What makes a bike helmet great and what should you look for in a road bike helmet to find the best one for you? Is it the shell? How about the vents? Well, you’re about to find out!
The product of hours of research and years of experience endurance training on the road, this road bike helmet review and guide will teach you what to look for when shopping for the best road bike helmet to comfortably protect your noggin.
First, however, you’ll learn a little about the best road bike helmets on the market today. Dozens of helmets were put to the test, but only 10 came out on top. Keep reading to see which of these killer helmets is right for you.
Our Top 10 Road Bike Helmet Comparison Chart
Best Road Bike Helmet Reviews
Giro Trinity Helmet
Giro is one of today’s leading bike helmet brands, and its Trinity Helmet represents the brand well! Utilizing Giro’s proprietary technologies, the Trinity
Features a strong and lightweight polycarbonate shell, an impact-resistant EPS foam body, and a fully adjustable retention system for a perfect fit. Throw in
22 large holey air vents and you have arguably the best road cycling helmet on the market today.
The EPS body and shell of the Trinity are fused via in-mold technology, resulting is better structural integrity and impact absorption. Fortunately, the reflective properties of the rear of the helmet will help keep you from having to test out these claims. With an Acu Dial Fit System as well, you’re guaranteed the highest level of protection with the Giro Trinity Helmet.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Utilizes advanced in-mold technology;
- EPS foam body;
- Acu Dial Fit System;
- Excellent ventilation;
- Great price.
CONS:
- Fit may be tight for cyclists with large or extra-large headsets.
Video Review
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[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg” ]The Giro Trinity is unquestionably one of if not the best bike helmet under $50 being made today. Thanks to its high-quality construction, excellent ventilation, great fit system, and an awesome price, it deserves a spot at the top of any road bike helmet review.
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]Schwinn Women’s Thrasher Helmet
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The Schwinn Women’s Thrasher Helmet has a ton of raving road bike helmet reviews and is one of the top road bike helmets available for women cyclists.
Aside from its cute purple paisley design, which makes it the best looking road bike helmet for women as well, the Women’s Thrasher Helmet features an ABS shell, EPS foam body, 20 airflow vents, great heast-sealed padding, side strap adjusters, and a dial fit system.
That’s right; it’s fashionable, comfortable, and adjustable. Plus, it has a removable visor and laughably low price. Seriously, what else could you ask for?
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- A great value;
- Very cute and fashionable;
- Fully adjustable;
- Great ventilation;
- Comfortable;
- Very popular.
CONS:
- Straps show dirt and require occasional cleaning.
Video Review
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[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg”]If you’re a female cyclist searching for a great all-around helmet, the Schwinn Women’s Thrasher Helmet is a fantastic choice. Not only is it one of the best looking road bike helmet options out there for women, but it’s well-made, completely adjustable, and provides great ventilation for those grueling summer rides. With hundreds of glowing reviews and a rock-bottom price, you simply can’t go wrong.
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]Schwinn Thrasher Adult Helmet with Rear Tail Light
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The Schwinn Thrasher Adult Helmet with Rear Tail Light utilizes the same styling, materials, features, and quality construction of the Women’s Thrasher Helmet above. However, it also comes with a super safe rear tail light as well, making it the top road bike helmet out there for safety-conscious cyclists.
In addition to its bright and well-designed rear LED tail light, this Schwinn Thrasher Adult Helmet features 20 flow vents, a removable snap-on visor, heat-sealed pads, and an adjustable dial fit system for a good fit and on-the-fly adjustments.
Available for the price of a decent pizza, it’s undeniably one of the top bike helmets on the market in terms of getting the most bang for the buck.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Integrated rear safety light;
- Excellent value;
- Good ventilation;
- Adjustable;
- Very popular.
CONS:
- Only one size available.
Conclusion
[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg”]If you’re reading this road bike helmet review hoping to find the best $300 carbon fiber bike helmet for the seriously hardcore, the Schwinn Thrasher Adult Helmet with Rear Tail Light probably isn’t for you. However, if safety and saving money are at the top of your priority list, it won’t let you down.
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]GreenEmart Road Bike Cycling Helmet
It isn’t made by one of the most well-known bicycle helmet brands, but the GreenEmart Road Bike Cycling Helmet looks great, works like a champ, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, making it a good bike helmet for casual enthusiasts.
This under priced cycling helmet is equipped with a dial fit system and adjustable side straps, a detachable visor, removable and washable comfort liner, and 18 aerodynamic air vents to pull in cool air. Integrally molded and featuring a polycarbonate shell and EPS body as well, it’s also super lightweight and provides excellent protection. For under $20, you can’t ask for more.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Very inexpensive;
- Well-made;
- Comfortable and lightweight;
- Adjustable fit;
- Well-ventilated.
CONS:
- Not very popular and lacks brand recognition.
Conclusion
[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg” ]The GreenEmart Road Bike Cycling Helmet may not be the best road bike helmet under 100, but it’s certainly one of the best under $20! With an integrally molded polycarbonate shell and EPS body plus all of the features you would expect in a helmet costing at least twice as much, it’s hands down one of the best values around.
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]Bell Adrenaline Bike Helmet
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Bell is one of the world’s best bike helmet brands, and its Adrenaline Bike Helmet is one of the brands best cycling helmets to date.
In addition to featuring an innovative design for a fresh, dynamic look, this top-notch road bike helmet comes equipped with a True Fit adjustment system, Pinch Guard buckle, 16 air vents, and two super cool high-impact reflectors for better visibility at night.
While it would be nice if it had a dial fit system in addition to the Tru Fit for even more adjustment capabilities, there’s no other flaws worth mentioning, making it a serious option if you’re looking for the best helmet for road bike conditions.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Well-priced;
- Dynamic good looks;
- Two perfectly placed high-impact reflectors;
- Good ventilation;
- Very comfortable.
CONS:
- Lacks a dial fit adjustment system.
Conclusion
[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg”]The Bell Adrenaline is recommended in countless road bike helmets reviews and packed full of features you’re sure to love. It looks great, is comfortable on your noggin, has good ventilation, and features two sleek and safe high-impact reflectors for ultimate protection day and night. Is your adrenaline pumping yet?
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]ProRider Classic Bike Helmet with Black Foam
Admittedly, the ProRider Classic Bike Helmet doesn’t look like much, and there are certainly other options out there if you’re looking for the best road bike helmets under $100. However, there’s a lot more to this classic little beauty than meets the eye.
For instance, it’s very well-made yet lightweight and comfortable enough for daily use. If you’ve been riding a bike for any length of time, you know how difficult achieving this combination can be.
The ProRider, which is a cool name by the way, comes equipped with durable straps, an easy-to-use quick-release buckle, and a bevy of ventilation channels for excellent air circulation. If you’re simply looking for good bicycle helmets and don’t care about features with fancy acronyms, the unassuming ProRider Classic Bike Helmet is a great choice.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Classic timeless style;
- Affordably priced;
- Solidly built;
- Cooling ventilation channels;
- Surprisingly comfortable.
CONS:
- Lacks an adjustment system.
Conclusion
[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg”]You won’t find ProRider mentioned on a bike helmet brands list, but the ProRider Classic Bike Helmet with Black Foam is a great all-around helmet for joyriding and occasional trips around the neighborhood. Unless you’re a mountain biker or competitive cyclist, chances are it has everything you need to feel comfortable and safe every time you ride.
[/wpsm_testimonial]| GreenEmart Road Bike Cycling Helmet |
Giro Revel Helmet
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Stepping up in class, the Giro Revel Helmet is considered by many the best road bike helmet for road cyclists and mountain bikers alike.
Regardless of which type of riding you do, you’re sure to benefit from the Revel’s sturdy and lightweight in-mold construction, polycarbonate shell, EPS liner, removable visor, Acu Dial retention system, and 22 air vents. Whew, just listing off all of these features will wear you out!
With all of these features and an affordable price tag as well, it’s easy to see why the Giro Revel is one of the top rated bike helmets being made today.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Very well-made;
- Looks great;
- Excellent adjustable fit system;
- Lightweight;
- Reasonably priced.
CONS:
- Padding could be better.
Video Review
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[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg”]No road bike helmet review would be complete without mentioning the Giro Revel. The Revel offers exceptional construction, a stylish design, and all of the features and design elements needed to run at the front of the pack.
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]Bell Draft Helmet
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The Bell Draft Helmet is made specifically with serious cyclists in mind. As one of the best road cycling helmets on the market today, it’s lightweight, fits like a glove, and provides the protection you need when in a peleton or flying solo down city streets.
As a testament to its quality and demand for improved performance, the Bell Draft is extremely lightweight and features an in-mold polycarbonate shell with a whopping 25 air vents. It also comes equipped with the awesome ErgoDial Fit System, pushing it into rare territory as one of the top cycling helmets around.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Top-rated;
- Sleek Shape;
- Lots of air vents;
- Unbeatable fit;
- Lightweight;
- Great value.
CONS:
- “Universal fit” isn’t necessarily universal.
Conclusion
[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg”]The Bell Draft is a unique and thoughtfully designed helmet definitely deserving of being mentioned in any top road bike helmets review. It’s made to perform and rated as one of the top road bike helmets by Consumer Reports. Need I say more?
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]Bell Sequence Helmet
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If you’re a die hard road cyclist and reading this road bike helmet review in order to find the top road bike helmet for the Tour de France or other road events, the Bell Sequence may not be for you. However, if you like mixing it up between street and dirt, it may just become your new best friend.
With a ruggedly handsome cross-country design, Fusion In-Mold Microshell, and 20 oversized air vents with internal cooling chambers, the Bell Sequence is a go-anywhere bike helmet designed for the modern rider.
Thanks to other unique features like a Twin Axis gear fit system and VPV adjustable visor, it’s earned its place as one of the top rated bicycle helmets available.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Very stylish and well-made;
- Extremely versatile;
- Excellent fit system;
- Array of awesome colors and styles to choose from.
CONS:
- More expensive than many other options on this list.
Video Review
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[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg”]The Bell Sequence Helmet features strong lines and impressive styling for road, cross-country, and all-mountain riding, making it one of the most versatile bike helmets you’re going to find anywhere. With a laundry list of features and a construction that’s second to none, it’s a first-class helmet any cyclist would be happy to own.
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]Giro Reverb Bike Helmet
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Last but not least, the Giro Reverb is a fresh urban take on a classic style and designed to pay tribute to the helmet design responsible for sparking the Giro brand. As such, it’s undeniably one of the best road helmets you’re hard-earned money can buy.
The modern retooled Reverb is lightweight, low-profile, and features a polycarbonate and EPS in-mold shell, Giro’s awesome Auto Loc fit system, oversized air vents, and a cool removable cap-style visor for a decidedly urban look.
With hundreds of rave reviews declaring it one of the best road helmet options for young cyclists, it’s become one of the most popular bike helmets on sale today.
[wpsm_column size=”one-half”]PROS:
- Classic style with a fresh urban look;
- Very solid and well-made;
- All-purpose protection;
- Great fit system;
- Very popular.
CONS:
- Some reports of interior plastic straps popping out.
Video Review
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[wpsm_testimonial by=”Mark Nichols” image=”http://riskyhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mark.jpg”]Classically good looking bike helmets like the Giro Reverb don’t come around very often, so when they do, you can guarantee they’re worth checking out. Considered by those in the know as one of the best bike helmets under $100, the reverb is the perfect choice to round out this list.
[/wpsm_testimonial] [wpsm_divider top=”20px” bottom=”20px” style=”solid”]Factors to Consider When Choosing a Road Bike Helmet
Whether you’re a competitive cyclist, bike to get around town, or simply take leisurely rides around your neighborhood, you can’t just run out and purchase the first good looking bike helmet you see. To make sure you pick out the top road bike helmet for you, here’s some important factors to consider before hitting the buy button:
Comfort
Comfort is key when shopping for a quality road bike helmet. A comfortable helmet will allow you to focus on the road ahead and what’s around you, not what’s on your head.
Fit
Fit is another important factor and plays a key role in the overall comfort of a helmet. While head sizes differ from one another and not all helmets fit the same for everyone, the most comfortable helmets are universally recognized for their great fit and come with adjustable fit systems for superior safety and comfort.
Weight
Weight is another critical factor to consider when choosing a great road bike helmet. Since the weight of a helmet can affect your overall comfort and ability to churn out the miles, you should select a lightweight model that provides the right balance between safety and performance.
Ventilation
When it’s the heat of summer and you’re cranking away, there’s nothing you’ll appreciate more than a well-ventilated helmet. When picking out a helmet, it’s easy to get persuaded by the number of vents a helmet boasts. However, the number of vents isn’t as important as their placement and the amount of open space a helmet has for air to flow in and out.
Durability
Durability tends to be more important for mountain bikers than road cyclists, but it’s still an important factor nonetheless. That being said, road bike helmets aren’t designed to withstand crash after crash and retain their structural integrity. Therefore, when discussing the durability of a helmet, it’s ability to withstand daily wear and tear is what’s important.
There are dozens upon dozens of different road bike helmets on the market to choose from, which can make choosing the right one seem more difficult than the 5th stage of the Tour de France. However, by considering your needs and keeping these factors in mind, you’ll have no problem picking out an awesome helmet that fits the bill in every way.
Making the Decision
Buying a quality helmet isn’t easy. While you could spend hundreds of dollars to guarantee you get a great road bike helmet, finding the best cheap bike helmet or the best road bike helmet for the money is easier said than done; at least, it was.
Since you’ve made it this far, you don’t have to pick blindly or shell out big bucks for a quality lid as you now know more than enough to pick out an awesome helmet that won’t break the bank. All you have to do is pick one out.
So, consider your needs and the factors we just discussed. Then, scroll back up to the top of this page and click the buy button on one of the 10 excellent road bike helmets above. Your times may not go down, but your head will thank you each and every ride!
