The best cycling helmets for safer, swifter rides
A quality cycling helmet should be at the top of your accessories agenda if you’re going to get in on the two-wheeled commuter craze. From Giro to Kask, shop GQ’s pick of the best
Cycling is fun, free and – depending on how sweaty you like your commute to be – can often be faster than most alternative modes of transport. But it’s not without its hazards, hence why most cyclists choose to don bike helmets when spinning from A to B. Even if they're riding on one of the best bikes on the market, rather than a clapped-out model that's spent half its life in a garden shed.
While not required by law, a cycling helmet is a great way to add some protection when pedalling and can reduce the impact to your head if you are involved in a collision – although it’s important to note that wearing one doesn’t instantly make you superhuman. All helmets sold in the UK have to comply with the safety regulation EN 1078 (which should be somewhere on its packaging), while more premium models come with additional features such as MIPS technology.
Although it’s their main job, helmets aren’t just for protecting your noggin. Like other types of kit such as cycling shorts, cycling jerseys and cycling backpacks, some models include reflective detailing or even boast built-in lights to help you stay seen after dark by other road users. Others are all about aerodynamics, and can actually make you faster than if you aren’t wearing one.
Not sure where to start in your search for the best bike helmets? Brands such as Giro, Kask, POC, Rapha and Specialized all produce amazing lids that are comfortable, cool (literally and figuratively) and, most importantly, safe. But first, a few things worth considering before you buy...
Which are the best cycling helmets?
An all-rounder at a remarkable price, Giro's Register helmet does it all, incorporating that all-important MIPS into a streamlined design that's as ventilating as it is aerodynamic.
You'll find few helmets as affordable as this Halford's original, which is made with city cycling in mind. A rounded fit is best for those prioritising safety over speed and there's even a visor to improve visibility on sunnier days.
Close to the high end of what is currently available on the cycling helmet market, America's Specialized has created a new iteration of its popular S Words design. This one has been wind tunnel tested to optimise both breathability and streamlined, PB-beating design.
What do I need to know about cycling helmet sizing?
A cycling helmet that fits correctly is imperative for delivering that most important function – protecting your head from a nasty knock. For this reason, helmets should have several points of adjustability to secure a comfortable fit. A comprehensive fit system will include straps and a rear adjuster on the helmet itself, as well as an adjustable chin strap, which should allow for a comfortable fit on the face and chin without digging into your skin. If buying online, grab a tape measure and circle it around your head’s widest point. Generally speaking, size small will accommodate under 56cm and large over 58cm, but every brand is different (and will have its own size guide).
Is it worth getting a MIPS cycling helmet?
In your search for the best bike helmet, you may have come across the term “MIPS”. It refers to a Swedish company that specialises in a technology fitted inside helmets and stands for Multidirectional Impact Protection System. Providing an extra degree of safety, this slip pane technology absorbs both linear and rotational impact, reducing strain to the brain and reducing the likelihood of resulting concussion and other neurological injuries. If you're new to cycling on busy roads, a MIPS helmet is an investment worth making and is increasingly being built into road bike helmets as standard. MIPS aside, however, all helmets must go through rigorous road safety tests ahead of getting sold and will reduce impact dramatically compared to wearing nothing at all.
How long should a cycling helmet last?
Various cycling testing bodies have come up with different answers as to when you might think about replacing your helmet, varying from anywhere between three and ten years. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to road helmets and buying one at the higher end of the market will more than likely equate to a longer lifespan.
While bike helmets at any price point should be road-tested and approved at an official safety standard baseline, pricier helmets will tend to have MIPS as standard and be made from hardier (yet lightweight and thus more aerodynamic) stuff. Also affecting price point is the ventilation you can expect from your helmet, with more inexpensive models tending to use a larger block of eps foam and incorporating fewer holes – not ideal for summer commuting.
Is it against the law to not wear a cycling helmet?
Although there’s no law that requires a cyclist to wear a helmet, UK road accident figures are a compelling enough cause to invest. Data from the largest cycling and helmets review to date (2016) found that cycling helmets reduce the risk of serious head injuries by nearly 70 per cent, and fatal ones by 65 per cent. Seems to us like reason enough to apply your pomade when you reach your destination, rather than fret about helmet hair.
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Shop GQ's edit of the best cycling helmets to buy…
- 1/30
Giro Isode (MIPS)
- Pros: Affordable | Slick
- Cons: No reflectors
Giro’s bike helmets are some of the most respected on the road and the Isode is proof that you don’t have to part with top dollar to secure an all-rounder. Smart and simple, this helmet encases the safety of MIPS technology in its in-mold polycarbonate shell, while no fewer than 22 vents keep things aerodynamic and a Roc Loc Sport fit system ensures the rider’s comfort for commutes and leisurely weekend cycles alike.
- 2/30
Thousand Heritage
- Pros: Affordable | Anti-pinch magnetic buckle
- Cons: Retro design will be divisive
A helmet designed for urban environments, Thousand's Heritage helmet boasts a simple design that's not without its frills. It's only in the aesthetic that this helmet can be described as retro. Nifty features such as a secret pop lock so you can lock up your helmet with your bike, even with a U-lock, make it easy to stow, while a magnetic buckle means no more finger pinching. And, in keeping with your dedication to reduce your personal emissions by travelling by bike, Thousand also partners with 1% For The Planet to offset all carbon in the production and shipping process
- 3/30
Rapha + POC Omne Air
- Pros: Stylish take on solid lid | Low profile
- Cons: Limited colourways
It’s not a stretch to say that Rapha is something of a Marmite brand, but if you are in the ‘Love It’ camp, then you’ll want to gobble up any collaborations it does with other manufacturers. The British icon has put its own spin on POC’s Omne Air, adding a subtle design and all-important Rapha logo to a low-profile helmet that features MIPS Integra impact protection, wide vents and a spot to store your sunglasses. The same, non-Rapha version is available for £20 less, so it’s clear that you can put a price on owning this label.
- 4/30
Paul Smith x Kask ‘Motion Blur’ Wasabi
- Pros: Fashion-focused design | Adjustable airflow
- Cons: Price
Paul Smith needs no introduction, but here’s one anyway. The British fashion designer has been at the forefront of cool for more than five decades, but his first dream was to become a professional cyclist. An accident aged 17 put paid to those ambitions, but bicycles have been a common theme in his work over the years. His collaboration with Italian helmet brand Kask here sees his distinctive stripes applied to its Wasabi helmet – a performance-focused lid that is made to be ridden year-round in all conditions thanks to an adjustable vent that can be opened or closed with the push of a finger. Combined with a Merino wool lining that wicks away sweat and keeps smells under control, the only thing that will leave your eyes watering is the cost.
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- 5/30
Oakley ARO5 (MIPS)
- Pros: Bacteria-fighting | MIPS inclusive
- Cons: Expensive
Oakley has become so esteemed in fashion circles that it's easy to forget that at its core it's a performance-driven brand. The tech spec of the Oakley ARO5 is a testament to its rigorous engineering, decked out with all kinds of functional tech that makes it primed for two-wheeled safety, speed and comfort. The use of its X-static brow padding uses silver to inhibit bacteria growth and odour from sweaty rides, while that much-coveted MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system) will limit any collision damage. Keeping things stylish as always, an eyewear dock means you can securely stow those iconic Oakley jawbreakers, while an accompanying travel bag means you can keep it stowed in style.
- 6/30
Halfords Urban
- Pros: Very affordable | Removable fabric visor
- Cons: Not aerodynamic
At the more budget end of the bicycle helmet marketplace, Halfords' own urban helmet is high in the ranks. The ABS shell is tough and durable for a daily commute, while the minimal style won't be an eyesore when lugged around with your work get-up. And, for an extra layer of sun protection when you're not travelling with cycling sunglasses, it even boasts a removable fabric visor for a clearer view of the road when the sun's out.
- 7/30
Pas Normal Studio Falconer II (MIPS)
- Pros: Unique design | Lowers drag
- Cons: Very expensive
A cycling helmet with all the high-fashion appeal of a designer cap or bucket hat? Just take our money. The Falconer II aero helmet really is a thing of beauty, especially in this rich burnt-orange hue. Primed for the elite peloton, its geometry provides next-level ventilation and comes with Aerocovers to lower the aerodynamic drag further still. At a more everyday level, its soft foam-wrapped pads keep cycles comfortable and will wick away sweat in the summer months, while fit can be fine-tuned to a tee thanks to the rear Occigrip turn dial.
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- 8/30
Thousand Chapter
- Pros: Detachable light strip | Cool tortoiseshell visor
- Cons: Not aerodynamic
For an extra couple of quid, Thousand's Chapter helmet boasts that additional bit of utility over the Heritage, care of a 50-lumen taillight that attaches to your helmet magnetically, or to a multi-use adapter that can be placed on your bike frame itself, for an extra helping of visibility. On the other side of the spectrum, when light is all too abundant, a hand-painted tortoiseshell visor will keep the glare away.
- 9/30
Dashel Urban Cycle
- Pros: Affordable | Lifetime warranty
- Cons: Divisive design
Not only are Dashel's helmets some of the most aesthetically on point, but they're also an excellent eco-friendly option, made from recycled and recyclable materials – perfect for those who have taken to cycling as a sustainable alternative to driving. Lightweight, at only 310g, and rigorously tested for safety in all conditions, a Dashel helmet is quite literally a helmet for life, as the brand will part exchange for a new one when you eventually look to trade it in for a shinier model, re-using the materials from the old one
- 10/30
Specialized S Works Evade 3
- Pros: Aerodynamic | Breathable
- Cons: Expensive
Historically, when you got to top-end road cycling helmets, you had two choices: one that was aerodynamic at all costs (and would leave you a hot sweaty mess) or accept some additional drag for actual ventilation. The S Works Evade 3 from Specialized changed all of this. A wind tunnel-tested helmet that the American brand claims is the fastest in the professional peloton packs breathability to boot –ideal if you don’t have the luxury of multiple helmets to choose from depending on that day’s route.
- 11/30
Giro Vanquish
- Pros: Streamlined airflow | Comfortable
- Cons: Design won't be for everyone
This is a helmet for serious cyclists, engineered for Ironman-level speed and efficiency. The highlight of its tech spec is its Transform Air design, streamlining airflow and reducing any drag, but inside is just as impressive, with an EPS liner and Roc Loc air system, integrated with multi-directional impact protection technology, for comfort, cooling and protection. Beloved by the WorldTour peloton, this is one of the most technologically advanced road cycling helmets out there.
- 12/30
Kask Protone
- Pros: Lightweight | Wind tunnel tested
- Cons: Expensive
Breathable and aerodynamic enough that it’s been worn by WorldTour professionals, this is a helmet that’s primed for racing and has the tech spec to prove it. Weighing in at only 230g, it has been wind-tunnel tested and tuned for easy riding in all conditions, while its CoolMax padding will absorb sweat and keeps you comfortable on longer rides. None of that comes at the expense of safety, though. Kask’s In-Moulding tech for shock absorption, strengthened frame to prevent breakage and reinforced top will all keep you protected (and the helmet in one piece) after impact.
- 13/30
Closca Fuga
- Pros: Ingenious folding system | Lightweight
- Cons: Not aerodynamic
As far as stowable function goes, it doesn't get much better than Closca's designs. The first helmet to come with a patented folding system, it reduces in size by some 55 per cent in just a second, meaning it'll fit comfortably into your bag post-ride (and without weighing you down, at only 250g to 290g, dependant on head size). While the innovation has won it many a design accolade, it comes with zero compromise to road safety, with collision impact evenly distributed across its surface and the inclusion of an NFC chip, which stores your medical history and enables you to quickly call an emergency service in the case of an accident.
- 14/30
Scott Centric Plus
- Pros: Great on and off-road | Low weight | Reflective details
- Cons: Will need a cap in the winter
Although you might not know his name if you’re new to cycling, Nino Schurter is kind of the GOAT when it comes to mountain biking. The Swiss legend has dominated the cross-country discipline for more than a decade, so if a helmet is good enough for him, then it’s good enough for you, too. The Centric Plus from Scott integrates a MIPS system into its padding, but also goes big on aerodynamic optimisation and ventilation, meaning you’ll be fast, cool and safe wherever you’re riding.
- 15/30
Giro Aether (MIPS)
- Pros: Lightweight | Cooling
- Cons: Very expensive
The spherical MIPS technology on Giro’s Aether helmet sits between its two shells to do away with any overheating (or snagging of your hair when taking off your helmet). It’s something of a revelation given that this kind of liner tended to come as an afterthought. Add to the mix its relative weightlessness at just 269g, plus excellent breathability, and here’s a helmet that has it all.
- 16/30
Lazer Sphere (MIPS)
- Pros: Official British Cycling helmet supplier
- Cons: Cheaper options are available
Designed alongside top athletes, the Lazer Sphere hits the sweet spot of design, comfort, safety and technology. The official helmet supplier for British Cycling, it's a helmet that's got the co-sign of many an elite cyclist, but with major roadside appeal. No fewer than 18 inlet and exhaust ventilation holes keep air flowing in the summer months, while the addition of an Aeroshell also offers coverage from an April shower. It's also fitted with MIPS to help reduce the risk of brain injury on impact, well worth your consideration if you're cycling through cities on the daily.
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- 17/30
Bell Avenue (MIPS)
- Pros: Affordable | Well ventilated
- Cons: Heavy
It wasn’t that long ago that MIPS technology for anything less than £100 would be completely unheard of. Bell’s affordable Avenue helmet is a perfect example of how the safety measure is now ingrained in those better value road helmets on the market. The trade-off is a slightly weightier helmet at 310g, but its 18 vents and polycarbonate shell make this an excellent helmet for summer rides at this price point.
- 18/30
Abus Stormchaser
- Pros: Breathable
- Cons: Colour won't be for everyone
Have you seen the name Abus and thought: “Don't they make bike locks?” Well, yes, you'd be right. But the German manufacturer specialises in making equipment that keeps your head safe, too. Despite the autumnal-sounding name, its Stormchaser model is one for the height of summer, with a total of 23 air inlets and outlets built into its lightweight 240g shell. While it might look like a standard helmet from the front, its rear has real supercar energy, which will definitely make you look faster (even if that doesn't translate to your head unit).
- 19/30
Rapha + Smith Forefront 2 Trail (MIPS)
- Pros: Stylish | Sunglasses storage
- Cons: More ideal for mountain biking than road
Rapha might be better known for its innate sense of style relative to most cycling brands, but that’s not to say it’s not without some road-safe engineering to boot. Collaborating with Smith, this helmet is primed for mountain biking rather than the streets of W1, with rotational forces catered for thanks to MIPS plus visor and eyewear garage for sunglasses storage, keeping you shielded from the increased sun exposure of tall peaks
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- 20/30
Giro Syntax (MIPS)
- Pros: Breathable | Affordable
- Cons: Not ideal for winter riding
The Giro Syntax is a helmet with some serious flair – think elite peloton style at commuter cycling lane price points. Aside from its slick shape and dual colouring, its 25 large vents keep this especially ventilated, pushing warm air out as you pedal. As is the norm for Giro, integrated MIPS provides defence from rotational forces on impact, bolstered by an EPS foam liner that will lessen stress transfer to the head.
- 21/30
Endura Pro SL
- Pros: Lightweight | Great safety features | Antibacterial padding
- Cons: No MIPS
Scottish brand Endura is a big name in the mountain biking safety game, so it knows a thing or two about protecting precious cargo in precarious environments. It has applied these off-road learnings to the Pro SL, a road-focused lid that prioritises safety above all else thanks to its use of Koroyd (a material that is claimed to absorb impacts better than standard EPS foam found in other helmets). It still manages to be incredibly light (238g), although it is worth flagging that it doesn’t feature MIPS, which is practically standard at this price point.
- 22/30
Smith Trace
- Pros: Cycling sunglasses storage | Ventilated
- Cons: Expensive to be without MIPS
One of the stand-out features of Smith’s Trace helmet is Koroyd, a super-light ventilation/protection system that surrounds it in a honeycomb shape underneath the outer shell. It lends the helmet excellent ventilation capabilities that’ll prove valuable in warmer months. There’s also space enough to store cycling sunglasses within its build, not surprising given that Smith is something of an expert when it comes to performance eyewear, but a very useful bolt-on.
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- 23/30
HardnutZ Stealth
- Pros: Very affordable | Reflective
- Cons: Large
Another sound option for cyclists on a budget, this HardnutZ helmet takes its name from the stealth bombers that go undetected, thanks to 14 panels that are next to invisible in daylight but entirely reflective to street lights and cars. It's a clever blend of safety without those high-vis design elements that might not be to your aesthetic liking.
- 24/30
Hexr
- Pros: Custom fit | Ectremely safe
- Cons: Very expensive
Hexr prides itself on providing a new standard in hemet safety and performance and a big part of that comes down to fit. Rather than relying on an adjustable range within small, medium and large sizes, this is the world’s first custom-fit helmet built with a 30,000-point 3-D scanner. The result is a 100 per cent bio-material-produced (from castor oil) honeycomb layer that’s made to the precise dimensions and curvature of your head, which oblique tests proved 26 per cent safer than current foam helmets.
- 25/30
Bontrager Starvos WaveCel
- Pros: Ingenious crumple zone function
- Cons: Harsh design
Eschewing MIPS for a collapsable cellular structure it calls WaveCell, Bontrager’s exclusive tech is disrupting the industry-accepting safety standards, working like a crumple zone that helps to absorb impact before it reaches your head, first flexing, then crumpling like a car bumper before redirecting energy away. The leading tech has a five-star rating from Virginia Tech and The Crash Replacement Guarantee means you’ll receive a free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within a year of ownership.
- 26/30
POC Ventral (MIPS)
- Pros: Well-ventilated | Streamlined
- Cons: Very expensive
Swedish company POC knows a thing or two about safety. Founded in 2005 specifically to “protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one”, it uses an innovative, scientific research-based approach to design helmets and armour for two adrenaline-fuelled action sports – cycling and snow sports. Its Ventral MIPS was first released in 2018 and turned heads at the time for being aerodynamic and extremely well-ventilated. While there have been a number of different iterations since (including one with a built-in NFC chip that can provide first-response rescuers with your emergency details in case of an accident), it’s tough to beat the OG.
- 27/30
Met Allroad (MIPS)
- Pros: Lightweight | Optional visor | Reflectors included
- Cons: Not ideal for winter rides
Dabble in road and gravel riding? This Allroad model from Italian brand MET has got your back. In tarmac mode, it’s a sleek, lightweight helmet that will keep you safe and slipstreamed. When things head off-road though, simply clip on the visor for some shade from the sun and added protection if you do take a tumble and faceplant the floor. An integrated rear LED light and reflective rear decals are nice inclusions that will keep you seen by other road users.
- 28/30
Van Rysel RoadR 500 (MIPS)
- Pros: Affordable for MIPS | Breathable
- Cons: Bulky
Investing in a MIPS-touting helmet doesn’t have to involve breaking the bank. This road-focused lid from Decathlon’s in-house brand Van Rysel packs all of the safety properties of the anti-rotation system for a fraction over £50. But that’s not all. Large vents on the front, top and rear ensure your head stays sweat-free even on the hottest days, while its aerodynamic design should help you cut through the air too.
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- 29/30
Cannondale Dynam
- Pros: Comfortable | Eyewear storage
- Cons: Limited colourways
Not all MIPS are created equal, and Cannondale’s Dynam proves it, employing impossibly light Air Node for a lightweight helmet that doesn’t sacrifice safety. Big ventilation ports keep your head cool regardless of riding conditions, and the temple intakes include smart grippers designed for storing your cycling sunglasses. The only downside? Limited colourways, with a speckled finish that's not to everyone’s taste.
- 30/30
Giro Register (MIPS)
- Pros: Sleek | Affordable | Lightweight
- Cons: Not a winter pick
At only 238g, the Giro Register is a super-lightweight helmet, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it can’t hold its own on the streets. Its polycarbonate outer shell is rigid as they come, while its foam liner is more than capable of absorbing impact. A quick-link detachable visor and 22 vents make this an especially summer-friendly helmet, providing all the ventilation necessary to take you from home to office without the need a sweat-drenched barnet.
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