Bicycle helmet

 

Best road cycling helmets

If you are new to cycling then the wide range of helmets can be confusing. How do you maximise the safety and comfort a helmet can offer, and what's the best helmet for you? Read on to find out…Cycling helmets are designed to protect riders from head injuries, but with brands constantly competing to create the best bike helmet, other factors also come in to play: comfort, aerodynamics and breathability being key opportunities for competition.

The primary function of a cycling helmet is to protect your head – and all helmets sold by reputable retailers will meet the standards set out by the authority in the country of sale.

>> Get the latest cycling deals on Amazon Prime Day<<

>>> Can an aero road helmet make you faster? 

If you choose to spend more, the helmet won’t necessarily be safer but instead may be lighter, and more breathable. The retention system often becomes more comfortable and adjustable on a more expensive helmet.For competitive cyclists, aerodynamics becomes a concern. Higher-end helmets will be wind tunnel tested, and will often provide a watt-saving figure as to how much energy can be retained thanks to the improved aerodynamics of the helmet.

During the summer months, breathability is a major concern, but this is less so the case in autumn and winter. Since you’ll likely wear the same lid all year round, it still makes sense to take venting into consideration – and if you suffer from a chilly noggin, you can always slip a cycling cap underneath.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite road helmets below, but you’ll find more information about specific considerations when buying a cycling helmet further down the page.