Bicycle Helmets

Helmet technology has evolved over time. Helmets of today are lighter, stronger, better ventilated and safer than those of ten years ago. Although flashy, expensive helmets exist and beckon to the trendy consumer; those with limited budgets can easily find helmets that are both safe and affordable. Most of Consumer Reports' Best Buys are priced at $50 or less, and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) believes "that some of the most protective helmets are out there in the discount stores at prices from ten to twenty dollars."

In terms of safety, a helmet's ability to protect you is determined less by how much you spend than by how well it fits and if it's worn properly. Although all helmets sold in the U.S. must comply with CPSC safety standards, that doesn't mean that every helmet will protect every wearer, since helmets (and people) come in different shapes and sizes.

Pricier helmets use in-mold construction and expensive materials such as carbon fiber, which is lighter in weight, but still strong. This allows the helmets to be lighter and have bigger and more vents, while still conforming to CPSC standards. Better ventilation makes them cooler and more comfortable. The in-mold construction can sometimes make the helmet more scratch-resistant.

Types of Helmets

Each year, more than 20,000 bicyclists are admitted to hospitals, according to the Snell Memorial Foundation, and those hospitalized with head injuries are 20 times more likely to die as those without. Bicycle helmets are designed to prevent or minimize head injuries. Since 1999, all bicycle helmets made or sold in the United States have had to comply with the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which requires helmets to provide protection against an 11-mph impact on simulated rocks and curbs and a 14-mph impact on a flat surface.

Adult bike helmets come in a few different styles, with the predominant one until recently having been the angular, sloping type of bike helmets seen on Tour de France racers. The latest trend, however, is toward helmets that are rounder and smoother. Sometimes called commuter bike helmets, these have a smoother design that has fewer pointy edges that can snag in a crash. Both styles can be safe if worn properly.

Although there's a lot of overlap, helmets are often categorized in the following ways:

Sport helmets are intended for all-around cycling use and are often value-priced. The more rounded helmets are usually classified as sport helmets.

Road helmets are the lightest and most aerodynamic, with the largest vents (to improve ventilation and reduce weight). They also tend to be more expensive.

Mountain-bike helmets are similar to road helmets, but they're generally not as light and have thicker straps to contend with the extra bouncing and jostling of rigorous terrain. They also often have small visors to keep debris off your face.

Youth helmets often mimic adult helmets, but they are smaller and decorated in patterns that appeal more to kids.

Toddler helmets have more rear coverage for added protection, which tends to leave less room for ventilation, and they are usually decorated with cute, colorful graphics.

BMX helmets look very different from other cycling helmets. Some are like a thick, smooth cap, covering only the scalp, and some are bulky, looking more like motorcycle helmets, covering the entire face down to the jaw line. Often stronger than the other cycling helmets, BMX helmets have more coverage around the back and sides of the head.

Women's helmets feature more feminine colors and sometimes have space for a ponytail, but otherwise they're structurally the same as men's helmets. For example, Giro brand helmets for women are structurally the same -- but they're painted in colors that the manufacturer thinks appeal more to women..

Best bike helmets

We found the largest number of reviews for Bell and Giro helmets, which account for the vast majority of bike helmets available in the United States. Be aware that these two brands are now owned by the same company, Bell.

Bike magazines, including Bicycling magazine, are more inclined to feature high-end, high-priced bike helmets in their feature articles. This is not surprising, since these periodicals are geared toward enthusiasts willing to spend big bucks on the latest technology. High-end bike helmets can also be lighter and better ventilated, which sits well with bike aficionados posting reviews to MTBR.com and RoadBikeReview.com. At MTBR.com (Mountain Bike Review, part of the ConsumerReview.com network), the road-style Bell Ghisallo (*est. $90) is a site favorite.

Bicycling magazine says the Bell Ghisallo "fits and protects well" and has "top-notch venting." Owners posting to bike forums also commend this model for superior fit. The 11.3-ounce Ghisallo has 17 huge vents and comes in three sizes and five colors. While we did not see this model tested by Consumer Reports or Which? Online, owners attest that it holds up well in real-world wipe outs -- and like all bike helmets, the Bell meets CPSC crash-test standards. Some users appreciate the way that the Ghisallo's retention system doesn't get in the way of sunglasses. Others say the Ghisallo works well for those with small heads or narrow skulls. We have included the Ghisallo in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers because it is a very comfortable helmet at a price lower than that of the Giro Monza (*est. $100) below, another bike helmet praised for comfort.

If you think your head is more round than narrow, consider the Giro Pneumo (*est. $130) . Reviewers say this model demonstrates good impact absorption and ease of use. The Giro generally gets rave reviews from consumers, who seem to have a passionate attachment to this helmet due to its looks, light weight and comfort. The Pneumo is less popular with the BHSI (Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute), whose experts prefer rounder, smoother helmets due to worries that the pointy ends of the Pneumo may snag in crashes. However, we found several consumers posting to biking websites who praise the way the Pneumo performed for them in crashes.

Like the Bell Ghisallo, the Giro Pneumo bike helmet is notable for its in-mold construction and huge number of vents; reviewers say you hardly know it's there. Even though it's really a road bike helmet, the Pneumo has earned a Best of MountainBikeReview.com Award and is suitable for both types of riders. The Pneumo comes in a variety of colors and in small, medium or large sizes, fitting heads from 20 to 24.75 inches, and has 19 vents. The helmet also has a Roc Loc 4 fit system, which helps accurately fit the helmet to your head and reduces the tendency for it to shift forward or backward.

The Bell Citi (*est. $50) also does very well in impact tests. This bike helmet is one of a new breed of commuter helmets, with a smooth, rounded design and a small visor. This model is also a favorite at Bicycling.com, and BHSI loves it for its rounded design without sharp edges that could snag on pavement during a crash. The Citi is only available in one size (but in a variety of colors), with an internal fit system, 11-ounce weight and 16 vents. Because of the single sizing, it might not work well for very small or very large heads. For 2008, the Citi includes a rear strap that lets you fasten on a flasher light.

Giro bike helmets are widely acknowledged to be a better fit for those with round heads as opposed to more oval heads. The top bike helmet in Bicycling.com's annual buyer's guide is the Giro Monza (*est. $100) . Editors write that the Monza is an "exceptionally comfortable helmet that had self-described round-headed testers cheering." Features-wise, this helmet is a lot like the Bell Ghisallo, with a similar upswept design and an adjustable internal fit system. This 9.5-ounce helmet has 24 smaller vents and in-mold construction. Editors write that the Monza has "the best rear head strap and vented nearly as well as the priciest helmets we've used. " It comes in three sizes and five color schemes. We didn't see this model independently tested, but it does meet CPSC certification standards.

The Giro Xen (*est. $125) is one of the newest mountain-bike helmets. Bicycling.com says the Xen offers "comfortable stability." The Xen has 17 vents; it comes in three sizes and six colors, and it's CPSC-certified. It has in-mold construction and a point-of-view visor that offers vertical adjustments. According to MTBR.com, the Xen has "style and deep coverage of a skate lid." The Xen is also a Best of MTBR.com Award Winner. This model is also recommended by the BHSI for it rounded and smoother profile. We opted not to put the Giro Xen in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers because it is an expensive helmet that is geared towards serious mountain bikers, but it is clearly an excellent choice.

The Bell Slant (*est. $55) has smaller vents than the pricier Bell Ghisallo and Giro Pneumo, but it has a more rounded design and a friendlier price tag. Like all helmets, it is CPSC-certified. The Bell Slant also excels in independent crash testing. Similar to some commuter and mountain bike helmets, the Slant has a small front visor for some sun protection. It has in-mold construction and a dial fit system with locking straps. However, it only comes in one adult size, so it might not be the best fit on very small or very large heads.

Reviewers, notably BHSI, say that all helmets with CPSC certification will provide excellent protection in a crash -- even the cheapest models you'll find at mass-market stores (check for the CPSC sticker inside). Although the Bell Faction (*est. $35) performs well in crash tests, it gets mediocre ratings for ventilation in user reviews. This BMX model is certified by the CPSC and is also ASTM 1492 Skate Certified. The Faction offers 12 vents, and it comes in three sizes and 14 different colors. If value is a priority, the no-frills Faction provides the same crash protection as other more expensive BMX helmets. According to Bicycling.com, however, the Faction helmet is "boxy and heavy and doesn't breathe well."

If you don't care for the BMX look, the Bell Solar (*est. $35) is another budget option. It looks a lot like the Bell Citi, but it has 23 smaller vents instead of 16 larger ones, and it's an updated version of the now-discontinued Bell Impulse. The Solar meets CPSC standards and is a good bet because of its rounded design and in-mold construction. It comes in just one size, but there is also a pinchguard buckle.

There are dozens of other bike helmet manufacturers out there aside from Bell and Giro. We didn't see as many reviews for these models, but they are subject to the same government safety requirements as all other bike helmets. Specialized, Trek, Lazer, Cratoni, Uvex and Troy Lee are but a few of these brands.

Kids bike helmets

For the youngest riders, reviews say the Bell Boomerang (*est. $30) has superior impact absorption, a buckle guard and eight vents. This model fits toddler head sizes from 18.5" to 19.75" and comes with a stretchy material that hugs the head for a snug fit. The Boomerang ships in a variety of kid-friendly colors and patterns, and it also comes with a detachable foam visor. Expert reviews love this helmet, and it's a top pick at Bicycling.com as well. At consumer sites, some reviewers note that securing the helmet properly can be tricky -- which may be a problem for parents dealing with a fidgety child, but others comment that fitting any helmet on a small child is going to be tricky until they get used to it.

The Giro Me2 (*est. $30) toddler helmet has good impact absorption in tests and is easy to secure, with a buckle guard (to prevent pinching) and an easy-to-use single-hand adjustable-fit system. The microshell also has a built in bug net. As you might expect, the Me2 comes in a pattern of colorful chicks, ducks, animals or bunnies. If a Giro helmet is involved in a crash, buyers may be able to get a credit toward a new one through the company's crash-replacement program by submitting a letter, the helmet and the receipt to Giro.

For youths, the Bell Trigger (*est. $35) excels in crash tests and is also favored by experts for ease of use and its ErgoDial Fit retention system. The Trigger's design is made to look like an adult helmet -- cooler and less cartoonish -- to appeal more to older children. With 23 vents, the Bell Trigger has very good ventilation. The Giro Flume (*est. $35) also meets CPSC safety standards, but it's heavier and only has 20 vents. For the money, the Trigger is a more attractive helmet for a cheaper price.

Find a helmet that fits

Not all heads are the same, varying in both shape (round to oval) and size (small to large). Brands of helmets tend to cater to one type of head-shape, much as you might find certain brands of running shoes fit your feet better than others. If you find that Bell helmets fit you well, you may find that Giros don't. Universal fit rings offer some flexibility, but they also require more fine-tuning and adjustment.

People with smaller heads may have more luck with women's helmets, and those with larger heads may have to opt for Bell's Triton (*est. $40) , the Giro Atlas II (*est. $35) or some of the XXL Louis Garneau helmets (*est. $50 to $170) .

Bear in mind that a helmet protects only the part of your head that it covers. In most crashes, the forehead and top front of the head strike first. Experts recommend buying a helmet that sits low on the forehead, about one finger-width above the brow. If you have a high forehead (and want to protect it), you may need to look for a deeper helmet or remove the top pads inside the helmet.

Whatever the size or shape of your head, experts say to make sure you get a helmet that fits. A well-fitting helmet should make contact with your head evenly and be comfortably snug, but not tight. Be sure that there aren't any pressure points (parts of your head that push more tightly against the helmet than other parts), as these pose a hazard in the event of a crash. If you feel pressure at the temples or forehead, then the helmet is probably too tight. Most helmets come with little adhesive pads that you can add to the inside to deal with any loose spots. People with small heads may need to use extra-thick pads, and folks with bigger craniums may need to remove all the pads.

Although you can often save money by buying online, experts recommend shopping for a helmet in person and spending the time to get a good fit. The best way is to go to a store with a large selection and knowledgeable personnel. Barring that, there are some great resources on the Internet that show you how to get the right fit, and we've included some tips here.

A wearer's checklist:

Level: A helmet should never be worn tilted back, exposing the forehead. Even if it's more flattering, this defeats the whole purpose, since the forehead is the most likely site of impact. Position the helmet so that it is level on your head. (If you have trouble telling the front from the back, remember that the straps usually come from the back.)

Eyes: If you look up, you should see your helmet. If you don't see it, it's tilted too far back.

Ears: The side straps should form a "V" or "Y" under the ears, slightly in front of the earlobes.

Mouth: The chin strap should be snug under the chin. If you open your mouth wide, you should feel the helmet push down on top of your head.

Test: Once secured, the helmet should not move more than an inch in any direction when pulled, and it should definitely not come off. Slide a finger under the strap to make sure it's not too tight. If you can slide two fingers under, however, the strap is too loose.

Parents should recheck the fit on their children periodically. Children outgrow things quickly, and a helmet is no exception.

Experts assert that bike helmets are meant to be worn while riding a bicycle (or for non-aggressive inline skating). When worn by children in a playground, they can be dangerous. In a bike crash, having a strong strap that won't let go is an important, life-saving feature. If a child is wearing that same bike helmet while climbing on playground equipment or a tree, and the helmet gets caught on something, the child could end up hanging from the helmet with the straps cutting off his/her air supply.

Replacing helmets

According to experts, helmets should be replaced:

• After a crash: In most helmets, the impact foam, which is crucial to reducing the force of impact, is good for only one crash. Once crushed, the foam doesn't spring back to its old shape. If the helmet were used in another crash, it would be able to provide far less protection. Even if the helmet looks okay, it may not be safe to wear. If the helmet uses a taped-on shell, the shell can pop back into shape, hiding the crushed foam underneath. If you aren't sure, the best thing to do is to send the helmet to the manufacturer for inspection. Some manufacturers offer crash-replacement warranties, but these usually require you to send in your damaged helmet and wait for them to issue a replacement.

• If the foam or shell appear to be damaged: If either the foam or shell is cracked, then a helmet should be replaced. They are already weakened and may not hold up as expected in a collision. Don't forget that a helmet may have to protect you throughout multiple impacts during a single crash.

• If the straps appear to be worn or frayed.

• If a child has outgrown it.

• Every 5 years: Over time, the glues, resins and other materials used can affect the liner materials. In addition to normal wear and tear, bodily fluids (sweat, hair oil), heat and sun will also degrade the materials in a helmet.

• If it has been recalled: The BHSI website maintains a list of helmets that were officially recalled by the CPSC (see our Best Research section for website addresses for both of these organizations).

Some people feel safe close to home and don't feel they need a helmet. However, most bicycling accidents occur within a mile of home.

Some people worry that a helmet will make them hotter. A Texas study in 1997 proved that wearing a helmet does not make a rider any hotter. Helmets don't cover much body surface, and modern helmets are so well ventilated that heat can easily escape. Many (particularly the lighter colored and/or metallic finish helmets) also reflect the sun's rays to a greater extent than a helmet-free head might do.

Some believe that helmets don't save lives. In 1992, New Jersey passed a law requiring helmets for children under 14. In 1997, state officials announced that bicycle-related fatalities for children under 14 had decreased by 60 percent since the law went into effect. Be aware that there are numerous studies on both sides of the bike-helmet debate. While proponents argue that helmets save lives, others contend that helmets make little to no difference in injury rates, and that mandatory helmet use decreases participation in cycling.

Wikipedia has an excellent collaborative article that details both sides of the coin, with links to studies purporting to support both arguments.

Important Features: Bike helmets

Here's what experts say to consider in choosing a bicycle helmet:

• Make sure it has a CPSC sticker: Although it's highly unlikely that you will find a helmet for sale in the U.S. that doesn't have this sticker, experts still recommend checking for one before buying.

• Make sure it fits and is comfortable.

• Cost: In addition to the sticker price, some helmets can defray future expenses with a crash-replacement policy or credit toward your next helmet (great for toddlers).

• If safety is your biggest concern, then look for helmets that provide a lot of coverage, have fewer vents and feature both ASTM and Snell-95 certification. Light, bright colors, such as yellow, may help cars to see and avoid you. The BHSI recommends selecting helmets with a smooth, rounded exterior, visors that detach easily and no points that could snag in a crash.

• Visibility: You should be able to see well while wearing your helmet. It should not block your vision.

• If you are bald or have thinning hair, check the placement and size of the vents, which can cause strange tan lines. (This can be resolved by wearing a bandana or something to cover your head inside your helmet.)

• Visors: Good visors can shield against glare or deflect airflow from your eyes. Some are adjustable, some aren't. If you don't like visors, you can save some money by buying a model that doesn't have one. Visors are designed to break off in a crash. Again, make sure the visor doesn't impair your vision.

• Vents: Look for a good combination of front vents that cool and rear vents that allow exit flow of that ventilation. V-shaped vents are most effective. More vents tends to mean more cooling. The downside to a lot of vents is that there is less helmet to protect you, and sometimes there's also increased wind noise.

• Straps and retention system: Check for easy adjustment and secure hold. A helmet that can be easily adjusted while riding will be more comfortable and convenient for an avid cyclist. If you have long hair, you will want to make sure the retention system is ponytail-compatible and won't get tangled in your hair.

• Buy a helmet that you'll wear. A helmet sitting in a closet does little good when your head is on its way to the pavement. Experts agree that any helmet is better than no helmet.

About bike helmet safety standards

In the U.S., the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standard is the benchmark. According to Federal law, all bicycle helmets made or sold in the U.S. since 1999 should conform to it and bear a sticker affirming it. The CPSC is not the only standard, but if you are overwhelmed by all the acronyms, this is the main one you need to remember.

The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) maintains safety standards on a number of different products, including bicycle helmets. It's a voluntary standard and is self-certifying, meaning that a manufacturer can claim to meet ASTM requirements without undergoing any testing. Snell (Snell Memorial Foundation) maintains safety standards on a number of different helmets, including those for bicycles. In order to be Snell-certified, a model has to be submitted to Snell for extensive testing and follow-up testing, and the manufacturer has to pay high testing fees. Snell is universally regarded as being the toughest standard, thought it does have more than one level: the Snell-90, which was issued years ago, and the more recent Snell-95.

According to experts, the CPSC, ASTM and Snell-90 standards are comparable. The Snell-95 standard is tougher, but few models have been tested with it.

Longtime bicyclists may remember an ANSI (American National Safety Institute) standard. The ANSI Z90.4 standard came out in 1984 and was helpful for awhile, but it eventually lapsed and was declared obsolete in 1995. In 2003, for documentation purposes (because by then ANSI was cited in some helmet laws) ANSI adopted the ASTM standard as its own. For all practical purposes, the ANSI standard is considered defunct.

Other countries have standards for bicycle helmet safety as well. They are different from those of the United States. The Australian standard is among the most rigorous, and some consider it superior to any of the U.S. Standards. Only helmets meeting U.S. CPSC standards may be sold in the United States.

It is also worth noting that different sports require helmets that conform to different standards. A helmet made to protect you on a bicycle may be a liability in another sport, such as horseback riding. Some bike helmets have dual certification for cycling and skateboarding.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Adult Models (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
2	Giro Xen (*est. $125)	details
2	Bell Citi (*est. $50)	details
2	Giro Pneumo (*est. $130)	details
1 each	Bell Furio , Bell Slant , Bell Impulse , Giro Atmos , Giro Encinal , Giro Monza , Specialized Aurora, Specialized Chamonix, Canyon Cruz, Cratoni Zethos, Lazer Cannibal, Bell Ghisallo , Giro Remedy CF , Specialized Deviant, Bell Sweep R , Giro Eclipse , Giro Indicator , Bell Radar
# of Picks	Youth Models (With Retailer Links)
1 each	Bell Amigo , Giro Rodeo , Bell Trigger , Flite 900, Met Super Buddy, Adura Dragster, Netti Pilot, Giro Me2
# of Picks	Toddler Models (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Bell Boomerang (*est. $30)	details

The Giro Xen, Bell Citi and Giro Pneumo are the most reviewed helmets, cited for their good impact performance and good ratings by consumers and experts. The far less expensive Bell Citi is also recommended for its value, appealing to those on a budget. Because of its price and more general use, we chose to place the Bell Citi in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. For youth, the Bell Trigger was well-liked for its cool design, ErgoDial Fit System and how well it scored on impact absorption tests. Several toddler helmets performed well in impact tests, but the Bell Boomerang ranked the highest, earning it a spot in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers.

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