Best Road Bike Helmets of 2023
The Safest Bike Helmets for Commuting, Bike Touring, and Road Cycling Under $150
April 29th, 2023
We researched and tested the best road biking and commuter bike helmets and only included helmets that received the Best Available Safety Rating of 5 out of 5 stars on the Virginia Tech Helmet safety study. Then we tested helmets ourselves, cross-referencing our experiences with hundreds of other customer experiences for fit, comfort, and ventilation.
Whether you’re commuting, biking to your neighborhood grocery store, pedaling for hours, or taking the kids out for a Saturday ride, a road bike helmet is one piece of gear where you shouldn’t compromise.
With as many options for road bike helmets as there are, it’s no easy feat to wade through the data to find the best option for your needs. We did the research for you, so you can spend less time poring over websites, and more time on your bike.
After reading hundreds of consumer and professional reviews, we narrowed the dozens of options for the road bike helmets that could span the expanse of activity and helmet safety.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Best Road Bike Helmet
Bell Stratus MIPS
the best road Bike Helmet for Safety
Bontrager Specter Wavecel
Best Helmet for Commuting
Smith Express
Compare Road Bike Helmets: Summary Table
| BIKE HELMET | TREELINE AWARD | VIRGINIA TECH SAFETY RATING | WEIGHT | AIR VENTS | SAFETY TECH | WARRANTY | VISOR | FIT SYSTEM | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Stratus MIPS | Best Road Bike Helmet | 5 out of 5 | 271 g (size M) | 18 | MIPS | 1 year | No | Rubber dial | $150 |
| Smith Express MIPS | Best Helmet for Commuting | n/a | 328 g (size M) | 13 | MIPS | Limited lifetime; 2-year crash replacement discount | Yes, removable | Adjustable dial | $100 |
| Bontrager Specter Wavecel | Safest Commuter Bike Helmet | 5 out of 5 | 341 g (size M) | 14 | Wavecel | Crash replacement guarantee | No | Boa closure system | $150 |
| Scott ARX Plus MIPS | Best Budget Road Helmet | 5 out of 5 | 282 g (size L) | 22 | MIPS | 2 year limited | Yes, adjustable | MRAS3 | $140 |
| Thousand Chapter | Best Urban Bike Helmet | 5 out of 5 | 370 g (size M) | 8 | MIPS | 1 year & crash replacement | Yes | One-handed magnetic fastener | $135 |
* Prices reflect MSRP and are subject to change. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.
For more of our biking recommendations, see our most popular Bicycle Gear guides:
The Best Road Bike and Commuter Helmets
BEST ROAD BIKE HELMET: BELL STRATUS MIPS
Virginia Tech Safety rating: 5/5 stars, 12.9
Weight: 271 g (size M)
Air vents: 18
Safety technology: MIPS
Fit System: Float Fit rubber dial
Warranty: 1 year
What we liked: balance or comfort, price, high safety rating, lightest weight, works with pony tails
What we didn't like: reflective stickers peel off over time, may fit small so try it on first
The Bell Stratus MIPS was the overall winner in our research and testing for the best road bike and commuter bike helmet. The Bell Stratus balances comfort, price, and a high helmet safety rating with excellent ventilation in a pony-tail-friendly MIPS road bicycle helmet. It’s the lightest in weight of the helmets that met our safety standards.
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NOTABLE FEATURES
Reviewers from Road.cc and Outdoor Gear Lab liked the Sweat Guide Padding that helps keep sweat from dripping down your face, onto your sunglasses, and into your eyes. Those folks who have long hair and like to tie their hair in a ponytail when riding will appreciate that this helmet is designed to accommodate them.
WEIGHT
The Stratus was the lightest MIPS helmet in this review, but it is a mid-weight helmet compared with the overall helmet market. Overall, the helmets that we chose as the best for road cyclists and commuters were slightly heavier than their more expensive and marginally lower-rated Virginia Tech study counterparts. So it appears that impact protection comes at a modest price in terms of weight. It’s constructed with a fusion in-mold polycarbonate shell which bonds the outer shell to the EPS foam liner.
VENTILATION
The 18 well-designed vents on the Bell Stratus provided “excellent airflow.” Outdoor Gear Lab liked the Overbrow Ventilation System designed to draw air into the front vents and circulate it to the rear ones. However, one customer griped that the vents do not garage sunglasses securely and complained that their sunglasses tended to fall off the helmet.
The Bell Stratus helmet fit well even for people with long hair.
FIT
Everyone has a uniquely shaped head, and “one size does not fit all” helmet-wise. But, the Stratus excelled in terms of comfort and fit for the majority of people. In addition, it’s well-padded for a road bike helmet. Our tester found that it fit well, even with long hair, and customer reviews agree.
Road.cc wrote that it was “light and unobtrusive” and continued to gush: “If comfort is very important to you, and if you’ve had problems finding a helmet that sits well, the Stratus will be worth a test fitting.” The Outdoor Gear Lab reviewer had a minor gripe because the straps were a bit stiff. The Cycling Weekly reviewer complained that the straps were “rougher” than straps on other helmets.
In 2 years of testing, we've found the float fit rubber dial requires adjustment every few rides.
SIZING
A few customer reviews noted that it runs a little small, so they suggested trying it on before buying it.
STYLE
The Bell Stratus helmet’s thin, wispy design was a hit with both customer reviewers and experts. However, a few users complained about the reflective stickers prematurely peeling off the helmet. Reflective stickers are essential, so be sure to replace them if that happens.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Bell Stratus MIPS does the best job of hitting all the checkboxes for safety, price, and ventilation while also fitting a variety of heads and hairstyles well.
BEST HELMET FOR COMMUTING: SMITH EXPRESS MIPS
Virginia Tech Safety rating: not rated, (older version, the Smith Route, was 5 out of 5 stars, 13.98
Weight: 328 grams
Visor: Yes, removable visor
Air vents: 13
Safety technology: MIPS
Fit system: Adjustable dial
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty, 2-year crash replacement discount
What we liked: style, pop-in rear light for commuting, price, better coverage in the back and sides
What we didn't like: chin straps are so smooth that they tend to loosen, and they may need tightening before every ride
The Smith Express is a stylish urban helmet that features reflective webbing and a pop-in rear light for commuting and is reasonably priced.
It's the updated version of the Smith Route, which we review below, which was rated 5 out of 5 stars by Virginia Tech Bicycle Helmet Ratings. Although the Smith Express hasn't been rated by the Virginia Tech Bicycle Helmet Ratings, based on the high coverage design and high rating of the previous model, the Route, we think it is one of the safer options when it comes to a commuter helmet.
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NOTABLE FEATURES
The Express commuter helmet is made through an in-mold process, where the outer shell is molded around the polystyrene rather than affixed afterward. This urban helmet comes with a removable fabric visor and dim but serviceable coin-battery-powered red backlight with blinking and constant modes that can be embedded in the helmet in the case that you leave your brighter one at home. Roadbikerider also wasn’t impressed by the brightness of the built-in light, but it’s a built-in backup if you forget your dedicated light. Bikerumor gave the Express Mips high praise as the best overall women’s commuter helmet (sizing is unisex).
WEIGHT
The medium size Express MIPS weighs 13 ounces. This commuter helmet has more coverage in the back of the head than most road biking helmets. It is designed to help protect the sides of the face and lower skull from injury.
VENTILATION
The Smith Express gets high praise from customers for its urban style. Photo courtesy Lauren Hudgins.
Ventilation is limited, though not stifling. Smith has reduced the number of air vents from 18 in the Route helmet to 13 in the Express (and one of those vents is covered if you choose to use the light).
FIT
The Smith Express fits snugly with an adjustable dial fit system. However, we found when testing that the chin straps are so smooth that they tend to loosen, and they may need tightening before every ride.
STYLE
The Express gets high praise from customer reviewers for its casual urban style and color options. In addition, many everyday users said they liked that this helmet looks good. The style of the Smith Express resembles a skateboard helmet but without as much weight.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Smith Express builds on the success of the commuter Route with a more affordable MIPS helmet with thoughtful features for commuters and a casual style that appeals to urban cyclists.
SAFEST COMMUTER BIKE HELMET: BONTRAGER SPECTER WAVECEL
Weight: 341 g
Virginia Tech Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, 10.8
Adjustable visor: n/a
Air vents: 14 vents
Safety technology: Wavecel
Fit system: Boa closure system
Buckle type: Fidlock magnetic buckle
Warranty: Crash replacement guarantee
What we liked: ventilation, safety rating, value for price, weight
What we didn't: Clasp and BOA knob takes some getting used to
We chose the Bontrager Specter WaveCel as the safest road bike and commuter bike helmet that’s below $200 — in fact, it’s well below that price. In addition, it was a Time Magazine Invention of the year in 2020, making the list of “100 Best Inventions Making the World Better." It's been a few years since it first hit the market, but we think it still deserves its award for safety and ventilation.
VIEW THE BONTRAGER SPECTER WAVECEL
NOTABLE FEATURES
The Bontrager Specter WaveCel hit the market with a great deal of fanfare due to its revolutionary material and claims of superior protection against both linear and rotational forces. In addition, Bontrager claims that the WaveCel construction is 48 times more effective at protecting your head from injuries caused by certain cycling accidents than a traditional EPS foam helmet. However, some competitors have disputed Bontrager’s claim.
Still, several years out from its release, the WaveCel is getting high praise for its protection from linear and rotational forces, including as a Time Magazine Invention of the Year and a Red Dot innovation award winner in 2020.
When we first wrote this article, the Bontrager WaveCel was the highest rated helmet (by the Virginia Tech study) in this review. However, the other helmets in this review were rated just slightly lower than the Specter. But, we think the slight difference is still enough that if your most important criterion is helmet safety, the Specter should be at the top of your list.
BEST BUDGET ROAD BIKE HELMET:
SCOTT ARX PLUS MIPS
Weight: 282 g (size L)
Virginia Tech Safety Rating: 5/5, 10.7
Adjustable visor: Yes, adjustable visor
Air vents: 22
Safety technology: MIPS
Fit system: MRAS3
Warranty: Limited 2 years
What we liked: value for the price, safety rating for the price
What we didn't like: weight, sweat can build up
The bicycle helmet that gives the best bang for your buck is the Scott ARX Plus MIPS. The 2020 multi-sport version of the Scott ARX Plus builds on the success of the previous road-only version. It is one of only a few sub $100 helmets to achieve a 5 out of 5 stars safety rating in the Virginia Tech Helmet Safety study, the Best Available safety rating.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SCOTT ARX PLUS
NOTABLE FEATURES
Bike Radar’s reviewer wrote, the Scott ARX Plus MIPS is a “great priced helmet” that manages to retain all of the latest safety features. Likewise, Feed The Habit’s reviewer raved about the “awesome price” and called it “an affordable MIPS-equipped helmet.” Additionally, this helmet includes a small, removable visor.
Some users bought this MIPS helmet because it was “Consumer Reports’ top-rated helmet.” Overall, this helmet punched above its weight class and was deemed an excellent value.
WEIGHT
Listed at 282 grams for a size large, this Smith helmet is not the lightest helmet we reviewed, fitting in the middle of the weight spectrum.
VENTILATION
The ARX has a well-vented brow that helps to prevent sweating at the front of the helmet. However, the rear of the helmet is relatively closed off, which can cause sweat to build up at the nape of the neck when riding in warmer weather. Most reviewers felt that this helmet had excellent ventilation. The Feed The Habit reviewer wrote that it “does a great job of venting.” The Road.cc reviewer loved the continuous frontal pad that helps to keep sweat out of your eyes.
FIT
Reviewers loved the Smith ARX Plus MIPS micro-adjustable fit system. It is an adjustable helmet that is easy to fit on most heads. The Roadcc reviewer gave it an 8 out of 10 for comfort and noted that it feels “secure on the head.” One user complained that “the retention system seemed chintzy, the straps are bulky and the pads” didn’t handle sweat very well. Overall, this helmet was rated “comfortable.”
STYLE
The Feed The Habit reviewer gave it an 8 out of 10 for style. One user noted that it “looks good” and we agree — the ARX looks great on a variety of users’ head shapes and sizes.
One minor gripe with the Scott ARX Plus Mips is that the helmet cannot secure sunglasses.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Scott ARX Plus Mips balances safety and decent ventilation, fit, and comfort — all at a good value. While it wasn’t the best at any single criteria, it’s the bicycle helmet with the best bang for the buck.
BEST URBAN BIKE HELMET: THOUSAND CHAPTER
Virginia Tech Rating: 5 out of 5, 12.91
Weight: 370 g (size M)
Air Vents: 8
Safety Tech: MIPS
Warranty: 1 year & crash replacement
Visor: Yes
Fit System: One-handed magnetic fastener
What we liked: high coverage, safety rating, urban style
What we didn't like: ventilation
I recently inherited a hand-me-down hybrid bike with the intent to use it for commuting and casual riding. While the bike has seen more of the latter than the former, the Thousand Chapter MIPS Helmet is an excellent option for both types of trips. It’s got more coverage than your run-of-the-mill bike helmet–especially for something that fits in the "urban helmet" genre, so I feel much more secure riding on roads on my way to designated bike paths.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE THOUSAND CHAPTER
It’s also got a lot of ventilation—a brisk eleven-mile ride on a 95F day saw me sweating more under my sun shirt than on top of my (admittedly short-haired) head. I liked the magnetic clasp more than I thought I would. The clasp (and adjustments!) stay put without me worrying that I’ll get pinched. If you’re into that sort of thing, it also looks pretty fancy on a desk.
The Chapter MIPS Helmet also has a couple of built-in features that I enjoy. The included multi-use magnetic light attaches directly to the back of the helmet or to an adapter that’s easily attachable to the seat post of my older-model bike. This feature is especially great for those of us who are a little more paranoid about losing it or confusing drivers while dancing their way through the dark. There’s also a strange-at-first pop-out “pop lock” on the side that you can thread your bike lock through, keeping your helmet and bike firmly in the same place. (A little wary about using the pop lock? Thousand has an Anti-Theft Guarantee that’ll replace a helmet that gets stolen when it’s locked to your bike.) With MIPS built in and an accident replacement policy, this is a helmet that’ll keep me pedaling around town for miles and miles.
THE CONTENDERS
SMITH ROUTE MIPS
Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, 14.0
Weight: 300 g
Air Vents: 18
Safety Technology: MIPS and Koroyd
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Visor: Yes, removable visor
Fit System: VaporFit
The Smith Route MIPS is our previous winner for the best Urban Commuter helmet. You may still find it available at some retailers, although it was discontinued. Our new winner for Best Urban Commuter helmet is the more recent Smith Express, which is better-priced than the Route (see review above), scoring higher for style points.
VIEW THE SMITH ROUTE
The Smith Route is a road helmet that is well-fitting and also comfortable. The Koroyd honeycomb helps manage the risk of concussion. However, listed at 300 grams for a medium and 378 grams for a large, this is one of the heaviest helmets we reviewed. The Route has 18 air vents, but reviewers and users complained that the Koroyd inserts limit the helmet’s breathability.
BERN UNION MIPS
Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, 12.6
Weight: 355 g
Air Vents: 21
Safety Technology: MIPS
Warranty: 1 year
Visor: Yes, removable visor
Fit System: 360-degree BOA
The Bern Union MIPS was also a very highly rated urban helmet. It’s reasonably priced, though slightly more expensive than our current Urban Commuter winner, the Smith Express (see review above).
I omitted the Bern Union MIPS from this review because I could not find any independent professional reviews. Additionally, it’s one of the heaviest helmets we considered at 355 grams. This is 27 grams more than the Smith Express.
VIEW THE BERN UNION MIPS
SPECIALIZED CHAMONIX
Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, 13.1
Weight: 330 g
Air Vents: 25
Safety Technology: MIPS
Warranty: 2 years
Visor: Clip on
Fit System: Headset SX Fit system
The Specialized Chamonix is the least expensive helmet that met our safety criteria. It is comparable with the other budget helmets in this review, including the Scott ARX Plus, which won our award for Best Budget helmet (see review above).
We ultimately didn’t choose the Specialized Chamonix as a winner because it didn’t have as many positive independent reviews. Additionally, it’s the heaviest helmet we considered, weighing almost 50 grams more than the Scott ARX Plus.
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KASK VALEGRO
Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Weight: 180 g (size S)
Air Vents: 37
Safety Technology: MIT
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
Adjustable Visor: No
Fit System: Octofit rubber micro dial
The Kask Valegro is a popular lightweight helmet known for being light and extremely well ventilated. It became well-known for making its debut with Team Sky at the 2017 Tour de France. It has 37 vents and is noted for being cool on climbs. We considered it due to popularity, but ultimately dismissed it because it received 3/5 stars in the Virginia Tech safety study. All of our winners received 5 out of 5 stars. The Kask Valegro is also above the $200 price range for this guide.
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BONTRAGER VELOCIS
Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, 12.3
Air Vents: 12 very large vents
Safety Technology:
Warranty: Crash replacement warranty within one year of purchase
Visor: Yes, removable Neovisor
Fit System: Boa Fit System
With one of the highest ratings set by the Virginia Tech study, the Bontrager Velocis is a road helmet well-known for its ventilation. Unfortunately, it was outside of the upper price limit we set for this guide of $200. Still, if you are willing to spend a little more, it's an excellent option.
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GIRO SYNTHE MIPS
Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 stars, 13.0
Weight: 265 g
Air Vents: 26
Safety Technology: MIPS
Warranty: 1 year limited warranty, Crash Replacement Program
Adjustable Visor: No
Fit System: ROC LOC 5 AIR
The Giro Synthe MIPS is a popular road helmet that received 5 out of 5 stars in the Virginia Tech study (note that the non-MIPS version only received 4 out of 5 stars). In addition, it’s noted for being very well ventilated.
However, the Giro Synthe costs more than the $200 price limit we set for this study. While the non-MIPS version is less expensive, it is still above the price limit for this guide. We still think the Giro Synthe MIPS would be an excellent option if you had a little more to spend on a bike helmet.
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Virginia Tech Bicycle Helmet Safety Ratings
All bike helmets on the market today must pass government-mandated safety standards. However, there are many road helmets and mountain bike helmets that exceed those standards.
The main criterion used for choosing helmets for this review was the rating given to it by the Virginia Tech study. Virginia Tech collaborated with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to test and rate road bike and mountain bike helmets. The Virginia Tech ratings provide additional insight into which helmets best reduce concussion risk. The more stars a helmet received, the better the cycle helmet was rated at lowering the risk of concussion. Therefore, in this review we included only helmets that received five stars (out of a possible five stars) from the Virginia Tech study.
In my review, the top four helmets used either the MIPS or some type of new-fangled material such as WaveCel (Bontrager) to mitigate rotational forces that happen with angled impact. In addition, the Smith Route used Koroyd inserts (another type of new-fangled material) to help mitigate linear acceleration.
Once I narrowed my review to these top-rated helmets, I considered other criteria, including price, weight, fit, ventilation, and style.
In addition, any special features were noted, where applicable.
The author’s mangled helmet after his bicycle crash. Photo courtesy Kevin Tatsugawa.
WHY SHOULD I WEAR A BIKE HELMET?
This review examines commuter road bicycle helmets that mitigate against both linear angled impacts and rotational forces — which contribute significantly to the risk of a concussion in a crash.
Wearing a bike helmet while riding, much like wearing a safety belt while riding in a car, is pretty much de rigueur nowadays. Obviously, wearing a bike helmet will not guarantee a cyclist’s safety, but it can help to protect your head if you are hit while riding your bike.
All of the helmets in this review are highly rated, mid-priced models that are aimed at the commuter market. Unfortunately, no matter how highly rated a helmet is, it is still limited in its ability to protect your brain from injury. However, the new material technologies (such as Koroyd and WaveCel), the new slip-plane feature in helmet designs, the Multi-directional Impact System (MIPS), hi-tech accessories, and ANGi Crash sensors are making bike riding safer than ever.
BUYING ADVICE
Safety
Safety should be your top priority when considering a bike helmet. For this review, we only considered models that were awarded 5 stars from Virginia Tech’s testing, which is the industry standard. A helmet with good safety features will not just include high-density foam and durable plastic shells, but should also have some sort of protection from rotational impact (like MIPS).
Fit and comfort
If your helmet isn’t comfortable or doesn't fit well, you won’t want to wear it. More importantly, if your helmet doesn’t fit properly it won’t be as protective as one that does. Most brands offer size charts with measurements to help you find your size, and all the helmets in this review have a built-in fit system that adjusts to your specific head size. If you’re unsure about fit or comfort or in between sizes, we recommend trying on before you buy.
Ventilation and aerodynamics
Features are worth considering when you’re buying a helmet for road biking. Ventilation is important, especially if you work up a sweat when you’re on the bike. If you’re biking for fitness or speed, aerodynamics may be important to you. These features may come with a higher price tag, but they’re often worth it.
Weight
No one wants a bulky road bike helmet that weighs them down. But weight and safety are often inversely related. There are incredibly light helmets on the market, but they often lack safety features that we deem standard. We recommend helmets in the mid-weight range for the best combination of lightweight features and protection.
Design and aesthetics
For many road bikers, style is important. Helmets vary in their style, color, and more while still maintaining good safety features. Select a helmet based first on safety, then find a safe one in a style you like.
How to choose
Consider the type of riding you'll be doing
Bike helmets are often designed for specific uses (though they’re typically versatile enough to be used for different types of biking). If you’re a dedicated road rider who likes speed, consider a light and aerodynamic helmet. Commuters may opt for a helmet that offers a more casual style. If you occasionally ride on trails, a helmet with a removable visor may be helpful.
Check the warranty and return policy
Ensure that your helmet has a warranty from the company. This is meant to do that, and you don’t want to be stuck with a defective helmet. It’s not uncommon for helmets not to be accepted for return after they've been used. But especially if you’re buying online and haven’t tried the helmet on before, check the return policy before you hit the pay button.
The author’s bicycle after his accident. His experience informs his dedication to choosing the right bicycle helmet to help save your life. Photo courtesy Kevin Tatsugawa.
Look for certifications
Certifications, especially Virginia Tech’s star rating, are good gauges of a helmet's tested and proven safety.
If you’re between sizes, go with the smaller size
When it comes to sizing, you want your helmet to be snug. If you’re in between sizes, select the smaller size as long as it’s not terribly uncomfortable. A helmet that fits loosely will not be as protective as one with a snug fit.
Replace your helmet after a crash
If you’ve crashed in your bike helmet and had any sort of impact to the head, or any damage to the helmet, replace it. The safety capabilities of a helmet are degraded after a crash. Some companies do offer crash replacements, so check the warranty before buying a new one.
FAQ
What is MIPS?
Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) is a technology developed in Sweden by a neurosurgeon and researcher to reduce head injury. Their goal was to “achieve much better protection against the more common, but less researched rotational motion trauma, where the head receives an impact at an angle rather than “head-on” (straight radial impact).” MIPS and Wavecel helmet technologies are designed to improve helmet safety compared to an EPS foam style helmet.
MIPS allows the head to move independently from the helmet, reducing rotational motion to the brain. The goal is to reduce the possibility of head injury in the event of an accident, collision, or fall. Their website has a great video that illustrates this. They have partners producing bike, snow, motorcycle, equestrian, mountaineering, and kids helmets.
Read more about MIPS in The Best Ski Helmets
How often should I replace my road bike helmet?
There is no set timeline for when to replace a bike helmet, though if yours has been collecting dust for years it’s probably best to upgrade. Helmets have new technology that makes them safer, and some of the plastics that helmets are made with will degrade slightly over a long period of time. Otherwise, you should almost always replace your helmet if it’s been damaged in a crash. Similarly, if your helmet shows other signs of wear and tear, like cracks or dents, it is probably a good idea to replace it. We love making gear last as long as possible, and a good bike helmet can last a long time if it’s taken care of. But when it comes to safety and protecting your brain, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Can I wear a road bike helmet for other types of cycling?
Road bike helmets are versatile and protective enough for many other types of cycling, including commuting and some types of mountain biking. However, there are some helmets, especially for mountain biking, that offer more protection and additional features (like visors) that are beneficial for riding on trails.
Can I wash my road bike helmet?
You do not need to (and should not) wash your full helmet shell. This would likely damage the foam or plastic, or both, on the helmet shell, However, most bike helmets include removable padding that can be washed—just be mindful of the Velcro when you toss it in the washer so it doesn’t damage other items.
Can I wear a road bike helmet with glasses or sunglasses?
Bike helmets are made to be compatible and comfortable with glasses (whether prescription or sunglasses). Many bike helmets are also designed to be able to slide the glasses onto the helmet, through the vents, for when you don’t need them over your eyes.
What is the difference between commuter bike helmets and road bike helmets?
Road bike helmets are designed with lightweight and aerodynamic features in mind, while commuter bike helmets often opt for features that are stylish and protective. Both types of helmets are designed with safety at the forefront.
AUTHOR’S EXPERTISE/WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
Our author, Professor Kevin Tatsugawa, a few days after his bicycle accident. Photo courtesy Kevin Tatsugawa.
I wrote this review of road and commuter bicycle helmets because I am an experienced bike rider who has had the unfortunate experience of testing the efficacy of helmet’s ability to protect cyclists from a brain injury on multiple occasions.
I have broken two helmets in bike crashes. I broke my collarbone in the first crash (a bike crash at night) and fractured my first lumbar vertebrae, and suffered a traumatic brain injury in the second (a diabetic driver with low blood sugar hit me from behind). I am still riding bikes — both road bikes and mountain bikes — but am very conscious of what helmet I wear.
I have been a serious cyclist for over 30 years. I was a bike messenger in college, raced, and commuted 25 miles a day by bike for many years. I was an early mountain bike acolyte who took to riding the same Mount Tamalpais trails as my mountain biking heroes (such as Joe Murray, Gary Fisher, and Joe Breeze). I’ve also worked as a mountain bike guide.
I am a professor of Adventure Education at Westfield State University.
I teach students how to lead outdoor activities and educate others about the outdoors.
I also teach a bicycling course as a part of my curriculum.
In addition to academic papers, I write to a general audience about the benefits of cycling, including for Physical & Health Education America.
I’m also a Leave No Trace state advocate for Massachusetts.
Neither myself nor any of my family members are an employee of any of the companies mentioned in this review.
This review is unbiased to ensure that we recommend the best products at the best prices for you, the consumer. Treeline Review does not accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews.
