Bell Vela

Women with small heads may have trouble getting a precise fit with most one-size bike helmets. The Bell Vela, however, gets good reviews and is designed specifically for women. This bicycle helmet accommodates head sizes between 19.75 inches and 22.5 inches, and it's lighter than the corresponding men's version. The Bell Vela helmet has a one-handed fit adjustment system and a snap-on visor for sun and wind protection. Reviewers think this bike helmet is a great value, and multiple women say they can achieve a snug fit. Very few downsides emerge in reviews, but BikeRadar.com notes that the helmet design does leave some foam padding exposed in the back of the helmet, which is "vulnerable to scrapes" in the event of a collision. The sporty design (with six color options) also gets high marks. Since the Bell Vela only accommodates heads up to 22.5 inches in circumference, women with larger heads may want to stick with the Bell Slant (*Est. $55), which fits heads up to 24 inches.

We found the best reviews of the Bell Vela on BikeRadar.com, where the helmet gets a detailed review and is scored 4.5 out of 5 stars. The female author, Jenn Hopkins, tests the helmet for fit, comfort and ventilation. The Bell Vela is also mentioned briefly in reviews written by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute and Good Housekeeping magazine. Both mentions are brief and focus on just a few of the helmet's features.