Page: 6 of 6
Bicycle Helmets: Ratings of Sources
Total of 27 Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
Aug. 2007
Bike Helmets
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our Assessment

ConsumerReports.org rates 14 adult helmets, seven youth models, three toddler helmets and four BMX-style helmets. Editors score each bike helmet for its impact absorption, retention system, ease of use and ventilation. ConsumerReports.org conducts one of the only comparative impact tests of bike helmets, but this review is outdated. The test was originally conducted in 2004, and it was last revised in August 2007.

expand

collapse

2. ConsumerReports.org
July 2009
Kid & toddler helmets
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our Assessment This report and buyer's guide covers just bike helmets for kids; editors haven't tested adult helmets in more than five years. Helmets undergo lab testing for impact absorption, and editors evaluate ease of use by trying out the buckles and straps. Only one helmet is recommended for youths as a good value. Other helmets receive similar scores, but are more expensive.
Bicycle Helmets for the 2009 Season
by Editors of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Our Assessment The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has a comprehensive discussion of bicycle helmets and manufacturers, although they don't make any recommendations for the best helmets. The institute briefly highlights nearly every bike helmet on the market, but this review is more helpful for researching brands rather than specific helmets.
4. Mountain Bike Rider
July 2009
Tested: Helmets
by Editors of Mountain Bike Rider
Our Assessment

The staff at Mountain Bike Rider, a U.K.-based magazine, tests numerous bicycle helmets. Each helmet receives a detailed overview and is scored on a scale of one to 10. Four helmets -- two from Bell and two from Giro -- receive scores of nine or above, and the Bell Slant is the only helmet to receive a perfect 10 rating. Overall, the Bell Volt is deemed the best helmet and the Bell Slant is recommended for entry-level riders.

expand

collapse

5. BikeRadar.com
As of July 2009
Helmet Standard
by Editors of BikeRadar.com
Our Assessment BikeRadar.com has a comprehensive database of helmet reviews, with each bicycle helmet receiving a rating out of five stars. Several helmets get perfect five-star ratings, including the Bell Vela, Giro Ionos, Scott Fuga Contessa, Catlike Kompact Pro and the Specialized Chamonix helmets. While their reviews tend towards the high-end, they do cover several affordable bike helmets.
Buyer's Guide Summer 2009
by John Bradley
Our Assessment Outside magazine highlights three bicycle helmets, but they focus on high-end models for serious cyclists. The helmets have been tested for fit and comfort. The Giro Atholon is the only helmet to score a Killer Value accolade in this edition of the buyer's guide.
2009 Editor's Choice Awards
by Karina Evertsen
Our Assessment Two bicycle helmets, the Rudy Project Zuma and Specialized Propero, score an Editor's Choice award from Women's Adventure magazine. Each of the helmets is tested for comfort and fit, although the details about the helmet reviews are found on different pages on the website.
Helmets
by Editors of Bicycling magazine
Our Assessment Bicycling magazine's annual buyer's guide includes some helmet reviews, but their recommendations tend to focus on expensive bicycle helmets for serious cyclists. Older reviews are also available in the online "Gear and Bike Review Finder."
9. The Independent
March 7, 2009
The 50 Best Cycling Gear
by Simon Usborne
Our Assessment In this slideshow article, the U.K.'s The Independent newspaper highlights 50 of the best pieces of cycling gear, including three bicycle helmets. Each helmet gets only a brief review and it doesn't appear the helmets were tested.
10. Time Out New York
June 4, 2009
Express Lane: Bike Helmets
by Jacquelyn Lewis
Our Assessment Jacquelyn Lewis at Time Out New York interviews local bike-shop owners for their helmet recommendations. Five owners are surveyed. The bikes aren't tested by the article's author, but the store owners offer credible opinions and feedback.
11. RoadCyclingUK.com
As of July 2009
Reviews
by Editors of RoadCyclingUK.com
Our Assessment RoadCyclingUK.com provides several excellent helmet reviews that reflect real-world testing. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of recent reviews. Rich Land at RoadCyclingUK.com writes an extensive and detailed review of the Specialized Propero bike helmet. He personally tests the helmet, and gives it ratings for performance, value and overall.
12. Cycling Weekly (U.K.)
Oct. 23, 2008
Cycling Helmets
by Editors of Cycling Weekly
Our Assessment Cycling Weekly, a U.K. cycling magazine, interviews the owner of a popular British bike shop to discuss the best-selling bike helmets. The bike-shop owner lists the pros and cons of each helmet, and although the helmets are not tested for the article, the owner has a credible opinion based on first-hand knowledge.
2008 Summer Buyer's Guide Bike Helmets Reviews
by James Jung
Our Assessment Outside magazine reviews several bike helmets in their 2008 buyer's guide, but they focus on helmets for serious cyclists rather than recreational riders. The helmets are evaluated on fit and comfort, but there is no testing beyond these factors.
Best Helmet Under $100
by Editors of Bicycling magazine
Our Assessment Bicycling magazine picks the Giro Monza as the best bike helmet under $100. In their view, helmets at this price range score highly on ventilation and comfort, while still offering a relatively slim design. The Bell Ghisallo and Specialized Aurora were also finalists.
15. Telegraph (London)
Not Dated
Five of the Best: Bicycle Helmets
by Editors of the Telegraph (U.K.)
Our Assessment In this slideshow article, the Telegraph picks five of the best bike helmets -- including lids for mountain biking, racing and occasional riding. It appears that the helmets have been evaluated for fit and comfort, but the helmets are not compared to each other.
16. Choice magazine
Feb. 2006
Kids' Bicycle Helmets
by Editors of Choice magazine
Our Assessment Choice is the Australian equivalent of Consumer Reports. In this extremely detailed review, editors test eleven kids' bike helmets for their impact absorption, fit and retention. While the testing is top-notch, most of the helmets reviewed are not available in the United States.
Cycling Guide: Apparel
by Steve Casimiro
Our Assessment Only one helmet scores a mention in this brief article on cycling apparel. Steve Casimiro highlights the Specialized S-Works -- Specialized's top-of-the-line helmet for serious cyclists. The review is brief, although the helmet is tested for fit and comfort.
Women's Cycling Gear Essentials
by Berne Broudy
Our Assessment In this brief article on women's cycling gear, Outside magazine highlights the Specialized Propero bike helmet as a good pick for women. It appears the helmet has been tested for fit and comfort, and author Berne Broudy thinks the helmet is easy to adjust and well ventilated.
Hot Wheels
by Sarah Engler
Our Assessment In this article on the latest children's bike accessories, Cookie magazine highlights one helmet -- the Specialized Small Fry. This helmet scores a mention in their list because it is highly adjustable, and it can fit children between the ages of 3 and 7.
20. Telegraph (London)
Not Dated
Cycling Gear for Active Types
by Editors of the Telegraph (U.K.)
Our Assessment This article highlights several pieces of cycling gear for "active types," including the Giro Atmos helmet. The helmet only receives a one-sentence review, and it is not compared to other helmets or tested.
21. BikeMagic.com
June 15, 2009
Essential Clothing on a Budget
by David Arthur
Our Assessment David Arthur lists a number of cycling accessories for riders on a budget, including the Bell Slant bike helmet. Calling it lightweight and well-ventilated, Arthur thinks the Bell Slant has benefited from trickle-down technology from more expensive helmets. With 21 vents, he also thinks this helmet will keep your head cool.
22. RoadCyclingUK.com
June 10, 2009
Essential Clothing on a Budget?
by David Arthur
Our Assessment In this article, which is similar to the article on BikeMagic.com, David Arthur picks the Giro Indicator bike helmet for riders on a budget. According to Arthur, the ventilation on the Giro Indicator matches that of $200 helmets.
23. Men's Journal
March 2009
Tools for Triathletes
by Editors of Men's Journal
Our Assessment Only the Giro Ionos helmet scores a mention in Men's Journal's list of top gear for triathletes. The helmet's 21 vents get high marks for keeping your head cool on hot rides, but there are not many details in this review.
A Bike You'll Like
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Our Assessment In this brief article, Good Housekeeping focuses mainly on bikes, but highlights the Bell Vela women's bicycle helmet. Testers for the magazine think the helmet is comfortable and fits well, and they also like the sporty design.
25. Amazon.com
As of July 2009
Helmets
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our Assessment Several helmets score above-average ratings on Amazon.com, including the Bell Citi, Giro Indicator and the Giro Me2 toddler helmet. While these helmets attract a good number of reviewers, most helmets receive only a few -- if any -- reviews.
26. AskMen.com
March 29, 2009
Guy Gear: Bike Helmets
by Dustin Driver
Our Assessment AskMen.com picks five helmets they think offer a good combination of safety and style. The helmets weren't tested, and the reviews focus on comfort and style rather than safety.
Get in Gear
by Editors of Self magazine
Our Assessment In this brief review, the Giro Stylus scores a mention as a good helmet choice. The helmet wasn't tested, and the review focuses mainly on features.

Back to top