Cheap Bike Helmets

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a good helmet

A high price tag doesn't always correlate to high quality. With so many helmet options on the market, it's possible to find a quality model without blowing your budget. The Giro Indicator is a wallet-friendly helmet worth consideration. With a suggested retail price of only $45, the weight of a racing helmet, and 20 vents for airflow while riding, the Indicator packs a lot of value. Reviewers also say they like the helmet's Acu Dial adjustment system, which allows for on-the-go tweaking of helmet tension. Proving it's worthy of being compared to more flashy and expensive helmets, the Indicator receives overall accolades from a notable consumer watchdog group.

Another affordable option that maintains popularity with users for its fun designs and easy use is the Nutcase (Est. $60) . One pro-testing group points out a few safety concerns with the Nutcase, but it receives a favorable review from an Australian biking site and other bloggers.

At the lowest end of the price spectrum is the very affordable Schwinn Thrasher (Est. $25) . This helmet is designed to deconstruct on impact -- or as one Amazon reviewer wrote, "destroying itself to save [riders'] skull and brains." It's worth noting, however, that the Thrasher sometimes gets poor reviews at Amazon.com for glue that fails to hold plastic and foam pieces together.

The Bell XLV (Est. $40) is also worthy of consideration for budget-conscious bikers. Designed specifically for large heads, it offers protection to craniums measuring up to 25.5 inches around. Many Amazon reviewers say this is the first helmet they have ever found comfortable for their large heads.