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Cycling has grown in popularity, with more enthusiasts hitting the road. Safety is paramount, and the right cycling helmet can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the top 9 cycling helmets of 2024, each offering unique features to keep you safe and comfortable on your rides.
Choosing the Right Cycling Helmet
When it comes to cycling, your helmet is your best friend on the road. Let’s delve into the factors to consider when selecting the perfect cycling helmet.
Fit and Comfort
Finding the right fit for your cycling helmet is paramount. A snug fit ensures that the helmet stays securely in place during your rides. Look for helmets with adjustable retention systems that allow you to customize the fit to your head shape. When trying on helmets, be sure to wear it properly, with the front edge just above your eyebrows. A well-fitting helmet should feel snug but not too tight, with no pressure points.
Ventilation
Ventilation plays a crucial role in comfort, especially during warm weather rides. Look for helmets with multiple vents strategically placed to allow for efficient airflow. Helmets with deep channels and internal channels are designed to promote airflow over your head, helping to keep you cool and reduce sweating. Proper ventilation not only enhances comfort but also minimizes the risk of overheating during intense rides.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, not all helmets are created equal. The presence of advanced safety technologies like MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) can significantly enhance your helmet’s protective capabilities. MIPS technology helps reduce the rotational forces on the brain during an angled impact, potentially reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, it’s essential to check for certifications such as CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or EN1078 to ensure that the helmet meets established safety standards.
Aerodynamics
For cyclists focused on speed and efficiency, aerodynamics play a crucial role. Aerodynamic helmets are designed to reduce air resistance, allowing you to cut through the wind more efficiently. These helmets often feature sleek, streamlined shapes, and wind-tunnel-tested designs. If you’re a competitive cyclist or prioritize speed, considering an aerodynamic helmet can make a significant difference in your performance.
Top Contenders for 2024
Now, let’s take an in-depth look at each of the 9 cycling helmets that have made it to our list for 2024.
1. Giro Aries Spherical
2. Kask Protone Icon
3. Specialized S-Works Prevail 3
4. Lazer Tonic Kineticore
5. POC Ventral Air MIPS
6. Lazer Z1 MIPS
7. Giro Synthe MIPS II
8. Bell Stratus MIPS
9. Specialized Airnet MIPS
1. Giro Aries Spherical
The Giro Aries Spherical helmet is a standout choice for road cyclists seeking a well-rounded, comfortable, and safe option. However, its relatively high price could be a limiting factor for some.
What sets the Aries apart is its innovative use of the Spherical system, a design rooted in MIPS technology (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). This technology is found in many top road bike helmets, aimed at reducing rotational forces during a crash.
The Aries is renowned for its exceptional comfort. It’s incredibly lightweight and provides extensive ventilation, ensuring you stay cool during hot summer rides.
Notably, the helmet’s safety features have earned it a top ranking in the Virginia Tech Lab safety assessment, outperforming many others in the market. This recognition emphasizes its commitment to rider safety.
The Giro Aries Spherical is categorized as a climber’s helmet, designed to be lightweight and highly ventilated. It’s considered a successor to the well-regarded Giro Aether MIPS.
While it excels in comfort and safety, it’s essential to mention that this level of performance comes at a higher price point. It’s an investment in your safety and riding experience, but the cost may be a hurdle for budget-conscious cyclists.
Nevertheless, if you’re willing to invest, the Giro Aries Spherical delivers superior comfort and safety for road biking, making it a top contender in the world of cycling helmets.
2. Kask Protone Icon
The Kask Protone Icon is a versatile helmet that excels in various aspects. While it’s optimized for aerodynamics, it may not match the absolute best aero helmets on the market. It’s also lightweight, similar to the Giro Aries, but there are lighter options available.
However, where it truly shines is in providing cool and comfortable rides, and its style effortlessly suits both road and gravel biking.
What sets the Kask Protone Icon apart is its exceptional comfort. The padding is plush and cushioned, ensuring a cozy fit. Kask’s unique synthetic leather strap under the chin adds to the comfort, feeling almost as if it disappears once secured. Adjusting the rear cradle is a breeze with a substantial dial, offering ample vertical adjustments with minimal effort.
One notable point to consider is that the Kask Protone Icon lacks a Virginia Tech rating. Instead of using MIPS, Kask employs a different method to test rotational impact. While it meets all the necessary safety certifications, the absence of a Virginia Tech rating leaves a small uncertainty.
While it’s indeed an investment, there are a few other helmets on the market that not only compete with the Protone Icon but even surpass it. While it may not be considered budget-friendly, it undeniably delivers exceptional quality.
In summary, the Kask Protone Icon is a superb road helmet that’s light, airy, and supremely comfortable for your cycling adventures.
3. Specialized S-Works Prevail 3
The Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 helmet strikes a great balance between being aerodynamic and providing ample ventilation. It offers an excellent fit and comes with plenty of adjustment options. They’ve also added MIPS technology for extra protection, though it does come with a higher price tag.
This helmet uses an Air Cage design, which helps boost ventilation by nearly 25% compared to its predecessor, the Prevail 2. Despite its minimal appearance, safety is not compromised. The Air Cage acts like a suspension bridge, spreading the impact forces evenly across the entire helmet.
Additionally, the Prevail 3 features MIPS AirNode, seamlessly integrating the MIPS system, designed to protect against rotational forces in case of a crash, into the helmet padding. This not only reduces weight but also improves airflow by eliminating one layer.
When you’re out riding, the large vents do a remarkable job at keeping your head cool, even on scorching days when the temperature climbs above 30 degrees Celsius.
Weighing in at 280 grams, the S-Works Prevail 3 isn’t the lightest option available, but its exceptional ventilation makes it a worthy choice, particularly for those who ride in hot climates.
Adjusting the Prevail 3 is a breeze with a single rear wheel, and you can fine-tune the helmet’s angle to prevent interference with your glasses.
While it’s on the pricey side and not the lightest helmet out there, its comfort, fit, and outstanding airflow more than make up for it.
4. Lazer Tonic Kineticore
The Lazer Tonic Kineticore helmet is a stylish, lightweight choice, especially if you’re cycling on a tight budget. It costs much less than other top-rated helmets on our list, yet it delivers many of the same benefits.
Weighing in at just 296 grams for a size Large, it’s one of the lightest helmets we’ve tested. This weight reduction can noticeably reduce neck strain during long rides. We were impressed by the head retention system, which has thick contact areas over the temples to alleviate pressure points.
What’s more, Lazer’s TurnSys adjustment system offers easy-to-turn dials and a cradle that moves up and down to fit most head shapes comfortably. Even though it’s well-suited for those with rounder heads, the helmet narrows around the temples, which could be uncomfortable for different head shapes despite extra padding.
The main drawback of this helmet is its ventilation. Despite having 28 vents, it doesn’t provide as much airflow as expected. This is a common compromise for budget helmets, and it’s important to note that it may not perform as well as high-end options we tested.
If you need an affordable helmet that performs decently in all aspects, the Lazer Tonic Kineticore is an excellent choice. While it may not be the absolute best helmet available, it’s budget-friendly, extremely lightweight, adjustable, and provides adequate ventilation for most riders.
5. POC Ventral Air MIPS
The POC Ventral Air MIPS helmet is all about comfort, lightness, and excellent ventilation. It’s designed to keep your head cool, making it perfect for warm days. This helmet fits really well, and you can easily adjust it to your liking.
While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it’s not as pricey as some other high-end helmets on our list. The investment is worth it, considering the fantastic airflow it provides to keep you cool during your rides.
You won’t break a sweat trying to adjust it either because the cradle and dial system at the back make it super easy to find that perfect fit.
The POC Ventral Air MIPS is not just comfortable; it’s also one of the lightest helmets around. Its cleverly designed air channels efficiently move air from the front vents to the back, ensuring you stay comfortable even on long rides. The liner pads are moisture-wicking, so you won’t feel sweaty or uncomfortable.
Now, let’s talk about the unique look of this helmet. It’s not your typical streamlined design; instead, it offers a bold geometric design that stands out. The venting design not only keeps you cool but also reduces wind noise, making for a quieter ride. There’s even a cool “sunglass garage” to keep your shades secure at high speeds.
The webbing straps are easy to adjust, and the secure y-buckles lie flat under your ears, ensuring a snug fit. While this helmet’s style may not be for everyone, there are nearly a dozen colors to choose from, so you’re likely to find one that matches your personality.
If you can afford it, the POC Ventral Air MIPS is an excellent choice for those who want comfort, style, and top-notch ventilation on the road.
6. Lazer Z1 MIPS
The Lazer Z1 MIPS helmet combines the strengths of the original Z1 with added protection from MIPS. It focuses on providing impressive comfort, a secure fit, and excellent ventilation for your rides.
The original Z1 was known for its innovative closure system. Unlike most helmets that tighten at the back, the Z1’s top dial tightens around your entire head, evenly distributing pressure.
This unique system holds the helmet securely in place, even during sweaty rides, regardless of your head shape. The integration of MIPS doesn’t affect this comfort feature.
Ventilation is another standout feature. Despite the MIPS layer, the Z1 maintains exceptional airflow. You’ll still feel the breeze through your hair as you pedal.
The helmet’s straps are designed for long rides, offering comfort against your skin. Underneath, there’s a user-friendly clip that works well whether you’re riding in the heat of summer or wearing thick winter gloves.
The Z1 MIPS is an excellent choice for road racing and training. It’s also suitable for warm-weather cyclocross races and can adapt to colder months with an Aeroshell cover.
In terms of appearance, the Z1 helmet has a modern, stylish design with 31 ventilation vents, making it a common sight among professional cyclists.
Notably, the Z1 MIPS is one of the lightest helmets available, weighing just 275 grams in a men’s size Large. While a few competitors may be slightly lighter by omitting a MIPS liner, the Z1 MIPS maintains its focus on safety.
In recent years, the price of the Z1 has become more competitive, making it a mid-range option. This makes it an attractive choice for riders looking for a balance between comfort, performance, and cost.
7. Giro Synthe MIPS II
The Giro Synthe MIPS II is the upgraded version of the versatile helmet that’s close to the top of Giro’s road helmet lineup. It comes with features like the Roc Loc 5 Air Fit adjustment system and integrated MIPS impact protection.
To make it even safer, Giro added something called a ‘Roll Cage,’ which is like an internal structure built into the helmet’s inner shell. This Roll Cage helps keep the helmet together better if there’s a crash.
In terms of weight, the Synthe MIPS II is around 280 grams for a medium-sized helmet. This weight puts it on the heavier side compared to other top-tier helmets out there.
This helmet is known for its sturdy construction and impressive safety features. It has a sleek design that looks great, and most people will find it comfortable to wear, even on long rides. It also does a decent job at keeping your head cool.
However, there are a couple of downsides. First, it’s a bit on the expensive side, so it might not fit everyone’s budget. Second, as we mentioned earlier, it’s a bit heavier than some of its competitors.
Despite these drawbacks, if safety, style, and comfort are high on your helmet priority list, the Giro Synthe MIPS II is still a solid choice.
8. Bell Stratus MIPS
Bell’s Stratus MIPS is a fantastic helmet that combines smart design, style, and effectiveness without breaking the bank. This attractive helmet boasts a three-part Fusion In-Mould polycarbonate outer shell, securely bonded to the EPS foam core and strengthened further by an internal polycarbonate roll cage.
With a generous offering of 18 well-placed vents, it keeps your head cool during those warm rides, and the size Large model weighs just 317 grams. While it may not be the lightest helmet available, its weight isn’t something you’ll notice when it’s on your head.
What makes the Bell Stratus stand out is that it delivers a performance similar to Bell’s pricier helmets but at a much more affordable price point. For those of us who tend to sweat a lot, the sweat guide pad over the brow is a thoughtful addition that helps keep moisture at bay.
Adjusting the helmet to fit your head is a breeze, thanks to the rear adjustment dial, while the front straps stay tangle-free, thanks to the No-Twist Tri-Glides system.
When it comes to comfort and ventilation, the Stratus is a strong contender. It can handle winter rides, especially if you pair it with a cycling cap or something warmer, but it truly shines during long rides in warmer weather.
The Stratus hits the sweet spot, offering high performance in comfort, adjustability, style, ventilation, and durability. It’s an excellent value at its regular price, and there’s a good chance you’ll find it at an even more budget-friendly cost.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting, the Bell Stratus MIPS is a reliable and cost-effective choice for your head protection needs.
9. Specialized Airnet MIPS
The Specialized Airnet MIPS is a helmet that balances comfort, ventilation, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for many riders. Its design is influenced by the company’s aerodynamic Evade helmet, but it stands out with its numerous vents that enhance airflow, keeping your head cool during rides.
This helmet has a semi-aerodynamic shape with a classic style and a snug fit that ensures comfort while cycling. Despite being slightly heavier and bulkier compared to some competitors, the Specialized Airnet MIPS uses top-notch materials and construction, delivering a premium feel without the premium price tag.
If you’re seeking a well-constructed, comfortable, and well-ventilated helmet without breaking the bank, the Specialized Airnet MIPS is worth considering. While it may not be the lightest option with all the high-end features, it offers a solid combination of features and value.
One of its standout features is its exceptional ventilation capabilities. As the name suggests, it excels in allowing air to flow smoothly over and around your head, providing unmatched comfort.
In terms of weight, the Specialized Airnet MIPS is on the heavier side, tipping the scales at 364 grams in size Large. Its semi-aerodynamic design and added materials contribute to this weight. However, its full-wrap polycarbonate shell adds durability, protecting the inner foam liner from potential damage.
What sets the Specialized Airnet MIPS apart is its affordability. It includes a built-in MIPS liner for added safety and boasts innovative features like sunglass grippers. Despite its reasonable price, it offers impressive value, performing exceptionally well in various rating categories.
In summary, the Specialized Airnet MIPS is a comfortable, well-ventilated, and reasonably priced helmet that punches above its weight in terms of performance and features. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, this helmet provides a solid balance of quality and affordability.