Best Bike Helmets 2021 For Commuting, Cycling, and Mountain Biking
With the Z1, Perr loves the tightening system and that it’s lightweight (9.2 ounces) with great ventilation (31 vents). “Plus, it is compatible with the Lazer aeroshell, which helps keep my head warm in adverse weather conditions,” she says.
Crash replacement policy: Lazer Z1 offers a 50% discount off a new replacement helmet within three years of your initial purchase.
Amy Parulis, a supervisor at The Pro’s Closet, is a huge POC fan because she likes the way the company’s helmets fit her head. Her favorite, the Omne Air, weighs in at 10.7 ounces and features an easy-to-use dial fit system.
POC also uses SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) technology rather than MIPS, which provides a silicone gel-like membrane inside the pad to increase concussion protection. Parulis notes that the MIPS system can sometimes snag hair and she hasn’t noticed that with SPIN. “Sometimes it’s those little things, like easily taking your helmet off after a 100-mile ride, that make the difference.”
Crash replacement policy: POC offers a crash replacement program, provided that you can send images of your helmet and proof of purchase.
Streletsky also recommended POC for road and gravel adventures. Her POC Octal helmet is well ventilated and super lightweight at just 8.8 ounces for the medium version. “It is a simple, straightforward helmet that is great for roadies and mountain bikers alike–I often wear it on trails, especially on hotter days, since the ventilation is so great!” Streletsky says. It comes in a variety of different colors so you can personalize your look.
Crash replacement policy: POC offers a crash replacement program, provided that you can send images of your helmet and proof of purchase.
Specialized’s Propero III model is a ventilated lid to keep you protected on long rides. Gravel and endurance cyclist KaLynn Wood likes her Propero III for its fit with a ponytail or braids, convenient sunglasses storage, and ANGi crash sensor. “My family and friends are at ease knowing that they can find my location in case of crash, emergency, inclement weather, or mechanical failure,” says Wood. The ANGi sensor can detect a crash and, when connected to the Specialized app and Strava, will notify your specified contact of your GPS location.
Crash replacement policy: Specialized offers up to a 35% discount to replace a helmet damaged in a crash depending on eligibility.
Jessica McWhirt, a writer, trainer, and cyclist, recommends looking for a helmet with sunglasses slots like Bollé’s The One Base. It has a “sunglasses garage” that lets you slot your glasses into the vents when you’re not using them.
She also suggests factoring in any potential pressure points, which she says “sometimes aren’t obvious until you’ve been wearing the helmet for an extended period of time.” For McWhirt, this helmet doesn’t have any pressure points and is easily adjustable, even when her hair’s up in a ponytail.
Crash replacement policy: As far as we know, Bollé does not offer a crash replacement program, but you can contact their customer service for more information here.
While racing/triathlon helmets are still technically road helmets, they need to be slightly more streamlined. “When it comes to racing, you want to save as much time as possible,” says Henry. “The more aerodynamic a helmet is the better.”
The Giro Aerohead is Henry’s favorite helmet to race in because it’s extremely aerodynamic (featuring vents which keep your head cool without slowing you down) and even tested in a wind tunnel. “It comes with a removable visor or eye shield that is held firmly in place by magnets,” says Henry. “Great for sunny days.”