(Last updated on March 2nd, 2023)
While road bike helmets’ most important job is keeping you safe, modern helmets come with race-winning features that can make a difference.
Whether you’re a competitive racer or casual roadie, I’ve hand-picked the top 5 bike helmets for road cyclists that will impress you with their breathability, low weight, and attractive design.
- How I Selected the Best Road Bike Helmets
- Compare the Best Road Bike Helmets at a Glance
- Best Overall and Budget Road Helmet
- Best Performance Road Bike Helmet
- Best Race-Inspired Road Helmet
- Best-Ventilated Road Racing Helmet
- Most Versatile Road Cycling Helmet
- Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Road Bike Helmet
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
How I Selected the Best Road Bike Helmets
Not everyone’s head shape is the same, so it’s a good thing there are so many road bike helmet models to choose from. That said, the wide range of options can seem daunting. I’ve chosen five top-notch road bike helmets based on manufacturers’ specs, user reviews, and expert opinions.
I’m a strong proponent of MIPS rotational impact technology and made sure each model on this list is available with that extra layer of protection. I gave an overall rating to each of the helmets that made a list and individual scores based on the following criteria:
Design
Protection and aesthetics work together in a helmet to keep a rider safe and visible. Features like MIPS, reflective decals, color options, and an attractive look are important to creating a helmet you’ll love to wear on every ride.
Ventilation
Road bike helmets are the most breathable style of helmet, designed to keep riders cool during races that can last several hours. I gave extra points to helmets with lots of air vents and deep channels encouraging airflow.
Weight
Lightweight helmets are more comfortable and reduce fatigue throughout a long day in the saddle. Gram savings come at a premium but can be worth it for riders who put in serious mileage.
Price
Helmets are a necessary piece of cycling kit, and they shouldn’t break the bank to protect your noggin. I’ve included five helmets available at a range of prices so you can stay within your budget.
Compare the Best Road Bike Helmets at a Glance
| Model | Takeaway | MIPS? | Colors | Weight (size M) | Rating | Price |
| Specialized Align II | Best Overall (and Budget!) Road Helmet | Yes | 13 | 374g | 9.5/10 | $55 |
| Giro Aether MIPS | Best Performance Road Bike Helmet | Yes | 9 | 280g | 9/10 | $225 |
| POC Omne Air MIPS | Best Race-Inspired Road Helmet | Yes | 9 | 288g | 8/10 | $160 |
| Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 MIPS | Best-Ventilated Road Racing Helmet | Yes | 7 | 290g | 8/10 | $300 |
| MET Allroad MIPS Helmet | Most Versatile Road Cycling Helmet | Yes | 7 | 285g | 8.5/10 | $75-$129 |
Best Overall and Budget Road Helmet
1. Specialized Align II
Our Rating
9.5/10
$55
KEY SPECS
| Safety features | MIPS liner, 5 stars from Virginia Tech Helmet Rating |
| Air vents | 16 |
| Colors | 13 |
| Sizes | S/M, M/L, L/XL |
| Weight | 374g (size M/L) |
PROS
- MIPS liner for rotational impact protection
- Unbeatable price given the safety features
- Aesthetic design and tons of colors available
CONS
- On the heavy side
It’s not every day that the budget option ranks at the top of this list, but the Specialized Align II deserves its prized spot among the best road bike helmets. This year, the good-looking Align II is one of the most affordable MIPS-equipped helmets available, so you can ride safely and take care of your wallet.
I actually own the previous generation Align helmet, which has been my go-to helmet for a couple of years now. The helmet caught my attention with its solid aesthetics and even better price tag. I chose a bold lime green colorway, and while I’m not sure why, I love the pro look of the wide, horizontal air vent at the front of the helmet. The affordable price and versatile design make this helmet a great option for commuters, recreational riders, and roadies.
The Align II rocks a fairly traditional road helmet profile with decent airflow due to the 16 cooling vents. It’s not the most swiss-cheesy of helmets for ultimate head cooling, which contributes to its heft, weighing in at 374g for an M/L size. The interior padding is plenty sufficient and offers a secure fit combined with the rear dial adjuster.
The heaviness compared to premium models on this list lowers my rating slightly, but the Align II remains a winner for roadies on the hunt for a quality MIPS helmet that doesn’t break the bank.
RATINGS
| Design | 5/5 | ||
| Ventilation | 4/5 | ||
| Weight | 3/5 | ||
| Price | 5/5 |
OUR VERDICT
All-rounder road helmet with MIPS technology that’s an excellent value.
Best Performance Road Bike Helmet
2. Giro Aether MIPS
Our Rating
9/10
$225
KEY SPECS
| Safety features | Spherical Technology (MIPS), AURA reinforcing arch |
| Air vents | 21 |
| Colors | 9 |
| Sizes | S, M, L |
| Weight | 280g (size M) |
PROS
- Comfortable Spherical Technology powered by Mips
- AURA reinforcing arch for additional impact protection
- 21 wind tunnel vents for breathability
- Lightweight stats
CONS
- Slightly bulbous profile
Another great all-rounder helmet is the Giro Aether MIPS, with its excellent ventilation and low-weight stats. Priced around the $225 mark, this helmet skews towards the premium end of the market, and its impressive features are worth it for racers. Across the industry, this model receives rave reviews based on performance and attractive design.
This elegant helmet is equipped with multiple safety features to improve impact protection. It utilizes Giro’s proprietary Spherical Technology powered by Mips but sits between the layers of EPS rather than an outer liner that rests against the rider’s head— the brand claims this move boosts comfort and cooling. An AURA reinforcing arch also connects the long channels that run front to back.
An impressive 21 wind tunnel vents achieve a powerful airflow effect to keep your head cool. The big advantage, though, is the weight savings on this helmet. A size M weighs just 280g, so you can ride all day long without getting all hot and bothered. I enjoy the design, but it has a larger profile than rival helmets that aren’t quite as bulbous; not a deal breaker, but it knocks my overall rating down by one point.
RATINGS
| Design | 4/5 | ||
| Ventilation | 5/5 | ||
| Weight | 5/5 | ||
| Price | 3/5 |
OUR VERDICT
High-performance road helmet that’s ultra-lightweight and breathable.
Best Race-Inspired Road Helmet
3. POC Omne Air MIPS
Our Rating
8/10
$160
KEY SPECS
| Safety features | MIPS liner |
| Air vents | 9 |
| Colors | 9 |
| Sizes | S, M, L |
| Weight | 288g (size M) |
PROS
- Versatile specs that work for racing, commuting, and gravel riding
- Lightweight and breathable
- Competitive price for premium POC brand
CONS
- Could be better ventilated
The POC Omne Air MIPS is an underrated road cycling helmet that I think deserves much more recognition. Normally when riders see a product from Swedish-brand POC, they have to prepare to empty their wallets, but the Omne Air delivers race-inspired performance at a competitive price of $160.
The Omne Air is an exciting alternative to POC’s award-winning helmets: the Octal road model and aero Ventral helmet that can cost between $260-$300. It’s lightweight, coming in at a slim 288g for a size M. There are also long ventilation channels to encourage airflow over your head. The 360° adjustment system lets riders achieve a secure fit that stays comfortable even on long days in the saddle. The latest generation of POC helmets swaps the brand’s SPIN technology for MIPS liners which have proven superior.
As expected from the design experts at POC, the helmet looks spectacular. There are plenty of cool colors to choose from, and premium cycling apparel brand Rapha hopped on board for a collaboration version of this helmet— which has since sold out due to popularity.
The helmet’s all-rounder qualities and versatile aesthetic make it a great option for commuters and gravel riders. While the Omne Air won’t provide the ventilation and aero gains that the pros need, its value is unbeatable for us more casual roadies.
RATINGS
| Design | 5/5 | |
| Ventilation | 4/5 | |
| Weight | 4/5 | |
| Price | 4/5 |
OUR VERDICT
Premium and breathable race helmet with the best ventilation levels of the bunch.
Best-Ventilated Road Racing Helmet
4. Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 MIPS
Our Rating
8/10
$300
KEY SPECS
| Safety features | AirCage, MIPS Node Air technologies, 5 stars from Virginia Tech Helmet Rating |
| Air vents | 9 long channels |
| Colors | 7 |
| Sizes | S, M, L |
| Weight | 290g (size M) |
PROS
- Long, interrupted channels to encourage airflow
- Lightweight
- AirCage and MIPS Node Air impact technologies
CONS
- As expensive as it gets for a road bike helmet
For hot-headed roadies who want the highest ventilation levels, the S-Works Prevail 3 MIPS comes loaded with cooling and safety features. Specialized brag about this helmet’s “thermoregulation benefits,” and while that fluffy jargon doesn’t impress me much, this helmet’s impressive airflow is seriously convincing.
There are five long channels at the front of the helmet, and they are connected by woven aramid “cables” rather than large-profile bridges that can block airflow on traditional helmets. Specialized calls this construction AirCage Technology which also helps to distribute localized forces during an impact. They claim it increases the surface area of ventilation by nearly 25% compared to the previous generation of this helmet— now that’s cool!
The rear adjustment options are more customizable than most helmets to adapt to your specific head shape and accommodate glasses. The retention system is also ANGi-ready which lets riders hook up a crash sensor to their helmet to monitor impact forces.
The only downside of this premium helmet is its steep price tag of around $300, so I have to dock two points for value. Racers who want an aerodynamic helmet with just as much tech should check out the Specialized S-Works Evade with ANGi.
For more luxury cycling products, explore our guide to the most expensive bikes in the world!
RATINGS
| Design | 4/5 | ||
| Ventilation | 5/5 | ||
| Weight | 4/5 | ||
| Price | 3/5 |
OUR VERDICT
Premium and breathable race helmet with the best ventilation levels of the bunch.
Most Versatile Road Cycling Helmet
5. MET Allroad MIPS Helmet
Our Rating
8.5/10
$75-$129
KEY SPECS
| Safety features | MIPS liner, integrated LED light, removable visor |
| Air vents | 16 |
| Colors | 7 |
| Sizes | S, M, L |
| Weight | 285g (size M) |
PROS
- Integrated rear LED light on the retention dial
- Removable visor for gravel or commuting
- Lightweight
CONS
- Relatively low ventilation
- Not as race-oriented as other models
The rise in popularity of multi-surface road cycling inspired me to make this final pick, the MET Allroad MIPS helmet. It’s an all-in-one helmet that’s sporty enough for traditional road riding, along with integrated features to enhance your commute or gravel adventures. There’s a built-in LED light at the rear and a removable visor to keep out the rain or sun glare. These are unconventional touches for a road helmet, but cyclists are increasingly into unorthodox riding, and I’m all for it.
Keeping with the MIPS theme of this list, the helmet comes equipped with a MIPS C-2 protection system to reduce the rotational force of an impact. Riders can easily achieve a snug, comfortable fit with the Safe-T E-Duo fit system that offers 360° of adjustment and ponytail compatibility. At just 285g for a size M, it’s right up there with the lightest models on this roundup which is impressive given the more competitive price.
With 16 air vents, the Allroad breathes well, and the most noticeable feature is the removable visor. It snaps on and off in a flash and can come in handy for gravel riders who want a bit more off-road flair. I would have appreciated more ventilation, but considering the intended uses, it seems appropriate.
Purpose-built for gravel riders, the MET Allroad MIPS helmet is the go-to choice for roadies who want a single helmet that can handle a variety of terrains. And if off-road riding is your thing, take a look at our breakdown of the best kids’ dirt bikes on the market.
RATINGS
| Design | 5/5 | |
| Ventilation | 3/5 | |
| Weight | 3/5 | |
| Price | 4/5 |
OUR VERDICT
LED- and visor-equipped helmet for weekend club rides, commuting, or gravel adventures.
Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Road Bike Helmet
What Is the Safest Road Bike Helmet?
All cycling helmets are designed with safety as their priority. Additional features can enhance performance in specific ways, but every helmet available for purchase is certified according to rigorous standards set by your government. They will meet the minimum requirements in your country, and the certifying stickers to watch out for include the CPSC in the US and EN standard in Europe.
Other institutions provide additional testing to rate helmets independently according to protection levels. The most widely known one is the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings. From the helmets in this article, the Specialized Prevail III, Specialized Align II, and Giro Aether all received 5-star scores from the Virginia Tech lab. You can see their entire rankings on their website
If you’re looking for a great road bike to match your high-quality helmet, check out our list of the best road bike brands here.
What is Mips, and is it Necessary?
MIPS is a free-floating liner inside the helmet that reduces the rotational force of an impact. Its bright yellow webbing often identifies it, but nowadays has a smaller profile or can be integrated into the EPS foam layers of the helmet itself.
Studies say that MIPS can effectively reduce the rotational force in the event of a crash by around 10%. This is a huge bump to safety and can help limit the possibility of head-related trauma. That said, MIPS comes at a premium and is not necessary on road helmets. The most important factor by far is making sure your helmet fits properly.
For information directly from the source, you can learn more about this technology from the original designers on their website: mips protection
How to Fit a Road Bike Helmet?
A helmet should fit snugly and sit flat on your head. The first thing is that the front of the helmet should rest in the middle of your forehead without obstructing your vision or pointing skywards. Then adjust the “Y” straps to sit flat on your skin around your ears.
Next, tighten the chin strap, so your helmet doesn’t move around and you still have enough room to breathe comfortably. One trick here is to buckle the helmet and open and close your mouth widely— you should feel the helmet squish down when your chin pulls down the strap.
Helmets are sized according to head circumference, typically listed in centimeters. Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the center of your forehead around, making sure to keep the tape flat. If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, you can do this with a string or shoelace and then lay it flat to measure it with a rigid ruler or tape measure.
Do I Need Ventilation?
Road cycling helmets are unique because of their high ventilation levels compared to other helmet styles. Road cyclists and racers can be out in the sun for hours riding over hot pavement, so it’s important to have large air vents to cool their heads. Big channels allowing airflow mean less overall material in the helmet, which poses a challenge for manufacturers. This means that the most well-ventilated helmets come with premium price tags.
Not all cyclists require a super breathable helmet, though. If you typically ride in colder or wetter weather, a swiss-cheesy helmet isn’t the ideal option. Furthermore, many racers choose aero helmets with little to no vents to reduce drag.
How Light Should My Helmet Be?
Another important quality of road cycling helmets is their low weight. Riding for hours on end with a heavy helmet can lead to muscle strain and be outright annoying, so saving grams on this kit can be worth it. Helmets can’t be too light, or they will lose strength. Some of the lightest helmets out there run between 270g to 280g, while more affordable models scale past the 350g mark.
The Golden Rule
Remember that a helmet becomes immediately compromised after a significant impact. The rule of thumb is “one crash, one helmet.” If you suffer a major knock with your helmet, it’s time to retire the damaged one and buy a new helmet. Even if you don’t see physical or external damage to the helmet, best practices dictate riders replace the helmet.
Final Thoughts
Helmets are a must for any riding you are doing and can even boost performance. There’s a perfect helmet out there for every roadie, no matter your budget or unique cycling needs. The list above are the best in their specific category and are all excellent values for their price, demonstrating a balance between design, protection, and ventilation. Remember, always buckle up and ride safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Every road bike helmet manufactured for the US market meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). All the helmets on this list have that certification, as well as the additional MIPS layer that reduces the rotational force of an impact.
Beyond personal style preferences, a brightly colored helmet makes riders more visible to motorists and fellow cyclists. Bold hues and neon colors are common for cyclists who want to combine aesthetics with safety.
Yes, POC helmets are excellent race-oriented helmets that are typically lighter and better ventilated than many other helmets on the market. The Sweden-based brand is known for its attractive designs and innovative technology, but its helmets often come with a premium price tag.
MIPS-equipped helmets used to cost significantly more than standard helmets but are now much more competitive in price. If you want the extra safety feature, feel free to opt for a MIPS helmet, but it’s worth stating that plenty of standard helmets are available with high safety ratings.
MIPS-equipped helmets used to cost significantly more than standard helmets but are now much more competitive in price. If you want the extra safety feature, feel free to opt for a MIPS helmet, but it’s worth stating that plenty of standard helmets are available with high safety ratings.
It depends— the recognizable yellow MIPS liner will add some material to the helmet’s interior, but some brands may account for that in their design. For example, Specialized’s Spherical Technology incorporates the MIPS layer into the EPS foam for a more comfortable and cohesive construction.
Did your favorite road bike helmet make a list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I’m Robbie Ferri, a writer from Norfolk in the UK. I love cycling, the gym, and have a huge passion for sharing my stories and knowledge to anyone with the time to read them. My main passion is cycling. I started eight years ago. In that time I have broken world records, cycled all over the world in Ultra Bikepacking races, and am lucky enough to have enjoyed some incredible times on two wheels with some incredible people. I have also worked in a bike shop and with some of the industries leading brands, not just promoting products but designing them too.
Under it all I am just someone very passionate about exploration and living a healthy lifestyle. Everything I do I put 100% into it and feel that life is for living. Never should you have a dull day.
