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The fundamental function of a bicycle helmet is to protect your head in case of an accident. To this purpose, all helmets sold in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe must undergo severe safety testing before being released to the market. However, recent technology improvements mean that many helmets now have additional technologies that give even more protection. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), for example, is intended to protect against injury caused by oblique or glancing strikes that spin the skull around the brain.
However, safety is not the only priority. We usually consider weight, aerodynamics, and ventilation when analyzing helmets, but we recognize that not everyone’s preferences are the same.In summary, we recommend that you carefully consider how, where, and when you want to wear the helmet.
Similarly, from testing hundreds of helmets over the years, we usually recommend trying a few different alternatives to find which one best fits your head shape and size. More information on them may be found in the ‘How to Choose a Helmet‘ section.
Quick List Of Best Bicycle Helmets
These are my top picks for the best road bike helmet. I’ve tried every option available here for short and long rides, as well as a variety of ride types. I used some of them for commuting, some on a dirt bike, and some for hard and leisurely road rides. I also checked in with ladies to see if my experience matched theirs. After evaluating over 40 helmets, these are the finest road bike helmets I’ve tried.
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
BELL XR Spherical BEST ALL AROUND
- Spherical Technology + MIPS: Spherical Technology’s Ball-and-Socket design, powered by Mips,...
- Float Fit and Fidlock Buckle: A minimalist, lightweight fit system with an easy-to-turn rubber...
- Progressive Layering, Overbrow Ventilation, and Ionic+ Padding: The process of engineering a...
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Versatile
- Plenty of head coverage
- Great Buckle
Cons
- Struggled to get a secure fit
- Big brow
- Pricey
Specifications
| Impact Management: | Spherical MIPS |
| Reflectivity: | Rear Reflective Decal |
| Construction: | Fusion-in-mold polycarbonate shell with progressive layering |
| Fit System: | Float fit |
| Weight: | 285G (Medium) |
BELL XR SPHERICAL – Overview
The Eclipse Spherical helmet from Bell’s sister company Giro took a new approach to the MIPS technology, and Giro’s aero history made it a clear winner for cyclists looking for both speed and safety. In fact, it was one of our top road bike helmets for 2024. As the name implies, Bell’s XR Spherical Road Helmet has Spherical MIPS technology, although the ‘Road’ designation limits its appeal.
What is Spherical technology? It’s effectively a helmet within a helmet, with two layers of EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam connected by elastomer ‘anchors’ to provide a ball-and-socket impression. The patented idea is to allow the outer liner to revolve around the inner during an accident, redirecting impact forces away from the brain. The Giro Aether Spherical received a five-star safety assessment from the prestigious Virginia Tech institution. There’s nothing to suggest that the Bell won’t follow suit once tested, but the Float Fit retention system required a lot of adjusting to make the helmet feel secure. I never quite acquired my ideal fit (and scored some severe helmet hair in the process when cycling to work).
There’s no denying there’s a lot of helmet here, and the brow can still be seen if you’re sitting on the drops or aero bars. My huge SunGod cycling sunglasses jostled for forehead space. That deep coverage extends to the back, with extra EPS tabs behind the ears, pushing this helmet into gravel riding zone, which Bell also recommends. The Bell XR Spherical Road is a helmet I never forgot I was wearing on the road, but having a reminder of that extra security was useful while cutting through woodland paths. Despite the extensive covering, the weight is a very light 283g (M), and the finishing is of great quality. The polycarbonate shell neatly hides much of the exposed EPS foam, and the ratchet dial provides a solid click. Meanwhile, the Fidlock magnetic buckle on the chin is ideal for those wearing thick cycling gloves or triathletes looking for a quick transition. The straps sit flush, and the 18 ventilation slots give enough aeration for mixed-condition rides.
Giro Agilis MIPS MOST SECURE
- The fit is comfortable and secure thanks to our adjustable Roc Loc 5.5 MIPS system that...
- The outer Hardbody shell extends to the inside of the helmet, and is molded from a tough...
- Wind tunnel vents with internal channeling
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Lighter than many more expensive options
- Excrellent fit
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Limited ventilation
Specifications
| Impact Management: | MIPS |
| Number of Vents: | 32 |
| Available Sizes: | S, M, L |
| Colors: | White, Yellow, Black, Nav/White, Black/Red |
| Weight: | 300g (Medium) |
GIRO AGILIS MIPS – Overview
The Giro Agilis MIPS is a cheap helmet that delivers on fit, safety, and elegance. A sturdy outer shell with an astonishing array of vents protects a luxury interior that includes. Giro’s famous fit, the industry-leading Roc Loc 5 retention system, and a MIPS lining for rotational impact protection.
Surprisingly, I found the padded top to be just as comfortable as the Giro Ram. The most obvious difference between these two helmets on the road is the slightly less aerodynamic efficiency of the Agilis, although it has higher aerodynamics but the Agilis is better aerodynamic compared to other helmets with and value.
In addition to its sleek looks, adjusting the dressing system and belt is easy and quick, allowing you to adjust the Agilis properly and ride in great comfort at speeds that stick to my head.
The only obvious flaws are a few more grams of weight and the slightly rough edges of the air intakes. If your brains and savings seem like a condition for success, consider partnering with Giro Agilis MIPS.
Giro Eclipse Spherical BEST BUDGET
- Spherical Technology, Powered By MIPS Impact Management
- In-Mold Polycarbonate Shell With EPS Liner, Full Lower Hardbody Coverage
- Wind Tunnel Vents With Deep Internal Channeling, Reflective Decals
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Aero performance in any temperature
- Excellent fit and comfort
- Less bulky and lighter than some aero helmets
Cons
- Slightly larger than some non-aero choices
Specifications
| Impact Management: | MIPS Spherical |
| Number of Vents: | 14 |
| Available Sizes: | S, M, L |
| Colors: | Matte Ano Blue, Matte Black/Gloss Black, Matte Black/Red/White, Matte Charcoal Mica, Matte Light Lilac Fade, Matte White/Silver |
| Weight: | 270g (Medium) |
GIRO ECLIPSE SPHERICAL – Overview
The Giro Eclipse Spherical is an aero fashion helmet with accurate aerodynamics and occasional weight, making it one ideal helmet for any using or racing state of affairs. Despite taking a balanced approach to aerodynamics and weight financial savings. Giro claims the Eclipse Sphere is the quickest avenue helmet it’s examined in a wind tunnel. It become noticeably small for an aero version, weighing most effective 270 grams in bulk.
The Eclipse Spherical boasts best-in-class ventilation and weight savings thanks to Giro’s proprietary Wind Tunnel venting system, which pairs active intake vents with deep exhaust channels inside the helmet’s shell to accelerate cool air across the rider’s head and force warm air out. It sounds simple to cut weight and improve airflow by simply eliminating material from the helmet, yet no other aero helmet has matched the Eclipse in these areas. This reflects Giro’s evolutionary approach to helmets. They don’t have to start from scratch with each new helmet, but rather build on lessons learned from dozens of their best-in-class designs over the last few decades to obtain the desired combination of qualities.
Editor’s Choice
Speed and comfort are impressive, but the helmet’s primary function is to protect the rider’s brain in a crash, and earning 5 out of 5 stars on Virginia Tech University’s Helmet Ratings Lab test that also forms a sunset circle happens emphasizes the value. This superior level of protection has been made possible in part by the helmet’s designation MIPS Spherical Technology MIPS Spherical, which uses a ball-socket design to deflect impact forces from the rider’s head during a fall, . is ideal for the grip because it doesn’t compromise weight or airflow like earlier MIPS liners flesh that hasn’t evolved much did , become unnoticeable.
Throughout the Eclipse Spherical, all of the characteristic Giro elements remain. Giro’s Roc Loc 5 Air Fit system, with its two-way adjustment, provides a secure and comfortable fit at the base of the occipital lobe. Iconic+ AntiMicrobial Padding and lightweight webbing with readily adjustable guides soothe the rider’s head even on the most strenuous days. The fit, like that of other Giro models, was fairly comfortable, with a crowd-pleasing form that should suit most riders.
If you’ve previously been seduced by the freedom of an aero helmet but held back by its weight, size, and poor aerodynamics, the Giro Eclipse Sphere can be the helmet for your Giro cost, and we agree, with the Eclipse The Sphere delivers speed without sacrificing.
Sena R2X Smart BEST VALUE
- Amazon Alexa Built-in, speak directly to Alexa through the R2X helmet
- Mesh Intercom for Helmet to Helmet Intercom
- Built-in Speakers & Microphone
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Advanced communication features
- Comfortable and secure design
- Versatile connectivity options
- Enhanced safety features
Cons
- Heavier than tradional helmets
- Fragile coating for cleaning
Specifications
| Item Package Dimensions: | 13.15 x 9.65 x 7.64 inches |
| Outer Material: | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Recommended Uses For Product: | Cycling |
| Inner Material: | Expanded Polystyrene |
| Weight: | 394 Grams |
SENA R2X SMART – Overview
The SENA R2X Smart helmet offers a mixture of advanced technology and practical features designed for cyclists. With an integrated speaker and microphone, riders can communicate seamlessly with each other through the Sena Mesh Intercom™ communication platform, and enjoy the intuitive, Alexa Built-in functionality. Sena knows how to wireless communication allows them to bridge the gap between rider and motorcycle. They have expanded their product offerings to cater to bicycles and other markets. The design of the helmets is similar to the road helmets used in traditionally had multiple vents for ventilation and cooling.
Built with a focus on comfort and performance, the Sena R2X boasts a premium upholstered interior, a reinforced chinstrap with a console hook up strap and the helmet is paper CPSC certified paper, ensuring better safety for the occupants. Despite nearly a lot of weight compared to standard avenue racing helmets, primarily due to the electronics involved, the helmets as a whole suffer some issues on long trips Steel helmets again have a charge port and dual configuration LED for visibility Backlights as well as safety.
A specific function of the Sena R2X is its integrated audio system and microphones, which permit riders to pay attention to tune, make telephone calls, and communicate with Alexa or different digital assistants thru Bluetooth connectivity Additionally, the helmet’s mesh intercom characteristic for seamless communique between riders within the identical manner. Allows for communique, complements organization riding, and ensures crystal-clear audio Whether used for informal riding, organization excursions, or navigational assistance the Military R2X offers cyclists with a flexible and technologically superior answer to meet their driving desires
Sena M1 EVO BEST COMMUTER
- Built-in audio communication system allows you to speak to fellow cyclists and listen to music
- Mesh Intercom enables communication with practically any rider participating in Open Mesh, with...
- Open Mesh protocol features 9 communication channels, letting you switch between different...
Last update on 2024-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Pros
- Enhanced Connectivity
- Hands-Free phone calls and music
- Improved safety
- Comfortable fit
- Stylish design
Cons
- Fragile coating
- Heavy Construction
Specifications
| Impact Management: | Mesh Intercom™ Technology, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Mesh Intercom™ Distance: | 1up to 900 meters (980 yards) in open terrain |
| User limit: | Virtually limitless number of users |
| Noise Cancellation: | Advanced Noise Control™ |
| Available Sizes: | M, L |
| Colors: | Matte Black / Matte White / Matte Gray |
| Weight: | 430g (Medium) |
SENA M1 EVO – Overview
The Sena M1 Evo Helmet is a comprehensive approach to the desires of mountain bikers, imparting more than a few connectivity and protection functions. One standout feature is its potential to communicate along with your telephone or any other rider with the equal helmet to provide communication and clean guidance at some stage in rides Increases. This net interface proves specially treasured whilst driving with partners of various ability ranges or exploring unusual trails, it allows riders to stay out of sight their similarly to Bluetooth connectivity built into the helmet permits arms-unfastened smartphone calls and tune streaming, providing safety on the trail and for comfort and entertainment. Built-in touch lighting ho in addition enhances protection, specifically in driving at night time or in low-mild conditions, and improves visibility for different street customers and motors on the road.
In addition to its practical competencies, the Sena M1 Evo helmet stands proud in fashion and luxury. Its bendy layout and adjustable halo put on ensures a safe and sturdy garment for riders of varying head styles and sizes. The helmet’s massive, circular wells lessen warm spots and discomfort, taking into account a longer journey. Despite the heavy build, the helmet weighs in at a reasonable 430 grams, making sure that it’s still a ache to wear with out feeling too heavy. Through the selection of white on apartments and outfitted apartments, the helmet has a stretchy but elegant appearance with mountain motorbike versions.
How to Choose the Best Bicycle Helmet
How We Test the Best Bicycle Helmets
FAQs: The Best Bicycle Helmets
- How much should I pay for a road bike helmet?
Cycling may be quite expensive, and the prices are not restricted to the most recent bikes and components. Even a stylish helmet might cost several hundred dollars. It’s difficult to put a figure on head protection, but happily, several companies offer low-cost versions that work almost as well as their more costly equivalents. They may be slightly heavier, less well-ventilated, and less fashionable, but even a low-cost helmet will protect your head far more effectively than none at all. Furthermore, even lower-cost models must pass the same certification exams as higher-end versions, and many outperform in Virginia Tech testing. So, just because a helmet is less expensive does not imply you have to give up head protection in most circumstances. - How can I discover the best fit?
A properly fitting helmet is critical to your comfort and the helmet’s protective efficacy in the event of a crash. The first thing you need to do is get the correct shell size. Trying a helmet on is a surefire way to find the right size, so we recommend doing that whenever possible. Alternatively, measuring your head will show you what size you need. Using a soft measuring tape, measure the circumference of your head just above the ears to find your size in centimeters. If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, a piece of string and a ruler can be used instead. This measurement should fall within the recommended size range of one of a helmet’s multiple shell sizes. Helmet manufacturers have size charts on their websites where you can find the sizing information for each specific model. - Do I need MIPS or another rotational impact prevention system?
MIPS and other rotational impact protection technologies have been available for almost a decade and are now quite common on all sorts of cycling helmets. Most, but not all, helmets these days include some sort of MIPS or another design meant to function similarly. While there is considerable debate regarding the usefulness of these devices, research indicates that they do assist lessen the rotational forces that reach the brain during specific types of hits. Even a helmet without a rotating impact protection system will now protect your head from direct collision while also helping to diffuse impact forces. However, we are pleased to have more safety measures integrated into helmets, no matter how minor the enhanced protection may be. So, the answer is no, you don’t need MIPS or anything comparable in your helmet, but we’ll take any protection we can get. - Will an aero helmet really make me faster?
The goal of an inflatable helmet is to allow air to circulate freely around and above the helmet, reducing drag. They do this by showcasing more smooth surfaces and sculptures than their generic competitors. Aero helmets almost always have less drag than helmets that are obviously not designed to be highly aerodynamic, and most have gone through extensive aerodynamic testing to ensure proper performance. Aero helmets generally will provide a small improvement in performance, which can sum up longer and greater storage time and strength. However, the aero helmet has a slight decrease in ventilation and a slight increase in weight, so this needs to be taken into consideration. However, if you want to save a few watt-seconds, an aero helmet can help, and is much cheaper than an aero bike or aero wheel. - If I crash and smash my head, do I need to replace my helmet?
Yeah. The purpose of the helmet is to protect your head by absorbing pressure as EPS swells and the outer shell crumbles and crumbles. If your head hits the ground with the helmet, the helmet’s form and protective properties are compromised and should be replaced Even if the foam or other component in the helmet appears to be in good shape, hidden damage may occur. The helmet is often suggested to be replaced after a concussion. Some companies also offer accident discounts.
Why Trust Factic
Berry Alex has been evaluating, testing, and reviewing tech, Household and travel items for several decades. He compiled all of the testers’ input, conducted extra research to assess each phone mount’s essential features and overall functioning, and reviewed professional profiles and verified customer reviews for each product.
