Best Road Bike Helmets 2023 | Reviews & Buying Guide

This article will go through the reviews of the best road bike helmets. Let’s Explore!

A decent helmet is an essential component of bike gear that should not be overlooked. It’s a wise long-term investment because it not only protects you from injuries but it also makes you feel safer and more at peace on the road. If possible, put on a bike helmet before purchasing it to get a feel for it.

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the best road bike helmets, as well as a buyer’s guide.

Best Road Bike Helmets Comparison Table

IMAGE	PRODUCT	HIGHLIGHTS
Best Overall	Best Overall	Giro Aether Spherical Adult Road Bike Helmet	– Spherical technology – MIPS brain protection system – Lightweight – Durable	Check Price
Best Impact Resistant	Best Impact Resistant	Bell Z20 MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet	– Fusion polycarbonate shell – Progressive Layering – MIPS-Equipped – XT2 padding	Check Price
Best Compact	Best Compact	Kask Valegro Cycling Helmet	– 37 Ventilation Molding Technology – MIT Technology – 3 sizes available – Weighs 180g	Check Price
Best Lightweight	Best Lightweight	Kask Mojito X Bicycle Helmet	– Shock-absorbant – 26 air vents – 20 monochromatic styles – Washable faux-leather chinstrap	Check Price
Best Breathable	Best Breathable	Bell Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet	– Float fit – NO-TWIST TRI-GLIDES – Sweat guide – OVERBROW ventilation	Check Price

Best Road Bike Helmets Reviews

Without further ado, here are the best road bike helmets:

1. Giro Aether Spherical Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Overall
2. Bell Z20 MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Impact-Resistant
3. Kask Valegro Cycling Helmet – Best Compact
4. Kask Mojito X Bicycle Helmet – Best Lightweight
5. Bell Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Breathable

This post will go through the features and benefits of the best road bike helmets that will undoubtedly prove their worth if purchased.

We’ll also go over the pros and cons of each helmet so you can figure out which one is ideal for you.

Let’s get into the in-depth reviews of the best road bike helmets.

1. Giro Aether Spherical Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Overall

Key Features:

• Spherical technology
• MIPS brain protection system
• Lightweight
• Durable

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What we have here is a combination of excellence that has made Giro a household name in the bike accessory sector. The Aether is designed to be open and airy, with ample protection and other necessary features.

Its one-of-a-kind 6-shell and in-mold construction were designed in Giro’s helmet lab, and it’s one of the lightest models the company has ever made. It’s perfect for those who want to get the most out of their travels while also appearing stylish.

The helmet is unisex and available in a range of colors, from neutral black or gray to beautiful white and citron combinations. It comes in four sizes, including an XL (63-65 cm) for those who prefer a more comfortable ride.

Some individuals may find it too exposed, but the Giro helmet has a remedy. Warmth and comfort in the winter and cooling in the summer are provided by a dual-density EPS foam lining on the inside of the helmet. We haven’t noticed any odors because it has an antimicrobial cushioning layer.

Finally, the company includes a unique ventilation system that includes deep internal channeling and massive vents inside the helmet. This makes the Giro Aether Road Bike Helmet best-suited for even the hottest summer days.

Pros

• Excellent airflow and ventilation
• The stringent safety criteria set by Giro are met
• Two layers of EPS foam make up the liner
• It can be used in any season

Cons

• Quite pricey

2. Bell Z20 MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Impact-Resistant

Key Features:

• Fusion polycarbonate shell
• Progressive Layering
• MIPS-Equipped
• XT2 padding

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Years of research, tinkering, and aiming to build a helmet that provides greater impact protection without being unduly heavy resulted in the Bell Z20 MIPS. The progressive layering architecture of the helmet allows it to transfer the energies released during an impact effectively.

Bell Z20 MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet comes in three standard sizes, each of which is highly adjustable. In fact, the simple strap system lets you modify the height, pad width, and tension on three levels. The model is unisex, which means it will fit both men’s and women’s skulls in the same size.

Another unique feature we found is its improved ventilation system, which has 18 vents that sets this model apart. Everything in this helmet is built utilizing aerodynamic principles, allowing you to ride faster and more effortlessly.

The inner layer is made up of quick-drying materials woven with silver strands to prevent the growth of odor-causing microorganisms. A perspiration guide pad is included as well, which keeps moisture away from your forehead and keeps your spectacles dry.

Bell Z20 MIPS Road Bike Helmet comes in a variety of colors and may be combined in a variety of ways. Aside from the standard black, there are a variety of color combinations available, such as pink and light blue. On the other hand, the price may differ based on the size and color.

Pros

• Great Impact resistance
• Adaptable to any situation
• Layering in a step-by-step method
• Aerodynamics
• Sturdy

Cons

• With Velcro, there could be a few tiny issues

3. Kask Valegro Cycling Helmet – Best Compact

Key Features:

• 37 Ventilation Molding Technology
• MIT Technology
• 3 sizes available
• Weighs 180g

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If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight road bike helmet, the Kask Valegro might be the best option. The Italian company KASK UTOPIA received an iF Design Award for this helmet in 2018 and 2019 for its fit and light design.

This model comes in three sizes, with the lowest weighing only 180g, which is extremely light for a bike helmet. My model weighs 208.9 grams as shown in the below image. As a result, it’s appropriate for even the slim riders, especially women who can’t find a helmet that doesn’t hide their features. Teenagers and children who have recently graduated from children’s helmets can also use it.

Kask Valegro Cycling Helmet can be worn all day, even on hot summer days, due to its excellent temperature regulation. I found the 37 ventilation holes allowing my skin to breathe while also keeping me cool. Don’t worry; it has tri-dimensional padding to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The padding is made of a moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating substance that is also antibacterial. Furthermore, the chin strap is made of eco-leather, which is soft, comfy, and long-lasting.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Excellent ventilation
• Padding that helps to keep the body at a comfortable temperature

Cons

• The L size may be small for some persons

4. Kask Mojito X Bicycle Helmet – Best Lightweight

Key Features:

• Shock-absorbing
• Resistant to impact
• 26 air vents
• 20 monochromatic styles
• Washable faux-leather chinstrap

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The Kask Mojito X helmet is very breathable and easy to wear because of the 26 carefully positioned air vents. The chinstrap is made of washable faux leather for added comfort and convenience.

This helmet is for you if modern helmets appear to be too open to convincing you of their safety. I found this helmet simple and light that offers excellent impact protection and temperature regulation.

There are 20 monochromatic styles to pick from, ensuring that everyone can find something they like. It also comes in three sizes, but keep in mind that Kask helmets are snugger (tighter) on the head than those made by other companies. It may be better suited to ladies and teenagers than tall men because there is no extra-large size.

The company has tried to make the helmet lighter, and the MIT technology enhances its shock absorption. There’s also a nonslip inside lining that holds the helmet in place and eliminates the uncomfortable slipping sensation. Additionally, that liner can save your life by ensuring that the helmet stays on your head regardless of what happens.

Pros

• Shock-absorbing
• Resistant to impact
• Lightweight
• It’s the perfect fit
• Breathable

Cons

• The XL size is not available

5. Bell Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Breathable

Key Features:

• Float fit
• NO-TWIST TRI-GLIDES
• Sweat guide
• OVERBROW ventilation

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To begin with, Bell Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet is intended to help you improve your performance! It’s based on professional racing road bike helmets and offers equivalent quality at a reduced price. As you can see, the shape is a little unusual, but that’s to help you ride faster by utilizing aerodynamic principles.

MIPS refers to the company’s unique impact prevention technology. The multi-directional impact protection system protects your head from all sides, including rotating forces caused by collisions.

The helmet’s quick-adjust straps, which can be altered with one hand, provide it a lot of versatility. It’s also great for preventing your head from slipping or shifting.

Another feature that distinguishes the Bell Stratus MIPS is the Overbrow ventilation system, which draws cold air in from the front and circulates it through the air channels. An effective overheating protection feature that allows your skin to breathe.

Bell Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet is available in 11 various colors, with the yellow phosphorescent variation garnering the most attention. It’s not only fashionable, but it can also help you stand out on the road by increasing your visibility to other riders. In this view, the Bell Stratus MIPS may be the best road bike helmet for night riding.

Pros

• MIPS
• Aerodynamically designed
• Enhances productivity
• The brow has its own ventilation system
• Color combinations with a twist

Cons

• Replacement pads are not available

Best Road Bike Helmets Buying Guide

We’ve put together the definitive buyer’s guide to help you find the best road bike helmets.

A good bike helmet is influenced by a number of factors, like the length of time you plan to wear it, the sensitivity of your head, and so on.

Bike Helmets Come in a Wide Range of Designs

There are many different types of bike helmets, but here are three of the more common ones to be aware of.

i. Commuting Bike Helmets

Commuter helmets are made for those who ride their bikes to work or school every day, regardless of performance. They’re made to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and they’re built to last.

The most significant difference between commuter and racing road bike helmets is their weight. The lack of advanced materials in commuting helmets makes them slightly heavier. As a result, they’re far more reasonable, with a good helmet costing as little as $60 or less.

ii. High-Performance Bike Helmets

Although performance helmets are compact and light, they can be costly. They’re made to help competitive cyclists improve their race times, especially in steep terrain. In difficult situations, even the tiniest weight difference might make a difference.

As a result, helmet manufacturers compete to produce the smallest and lightest helmet feasible (without affecting safety, of course). Performance helmets are nice to have and feel great on your head, but they aren’t required.

iii. Aerodynamic Bike Helmets

This is one of the most recent designs in the field of high-end bike helmets. The idea is to improve the performance of cyclists by using aerodynamics. There are a number of fairly unique shapes on the market because the creators are still discovering which design would function best. The only disadvantage of aero helmets is that they are typically unventilated and lack a thermoregulation mechanism, which is one of the reasons why some individuals avoid them. When the weather is nice, they’re a terrific choice, but when it’s hot, they’re not so much.

Fit and Comfort

The most important factor to consider when buying a road bike helmet is that it fits properly. It should be easy to put on and not too tight or loose. Even though you can measure your head at home and get your size online, it’s a good idea to try on a few different styles before committing.

For increased comfort, look for ones with plush cushioning on the inside. On hot summer days when you’re sweating profusely, you’ll have problems if the padding isn’t detachable and washable.

Ventilation

Another factor to consider is ventilation, which is especially crucial for people who bike for long periods of time. Choose a helmet with a number of air-circulation openings in the shell. Helmets with less ventilation may be warmer and more suited in colder areas.

A ventilated helmet with warm interior padding, on the other hand, would be a better choice. It has the potential to be a winning combination all year long.

Weight

These days, the industry’s driving force is to develop lightweight helmets that may nevertheless provide good safety and comfort. People favor lighter helmets for one reason: the lessened pressure on the head and neck allows for a broader range of motion.

Professional cyclists will tell you that even a 50-gram difference in weight has a big effect on performance. The most significant disadvantage is that the lightest helmets are also the most costly.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics is particularly important to competitive racers, and it applies to everything they wear, including their gear and helmet. Aerodynamic helmets reduce drag and boost speed, allowing you to ride faster and more smoothly. Investing in a decent aerodynamic helmet will help you boost your performance significantly.

However, there are two disadvantages. To begin with, this is a brand-new feature that is generally reserved for racing cyclists. You should expect these helmets to be pricey due to the amount of R&D that goes into them. Second, aerodynamic helmets frequently come with oddly shaped lids, which may or may not be a major worry for some.

Conclusion

There you have it: The best road bike helmets.

You can’t go wrong with any of these five helmets. You also know how to determine whether a helmet provides appropriate protection, allowing you to make an informed decision.

For the sake of naming one, the Giro Aether Spherical Adult Road Bike Helmet is the best road bike helmet currently available on the market. This style offers not only excellent protection but also excellent ventilation and temperature regulation, making it perfect for use throughout the year.