Bicycle Helmets: Reviews

Updated August 2011

The good news is that all bike helmets, regardless of price, must conform to safety standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. However, our research turned up big differences in comfort and ventilation. We compared expert reviews to hundreds of user reviews to hone in on best-bet helmets in a variety of price ranges and styles. The helmets below are the best place to start; further down you'll find runner up models that didn't quite make the cut.

Bell Slant

Best-value bike helmet

$55

Estimated Price

The Bell Slant is a versatile bike helmet that gets high marks for value. It has a removable visor (often found on mountain-biking helmets), so the Slant is suitable for road or off-road use. Reviewers say the Bell bike helmet is very well ventilated, and the adjustment system is easy to use. The Bell Slant uses the ErgoDial fit system, which adjusts the fit using a small dial in the rear. Even though the Slant helmet only comes in one universal size (which fits head sizes from 21.25 inches to 24 inches), most testers are able to dial in a comfortable fit. However, some owners say the straps are stiff and don't lie flat. The Bell Slant is also heavier than more expensive bike helmets like the Specialized S-Works Prevail.

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Giro Skyla

Bike helmet for women

$40

Estimated Price

Most affordable bike helmets for adults come in one universal size, which can make it difficult for women or those with smaller head sizes to obtain a precise fit. The Giro Skyla is designed specifically for women and fits smaller head sizes between 19.75 inches and 22.5 inches. The Giro's Acu Dial, which adjusts the fit of the helmet with a turn of the dial, even accommodates a ponytail. Multiple female reviewers say the Giro Skyla is a great entry-level helmet, and they praise the lightweight, ventilated design. The cushioning is comfortable, and several owners say you barely know you're wearing a helmet. Several women posting to Amazon.com note that the Skyla is too small for them; in that case, a regular universal adult helmet like the Bell Slant will probably be a better fit.

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Specialized S-Works Prevail

Performance helmet for serious cyclists

$230

Estimated Price

Performance bike helmets carry a price premium because they weigh less and have more ventilation. The Specialized S-Works Prevail is certainly pricey, but multiple reviewers say it has better ventilation than any helmet they've tested. This lightweight helmet weighs just 8 ounces, and it comes in three sizes for heads measuring between 20 inches and 24.75 inches (a women's model is also available). Reviewers say the huge wind vents and lightweight design make it feel like you are hardly wearing a helmet at all. The chin straps are comfortable and not overly stiff, and most users find the Ultralight Mindset micro-dial fit system easy to use and adjust. Some experts think the design is a little bulkier than the previous model, the Specialized S-Works helmet. The biggest downside of the Prevail is its jaw-dropping price tag.

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Giro Stylus

Budget performance helmet

$85

Estimated Price

If you want a lightweight and well-ventilated helmet without spending hundreds of dollars, reviews point to the Giro Stylus. Reviewers say this helmet is a great value, especially for cyclists who can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on a helmet. Most find the fit-adjustment system easy to use, and the stylish designs get high marks. The Giro Stylus comes in three sizes that fit heads ranging from 20 to 24.75 inches, which is another plus (most affordable helmets come in one-size-fits-all designs). However, we saw a few complaints on user-review sites that indicate the Stylus fits smaller than other Giro helmets. According to one professional reviewer, the Stylus has 26 vents but they are smaller than on other high-end helmets, which limits ventilation. The Giro Stylus also comes in a women's version.

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Bell Trigger

Youth bike helmet

$35

Estimated Price

For older kids who aren't yet big enough for an adult helmet, the Bell Trigger performs well in independent crash tests. The Trigger helmet fits head sizes between 19.75 inches and 22.5 inches, and it looks more like an adult helmet -- there are no cartoon characters here -- to appeal to older children between the ages of five and 12. Parents say the Bell Trigger is well ventilated with 23 vents, and it's easy to get a snug fit thanks to the ErgoDial fit adjustment system also found in Bell's adult helmets. Several parents note that the Bell Trigger fits more precisely than other kids' helmets. A pinch-guard buckle is another plus. There are a few complaints that the straps twist easily, but most parents are very pleased with the Bell Trigger helmet.

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Giro Me2

Toddler bike helmet

$30

Estimated Price

Finding a well-fitting bike helmet for children under three can be difficult, but reviewers say the Giro Me2 fits the bill. It fits head sizes between 18.75 inches and 20.5 inches, and a dial-based fit-adjustment system ensures that parents don't have to fiddle with straps. The Giro Me2 performs very well in independent impact tests, and reviewers say the helmet fits snugly. It comes with an integrated visor, built-in bug net and a pinch-guard buckle. The adjustable fit system receives rave reviews for ease of use, and parents appreciate the cute designs (shoppers can choose between bunnies, chicks, pigs or ducks). However, the Giro Me2 only has six vents, so it receives lower scores for ventilation.

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