Steady Athlete

Not All Helmets Are Created Equal: What to Know Before You Buy

As cyclists, we know crashes happen. But serious brain injuries don’t have to. The best bike helmets don’t just look good. They protect your brain and make rides safer and more comfortable.

When it comes to the best bike helmets, safety is just one consideration. Look for lightweight materials and adjustable fit systems. Integrated lights, magnetic buckles, and other features can also add comfort and convenience.

The best bike helmets are safe and comfortable, so you’ll want to wear them every time you ride. Want to know what makes a helmet truly protective? Read our neurologist’s guide to bike helmet safety and deep dive into the safest technology for your head, including these MIPS options, before you buy. Here are our top picks for every rider.

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1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet: Affordable MTB Protection

• Price: $75.00
• Best For: MTB, trails
• Certifications: U.S. CPSC Safety Standard
• Ventilation: 18 vents
• Safety Features: MIPS technology
• Sizes Available: 54-61 cm

Safe, good-looking, and affordable? Sign us up!

Feel confident and look good on your favorite trails with the Giro Fixture MIPS II helmet. Equipped with a universal fit and adjustable dial system, it’s designed for security and comfort.

Giro’s Fixture II builds on the original, with better attention to details that matter most. For example, it has a more modern silhouette and improved MIPS integration. Strategic ventilation means better cooling power to keep you riding strong. Quick-dry padding keeps you comfortable on longer or more intense rides.

A snap-on visor shields against the sun and elements when needed, but can also be removed. Reflective rear decals keep you visible, especially on evening or early morning rides.

💡 Giro Fixture MIPS II shares the same outer shell shape as some of Giro’s premium models. You get high-end design and protection at a more affordable price.

2. SMITH Convoy MIPS Bike Helmet: Trail-Ready Fit With Cooling Power

• Price: $85.00
• Best For: MTB, Trails
• Certifications: U.S. CPSC Safety Standard; CE EN 1078; AS/NZS 2063
• Ventilation: 20 fixed vents
• Safety Features: MIPS technology
• Sizes Available: 48-65cm

Whether you’re climbing switchbacks or screaming down descents, the SMITH Convoy MIPS bike helmet delivers safety and comfort without compromise. Designed with your head in mind, it’s lightweight for a mountain bike helmet, with generous ventilation to keep you cool on hot days. A fixed visor keeps sun glare out of your eyes.

At the core of the Convoy is the MIPS safety system. Engineered to reduce rotational forces during angled impacts, it adds a sense of confidence for your off-road adventures. Besides MIPS, this SMITH mountain bike helmet meets major safety standards such as CPSC, CE EN 1078, and AS/NZS 2063.

Sweaty heads are less of an issue, thanks to 20 fixed vents that promote constant airflow. An innovative AirEvac system integrates with your favorite SMITH cycling glasses to minimize lens fogging, so you can clearly see the terrain ahead. A user-friendly dial fit system lets you dial in a custom fit with a simple twist.

💡Looking for a similar helmet for road bikes? Check out the SMITH Signal Cycling Helmet with MIPS technology.

3. Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet: Lightweight & Affordable

• Price: $38.83
• Best For: Cruising around town, commuting
• Certifications: U.S. CPSC Safety Standard
• Ventilation: 21 vents
• Safety Features: Two microshell layers; full-coverage EPS foam construction
• Sizes Available: 58-62cm

As the Schwinn Thrasher bike helmet proves, you don’t have to spend big to get a comfortable and versatile bike helmet.

Our Thrasher helmet is a few years old, but we’re still impressed by its lightweight construction and secure fit. It feels light but not flimsy, with padding that’s secure and slim enough to minimize that bulky helmet look.

Comfort is a priority, with 21 flow vents to keep heads cool. We have yet to feel like we’re overheating, even on the hottest days. An adjustable dial in the back makes it easy to fine-tune the fit with just one hand, so you can make changes on the go.

Build-wise, it’s reassuring to see two microshell layers and full-coverage EPS foam. This Schwinn bike helmet also meets CPSC safety standards, so you know it’s up to spec.

💡Available in lighted, minimalist, and non-lighted versions, this adaptable helmet complements your riding style. You can confidently cruise at dawn or dusk, commute after-hours, or keep things simple on the trails.

5. Lumos Ultra Smart Bike Helmet: High-tech Safety for Urban Riders

• Price: $129.95
• Best For: Safety-conscious commuters
• Certifications: U.S. CPSC Safety Standard; CE EN1078; AS2063; F1447
• Ventilation: None
• Safety Features: LED lights; integrated turn signals
• Available Sizes: 51-65cm

About You:

As a daily commuter dodging traffic and pedestrians, you value safety and care a lot about visibility, especially after-hours. You also like staying connected (those pesky work emails won’t answer themselves), and like controlling your gear from your phone.

About Lumos Ultra Smart:

Featuring integrated front and rear LED lights, this Lumos helmet is a game-changer. Its bright lights, visible from all angles, makes it one of the best bike helmets for safety. We also love the turn signals, which are controlled by a handlebar remote, to give others a clear heads-up when you want to make a move.

Staying connected is also a breeze. As with our favorite bike computers, including the COROS Dura, you can use the accompanying app to access more features. Just launch the Lumos app to customize light patterns, adjust brightness, and track rides. The battery lasts up to 10 hours, with a universal USB-C cable for convenient recharging.

P.S. An ebike-specific version of this Lumos helmet is also available.

💡 Riding with friends? Don’t miss the Team Sync feature. You’ll light up in unison, which looks awesome and makes your group more visible to others.

6. Bell Reflex Bike Helmet: Basic Protection for Casual Cyclists

• Price: $18.16
• Best For: Casual riding
• Certifications: U.S. CPSC Safety Standard
• Ventilation: 11 vents
• Safety Features: No additional features
• Sizes Available: 57-60cm

If affordability is your top concern, this Bell bike helmet is worth a close look. For the money, you get a classic design with adjustability for a snug fit.

Equipped with 11 vents, there’s ample room for air to escape so your head stays cool. It’s not as well-ventilated as some of the other helmets on our list, but shouldn’t be an issue for short distances at a leisurely pace.

Also missing is a quick-adjust fit system, but you can still customize your fit with side-squeeze buckles.

💡 This Bell helmet comes in one size (57–60 cm), so grab a head measurement before you order. A good fit means better protection.

7. Retrospec Lennon Bike Helmet: Commuter Comfort With Rear LED Light

• Price: $39.99
• Best For: Commuters
• Certifications: U.S. CPSC Safety Standards
• Ventilation: 15 vents
• Safety Features: Fully formed ABS shell; EPS foam lining
• Sizes Available: 54-61cm

Where the Lumos helmet is a splashy choice for commuters seeking premium comfort and connectivity, the Retrospec Lennon is a more budget-friendly alternative.

You won’t find smartphone connectivity or integrated turn signals here , but this commuter bike helmet is outfitted with LED lights for improved visibility.

What it lacks in premium features, this Retrospec helmet makes up for in terms of convenience. You’ll find a removable visor and premium padding that adds cushioning and can be removed for easy cleaning.

Whether you’re cruising around town or hitting the bike path, you can use the dial adjustment system for a precise and secure fit. Adjustable nylon straps make this helmet a comfortable choice for various head sizes.

💡 The rear LED light on this Retrospec helmet is USB rechargeable and has several flashing modes, including a blinking mode to stand out more in traffic. For the price, it’s a smart safety upgrade to enhance your riding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Size Bike Helmet Do I Need?

To find the right helmet size, measure the widest part of your head (about an inch above your eyebrows). Most helmets also have an adjustable fit system to fine-tune the comfort and stability. A properly fitted helmet should be level, snug but not tight, and stay put when you move your head.

How Do Bike Helmets Protect Your Head?

Bike helmets absorb the force of direct impacts, which can reduce the risk of skull fractures and brain bleeds. A MIPS-equipped helmet can dampen the twisting forces that happen during angled impacts, which can cause a serious type of brain injury called diffuse axonal injury. Helmets can cushion straight-on and rotational impacts to protect against serious damage.

What Are the Different Bike Helmet Safety Certifications?

Bike helmet safety certifications indicate that a helmet has passed specific impact and safety tests. Here are the most common ones:

• CPSC (U.S.) – Required for all helmets sold in the U.S. Meets basic safety standards for impact and strap strength.
• MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) – Not a certification but a safety feature that helps reduce rotational forces during angled impacts.
• ASTM (U.S.) – Specific standards like ASTM F1447 for recreational biking or ASTM F1952 for downhill mountain biking.
• EN 1078 (Europe) – European standard for pedal cyclists, skateboarders, and roller skaters.
• NTA 8776 (Netherlands) – For e-bike and speed pedelec helmets; offers more coverage and higher impact protection.
• Snell B-90/B-95 (U.S.) – A more rigorous voluntary standard for helmets with higher protection requirements.

A good bike helmet should have at least a CPSC certification. Extra features like MIPS or extended coverage may be worth it depending on where and when you ride.

Should I Get a Helmet With MIPS Protection?

One study looking at angled (oblique) impacts found that newer helmet technologies like MIPS can help reduce harmful forces on the brain. But not all MIPS helmets perform the same. Some protect better in front or rear impacts than in side impacts. Also, a higher price doesn’t always mean better protection. Some lower-cost MIPS helmets have outperformed more expensive ones in terms of reducing stress on the brain during crashes.

When Should I Replace My Bike Helmet?

Did you crash? Replace it immediately. Is the foam cracked? Replace it immediately. Otherwise, many manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every five years.

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