Performance Helmets

Best bicycle helmets for serious riders

Since all bicycle helmets sold in the U.S. must meet safety standards set by the CPSC, an expensive bike helmet won't necessarily protect your head any better than a cheaper helmet. If safety is your only priority, an inexpensive helmet will do the job just as well as these pricey versions. Where expensive bicycle helmets earn their price tag is in their lower weight and increased ventilation -- important features if you ride a bike for hours at a time.

Few bike helmets have received more buzz this year than the new Specialized S-Works Prevail (*Est. $230). This lightweight helmet uses Specialized's Ultralight Mindset micro-dial fit system and comes in three sizes, which accommodate head sizes from 20 inches to 24.75 inches. The helmet weighs just 8 ounces thanks to a Kevlar-reinforced inner cage and dual-density EPS foam. The fit is adjustable via a dial in the rear.

Reviewers say the Specialized S-Works Prevail has better ventilation than previous versions. "The Prevail's exterior vents are bigger and more numerous than before, and the interior boasts deeper and broader channels that extend even further rearward for a straighter path," says James Huang at BikeRadar.com. GearJunkie.com tests the Specialized S-Works Prevail helmet on a 104-degree day, and tester T.C. Worley declares it "the coolest, most ventilated helmet I've ever put on." The Specialized Prevail S-Works is also deemed the best helmet for ventilation in a test of 16 bike helmets conducted by Britain's Cycling Plus magazine. Reviewers are also impressed with the straps, which are thin, light and lie flat against the head.

However, some reviewers say the styling is a bit bulkier than the previous model, the Specialized S-Works helmet (*Est. $185). Testers acknowledge that the Specialized S-Works Prevail is expensive, but they agree that this bike helmet is worth the money for serious cyclists.

Although the Specialized S-Works Prevail is very lightweight, it's beaten on that score by the Giro Prolight (*Est. $200), which weighs a mere 6.17 ounces. This bicycle helmet comes with some bragging rights as well -- both Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong wore it during the 2009 Tour de France, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. The Giro Prolight helmet uses the Roc Loc SL adjustment system, which has internal webbing to create a snug fit, and it has 25 vents for extra air circulation. Three sizes are available for head sizes measuring 20 to 24.75 inches.

The Giro Prolight earns a perfect 5-star rating in a test conducted by Cycling Plus. While the helmet gets high marks for easy adjustability, it is the helmet's light weight that really sets it apart. "The Prolight is a seriously light lid, and you notice the difference while you're wearing it," says Cycling Plus. The Prolight helmet also earns an Editors' Choice award from Bicycling magazine, where testers rave about the overall comfort. Even though the Giro Prolight comes in three sizes, one tester for Bicycling finds even the smallest size too large. The cooling vents are also smaller than other high-end helmets. "Despite expansive internal air channels, the small vents don't allow as much airflow as Giro's Ionos or other top models -- though none of our testers ever judged the helmet hot," says Bicycling.

It is slightly heavier, but the Bell Volt (*Est. $175) is another popular option for serious cyclists. The Volt is Bell's top-end bike helmet, complete with 22 vents and a total weight of 10.5 ounces. It uses the dial-based Twin Axis Gear fit system, which allows riders to adjust the fit and horizontal position, and it has an adjustable visor. The interior padding includes anti-microbial silver fibers, which prevent odors and bacteria, according to Bell. The Bell Volt comes in three sizes, which can accommodate head sizes from 20 inches to 24.75 inches.

Reviewers say the Bell Volt is a good choice for road or mountain bikers, as the visor can be removed based on where you're riding. Cycling Plus says the Bell Volt is easy to adjust with one hand, and testers say the antibacterial padding helps keep odor at bay. It also earns a recommendation from the South African edition of Bicycling magazine, which says the Bell Volt "strikes a good balance between weight and protection." However, Cycling Plus says the Bell Volt bike helmet just can't compete with high-end helmets like the Giro Prolight or Specialized S-Works Prevail when it comes to lightness. "While this is a good, well-ventilated helmet with CPSC certification, it's not as light or well finished as we'd like for the price," says Cycling Plus.

Giro also gets high marks for the Giro Ionos (*Est. $180), a 10.5-ounce bicycle helmet that includes an in-mold composite sub frame, EPS liner and 21 vents. Like the Bell Volt, it includes antimicrobial padding on the interior. Three sizes are available for head sizes ranging from 20 to 24.75 inches.

Although it isn't as light as some competitors, reviewers say the Giro Ionos is one of the most comfortable performance helmets on the market. "The company clearly values comfort above all else -- it's where the Ionos excels," says Guy Kesteven at BikeRadar.com. The Roc Loc 5 adjustment system is easy to use, and reviewers like that the vertical fit can be adjusted without removing the helmet. Ventilation is also top-notch. "Your head really does stay noticeably cooler than in most other helmets -- we'd say it's the coolest lid we've ever used," says Mat Brett at Road.cc. Like most performance bike helmets, the biggest downside is the price.

The Bontrager Oracle (*Est. $200) is another top pick among performance helmets, although it's not available online and can only be purchased from independent bike dealers. The helmet uses large internal-channeled vents, a one-handed fit adjustment system and antimicrobial padding. Like many pricey bike helmets, reviewers say ventilation is excellent. "If your noggin gets uncomfortably hot in other helmets, it's worth giving the Oracle a go; it will certainly help you stay cool," says Mat Brett at Road.cc. But, at just over 11 ounces (according to Road.cc's test), the Bontrager Oracle helmet isn't the lightest around.

For mountain bikers and trail riders, Giro's new Xar helmet (*Est. $130) earns a number of recommendations. It is an update to the popular Giro Xen (*Est. $130), which is still available. Features include an adjustable visor, 17 wind vents and antimicrobial padding. Like the Giro Ionos, the Giro Xar uses the Roc Loc 5 fit system, which adjusts overall fit and vertical position via a small dial in the rear. The Giro Xar comes in three sizes.

Outside magazine recommends the Giro Xar for trail riding thanks to its excellent breathability. Bicycling magazine agrees, saying the Giro Xar is even more ventilated than the Xen bike helmet it replaces. The updated fit system also earns high marks because it can be adjusted with one hand. However, BikeRadar.com says the internal webbing takes too long to dry, especially when it has been drenched with sweat. "We'd like to see a thinner and quicker drying material," says BikeRadar.com.

The POC Trabec (*Est. $160) also earns a recommendation from Outside magazine for trail riding and mountain biking. The bike helmet, which comes in three sizes, has a skate-style design with 16 vents for breathability. Other features include an adjustable visor and a strap-based adjustment system. BikeRadar.com says the POC Trabec offers better coverage than the Giro Xen, although it is heavier and has less ventilation. "For everyday trail riding there are lighter and better ventilated lids out there, but for times when you need a little more protection -- enduro races, big mountain riding -- or if you're particularly crash-prone, the Trabec looks like a decent option," says James Costley-White at BikeRadar.com.

If you want a light, well-ventilated bike helmet without breaking the bank, reviewers recommend the Giro Stylus (*Est. $85). Like the high-end Giro Prolight, the Stylus helmet has a large number of vents (26 in all) and comes in three sizes for heads ranging from 20 to 24.75 inches. The Acu Dial 2 fit system has a one-handed adjustment dial. The Giro Stylus weighs more than the Prolight, but reviewers say it's a worthy bicycle helmet if you can spare a few ounces.

Cycling Plus, a U.K.-based cycling publication, gives the Giro Stylus a Best Buy award, and it receives high marks in user reviews. Testers like that the helmet comes in different sizes, which makes it more likely that the bike helmet will fit comfortably, and they say the adjustment system is easy to use. "With its modern styling and a weight that competes with the best of them, you get lots of helmet for your money with the Giro Stylus," says Cycling Plus. Users at Buzzillions.com agree that the helmet is a great value -- especially for those who can't justify spending hundreds of dollars for a bike helmet. However, we saw a few complaints that this helmet runs small compared to other Giro helmets. Cycling Plus also notes that the vents are smaller than normal, so ventilation is only average compared to most performance helmets.