A bike helmet is the #1 bike accessory you should buy. This article will teach you how to choose it based on your riding style and needs.
I will explain how to choose the right helmet size, the differences, pros & cons between bike helmet types, and the other features you should consider.
KEY TAKEAWAY
When choosing a bike helmet, consider its right size, so it feels comfortable to wear and its type. For example, road bike helmets are well-ventilated and lighter than mountain bike helmets with visors. All helmets sold on the US market (eventually in the EU or Australia) must meet local safety standards to provide sufficient protection. However, features like MIPS or WaveCel push it further, making helmets safer.
How to Choose a Bike Helmet? Two Things to Consider
The other bike helmet features, like weight, ventilation, design, etc., are worth considering once you know the helmet will fit you and it is the right type for your riding style.
1. How to Choose the Right Bike Helmet Size?
Every bike helmet manufacturer has different sizing. The helmet’s size is determined by the head circumference in inches or cm.
Use a soft tailor tape measure to measure it.
Once you know your head circumference’s size, choosing the correct helmet size is pretty easy.
The most common adult bicycle helmet sizes are:
- XS: below 20″ | below 51cm
- S: 20–21.75″ | 51–55cm
- M: 21.75–23.25″ | 55–59cm
- L: 23.25–24.75″ | 59–63cm
- XL: above 24.75″ | above 63cm
Source: rei.com
NOTE: These sizes differ based on the manufacturer.
What if you are between two sizes?
If you are between two sizes, you have multiple options:
- You can buy a larger helmet and adjust the size with a dial. If it is still too big, you can wear a cycling cap.
- Go for the smaller one and deal with the fact that you won’t fit a cycling cap underneath.
- Find another helmet that has different sizing.
It is always better to try the helmet in person to ensure you buy the right size.
How do I know the helmet fits?
The helmet should feel just right. It shouldn’t be too tight or loose. Also, double-check the official recommendations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- Two finger-width should be between your eyebrows 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.
You might also be interested in these bicycle safety tips.
2. Pick the Right Type of a Bike Helmet
There are three main types of bike helmets – road, mountain, and commuter (recreational, urban). They differ mostly in their appearance, ventilation, weight, protection, and aerodynamics.
Let me describe them one by one.
Road Bike Helmets
Road bike helmets are designed for road cycling. They are lightweight to ease the pressure put on your neck muscles during long rides. They are also well-ventilated, so your head won’t overheat during hot summer days. And they are aero optimized to save precious seconds when racing.
![Types of road bike helmets (standard [ventillated], aero, time trial)](https://www.cyclistshub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/types-of-road-bike-helmets.png)
The importance of the three features described above differed based on the road bike helmet type.
- Standard road bike helmets are designed to be lightweight and well-ventilated but are not as aerodynamic as aero road bike helmets.
- Aero road bike helmets are aerodynamic, but their ventilation is worse than standard road bike helmets. They also tend to be a little heavier.
- Time trial helmets are niche-specific. They are more aerodynamic than aero road bike helmets. They are used only for time trials or triathlons. Due to their aerodynamic shape, they are the heaviest type of road bike helmets.
The following table shows the pros and cons of road bike helmet types.
| Type of road bike helmet | Pros | Cons | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | • Well ventilated • Light | • Less aerodynamic | • Warmer months • Casual road cyclists and pros |
| Aero | • More aero | • Less ventilated • A little bit heavier | • Colder months • Pros, racers, eventually time trialists and triathletes |
| Time trial | • Most aero | • Worse ventilated • Heavy | • Time trialists and triathletes |
Mountain Bike Helmets
MTB helmets provide better protection in terrain than road bike helmets thanks to their design, which features a visor and extended rear and sides. They provide either standard or full-face protection.
- Standard MTB helmets look like road bike helmets but also feature a visor to protect your face against branches, dirt, and sun. Additionally, they better protect your nape. They are lightweight and well-ventilated but don’t provide full-face protection.
- Full-face MTB helmets feature a chin protector. They are ideal for highly technical terrain like trails and downhills. Some full-face helmets have removable chin protectors, so you can use them as a standard MTB helmet.
- Dirt jump and BMX helmets are niche-specific. They look like skateboard helmets–they have a simple, round design and average ventilation. Thanks to their extended rear side, they better protect the nape.
Commuter Helmets
Commuter helmets, also sometimes called recreational or urban helmets, are ideal for people who commute to or from school, work, etc. or want an affordable helmet for occasional bike trips.
- Standard commuter helmets are a budget alternative to road and MTB helmets. Thanks to their good ventilation, they are suitable for casual bike trips.
- Skateboard-style commuter helmets are inspired by skateboard helmets. They are more stylish and sometimes feature a visor or in-build LEDs, but they are not as well-ventilated.
Bike Helmets Features
You learn more about current trends and bike helmet features in this part.
Certifications
Every bike helmet sold in the USA should have the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certification. In Europe, there is the so-called EN 1079 standard, in Australia and New Zealand AS/NZS 2063, etc.
The purpose of these certifications is to verify that the helmet meets the safety requirements. Helmets go through a series of tests. Watch the following video to see a few examples of these tests.
TIP: Virginia Tech impact-tests bike helmets and gives them star ratings. Check out their website for more info.
Extra Safety Features: MIPS, SPIN, WaveCel
Some helmets feature extra safety technologies that reduce the rotational and/or linear forces and strain levels during an impact. The following technologies are the most widespread:
- MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
- WaveCel
- SPIN (Shearing Pads Inside)
Their main goal is to reduce the risk of a brain injury and further improve your head protection.
MIPS
MIPS technology was developed and researched for more than 20 years. Helmets with MIPS reduce the forces that arise during an impact and are then transmitted to the brain.
Reducing the rotational forces means the risk of brain injuries is minimized.
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. Watch the following video to learn more.
What is the MIPS downside?
The main downside of bike helmets with MIPS is the weight. These helmets are about 0.88-1.59oz. (25-45g) heavier. MIPS also does not reduce linear forces.
WaveCel
WaveCel is a cellular structure inside a helmet that reduces impacts and rotational forces. It is used by Bontrager helmets.
How does WaveCel work?
Trek explains the WaveCel technology in 3 steps:
- Flex – reduces the initial frictional forces.
- Crumple – reduces the impact forces.
- Glide – the WaveCel redirects the energy away from your head.
What is the WaveCel downside?
Similar to MIPS, WaveCel also adds around 1.76oz. (50g) to the helmet’s weight. Furthermore, WaveCel technology is used on Bontrager’s helmets only. They are also more expensive than MIPS or SPIN helmets.
Read this MIPS vs. WaveCel comparison to learn more about their pros & cons and also about other safety technologies.
SPIN
SPIN (developed by POC) is similar to MIPS. There are some differences, though. Unlike MIPS, SPIN uses SPIN pads that reduce rotational and linear forces. The following animation illustrates it well.
Ventilation vs. Aerodynamics
A well-ventilated helmet is important for hot summer days. The last thing you want to experience on a bike is head pain caused by overheating.
The general rule of thumb is:
The better ventilation = the worse aerodynamics and vice versa
Aerodynamic helmets have worse ventilation to improve airflow and aerodynamics. They may be good for short distances or fast-paced races but not for climbing or hot days.
If you don’t hunt every second, I recommend buying a standard, well-ventilated helmet, especially if you value comfort over speed.
Weight
The bike helmet’s weight is an important factor if you make long-distance trips or are a road cyclist.
Lightweight bike helmets (under 0.55lb / 250g) don’t put as much pressure on your neck muscles, so you won’t experience neck pain.
But this doesn’t mean you should use a road cycling helmet for downhills. Make sure always to prefer sufficient protection!
Summary
All helmets sold in the US or in the EU have to pass certain quality standards and have certification (CPSC, EN 1079, AS/NZS 2063, etc.), so you don’t have to be afraid that a cheap helmet won’t protect you.
Therefore, choose the right type and size when choosing a bike helmet. The color and design are up to your preference.
To choose the right helmet size, measure your head circumference with a tape measure. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. Buy a helmet with an adjusting dial for a better fit.
When choosing the helmet type, think about your riding style.
- Road bike helmets are designed for road cycling. They are lightweight, well-ventilated, and aero.
- Standard road bike helmets are lighter and better ventilated than aero road bike helmets. They are suitable for most riders.
- Aero road bike helmets are more aero than standard helmets. They are ideal for racers or people who chase every second.
- Time trial helmets are the most aero, but due to their weight and bad ventilation, they are only suitable for time trialists or triathletes.
- Mountain bike helmets are ideal for mountain bikers or people who make bike trips. They are well-ventilated and based on the type are also lightweight and feature a sun visor.
- Standard MTB helmets are suitable for most mountain bikers except for those who prefer highly technical and dangerous terrain.
- Full-face MTB helmets are perfect for technical terrain because they also protect your chin and nape.
- Dirt jump and BMX helmets look like skateboard helmets. Go for them if you plan to do one of these disciplines.
- Commuter helmets are perfect for commuters and occasional riders. They look stylish to fit with your more casual outfit.
- Standard commuter helmets are affordable and decently ventilated, ideal for casual cyclists and daily commuters.
- Skateboard-style commuter helmets are stylish helmets perfect for people who prefer elegance over a sporty look.
I hope this article will help you choose the right bike helmet. If you find it useful, please consider sharing it or leaving a comment below.
“The following statistic is even more interesting.
Did you know that 62% of bicyclists killed in the USA in 2019 were not wearing helmets?”
It’s actually a useless statistic if we don’t know what overall proportion of cyclists wear helmets. If 62% of all cyclists, killed or not, ride without helmets then 62% of cyclists killed not wearing helmets is what we would expect if helmets did not affect the risk of dying.
Did you know that about 90% of all crime is committed by right-handed people?