It’s no surprise that keeping your head safe and intact while riding is one of the most important aspects of bicycling. Many accidents can be prevented by wearing a proper helmet.
Keep in mind that each helmet is different in size, color, and specs. Helmets are important to your overall safety on the road. They are also a stylish option to sport when hitting the road, whether it be a race or a long bike trek.
This is why we picked out the best road bike helmets all for under $100.
Be sure to read up on the FAQ and Buyer’s Guide at the end of this article to get an idea of what to look for when purchasing a helmet. See you on the road!
BEST FLAT PEDALS FOR ROAD BIKES OVERVIEW
Image | Model | Features | Price |
 | Giro Agilis MIPS Men’s Road Cycling Helmet |
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 | Smith Optics Signal MIPS Road Cycling Helmet |
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 | Bell Formula MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet |
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 | Kulla Adjustable Bike Helmet |
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 | Kask Rapido Road Cycling Helmet |
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 | SCOTT Arx Plus Helmet Stealth Black, Large |
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 | Giro Register MIPS Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet |
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 | ABUS Viantor |
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 | Schwinn Thrasher Adult Lightweight Bike Helmet |
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 | Smith Venture MIPS Helmet |
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Giro Agilis MIPS Men’s Road Cycling Helmet
Giro is an extraordinary brand that has pumped out great gear for over 3 decades now. This helmet will lend you great support and safety while on the open road. Its exceptional design and flawless safety features are the reason bike enthusiasts keep coming back to Giro for more.
The Agilis MIPS has an airy design combined with deep coverage so that it fits snugly over your head while still offering a stylish option. With its distinct size options and color, this brand will give you much more than just a helmet. It offers key safety features and a great warranty, putting you ahead of the rest.
Key Features include:
- ROC LOC 5.5 MIPS
- Wind Tunnel Ventilation System
- Integrated MIPS equipped
Why We Liked It:
- MIPS technology
- Great color options
- Polycarbonate construction with 32 wind tunnel vents
Pros
Cons
Smith Optics Signal MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
Smith Optics has come a long way in redefining its brand to make sure you are safe on the road, while still providing stylish options. This bike helmet is no exception.
We made sure to include this helmet because, after all, it fits our criteria for one of the best bike helmets. On top of that, it has many features that you will find enticing.
Key Features include:
- MIPS protection system
- Strategic venting
- Integration with Smith performance eyewear
Why We Liked It :
- Removable padding great for washing
- Various size and color options
Pros
Cons
Bell Formula MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet
Bell is one of the leading bicycle brands today that offers great support and stylish features. We were impressed with this helmet since it gives off so many safety and stylish vibes.
Key Features include:
- MIPS equipped with fusion in-molding polycarbonate shell
- Float fit and no-twist tri-glides
- and stylish look
Why We Liked It:
- Sweat guide pad design
- Various sizes
- MIPS
Pros
Cons
Kulla Adjustable Bike Helmet
Kulla has designed this general bike helmet for any type of cyclist whether it be road biking or mountain biking. Its unique design and affordable options make it interesting.
With that in mind, Kulla brings the best of both worlds offering safety features and no-nonsense design for any user in mind.
Key Features include:
- Removable padding
- Suitable for Adult Men, Adult Women, and Youth
- Detachable helmet visor
Why We Liked It:
- 23 vents provide maximum air circulation
- Lightweight at only 300g/0.66lb
- 2-year warranty
Pros
Cons
Kask Rapido Road Cycling Helmet
Kask is one of those rare helmets that will get heads turned your way with its stylish look and Multi In-moulding technology.
We looked at this helmet for potential pitfalls and didn’t find many. With that said, this is a great all-around general helmet for you if you need an affordable option with plenty of safety features.
Key Features include:
- Various colors and great design
- Excellent airflow and precise comfortable fitting
- MIT head safety features a bike helmet with polycarbonate layers
Why We Liked It:
- Various color options
- Low cost
- Excellent airflow and comfortable fit
Pros
Cons
SCOTT Arx Plus Helmet Stealth Black, Large
Designed for everyday riders this helmet is great for many types of biking. With its in-mold polycarbonate/EPS foam body and MIPS technology be sure to never leave home without it.
Key Features include:
- Impact foam open cell padding
- Optimized ventilation
- Sleek and safe design with polycarbonate micro shell material
Why We Liked It:
- Impact foam with open-cell padding
- Visor
- Extensive venting channels
Pros
Cons
Giro Register MIPS Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet
Giro has come a long way in making great helmets and offering users the most flexibility when it comes to style and safety. This bike helmet is featured because of its wide array of specifications and overall feel.
Its overall design and large fit make it useful for adults who want a bike with exceptional quality while still maintaining its overall look and feel.
Key Features include:
- MIPS designed with safety in mind
- Universal fit sizing
- In-mold construction offers durability
Why We Liked It:
- Utilizes MIPS
- 22 vents
- Wide range of colors
Pros
Cons
ABUS Viantor
The Abus Viantor is a small helmet that has mixed material but packs a punch. This helmet has some key safety features which will keep your head safe and secure.
Key Features include:
- 14 air outlets for ventilation
- Polystyrene blended materials
- Compatible with longer hair users
Why We Liked It:
- Sleek design with great color choices
- The average price for a helmet
- EPS shock-absorbing material
Pros
Cons
Schwinn Thrasher Adult Lightweight Bike Helmet
If you are in the market for a comfortable, durable product then look no further. Schwinn has been in the business for a long time and offers this helmet for adults at an affordable price.
Key Features include:
- Adjustable dial fit knob
- 21 air flow vents designed to keep you cool
- Moisture wicking pads
Why We Liked It:
- Mid-range pricing
- Comfortable fit
- Plenty of color choices
Pros
Cons
Smith Venture MIPS Helmet
The Smith Venture MIPS Helmet is a great bike helmet for safety and reliability. You will love its EPS impact-resistant foam and MIPS safety feature. Overall, it’s a wonderful helmet that does the job.
Key Features include:
- In-mold polycarbonate shell
- Integrated visor
- EPS foam and MIPS liner for safety
Why We Liked It:
- Stylish design with polycarbonate material
- MIPS
- Affordable
Pros
Cons
GUIDE TO BUYING A Best Road Bike Helmets
In this guide, we let you know the art and science of a great helmet. Behind every helmet is an engineered product of safety designed to keep your head secure while riding. The best bike helmets are those that do just that while offering stylish options such as color and design.
Each helmet is different in that it proves many various forms of safety features and options. To pick just one would be a mistake. A helmet is designed to fit the user well while simultaneously supporting safety while on the road. Without that, you just have another bike helmet that can drag you down.
Here are some of the most common safety features included with many of the top bike helmets today:
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System):
MIPS is one of the most common safety features used in helmets today. Although not as technical as it may seem, MIPS saves lives with its useful and preventive technology.
This system reduces rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts. It does this by allowing the helmet foam to pivot slightly in response to impact forces. This allows your head to rotate slightly with each impact, which also reduces rotational forces on your neck.
EPS Foam Lining:
EPS stands for Expanded Polystyrene, and this material forms a protective layer between your head and the hard exterior shell of your helmet. It helps absorb impact energy from any kind of collision or fall, so even if you hit something hard enough that it would otherwise cause significant injury, the EPS foam will help prevent that from happening.
Although each bike helmet is different in size and shape, the design of the helmet is of utmost importance. Users often experience headaches, aches, and pains which can simply be alleviated by uncomplicated design tweaks.
Some of the most common design elements in a bike helmet include:
- Removable liners that can be cleaned after each use
- Adjustable visors on the front of the helmet which can be removed
- Color and shape of the helmet with high visibility
- Reflectors or LED lights used on the helmet for safety
- Adjustable knobs which are usually on back of the helmet for different size heads
- Straps and chin straps that can be adjusted for the end user (adult, youth, children)
FAQS ABOUT Best Road Bike Helmets
- What to look for in a bike helmet?
- How do I choose a road bike helmet?
- How do I get the right fit for a cycling helmet?
- What is MIPS and do I need it?
- What are the common manufacturers of bike helmets?
- How long do bike helmets typically last?
- What should I wash my inner helmet pads with?
- What to look for in a bike helmet?
Each bike helmet is different and designed to perfection for the end user. Depending on if you are an adult (18+), a youth (12-21 years old), or a child (under 12) the helmet you use can save your life.
It is important that the helmet fits your head properly and provides even support on both sides. Look for padding that is properly placed and secure inside the helmet. It should be snug but not too tight or else you may get uncomfortable while riding.
- How do I choose a road bike helmet?
The top bike helmets are designed to fit the end user while offering comfort and long-lasting wear. Choose a helmet in your correct size.
The most common sizes in helmets are: Small: 20″–21.75″ (51cm–55cm) Medium: 21.75″–23.25″ (55cm–59cm) Large: 23.25″–24.75″ (59cm–63cm) Extra-large: above 24.75″ (63cm).
Look for a reputable brand helmet that has been tested for safety and has helpful reviews. Although color and design are something that bikers tend to look at first, the most important thing is that the helmet fits you properly and has safety features like MIPS.
- How do I get the right fit for a cycling helmet?
Many helmets come in different shapes and sizes. Whether you are an adult, a youth, or a child be sure to check the labels and sizes before purchasing.
A good bike helmet should be snug but not so much as it deters you from riding. An uncomfortable helmet can often place you behind since you must adjust it every so often.
Use a soft tape measure to measure the circumference of the head about an inch above the eyebrows. Take this measurement and look for the labels inside the helmet.
Most sizes range from small (20”-21.75”) to large (23.25”-24.75”).
- What is MIPS and do I need it?
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It is a system designed to protect your brain from injury without sacrificing quality.
It is a system of two linings, one inside the helmet and one outside, that moves independently of each other. This allows the helmet to absorb energy in the event of a crash.
- What are the common manufacturers of bike helmets?
Common manufacturers of bike helmets include Giro, Schwinn, Bell, and Specialized. Many manufacturers offer different safety features and design aesthetics.
- How long do bike helmets typically last?
Depending on the wear and tear, most helmets can last anywhere from 2-5 years. When riding, always make sure the helmet fits properly and is secure around the head.
Use the wheel knob to adjust the helmet comfortably around the head. Then use the remaining straps to adjust the helmet around the sides of the head.
EPS material is commonly used in bike helmets and offers durable material that will last long. Before purchasing a helmet be sure to check the warranty and the manufacturer’s specifications.
- What should I wash my inner helmet pads with?
Your padding inside the helmet is one of the best materials that will keep your head intact and safe while on the road. Over time the pads can become worn, stretched, and uneven due to wear and tear.
Choose a helmet that has proper padding that can easily be detached and washed. If you don’t wash the pads, they can become dirty with sweat and elements while riding.
Wash them with a mild soap or vinegar and let them soak for 30 minutes. Be sure to let them air dry as some of the pads may have the likelihood of getting water mold or resin stuck inside.
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Conclusion
Finding the right bike helmet can be a daunting task but stick with your gut and your head when choosing the right one. Be sure to read all labels before purchasing and read up on these key safety features.
When it comes to the top ten bike helmets always make sure to keep safety in mind over design. Many helmets may provide great safety features but might be poorly designed.
When it comes to finding the right bike helmet, read up on MIPS and EPS and whether this is a good fit for you. Having the proper helmet that fits your head is important as it will go a long way in protecting your most essential asset. Before you ride, check the straps, the wheel knob (if applicable), and the padding to make sure it is secure.
