8 Best Bike Helmets In 2021

Last updated 24. June 2022

With such a wide selection of bike helmets on the market, and with a whole variety of prices to match, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

Your head is fragile, and so it needs and deserves the best protection from a cycling helmet which is of a decent quality. But how do you choose the right one, when the market is awash with a huge variety of designs, different shapes and varying price tags too!

A bike helmet should, primarily, give protection to the person wearing it; it should also keep that person safe while cycling, in the unfortunate event of them coming off the bike; and it should be a good comfortable fit on the head to enable the cyclist to enjoy the ride.

Whether you are new to cycling or a seasoned professional, competing in endurance races, we have the low down on the top 8 bike helmets available on today’s market.

Related; Mountain Bike Helmets.

View The Best Bike Helmets Below

1. Base Camp Zoom/Zoom Aero Road Helmet

Base Camp Zoom/Zoom Aero Road

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This Base Camp road bike helmet features a magnetically fastened optical shield which provides great wraparound eye protection together with exceptional optical clarity. The shield can be easily flipped up or can be removed with one hand if required. It is designed with Integral Moulding Technology and Multi-Density EPS construction, which is a useful aid to manage impact energy. The Base Camp helmet is manufactured in the United States and as such, conforms to the U.S. CPSC Bike and CE.EN1078 safety standards.

There are 7-vent design configurations which give optimal airflow and minimal wind resistance, both of which aid temperature control and help increase speed. It is suitable for most adult heads with a circumference from 21.75 to 23.25 inches, therefore is not suitable for those with a larger than average head. BASE CAMP ZOOM Helmet is equipped with the easy to use dial system, and the side straps can be adjusted to fit different head sizes.

The removable high-performance pad design ensures the cyclist has maximum comfort with minimum sweat management. It is advisable to measure the head circumference above the eyebrows with a tape measure or string to get the correct head size for purchase.

Pros:
+ Wraparound eye protection
+ Integral Moulding Technology
+ 7-vent design
+ Easy to use dial system
+ Conforms to safety standards

Why we like it – The Base Camp Zoom bike helmet offers all that is needed for safety, protection, and comfort, with the addition of good design. It is a popular choice for many, with great affordability. The removable pads and adjustable side straps are a great additional feature!


2. Base Camp Specialized Bike Helmet

Base Camp Specialized Bike Helmet

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This bike helmet is both suitable for either on or off-road and is a unisex style. The Base Camp Bike Helmet is manufactured from specialized materials with impact resistance in mind. The overall design and construction of this helmet ensure that it complies with the required CPSC Safety Standard & is CE Certified, which gives safety reassurance to the wearer. Being made to such exacting standards, it is high-density, durable and tough, making it fit for purpose.

The PVC & EPS foam is hard wearing and can be relied upon to give great protection which is helpful to decrease the impact forces and therefore protect the rider’s head is involved in any unforeseen crash. The innovative design has an additional safety feature of a large LED tail light incorporating a backup battery for an emergency situation.

The LED light quality also has a choice of 3 different lighting modes: steady, slow flashing, and fast flashing. This is an additional safety feature which will ensure the cyclist is visible to people or other road traffic users who are approaching the cyclist from the front or from the rear.

Although this bike helmet fits a range of head circumferences from 54-60 cm, or 21-23.5″ it also features an easy to use dial system with side straps for adjustment. These extra additions will be beneficial to make sure this helmet will fit the majority of head sizes. At only 270g or 0.59 lbs, the Basecamp Specialized Bike Helmet is also super lightweight and therefore easy to carry!

During hot and humid cycling rides, whether for leisure or competition, ventilation is of paramount importance. With this in mind, the manufacturers have thoughtfully incorporated 22 integrated flow vents to extract warm air from around the head and replace it with cool fresh air, for the cyclist’s comfort. The inner sponge lining is both removable and washable, which provides good hygiene and a snug, comfortable fit.

Pros:
+ CPSC and CE compliant
+ Hard-wearing and Durable
+ LED light safety feature
+ Lightweight
+ 22 integrated flow vents

Why we like it – This Base Camp Specialized bike helmet is hard wearing and durable while also being lightweight!

With the additional safety feature of an LED light, the cyclist can be reassured that they will be visible to other road users! Great design with 22 integrated vents to improve airflow, this helmet is a popular choice for many!


3. Schwinn Thrasher Microshell Bicycle Helmet

Schwinn Thrasher Microshell Bicycle Helmet

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The Schwinn Thrasher microshell is a bike helmet which is designed for ages ranging from 14 years to adult. With a suggested head circumference measurement of between 22.88 and 24.5 inches, it’s advisable to check before ordering this product to prevent disappointment. This particular design has 360° comfort, and has a unique dial-adjustable system, for the cyclist to fine tune the fit to their own needs.

Adjustable side straps allow you to further personalize the fit to your individual requirements, while the addition of the detachable visor helps reduce glare when out on the road. The three-piece style micro shell enhances its durability, while it’s lightweight design, prevents the wearer from feeling weighed down. 20 top air vents, designed with efficiency in mind, allow free air flow, giving much-needed ventilation and cool comfort, when competing in endurance events, or when out for a leisurely ride on a hot summers day.

Pros:
+ 360 comforts with an adjustable dial fit
+ Lightweight and Durable
+ 20 air vents
+ Detachable visor
+ Choice of colors

Why we like it – Good ergonomic design, with plenty of vents to allow free air flow. This bike helmet is lightweight and features great design for a cool sporty look and great comfortable fit. Great color choice too!


4. Bell Thalia Women’s Bike Helmet

Bell Thalia Women's Bike Helmet

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The Bell Thalia Women’s helmet is made in the USA and is manufactured to the required CPSC regulations. Designed and styled especially with females in mind, this bike helmet has many attractive features! Apart from its stylish good looks, this particular model will be a comfortable fit for all females from teens to adults. The straps are pre-set, reducing the need for adjustment, so it’s quick and easy to use. No dials required, so buckle up and go!!

Another great safety feature is the reflective rear strap for additional visibility. With 16 great air vents to keep you looking and feeling cool and in a dazzling choice of colors, this model also features tapeless technology and has a useful built-in visor to reduce any glare and improve the enjoyment of the cyclist.

Pros:
+ CPSC compliant
+ Quick and easy to use
+ Choice of colors
+ 16 air vents
+ Built-in visor

Why we like it – The Bell Thalia women’s bike helmet is quick and easy to use, available in a choice of colors and has a stylish cool design. Being CPSC compliant with reflective straps for visibility, this helmet will appeal to many for its safety features and style.


5. Retrospec Traverse H2 2-in-1 Convertible Helmet

Retrospec Traverse H2 2-in-1 Convertible Helmet

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This popular bike helmet is designed with 14 vents for the ultimate in temperature regulation and has an unyielding ABS shell exterior together with a firm, shock-absorbent EPS interior. To provide quality and protection, the helmet safety certifications, which are convertible, include EN 1077:2007 for Ski Helmets and CPSC 16 CFR, Part 1203 for Bicycle Helmets.

Included with this item is a useful goggle clip to keep eyewear attached whether for cycling or skiing, and removable plush earmuffs for added warmth and protection. To customize the fit, the ErgoKnob Adjustable Dial is a simple one-handed twist dial that both tightens and loosens the framework built into the helmet to ensure a snug, comfortable fit, which will maximize the enjoyment of the wearer.

Pros:
+ Convertible for skiing or cycling
+ Safety certifications
+ ABS shell
+ Shock-absorbent EPS interior
+ Goggle clip and earmuffs as extras

Why we like it – The Retrospec Convertible 2-in-1 Helmet is designed with a hard-wearing ABS shell exterior and a firm shock-absorbent EPS interior, to maximize the safety of the wearer. With the relevant safety certifications as standard, the manufacturers have ensured that safety is an important specification in its design. Extra accessories include goggle clips and ear muffs. Great product!


6. GoMax Aero Adult Safety Helmet

GoMax Aero Adult Safety Helmet

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The GoMax Adult Safety Helmet is a light-weight, well-made bike helmet, designed to both looks, and feel good. This helmet is manufactured using an innovative aerodynamic design with bold color choices to aid cyclist visibility. At only 8.8oz / 250g, comfort and safety are key specifications with this product. The hard-wearing In-Mold Polycarbonate shell protects against shock and impact, while the EPS liner protects the head from serious injury. This is a key safety standard with this item.

At the rear of the helmet is an adjustable dial to customize the fit for individual use and an LED tail light. To aid ventilation, there are 22 air vents, to optimize airflow and maintain the comfort of the wearer while ensuring a cool head temperature – crucial during a long ride in hot summer weather! A built-in, detachable visor reduces glare and aids good vision.

Pros:
+ Aerodynamic & lightweight design
+ Safety compliant
+ Hard-wearing Polycarbonate shell
+ 22 air vents
+ Detachable visor

Why we like it – The design and quality of this bike helmet, together with its high specification and focus on safety features make this an attractive, affordable product. With the added bonus of being hard-wearing, lightweight and with bold, stylish looks makes it an ideal cycling purchase.


7. Giro Savant Road Bike Helmet

Giro Savant Road Bike Helmet

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The lightweight design of the Giro Savant Road Bike helmet makes it a popular choice for many. With its Roc Loc 5 Fit System, a snug fit can be gained from making adjustments using the ratcheted strap. With ventilation being a key factor for road cyclists, the manufacturers have thoughtfully incorporated 25 air vents into the design of this helmet to provide optimum airflow.

The outer shell is robust enough to withstand hard knocks and incorporates an In-mold polycarbonate shell. This, coupled with the tough engineering of an EPS liner, ensures complete protection for the wearers head and reassurance that this bike helmet is robust enough to withstand impact. Safety and protection issues aside, this helmet is super lightweight and looks cool, so does not compromise on style!

Pros:
+ Roc Loc 5 Fit System
+ 25 Air Vents
+ In-Mold Polycarbonate shell
+ Expandable PolyStyrene lining
+ Super fit engineering

Why we like it – The Giro Savant Road Bike Helmet has an authentic style and performance to match. A unique Roc Loc ratchet system provides a good fit and the impressive 25 air vents in the design ensure that a good air flow keeps the wearer cool and comfortable during the cycle ride.


8. Bell Segment Multi-Sport Helmet

The Bell Segment Multi-Sport is a cool looking bowl-shaped helmet and arguably a much loved classic design which is favored by young and old alike! It looks good and, with the addition of some interior EPS foam inserts, also feels good as it fits well to the shape of the head like a cap, whilst it importantly meets all required safety standards: Bicycle (CPSC), BMX (ASTM F2032), BMX Enhancement (ASTM F2031) and Skating (ASTM F 1492).

This BMX bike helmet is available in a selection of colors to suit all tastes and ages and is certified as both a bike and a skate helmet, which broadens its appeal. Also, this helmet has easily adjustable chin straps for extra stability.

Pros:
+ Super cool classic design
+ Multi-Sport use
+ Meets all safety standards
+ Available in a choice of colors
+ Suitable for children and Adults Alike

Why we like it – This bowl-shaped helmet is a design classic, which can be used across multi-sports and is compliant to all relevant safety standards. It’s a timeless, classy look, appeals to children and adults alike.

The adult/child/toddler bike helmet is robust and hardwearing and is able to withstand most major impacts and offers the required protection as you would expect from such a well-known brand.


Bike Helmets Buyers Guide

There are an overwhelming array of bike helmets available on the internet and in the shops. The choice is tremendous and will vary in price, quality, style, shape, and design. And all in various colors to choose from!

Consideration should be given to head size and shape. The amount of hair a cyclist may, (or may not) have, could also affect the comfort and fit!

All of these factors need to be taken into account before rushing into making a purchase. Therefore it would be advisable to research the market, see what is out there and choose 2 or 3 styles which appeal to you, based upon your own personal requirements. Then, wherever possible, go to a shop and try before you buy!

What do you need? Is the helmet to be used often and if so, for what purpose?
Endurance events or competitions? For recreational cycling?

Will it need to withstand some tough conditions? Or will it rarely see the light of day!
Will you be wearing glasses and will they fit comfortably with the design of the helmet?

Safety

Whatever the use, Safety should be the most important consideration. Ensure that the helmet you choose has been tested and approved and conforms to relevant safety standards – these may vary depending on the country of manufacture. Protection is crucial to ensure your own safety and prevent serious injury if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a collision or take a tumble from your bike!

Helmet Construction

Nearly all bike helmets are manufactured in a similar way, with varying degrees of quality in the materials used. They are as follows:

  • An outer plastic shell.
  • An inner padded liner usually made from polystyrene. The function of which is to dissipate the force of impact away from your head.
  • Extra padding for comfort.
  • Air vents for temperature control and comfort around the head.
  • An adjustable fitting system to ensure a close, snug fit and prevent the helmet from sliding about.

Remember, it’s your head, so look after it … don’t be a Humpty Dumpty …..!!!

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