmets are made from expanded polystyrene, with an outer polymer shell, covering this. During a big impact the polystyrene is designed to absorb energy and compress. After a crash, the outer casing can hide the compromised polystyrene underneath, and look undamaged. Always replace your helmet after a crash or impact, and check it regularly for wear and tear.
