The 12 Best Aero Helmets for Road Cycling (Save Precisious Watts) [2021]

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This is a selection of the best aero road cycling helmets on the market. They are all certified and properly tested to meet the US and EU safety standards. Some models were even tested in wind tunnels to provide the best aerodynamics properties possible.

Based on my 10+ hour market research, I selected aero lower end, mid-range, and high-end aero helmets. The following three are the best:

• The best budget aero helmet is the Rock Bros road bike helmet.
• The best aero helmet overall is the Specialized Evade II with ANGi (also available at jensonusa.com).
• The best-ventilated aero helmet is the Kask Utopia (also available at competitivecyclist.com).
  Learn more about these helmets below.

In this article, you also find out how many watts an aero helmet can save you, whether or not it makes you faster, what are its other benefits and disadvantages, and most importantly, how to choose the best aero helmet to suit your needs.

NOTES
This roundup does not include time trial helmets.
All helmets are CPSC certified (learn more about certifications).
All helmets also allow you to adjust the circumference using the dial or its alternative.

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What Are the Best Road Bike Helmets?

Skip to comparison table…

Rock Bros Aero Road Bike Helmet (Best Budget)

Generally speaking, aero helmets are pretty expensive, but not all. This Rock Bros aero helmet is a good example. It is a very affordable option, so if you have a limited budget but want to take advantage of an aero helmet, it is worth trying.

It was inspired by more premium aero helmets. It even includes some premium features like the magnetic buckle for easy fastening and cleverly designed air for better ventilation so your head won’t overheat in the summer.

Its weight is pretty low, so you will forget that you wear it during long rides. It also has replaceable inner padding, so once it wears out, you can replace it with the new one.

The main downsides are the chin strap which feels cheap and is not as comfortable as chin straps on more expensive helmets, and the limited colors available.

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Specialized S-Works Evade with ANGi (Best Overall)

Specialized designed their aero helmet with 3 features in mind – low weight, good ventilation, and superb aerodynamics. They claim it is the fastest road cycling helmet on the market. It can save 50 seconds on 40 km over a traditional road bike helmet, and 6 seconds more than the previous generation of S-Works Evade.

Unfortunately, further details about this testing are not available, so I can’t double-check this claim. However, if you are a hobby cyclist, you probably won’t notice the difference anyway.

But, riders who like to compete in crits, fast races, or sprinters where inches can decide whether you win or not may take advantage of its aero performance.

Evade II is also equipped with an ANGi sensor that you connect to Specialized Ride iOS or Android app. Once it detects a crash, your smartphone will automatically send a message to your loved ones – safety first! You can also pair it with the Strava app to track your activities via GPS.

Another cool feature of this helmet is the magnetic buckle making the fastening super easy with one hand.

There is no doubt about Evade II popularity – the following world tour pro cycling teams use this helmet in the 2021 season.

• Bora–Hansgrohe
• Deceuninck – Quick-Step

Also available at jensonusa.com

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Kask Utopia (Best Ventilated)

I have a friend who is a bicycle helmet geek. He already tried dozens of helmets, including several aero helmets (Abus Gamechanger, MET Manta, and HJC Furion). Kask Utopia is the best-ventilated aero helmet he tried. And he is not the only one that thinks so.

Kask Utopia is also very lightweight, which is good news for every roadie. However, more than weight, the correct fit is important. And that’s another field where Utopia excels.

You can adjust the circumference using the dial, and thanks to Kask’s Octo Fit, the dial’s fit position (so the helmets basically fits better). I have experience with the Kask Mojito helmet, which was the helmet that fit me best. Kask helmets are well-known for their good fit.

According to Kask, with Utopia, you save up to 6 watts at 30mph (50km/h). You probably don’t train at this speed, but it can make the difference in a race.

Naturally, even Utopia has its downsides. It is pretty expensive, its design may not be appealing to everybody, and it doesn’t have the MIPS.

WT team INEOS Grenadiers has been using this helmet in the 2020 and 2021 season.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, jensonusa.com, and wiggle.co.uk

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Giro Vanquish MIPS

Vanquish is the Giro’s flagship aero helmet. Some rumors appeared it should be replaced by a new model in 2021 but this doesn’t mean Vanquish is not good. The truth is the exact opposite.

This helmet features a removable magnetic eye shield with a Zeiss lens that you can use instead of sunglasses and improve your aerodynamics even further. In addition, the Zeiss lens increases the contrast so that you will see potholes and other obstacles from a larger distance.

Just keep in mind the shield is pretty large so that you will look like a time trialist. But, thanks to the magnets, you can remove it easily and use Vanquish as a standard aero road bike helmet.

Another benefit of Vanquish is the MIPS technology that reduces the strain levels during impact. This increases your safety (learn more).

The biggest downsides of Vanquish are its weight that exceeds 0.67lb (300g) in the M size without the eye shield and the ventilation that is not as good as on Utopia or Evade II.

If Vanquish is too expensive for you, check out Shinmax Aero Bike Helmet, which is a similar style helmet but more affordable.

Two WT pro cycling teams have been using the Giro Vanquish in the 2021 season. Team BikeExchange and Groupama – FDJ.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.co.uk

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Abus Gamechanger

The Abus Gamechanger aero helmet is ideal for highly demanding riders who count every second. It can create the difference between the victory and the loss.

Gamechanger is, according to owners, very comfortable, and thanks to its pretty low weight (lower than S-Works Evade II, for example), you will forget you wear it.

This helmet also sets aside a large variety of color options to easily match them with your kit. For example, I am a huge fan of the “steel blue,” but you can choose a stylish chameleon purple, yellow, red, grey, and many more colors.

Gamechanger has a few downsides. Storing your sunglasses in the front doesn’t work very well. That’s why Abus designed the ‘AirPort’ that allows you to store them in the rear securely.

And the second downside is the ventilation. It is ventilated pretty well if you ride fast, but if you climb or ride slowly when it is hot outside (86°F+ / 30°C+) outside, your head will overheat.

Anyway, this does not change the fact that the Movistar Team world tour team is an official partner of Abus helmets and their riders wear them from the 2017 season.

Also available at performancebike.com and wiggle.co.uk

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MET Manta & MET Manta MIPS

Manta is one of the lightest aero helmets on the market. Thanks to its low weight, it is a perfect choice for riders who suffer from neck pain due to the heavy helmet (or poor bike fit).

Manta will save you 10 watts at 30mph (50km/h), according to MET. This is even more than the Kask Utopia (6 watts at the same speed).

Owners mainly praise its comfort thanks to the Safe-T Orbital Fit System that allows a high level of adjustment and effortless fastening using the Fidlock magnetic buckle.

This helmet is available in plenty of color options (black, white, blue, red, etc.), so matching it with your kit is easy.

It is available in an option with MIPS and without it. The MIPS is more expensive than the non-MIPS version. If the Manta is still too expensive for you, you can buy the MET Strale, which is much more affordable.

MET Manta is an aero go-to choice for the UAE-Team Emirates world tour pro cycling team.

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Bell Z20 Aero

Altought Bell Z20 Aero looks poorly ventilated, the truth is the exact opposite. It is one of the main features why it is popular.

Except for great ventilation, it also features MIPS technology for reducing strain levels during impact.

Bell Z20 Aero is also very comfortale thanks to the inner padding and shape that fits most head types. The fitting system works as expected on a helmet in this price range.

Its main downside is the chin strap which could be made from a better, more comfortable material. This one is a little bit unpleasant when you tighten it too much.

Pick from multiple color combinations and 3 sizes.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com and wiggle.co.uk

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Shinmax Aero Bike Helmet

If you like the concept of the Giro Vanquish helmet, but it is too expensive for you, the Shinmax aero bike helmet is a cheaper, much more affordable alternative.

It also has a removable magnetic eye shield, but the lens doesn’t improve the contrast ratio. On the other hand, it provides you with sufficient protection against wind and UV light.

The main downsides of this helmet are the only one size available and the ventilation. If you pick the black color, long climb, and hot weather, your head will overheat. So this combination is a big no-no.

Also, the lens looks smaller in the pictures than once you put the helmet on your head. So keep that in mind.

The helmet feels more expensive than how much it costs. Great value for the money!

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HJC Furion

HJC took advantage of their experience from MotoGP when designing their Furion helmet. As a result, it is the lightest aero helmet in this selection. HJC claims it will save you 7% energy during your ride compared to other helmets. This is a very bold claim…

Anyway, owners like its appearance and high level of comfort thanks to its SELFIT automatic fitting system. This helmet doesn’t feature a standard adjustable dial. Instead, this system automatically adjusts the helmet size even during a ride to provide a consistent fit.

It needs to be mentioned that this automatic system may not fit everybody, and according to some users, it may put too much pressure on your nape.

There are 2 versions of the Furion helmet, Furion and Furion 2.0. The second generation is slightly lighter and aero optimized than the previous version, but also more expensive.

HJC helmets are used by three world tour pro cycling teams in the 2021 season:

• AG2R Citroën Team
• Israel Start-Up Nation
• Lotto Soudal

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Smith Optics Ignite MIPS

Smith Optics is not very known from the pro peloton because they don’t sponsor any team. However, their helmets are worth it because they are well-built and pretty affordable, offering a better price-value ratio than the high-end aero helmets.

Ignite will appeal to everybody who likes a simple and modern design. It doesn’t have an old-school mesh against insects but a skeletal structure that may remind you of the WaveCel at Bontrager helmets.

This helmet also features Zonal Koroyd technology that is, according to Smith Optics, better at absorbing impacts. So in combination with MIPS, you get the best protection possible.

The ventilation is pretty good but not as good as on Kask Utopia or S-Works Prevail II, so if you live in a hot area with long climbs, I recommend choosing another helmet. Another small complaint I have about this helmet is the weight that exceeds 0.66lb (300g).

Also available at competitivecyclist.com

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POC Ventral Spin

POC Ventral Spin is probably the closest helmet to standard road bike helmets. It doesn’t look as aero as other helmets in this roundup, but I included it because, according to POC, it sets the benchmark for aerodynamic performance.

I know it is a bold claim, but according to owners, you will feel fast, comfy, and safe at the same time with this helmet.

Its design was tested using Computational Fluid Dynamics software to optimize its design for better airflow resulting in great aero and ventilation properties.

Thanks to POC’s SPIN technology, its safety is on a similar level as helmets with MIPS while keeping its weight low.

Although some people hate the design of POC helmets, they are unique, and this helmet has its place on this list.

POC Ventral Spin is an aero helmet of the EF Pro Cycling WT team.

Also available at jensonusa.com, performancebike.com, and wiggle.co.uk

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Bontrager XXX WaveCel

The Bontrager XXX WaveCel aero helmet is made using a unique 3D printing technology. According to Bontrager, this technology is 5 times more effective when protecting your head from injuries than standard foam technology. Virginia Tech rated the WaveCel helmets with 5* (out of 5* possible).

It differs from Bontrager Specter WaveCel in the design, but other features are very similar. XXX WaveCel is just more aero.

Thanks to the BOA rear dial, you can easily adjust the fit, and the Fidlock magnetic buckle makes fastening the helmet quick, secure, and hassle-free.

The large air vents ensure good ventilation even during hot summer days, so you don’t have to be afraid of overheating because they allow good airflow.

Bontrager also offers a crash replacement guarantee. You get a free replacement if you involve in a crash within the first year of ownership.

The biggest downside is probably the weight, which is about 50g more than on other similar priced aero helmets.

Trek-Segafredo used this helmet in the 2021 cycling season.

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My Verdict

Rock Bros road bike helmet is the best budget aero helmet. Thanks to its affordability and good quality, it is a nice entry-level aero helmet for beginners and casual riders with a limited budget. It even features a magnetic fastening, which is a nice-to-have feature that increases convenience.

Specialized Evade II with ANGi (also available at jensonusa.com) is the best aero road cycling helmet. According to Specialized, it will save you 50 seconds on a 40km ride compared to traditional road cycling helmets. Furthermore, it has an ANGi sensor that detects a fall and sends a message to your emergency contacts using your phone.

And finally, Kask Utopia (also available at competitivecyclist.com) is the best-ventilated aero road bike helmet. It is also pretty lightweight. At 0.57lb (260g) in M size, you will forget you wear it. And, it is very comfortable thanks to Kask’s Octo Fit technology. It may not be the most aero helmet on the market, but most likely the most versatile one.

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How to Choose an Aero Helmet?

Before you hit the buy button, it is good to consider whether or not an aero road bike helmet is a good choice for you. Make sure to consider the following features:

• Size, Fit & Adjustability
• Design & Aerodynamics
• Ventilation
• Weight
• Certifications
• Extra Safety Features

Size, Fit & Adjustability

Choosing the right helmet size is important not only in terms of how well you will look wearing the helmet but mainly for your safety. Poorly fitted helmet may cause more harm than good.

How to choose the right size of the bike helmet?

1. Measure your helmet circumference using a tape measure.
2. Compare your head circumference with the manufacturer’s helmet size chart.
3. If you are between sizes:
   • Get the smaller one if you don’t plan to ride in winter with a hat.
   • Get the larger one if you plan to ride in winter with a hat or have a large afro.
     This is obviously very individual, and I recommend trying the helmet in person if you can.

How do you know the helmet fits?

You have to feel it. If the helmet pushes you somewhere, it is probably not the best option for you. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also recommends double-checking the following:

• Two finger-width should be between your eyebrow and the helmet.
• The side straps should form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of your ears.
• The buckle should be centered under your chin, and it should be tight enough, so you don’t snug one or two fingers underneath it.

The modern bike helmets have adjustable side straps, chin straps, and dial fit (or its modern-self adjusting alternatives). You can adjust them all so the helmet won’t be too loose or too tight.

Design & Aerodynamics

Manufacturers try to surprise us with fancy claims like:

• Our helmet will save you 50 seconds on 25 miles (40 km) over a traditional road bike helmet.
• Our helmet will save you 10 watts at 31mph (50 km/h).
• Our helmet will save 5% of your energy on a ride than a traditional bike hemlet.

Unfortunately, we, ordinary mortals, cannot verify them because testing in a wind tunnel is expensive.

Therefore, I recommend choosing a helmet that you like and think about aerodynamics as the second instance. The differences between the aero helmets in this selection are minimal. Yes, races are sometimes decided within inches, and an aero helmet can play the difference, but will you be able to measure the difference between two high-end aero helmets?

Ventilation

Ventilation is an essential feature because it greatly contributes to your riding comfort. Unfortunately, aero helmets are known for their worse ventilation than standard road cycling helmets.

However, manufacturers push the limits of design every year, and aero helmets (like Kask Utopia) are well-ventilated and aero at the same time. So how do you find out whether or not a helmet is well-ventilated? If you can’t try it and do a test ride, you have to rely on reviews from other customers.

Weight

Aero road bike helmets weigh around 0.55 (250g) on average. There are even lighter helmets like HJC Furion 2.0.

Weight is a relatively important factor, as a lightweight helmet is more comfortable, so it does not cause neck pain on longer rides.

Helmets with MIPS are usually 0.88-1.59 ounces (25-45 g) heavier than helmets without it.

Certifications

Every bike helmet sold in the USA must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) quality standards to be authorized for sale. In Europe, there is the so-called EN 1079 standard, in Australia and New Zealand AS/NZS 2063, etc.

The purpose of the certifications is to verify that the helmet meets certain safety and protection requirements.

You can watch how the helmet’s crash tests look like in the following video.

Extra Safety Features

As explained in the certifications section, bike helmets must meet certain criteria to be legally allowed for certain markets. Some manufacturers push the safety even further.

The following safety features are the most widespread:

• MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
• SPIN (Shearing Pads Inside)
• WaveCell

The less known alternatives like Kali, Leatt, 6D, are also worth mentioning.

So, what are they good for?

The main difference between standard helmets and helmets with these technologies is, that these technologies are developed to reduce strain levels that occur during impact and may lead to brain injury.

Let’s now talk more in-depth about the three most widespread.

MIPS

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. This system was developed and researched for more than 20 years. It reduces the forces that arise during an impact and are then transmitted to the brain.

These rotational forces can cause brain damage. Helmets with MIPS (or MIPS alternatives like POC’s SPIN) reduce the risk of brain injuries.

How does MIPS work?
MIPS allows the head to move 10-15 mm inside the helmet. This reduces harmful rotational motion that would otherwise be transferred to your brain and cause injuries.

The movement is possible thanks to the inside construction. If you want to know more details, I recommend watching the following video.

What is the MIPS downside?
Helmets with MIPS are heavier for about 0.88-1.59oz. (25-45g) than standard, non-MIPS helmets. But, the improved safety is worth it, isn’t it?

SPIN

SPIN was developed by POC and is very similar to MIPS. In fact, MIPS even took POC to court due to intellectual property infringement.

The principle and goal are the same but the technology differs. Unlike MIPS, SPIN uses SPIN pads that reduce rotational and linear forces. Watch the following video that shows the animation of how SPIN works.

WaveCell

WaveCell, most known for its use in Bontrager helmets, is a cellular structure inside of a helmet that reduces impacts and rotational forces.

How does WaveCell work?

Trek explains the WaveCell technology in 3 steps:

1. Flex – reduces the initial frictional forces.
2. Crumple – reduces the impact forces.
3. Glide – the WaveCell redirects the energy aweay from your head.

What is the WaveCell downside?
Similar to MIPS, WaveCell also adds around 1.76oz. (50g) to the helmet’s weight. Furthermore, WaveCell technology is used on Bontrager’s helmets only and has not allowed its use to third-party helmets manufacturers yet. WaveCell helmets are also more expensive than helmets with MIPS or SPIN.

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Pros and Cons of Aero Road Bike Helmets

Aero road bike helmets should be faster thanks to their aero profile. Are they? Of course, they are but by how much?

In an interview for Cycling Weekly, Michael Hutchinson stated that a time trial helmet can be up to one minute faster than a standard helmet during a 24.85 mile (40km) time trial.

The aero road cycling helmets are somewhere between TT helmets and standard road cycling helmets.

For example, Specialized claims the following:

If you are a racer or you live in a flat area without long climbs, an aero helmet may be a good option for you because it reduces drag.

Just keep in mind that aero helmets are not as well ventilated as standard road cycling helmets. The overheating is noticeable during hot weather or long climbs.

Aero road cycling helmets also tend to be slightly heavier than traditional helmets.

Pros and cons of standard and aero road bike helmets

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Why You Should Wear a Helmet?

Wearing a bicycle helmet is especially important from a safety point of view. Would you guess by how much overall head injuries will be reduced when using a helmet? My tip was 50%. And I was not far from the truth. According to this study, the number of injuries is reduced by an average of 60% when wearing a helmet.

According to this 2012 study, only 29% of adults and 42% of children wore a helmet when riding a bike in the US.

I follow the ‘leading by example’ rule. So I wear a helmet whenever I sit on a bike. It doesn’t matter if I ride 60 miles trip or to a local grocery store.

Did you know that 61% of bicyclists killed in the USA in 2018 were not wearing helmets? Helmet use was unknown for 24%. (Source)

The following chart shows the number of bicyclist fatalities by helmet use between 2010 and 2018.

Based on trend lines, you can see that all categories grow. This is not a good sign.

KEY TAKE AWAY: A bike helmet is important, and it can save your life.

Federal vs State Law in the USA

There is no federal law in the USA that requires wearing a bicycle helmet. There are 3 main groups of the US states in terms of wearing a helmet:

• There are statewide laws that require wearing helmets in 21 US states.
• There is no state law, but local law exists in 16 US states,
• and there are only 13 states with no state or local helmet laws.
  (Source)

So, what are the bike helmets laws in the USA? Check the following map.

DISCLAIMER: Updated on the 26th of October, 2020.

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Bike Helmets FAQ

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Aero Helmets Used by World Tour Teams in 2021

Here is a list of World Tour pro cycling teams and the list of aero helmets they use for flat and hilly stages.

Team	Aero Helmet
AG2R Citroën Team	HJC Furion 2.0
Bahrain – Victorious	Rudy Project Spectrum
Intermaché-Wanty Gobert	Force Orca
Cofidis, Solutions Crédits	EKOI AR14 EKOI AR15
Groupama – FDJ	Giro Vanquish
INEOS Grenadiers	Kask Utopia
Israel Start-Up Nation	HJC Furion 2.0
Movistar Team	Abus Gamechanger
Team DSM	SCOTT Cadence
UAE-Team Emirates	MET Manta
EF Pro Cycling	POC Ventral SPIN
Astana Premier Tech	Limar Air Speed
BORA – hansgrohe	S-Works Evade II
Deceuninck – Quick Step	S-Works Evade II
Lotto Soudal	HJC Furion
Team BikeExchange	Giro Vanquish
Team Qhubeka ASSOS	EKOI AR14
Team Jumbo-Visma	Lazer Genesis
Trek – Segafredo	Bontrager XXX WaveCel

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This post is regularly updated to provide you with the most up-to-date tips on products. If you find a product that is not up to date, please, contact me.