Foldable Bikes Party: Best road cycling helmets: 13 of our top picks

Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Best road cycling helmets: 13 of our top picks

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Head protection is obviously the priority when it comes to helmets, and it continues to be realised by using expanded polystyrene structures shrouded in polycarbonate shells. But new aspects are coming into play as our understanding of the dynamics of crashing deepens.

(This article was updated in October 2016).

The newest helmets on the market now incorporate MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system), which provides extra protection against the rotational forces your head encounters during a crash.

A helmet also needs to keep your head cool when conditions heat up so it needs to be able to do a good job of providing ventilation, too

The thing is, helmets are now expected to provide more than just protection, which complicates matters somewhat. And the main thing people now look for, aside from protection, in a performance road helmet is an aerodynamic advantage, which naturally has an effect on a lid’s shape, size and overall look.

Any lid that has even the slightest leaning towards competition will have been analysed and experimented with in the wind tunnel to reduce drag as much as possible. But whatever form these aerodynamically optimised helmets eventually take they still need to be comfortable, so padding and sizing options/adjustability are things you should pay close attention to before parting with your cash.

A helmet also needs to keep your head cool when conditions heat up so it needs to be able to do a good job of providing ventilation, too. And as if all that wasn’t enough, helmets are increasingly being used as a place to store sunglasses when they’re not on your face. So if you haven’t got space for your shades in your pockets it’s worth considering whether the helmet you’ve got your eye on has a way of holding on to them.

Lazer Blade

Buy now from Lazer

Excellent ventilation thanks to 22 vents plus internal channels
Secures comfortably to your head with Lazer’s Advanced Rollsys System
Low weight at just 220g for a size small

Giro Synthe

Price: £200 / US$TBC / AU$TBC

Buy now from Giro

Big aero claims – Giro says it’s faster than nearly anything else out there
Well ventilated at all speeds with deep internal channels and large rear ports, plus plenty of comfort
Seriously light – just 209g for a size small

Giro Foray MIPS helmet

Price: £75 / US$85 / AU$TBC

Buy now from Giro

Great looks, a drag-friendly shape and MIPS — this is an excellent helmet
Good fit and adjustability, thanks to the Roc Loc 5 cradle and four internal pads
The exposed EPS base isn’t to all tastes

Lazer Tonic road helmet

Price: £50 / $75 / AU$110

Buy now from Lazer

Good fit, good looks, great weight and a great price
The chin strap material is a little heavy and stiff
An excellent budget road helmet

Specialized S-Works Prevail

Price: £160 / US$TBC / AU$TBC

Muscular looks and aggressive venting
The Mindset adjusting cradle comfortably accommodates nearly all heads
Horizontal brow vents are good for glasses storage

Zero RH+ Z Alpha MIPS

Price: £160 / US$TBC / AU$TBC

Buy now from Zero RH+

Removable cover to prioritise aero or cooling options
MIPS version helps reduce rotational impact forces
Comfortable and cool with distinctive looks

Kask Protone

Price: £195/ US$TBC / AU$TBC

Buy now from Kask

Subtly sculpted curves based on CFD design and wind tunnel testing for aero performance
Otto Fit retention system offers a huge adjustment range – achieving a perfect fit is simple
Superb ventilation thanks to eight forward-facing vents and six large exit ports