As more and more people take to peddling to work – influenced by Government and employee initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint – protecting our skulls is paramount. Quality is a must and naturally we need to protect our heads but comfort, ease-of-use, visibility, airflow and style all play their part too. Not all helmets are created equal.
There are a few things to consider before you splash the cash; the size and fit of your helmet is crucial so ensure your choice has several adjustable methods to maximise snugness (not just for comfort but for effectiveness in an impact too). Look out for MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) – a technology that helps to absorb impact (an investment worth making in my mind); and finally, how long the helmet will last? Guidance on this varies from 3-8 years. As a rule of thumb, the more you pay, the better quality and in theory, the longer the lifespan - so do factor that into your decision. Remember to always replace your helmet if it does suffer impact.
All the models included in this list are top notch but the one for you depends on a few different factors. Is it for a leisurely Sunday ride out around the park, a commuter cycle into town or a serious fast-paced 100k? Safety is paramount but do you need to spend the extra bucks on advanced technology that goes over-and-above the safety regulations? How aerodynamic does your helmet really need to be? How important is ventilation to you (well, no one likes a sweaty head!)? We all like a comfortable fit and easy- to-use adjustment mechanisms but at what price? And finally, aesthetics… do you want to look like Mr Bean or Michael Sheen?
Each of the helmets below all meet the required European safety certified standards (CE EN 1078). They were all tested on the same 15k ride through SW London to Kensington under similar weather conditions at 6.30am and 3.30pm (give or take the odd degree).
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Specialized S-Works Prevail 3
If you’re looking for the ultimate ventilated helmet that excels in hot and sweaty hill climbs under the searing sun, but doesn’t compromise on comfort or protection then your search is over. This is Specialized’s most ventilated helmet to date and uses AirCage technology that creates thru-channels to eliminate air-blocking foam bridges over the centre of the helmet that in turn increases the surface area of ventilation significantly.
The Tri-Fix web system is easily adjustable for added comfort and incorporates a thin and comfortable 10mm webbing, alongside the ultralight Mindset micro-dial fit system (which is also height adjustable) so you are ensured of the most optimal of fits. I also found this helmet to be easily adjustable to fit my glasses without them being either crushed or dislodged when riding (a real bug bear of mine).
The durable outer shell consists of a full-wrap polycarbonate that gives the helmet a slick premium finish and is available in seven colours (the sage metallic gets my vote). MIPS Air Node technology included.
Weight: 260g
Comfort rating: 10/10
Standout feature: Ventilation heaven
Buy now £275.00, Specialized
HEXR
Weight: 2-300G (depending on your head size, final weight is engraved into the honeycomb)
Comfort rating: 11/10
Standout feature: Sheer comfort
Not all helmets fit snugly and can slip whilst out on the road. In the same way you might visit a tailor to make you a suit, or a bicycle frame builder to create a custom bike, there’s nothing like wearing a helmet that fits you perfectly. That’s where HEXR steps in. For a bespoke moulded fit, there simply is no better offering on the market.
Once your scanning cap is received, you can use your iPhone to relay the info (it’s really straight-forward). HEXR then reviews your headscan data and your helmet is sent to print. You can even add a personalised engraving. What follows is quite remarkable; a one-off helmet made to the precise dimensions and curvature of your head. And what’s more, the honeycomb structure is made entirely out renewable raw material. You can even interchange the outer shell.
Buy now £299.00, HEXR
Nutcase Vio Commute LED helmet
If you’re looking for maximum all-round visibility in low light and high traffic, and perhaps tire of constantly changing your light sets from one bike to another, then this 360-degree lit helmet is a must-have.
It boasts 65-lumen LED orange and red lights around the side and back and 200 lumen LED lamps on the front to ensure that, even in the low-lit routes you take on, you’ll be seen. What’s more, it’s at an elevated head height which is perfect when in high traffic. The front lights are sufficient enough to light up your way ahead, although you may want to double up with a fixed beam light on your handlebars as usual. Choose from three modes by quick tapping the power button and away you go.
The overall look of ‘casual style’ suits a commute or adventure ride (we’re not all road racers!) and the helmet comes in an array of colour options so you can colour code your kit. Three oversized vents running across the top aid airflow and ventilation and the magnetic buckle is a nice touch, as is the adjustable visor.
Weight is kept to a minimum due to Nutcase’s Exo-skeleton technology and clever two-piece Duo Density EPS foam in-mould construction. MIPS protection comes as standard in Nutcase helmets.
Weight: 432g (S/M)
Comfort rating: 10/10
Standout feature: 360 degree lighting
Buy now £120.00, Decathlon
Specialized Tone
One issue I have with highly ventilated helmets is that the well intentioned design of the vent holes often let in rain on those wet rides. Not with the Tone. Its designed so that whilst the near solid outer shell protects you from the wind and rain, its internal channels allow airflow so you can ride in comfort regardless of the weather.
Using its Headset SX fit system, its easy to adjust with its Tri-Fix web splitters ensuring a snug fit. MIPS system incorporated. Aesthetically, the Tone looks slick, solid and sophisticated and comes in five cool colourways with neatly positioned reflective decals promoting visibility in low light ride outs. For added safety, it’s also compatible with the Specialized ANGi crash sensor – a device that pairs with your app and can detect a potential crash and sends an alert and GS location to your selected contacts.
Weight: 320g (M)
Comfort rating: 9/10
Standout feature: 5-Star ‘Virginia Tech Helmet Rating’ from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Buy now £65.00, Specialized
Rapha X Smith Forefront 2 Trail helmet
A collaboration with Smith, the renowned bike brand, and made for the more adventurous mountain bikers amongst us, this is a lightweight and low bulk state-of the-art helmet.
This will not only keep you cool with its 20 fixed vents but will also keep you safe from impact with its energy-absorbent Korovd casing. Made with MIPS too so you’re guarded against any rotational forces that mountain bikers are particularly prone to. The VaporFit dial adjustment system is really easy to use and provides a comfortably snug fitting, and the front and rear eyelets come in handy for storing your glasses when you’re not using them.
I wear the Rapha Classic sunglasses but find I need to take any glasses off during parts of my ride where visibility is lower so found this facility a blessing. The stylish cap is also removable if needed, although on mountain biking ride outs, I always keep mine on. Available in six stylish colours and all emblazoned with the iconic SMITH and Rapha logo signature.
Weight: 374g (M)
Comfort rating: 10/10
Standout feature: Super comfortable and well ventilated for adventurous trails
Buy now £175.00, Rapha
Bolle ECO React MIPS
Without compromising on protection, French eyewear specialists Bolle have managed to replace some of the polluting plastic and petroleum commonly found in the materials that make helmets with organic materials that reduce the impact on the environment. Cork, used recycled plastics, natural fibres and bamboo have all been added to the EPS, shell, webbing and linings so us cyclists can play our part in saving the planet. But not only does it play its part, but it also looks stylish in either dark green matte or blue matte finish.
The 13 vents provide superior ventilation and comfort is at a premium. Its Click-To-Fit system is satisfyingly simple to use with a rubber adjustment wheel ensuring a snug fitting. The overall look is neatly finished off with a removable cork visor with reflective edging for added visibility.
Weight: 300g (medium)
Comfort rating: 10/10
Standout feature: Sustainable credentials – the dark green matte option uses 40 per cent recycled PC shell
Buy now £112.00, Amazon
Oakley DRT5 - MIPS
Developed in collaboration with Greg Minnaar, renowned thrice World Champion Downhill racer who knows a thing or two about scrambling down technical descents, along with other mountain bikers who were part of the design and engineering process, this helmet certainly feels and looks the result of a passion project. It has absorbed all the experience of the type of rider it’s aimed at.
Despite defying traditional helmet design convention, it sits comfortably due to the padding that sits on top of your head as opposed to the sides and includes a MIPS liner on the sides that, rather than absorbing your sweat, whisps it away. It also means that there’s no padding in the way of airflow. Clever.
Its BOA 360 Fit System is simple and quick to use, even when cycling, and the TX1 lace lies flat enabling seamless eyewear usage (or use the eyewear dock to store away your shades). A nice touch from the eyewear makers.
The integrated MIPS add to the immense protection offered which will give you confidence as you approach that tricky terrain. Gives good sweat protection and the large peak or visor not only looks cool but is angled perfectly for mountain biking. Available in ten funky colours. Comes with a helmet travel bag and Oakley decal too.
Weight: 440g (medium)
Comfort rating: 10/10 (surprisingly)
Standout feature: Innovative padding design
Buy now £170.00, Oakley
LAZER Vento KinetiCore helmet
Weight: 290g (M)
Comfort rating: 10/10
Standout feature: Ultimate impact absorption
Looking for a lightweight helmet with an aerodynamic design with superior comfort? Then look no further than this Vento KinetiCore option from Lazer.
Designed in sprint position at a 15-degree angle with a reduced frontal surface with an easy-to-use ‘Lazer ScrollSys’ ergonomic belt to scroll to refine your fit and a floating front headband that not only eliminates pressure points but also increases airflow as part of its ‘Venturi’ ventilation system, you’re assured of a tailored fitted helmet that’ll keep you cool as you power along those straights.
Lazer’s KinetiCore is the ‘world’s first responsibly designed and fully Integrated Rotational Impact Protection technology’ which works together with the helmet’s Controlled Crumple Zones (as opposed to incorporating MIPS as a separate layer that slides on impact) to provide impact-absorption in the event of a collision for an assured and confident ride out.
The Eyewear docking silicone n the vent docking system and LED light Velcro mount are additional nice little touches that all add to the pleasure of using this helmet.
A 100k road cyclist friend of mine also tried this helmet out, to compare notes on my 10k commuter ride, and echoed my enthusiasm of its aesthetic design, comfort and confidence it instils.
Buy now £249.99, Freewheel
PROVIZ Reflect 360 Bike Helmet
Weight: 290-300G
Comfort rating: 8/10
Standout feature: Reflective shell
The fully reflective shell (which incorporates millions of tiny, mirrored glass beads) is incorporated in to the helmet and protects it from damage, which was a real plus for me as there I nothing worse than a dog-eared helmet. I found fitting the multi-setting chin clip and adjustment system quick and easy - especially when I switched from wearing my woolly skull cap. It sits well on your head and is really comfortable due to the padding positions, while also meeting the highest of safety standards.
Buy now £69.99, PROVIZ
VAN RYSEL Aerofit 900 Cycling Helmet
Weight: 255-300G
Comfort rating: 8/10
Standout feature: Aerodynamics
Developed in a wind tunnel to minimise drag, this aerodynamic helmet also ventilates your head to improve thermoregulation. Okay, most helmets have holes in them, but actually, I did feel the benefit whilst hammering it through Richmond Park on my way to work one particularly blustery morning. Psychosemantic maybe, but for the price point, this helmet, you can’t fault it.
Buy now £39.99, Decathlon
Closca folding helmet
Weight: 250-290G
Comfort rating: 9/10
Standout feature: Aesthetically pleasing
Inspired by the Guggenheim in New York, this foldable helmet not only looks stunning but compacts down to carry once you’ve ended your cycle route. The adjustable straps are easy to use and it’s a very comfortable fit. Ventilation holes are subtle but effective.
This is no style over substance helmet. Collision impact is distributed across its surface and the foldable mechanism instantly locks itself on impact.
An optional extra is the stylish water bottle that comes with a water app that highlights the free water available in your area and measures in real time the CO2 and plastic you’re saving.
Buy now £86.99, Amazon
DASHEL Urban Cycle Helmet
Weight: 430G (large)
Comfort rating: 8/10
Standout feature: Dashel promise to recycle your helmet when its time for a new one (with money off your next purchase too)
Stylish, recyclable and made in the UK; this helmet certainly ticks the sustainability box. I especially appreciated the one-hand opening clasp (no skin nip risk) which is worth the money alone.
The five air vents are nicely positioned along the top with coolmax pads that wick away sweat to ensure comfort and adequate ventilation. The carrying loop on the back of the helmet meant that I can attach an additional rear light. A great helmet for a cycle about town.
Buy now £79.00, Dashel
DHB R2.0 Road Helmet
Weight: 280G
Comfort rating: 8.5/10
Standout feature: Adjustable nylon webbing straps
This is one of the most comfortable dhb helmets I’ve tried - although they’re all good. The Coolmax pads and under-chin strap are welcome features. I haven’t tested this out on a hot day (if only) but the 21 vent design claims to aid ventilation without compromising performance.
This helmet feels like the all-rounder and for the price point is well worth considering. It feels like it fits around your head a little more naturally than some others, although it’s a little bulky. Great colour choices.
Buy now £25.00, Wiggle
HARDNUTZ Urban Stealth Hi Vis Cycle Helmet
Weight: 330G
Comfort rating: 8.5/10
Standout feature: Reflective panelling
Unashamedly named after The Stealth Bombers that were invisible to radar, this cycle helmet boasts 15 panels of Scotchlite reflective vinyl that are undetectable in daylight but highly reflective under street or car lights.
This helmet had a certain charm about it and feels indestructible. While this may be down to its canny marketing, I felt safe riding in this. The dial-fit adjustor and chin strap made for a comfortable fit. The only thing I struggled with was attaching the removable visor, although it’s a useful feature.
Buy now £37.99, Amazon
OAKLEY ARO3 Helmet
Weight: 300G (med)
Comfort rating: 8.5/10
Standout feature: Integrated eyewear dock
Taking their first steps into the protection bracket, Oakley, famed for their sunglasses, have incorporated an eyewear dock to store your shades should the sun disappear (!). Particularly suited for a hotter, sweatier ride whilst tackling those uphill climbs, the extremely breathable ventilation and the anti-microbial brow pads keep your head cool and sweat/odour free – IN YOUR FACE MOUNTAIN GOATS! (or in my case, Richmond Park deer). MIP technology incorporated for additional safety.
Buy now £76.50, Wiggle
KASK Utopia Road Cycle Helmet
Weight: 260G (medium)
Comfort rating: 8/10
Standout feature: Aerodynamic
Where to start with this helmet? It has it all – and more. For safety, it passes the stringent WG11 test for increased protection, with MIT technology in its shell cover. I noticed a quieter ride due to the reduced wind rush design and the comfort and fitting system were spotless. No detail has been missed – a triumph in precision engineering resulting in a helmet for the serious – and fast – cyclist.
Buy now £164.25, Wiggle
HJC Furion 2.0 Road Helmet
Weight: 190G
Comfort rating: 8/10
Standout feature: Ultralight
Despite its appearance, this Furion 2.0 model is so light to wear, without compromise on safety. It is crafted from a polycarbonate outer bonded to a shock-absorbing EPS foam liner. Developed and refined in HJC’s own wind tunnel facility, the smooth airflow design minimises drag as you pick up speed, with its CoolPath technologies keeping you cool. In fact, my head was unusually sweat-free after an especially gruelling ride.
Buy now £105.00, Sigma Sports
ABUS Gamechanger Road Cycling Helmet
Weight: 260G
Comfort rating: 8/10
Standout feature: Multi-position design
Air resistance is often claimed as the biggest obstacle when going fast. This helmet by ABUS claims to be the game-changer. After a stealthy ride out around Richmond Park (love those climbs!), I found the ability to tilt the helmet really beneficial, which kept the drag levels as low as possible. The flow straps are also ‘aerodynamically optimised’ which reduces flapping and fluttering. Real attention to detail. The air cooling tech deals with the heat generated by riding at speed with cool air drawn in and warm air ejected – its like a micro-climate.
Buy now £151.99, Wiggle
GRIPGRAB Windproof Lightweight Thermal SkullCap
It would be remiss of me to exclude skullcaps and helmet covers in this review as they compliment the comfort and effective of your helmet. During these cold winter months, I found this GripGrab skull cap lived up to its credentials of being lightweight, windproof and thermal…. Ideal for protecting your ears and forehead on those cold rides out! I found the top area of the cap fitted well under my helmet too and didn’t ruffle up.
Buy now £22.36, Wiggle
GRIPGRAB Reflective Helmet Cover
Not all helmets offer and night time visibility, so a helmet cover may be an option to use for when you really need it. This GripGrab cover is completely waterproof and windproof too and folds up to stow away when not in use. Its pull cord elastic hemline means it can be adapted to fit any size helmet too, which is great, as my head is considerably larger than my partners so we can share it!
Buy now £17.64, Amazon
Verdict
For me, hands down all-round winner is the Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 – the AirCage ventilation system is by far the best I’ve tested and the fitting dials and straps makes for an incredibly comfortable ride out regardless of the weather conditions. To top it off, it aesthetically excels with its slick premium appearance.
Runner up is the bespoke-made HEXR. The whole experience from ordering to wearing was second-to-none and the end product of a safe, ultra-comfortable, beautiful looking helmet was worth every penny.
