11 best bicycle helmets

Bicycle helmets vary in shape, material and design, but they have a lot in common. Main purpose is to protect the head. This is ensured by a special design. All helmets consist of several parts.

1. The outer casing is made of the strongest material, it takes the brunt of the impact. The coating should be smooth to reduce friction.
2. The base is made of polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam. These materials are elastic and compress upon impact, protecting the head from injury. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute notes that the base is disposable. After a fall or impact, it is recommended to replace the helmet.
3. The lining provides a comfortable fit to the helmet on the head, absorbs sweat. It’s removable, easy to wash.
4. Helmet is fixed on the head by means of straps and adjustable clamps. They should not cause any discomfort.

Varieties

There are several types of bicycle helmets designed for different purposes.

1. Cross Country – protects the top of the head. Designed for walking, city riding. It’s lightweight and well ventilated.
2. Highway – the lightest, used by athletes. It has better visibility, more ventilation holes. Its version is a track helmet, with improved aerodynamic properties.
3. Wok – with reinforced protection. Suitable for performing tricks. Completely covering the head, almost no vents.
4. Full face – covers head and lower part of the face. Designed for extreme riding, cross country, off-road.

Selection Rules

The main criterion for choosing a helmet is choosing the correct size. Measure the circumference of your head by running a tape of centimeters just above your ears, from the front to the middle of your forehead. The result is compared with the size grid. For adults it will be labelled X/M/L/XL, for children Infant, Toddler, Kid’s and Junior. You should not buy a helmet that is too big for your child because it will not perform the function of the helmet.

Peter Halldin, a researcher at the Swedish Institute of Technology, insists that MIPS technology should be integrated in all such products. It implies a special structure of the inside, which allows the head to move relative to the helmet by 10-15 mm in all directions. This reduces the risk of rotational injury.

Also, when choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of several other important characteristics:

1. European safety certificate, better CE EN 1078 or equivalent;
2. Vents that prevent overheating and reduce perspiration;
3. The straps are soft, adjustable and do not chafe;
4. low weight;
5. protection mesh against dust and insects;
6. sun visor;
7. For riding on busy highways – rear view mirror;
8. Reflective stickers, flashlight – for riding at night.

11 best bicycle helmets

The best bicycle helmets for children

In many countries the use of a bicycle helmet for children under 12 years of age is mandatory. The children’s models are lighter than the adult models, not heavier than 300g, and feature striking design. By design, it’s usually a bowler or cross country. They must have ventilation holes, the inner material is comfortable and hypoallergenic, the bindings are secure and soft.

Helmet for a child must be chosen carefully – safety depends on it. And if it is uncomfortable, the child will refuse to wear it. Our experts have reviewed expert recommendations and parental feedback to help choose the 6 best bicycle helmets for kids.

Bobike ONE Plus

Rating: 4.9

In the first place in our rating is a bicycle helmet Bobike ONE Plus, made in Portugal. It is designed for children from 1 to 6 years old. Available in 2 sizes: Infant and Toddler. You can adjust it slightly with the straps on the head of the child. Weighs only 200g, no discomfort for the baby. The design is classic, one-piece. Bowler shape, with reinforced protection at the back of the head. Compliant with international quality and safety standards.

10 vents protect from overheating. They are covered with a mosquito net. Features reflective stickers on back for safety at night. ONE printed on the side. The design is monochrome, there are several color options. Most parents comment that the helmet sits well on the head and looks nice.

Advantages

• lightweight;
• size adjustable;
• has reflectors;
• No sweat on the head;
• meets EU standards;
• has spare padded pads;
• sun visor.

Flaws

• The chin straps are too long.

HUDORA Skaterhelm

Rating: 4.8

Robust, stylish helmet for kids and teens. Provides reliable impact protection. Suitable for regular rollerblading, cycling, skateboarding and doing tricks. Bowler shape with reinforced back portion and notches in the ear area. Weighs 400g, size-adjustable and fits head circumference from 51-60cm.

The top is made of impact-resistant ABS plastic, then there is a layer of dense foam. The inner layer is soft, provides a comfortable fit and can be removed if necessary. With 11 round ventilation holes and mesh on the front. reflective stickers on the back.

Advantages

• padded lining;
• size is easily adjusted;
• LED flashlight;
• sturdy top;
• Covers the whole head.

Disadvantages

• no visor;
• Vents are small, so it can be hot in summer.

Indigo IN072

Rating: 4.7

Classic bicycle helmet with a colorful design. Suitable for city walks, comfortable for hot weather. Designed for head sizes 48 to 56 cm. Cross-country shape, with large vents, visor and reinforced neck protection. Made of strong plastic. Smooth surface, with fun drawings and brand logo on the side.

The helmet is sturdy, reliable and lightweight – weighs 380g. Using the adjustment ring at the back of the head, you can adjust the size. I have a great pair of helmet straps that fit under the chin. Inner surface of resilient foam, has additional soft pads.

Both adults and children love this helmet. From a user comment on the site : “The helmet is very beautiful, bright, perfect for summer. My son rides for a long time, his head does not sweat. Only the adjustment is uncomfortable – the wheel is deep, hard to reach. And the straps with elastic bands, quickly loosen, you need to constantly tighten”.

Advantages

• Lightweight and durable;
• good ventilation;
• a variety of colors;
• size can be adjusted to the head;
• comfortable fit.

Disadvantages

• Not very easy to adjust.

KELLYS Zigzag

Rating: 4.6

This versatile helmet provides reliable protection for young athletes. Made by the renowned Slovak cycling company for bikes and cycling accessories. Made in the shape of a bowler with a built-in visor. 8 large vents provide good head cooling. Available in different sizes, for head circumference from 45 to 53 cm, weight 220 g.

Helmet is made of durable plastic, the interior is made of polystyrene foam. Soft anti-bacterial lining absorbs sweat well and provides a comfortable fit. size adjustment allows you to adjust the helmet to your head. Parents love that the helmet is durable, easy to adjust, and kids love the bright colors.

Disadvantages

• bright design and colors;
• easy size adjustment;
• anti-bacterial lining;
• reflective stickers;
• low weight.

Disadvantages

• hot in summer.

Happy baby STONEHEAD

Rating: 4.6

The Happy baby STONEHEAD helmet is made by the famous British company. Made of durable PVC with a smooth finish. Designed for children 1-6 years old. Available in one size, but can be adjusted. Protects your child’s head from impacts when riding a scooter, bicycle, treadmill, rollerblades.

The design is bright, with colorful drawings, children like it a lot. Helmet is made in the shape of a bowler, covers the whole head. No visor, but reinforced protection for the temple and occiput. Ventilation holes provide good air circulation. Inside soft foam and corduroy inserts. Weighs 230g. Shelf life 5 years. The manufacturer recommends replacing the helmet after the impact.

Advantages

• Bright design and a wide variety of colors;
• Hypoallergenic materials;
• inside padded inserts;
• head circumference adjustment;
• quality ventilation system.

Disadvantages

• Protects only from light impacts;
• no visor.

VENZO VZ20-F26K-001

Rating: 4.5

In last place in our ranking of modern bright helmet for cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading. Manufactured in Taiwan. Cross-country design with large ventilation holes allows for free air circulation. Reinforced protection at the back of the head. The shape is streamlined, the front part is in the form of a visor. The size of 48-52 cm is adjustable.

The top layer is a tough polycarbonate that withstands impact. Softens them and prevents damage to the head with a thick layer of elastic foam. Removable lining, easy to wash. The design is modern, streamlined shape, brand logo on the side. There are different colors: for girls and boys.

Advantages

• size adjustment;
• soft straps;
• low weight;
• tough outer shell;
• stylish design.

Disadvantages

• no net.

Best bicycle helmets for adults

Mostly used by athletes, extreme riders and those who sit uncomfortably in the saddle. Therefore, there are high demands on comfort and safety. Our experts have studied the reviews of the most popular models and chose the 5 best.

Alpina 2021 Hackney Indigo Matt

Rating: 4.9

at the top of our list, a lightweight and durable helmet in the classic bowler design. Designed for teenagers and young adults. Designed for head sizes 51-56 cm. The design is unobtrusive, in deep blue, with the brand logo. Numerous adjustments ensure a correct and comfortable fit.

The company uses INMOLD technology which increases the quality of protection. The outer layer is made of durable, resistant to mechanical damage polycarbonate. It is covered with UV protection, so it does not heat up. Has antistatic properties. The inner shell is firmly connected to the outer. This makes it a great shock absorber.

On the back increased protection of the back of the head and a mechanism that adapts the helmet to the size of the head. The retention straps have a secure clasp that cannot undo itself. Belt length can be adjusted even with gloves on. 6 holes located on the top and sides. It provides good ventilation.

Advantages

• lightweight;
• there are fasteners for the flashlight;
• easy adjustment with millimeter accuracy;
• Suitable for teenagers and adults;
• weighs 230 grams
• good ventilation;
• tough outer layer.

Disadvantages

• no visor;
• vents are not covered by mesh.

BBB Wave

Rating: 4.8

BBB is a Dutch company that specializes in sport clothing and accessories. The BBB Wave helmet is suitable for daily riding in the city, performing tricks. Designed for young people, comes in two sizes: S and M. With a classic design, a shape that securely covers the back of the head and temples.

The body is made of shock-resistant ABS plastic. Inner layer is a resilient polystyrene foam. Ventilation holes are located throughout the surface and ventilate the heat well. Padded straps securely fasten under the chin. The design is sleek: monochrome with the brand logo. Some users note that the dark color heats up quickly under the sun.

Advantages

• rugged and durable;
• Lightweight, weighs about 400g
• easy size adjustment;
• Has reflective inserts;
• comfortable fit;
• good ventilation;
• removable lining is washable.

Disadvantages

• no visor;
• no mesh.

Segway NB-400

Rating: 4.8

The Segway NB-400 all-in-one helmet provides the ultimate protection. Designed for recreational cyclists or electric transport as well as professionals. Manufactured in a modern design with a classic streamlined shape. bowler design with enlarged occipital area. Black matte finish and brand logo emblem on the side makes it a stylish accessory. Comes in two sizes: L and XL, weighs only 330g.

Helmet is made of quality materials with modern technology. The top is made of durable polycarbonate. Inner layer provides cushioning, fully absorbing impact energy. Thanks to a special hot grip technology, the construction is very durable. Lined with soft material that absorbs sweat and provides a comfortable fit.

Ventilation system. As you ride, air flows through the vents, blowing air over your head. Users like that the padded straps with a secure lock are easy to unfasten with one hand and can be adjusted in length.

Advantages

• lightweight;
• Made of durable materials;
• good ventilation system;
• padded straps;
• secure latch;
• stylish design.

Disadvantages

• tapered at temple area.

INDIGO 21 IN069

Rating: 4.7

Another model in our rating from INDIGO. Designed for adults, size 55-61 cm, weight 430 g. Covers the top of the head for impact protection. Cross country design with large vents. Stylish black design suits men and women.

Made from strong ABS plastic. 21 ventilation openings allow good air circulation to avoid overheating. Canopy front for sun protection. Adjustment ring in the back. Locking straps are padded under the chin and provide a snug fit to the head.

Advantages

• lightweight;
• fits well;
• looks good;
• No sweat on the head;
• soft straps.

Disadvantages

• uncomfortable adjustment.

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Sport Ride

Rating: 4.6