Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a recreational rider, safety is likely one of your top priorities.
While cycling is becoming increasingly popular for commuting and exercise, the number of injuries and fatalities is also rising. A study in 2015 found that of the cyclist fatalities, 54% of cyclists were not wearing helmets.
If you’re interested in finding the best road bike helmet, it’s important that you find the best one for you.
From style to safety, here is what you need to know to find the best helmet for you and some of our top picks!
What to Look For in a Road Bike Helmet
There are many factors to consider when deciding on the best cycling helmet. There are hundreds of options, but not all helmets are created equal. To get a better idea of what to look for in a helmet, ensure that you consider the following during your search:
Safety
Safety is the most important feature of your bike helmet. Many new helmets have a safety feature called Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). This helps to reduce rotational forces when there is an impact on the brain and can help prevent concussions and brain damage.
You want to ensure that your helmet has an added safety feature that provides additional protection.
Studies show that cyclists who do not wear a helmet are three times more likely to die after sustaining a head injury than those who do wear a helmet.
Cost
The cost of cycling helmets varies drastically. Once you decide what safety features you need and find one that is within your budget. Safety is one aspect that you cannot put a price on, and you may want to splurge for a high-quality helmet.
Be sure that you read bike helmet reviews for the helmets that you are interested in. Ensure that the quality is worth the price.
Comfort
Some of the best road bike helmets will not fit everyone the same. Your skull has a unique shape, and it will determine what style of the helmet will be right for you. Make sure you try on a few different brands, as they are likely to have the same skull shape for most of their helmets.
Ventilation
Ensuring that your bike helmet is breathable is another important function. If you cycle for long periods of time, you want lots of vents and air circulation in your bike helmet.
The Best Road Bike Helmets
We’ve got a list of some of the best cycling helmets currently on the market. They’re sleek, they’re stylish, and most importantly, they’re safe. If you’re in the market for a new bike helmet, check out our top picks:
Lumos Smart Bike Helmet
Lumos helmets are like the smartphone of safety headgear. Not only do these helmets light up, but they also connect to an app on your phone and change the color as you ride. The color changes if you are turning, or breaking, making this the perfect commuter helmet.
Lights on your bicycle are a must, and the added lights on your helmet provide extra safety. The lights give you a lot more visibility to other commuters and cars on the road. This helmet is also lightweight and comfortable.
Bern Hudson Helmet
This helmet comes with the added safety feature of MIPS technology. It is a great helmet for absorbing impact, and it’s easy to use.
It has a detachable visor and offers additional padding to contour the shape of your head for a more comfortable and personalized fit. It’s not as lightweight as some of the other helmets on our list, but it does provide more coverage.
It also feels quite sturdy and secure on your head without obstructing your peripheral vision.
Spiuk Obuss Helmet
Spiuk is a sportswear brand designed in Spain. It is designed for high-intensity cycling and maximum perspiration.
The shell of the helmet has many vents making it very breathable and producing a cooling effect. It also features a front screen to reduce resistance, creating aerodynamic effects.
The Spiuk Obuss is comfortable for long and fast rides, though its shell is not super lightweight.
Thousand Chapter MIPS Helmet
This is one of the best all-around road bike helmets. It’s got a fun retro look with function and safety to boot.
Although the Thousand Chapter MIPS cycling helmet has a simple design, it offers much more than meets the eye. Its staps are vegan-friendly, with a magnetic clasp that is pinch-free.
It is a great bike helmet for getting around the downtown core of major cities. It also offers MIPS technology which, as we know, gives you added safety and impact absorption.
MET Trenta 3K Carbon
This MET Trenta 3K Carbon is one of the best bicycle helmets that you can buy because it is super lightweight. Not only is your head thoroughly protected, but you can forget that you’re even wearing a helmet. It weighs in at 215 grams which is under half a pound.
This helmet is made of polystyrene, which gives it its lightweight feel, with embedded carbon in its shell. It is aerodynamic with air-light straps and comfortable mesh padding.
The MET Trenta 3K Carbon is stylish, safe, and lightweight, but it is one of the more expensive helmet options on the list.
Make sure you check out some of the best bikes to go with the best helmet.
The Bottom Line on Road Bike Helmets
Looking for the best road bike helmet means taking certain factors into consideration. You want to decide on your budget and ensure that the helmet is the proper fit for you. Most importantly, you want to make sure that your cycling helmet has the safety features needed to make you feel secure.
Make sure you refer to our list of best road bike helmets when you’re ready to gear up and hit the road.
Check out our website for more awesome sports gear, and be sure to contact us for all of your cycling needs.