Bicycle Helmet Review

Bike helmets are about safety and comfort

Bike helmets are an essential piece of cycling gear. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI), riders who don't wear a helmet are 14 times more likely to be killed in a biking accident than cyclists who wear a helmet. All told, the BHSI reports that 91 percent of those killed in cycling accidents in 2008 were not wearing a bike helmet. There are no federal laws requiring the use of helmets, but a number of states require cyclists under a certain age to wear a helmet. The law aside, wearing a helmet just makes good sense as a preventative measure.

Fortunately, helmets have become lighter, better ventilated and increasingly stylish over the years -- and you don't have to spend a fortune for a good one. All bike helmets sold in the U.S. must meet safety criteria set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), so a $30 helmet will meet the same standards as a helmet that costs $200. Most experts recommend trying a helmet on before you buy it, so if you plan to buy online, make sure the store has a good return or exchange policy. The CPSC recalls helmets that fail to meet safety standards, but there have been no major bicycle-helmet recalls in the past year.

You can expect to spend at least $30 for a sport helmet, which is designed for recreational cyclists. These helmets are inexpensive, but are bulkier and have fewer vents than more expensive helmets. Pricey racing or performance helmets often costing upwards of $200, but they won't protect you any better. However, they are lighter and have much more ventilation. Helmets designed for mountain bikers are less aerodynamic and usually have a visor to keep dirt and the sun off your face. Some mountain bikers also like skate-style helmets, which have less ventilation but a round, durable exterior that some think is more stylish. Finally, many manufacturers make women-specific helmets that are structurally the same but come in smaller sizes; some also include space for a ponytail in the rear.

Kids' helmets look similar to adult helmets but come in smaller sizes and more colorful designs, while helmets for toddlers provide more coverage in the back of the head, and they have fewer vents and a more rounded appearance. Most helmets for kids are also priced around $30.

Reviews of bicycle helmets can be divided into two main categories -- those that test helmets for safety and impact absorption and those that focus on fit, comfort and style. Unfortunately, there are few recent tests that focus on impact absorption; the best test of helmets comes from ConsumerReports.org, but the organization hasn't tested adult helmets in several years. Its most recent report only covers helmets for kids and toddlers, and it hasn't been updated in over two years.

Of the reviews that focus on fit, comfort and ventilation, a number of sources stand out. Several British cycling publications, including Mountain Bike Rider and Cycling Plus, conduct excellent comparative tests of bike helmets. Each helmet is evaluated for fit, comfort and ventilation and receives an overall rating in addition to lengthy analysis. Outside and Bicycling magazines also have useful but shorter reviews. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute provides comprehensive coverage of bike helmets, but each helmet only receives a brief overview. Still, the Institute is a great source for general helmet information and details on the major helmet brands.