Raise your hand if you ever thought that wearing a bike helmet makes you look like a dork. So many people think bike helmets are just this ugly, bulky accessory that isn't necessary when cycling. Now imagine one of your kids goes for a ride without a helmet. Suddenly, a car pulls out of the driveway, doesn't notice your kid, and hits them. How important does a bike helmet sound now?
Here's the thing: A bike helmet is an additional safety measure for every rider out there. So, by ordering the best bicycle helmet for yourself, you're not just protecting yourself. You're setting an example for your kids.
Table Of Contents
The Top 8 Best Bicycle Helmet Comparisons
Brand | Details |
|---|---|
 JBM Cycling Bike Helmet | |
 Schwinn Thrasher Helmet | |
 KINGBIKE Bike Helmet | |
 Base Camp Cycling Bike Helmet | |
 Critical Cycles Silas Bike Helmet | |
 VICTGOAL Bike Helmet | |
 TeamObsidian Bike Helmet | |
 EASECAMP Bike Helmet |
Types of Bike Helmets
As you can imagine, depending on what type of cyclist you are, you need to choose a helmet that's compatible with you. But before we go into the 3 different types of bike helmets, we need to establish your size. To do that, you wrap flex tape around your head above your eyebrows).
It's very important to buy a helmet that fits! If your helmet is wobbling, it's not right for you. If you get the chance to test a helmet before you buy it, put it on, adjust the straps and the crank and then start nodding your head (or jumping up and down, whatever works). If the helmet stays put, you can buy it.
You may also consider buying other safety equipment while you’re at it, like bicycle mirrors. These rearview mirrors will help you see oncoming traffic and people who are trying to pass you.
According to REI, here are the general sizing parameters:
- Extra-small: - 20 inches
- Small: 20 – 21.75 inches
- Medium: 21.75 – 23.25 inches
- Large: 23.25 – 24.75 inches
- Extra-large: >24.75 inches
- One size fits all for men: 21.25 – 24 inches
- One size fits all for women: 19.75- 22.5 inches
- One size fits all for kids: 18 – 22.5 inches
Having the right bike helmet is so important for your safety while biking. After getting a helmet that's the right size for you, you need to make sure you're wearing it right. That means that no more than 2 fingers should fit between the bottom of the road helmet and your eyebrows. There shouldn't be any room left for more than one finger under the chinstrap. It's also important to know if you'll be wearing any accessories or gear under the helmet. Do you wear prescription glasses? Do you listen to music while cycling? Do you wear a cycling cap under the helmet? All of these add-ons will take up space underneath the helmet. Even if your helmet is adjustable, make sure it fits with your other accessories, like helmet lights for night riding.
As we mentioned, there are 3 types of bike helmets (but we could probably come up with about 5 more if we dissected the situation even further):
- Mountain bike helmets are characterized by extra coverage on the sides and in the back. They will also ventilate well even at lower speeds. They have visors and are designed to securely fit your head so they will stay in place even when you're biking over rougher terrain.
- Road bike helmets are lightweight and they have an aerodynamic design and good ventilation, which is why bike enthusiasts prefer them. Most of them don't have visors to keep the helmet lightweight and prevent obstructing your vision.
- A recreational helmet falls on the economic side. They're used most often by commuters and skateboarders. A lot of models have visors to protect you from sunlight.
The Top 8 Best Bicycle Helmet Reviews
JBM Cycling Bike Helmet
Available in 13 different color combinations, the JBM helmet is definitely a stylish option, but is it practical? Thanks to its included dial system and the added side straps, it's easy to adjust the helmet to fit any standard size head. This makes it suitable for both men and women. The materials used to make the helmet are PVC & PC, including some EPS foam to keep your head protected during potential impacts. However, since this helmet's price is below average, you can't really expect to get the best protection and comfort.
Tons of things could be improved. For instance, the strap adjusters. Since the sides do not lock, you will have to readjust them before every use. In fact, most customer complaints are related to either the straps' poor quality and adjustability options or the fact that the road helmet is uncomfortable or too large/too small to fit.
Pros
Cons
Schwinn Thrasher Helmet
With 21 integrated vents, it's pretty obvious that this helmet is great for hot summer days when you're looking to keep your head cool while road cycling. The helmet can be adjusted thanks to the Dual Fit adjustable design integrated by Schwinn. In addition, the inside of the helmet is host to moisture-wicking pads to absorb sweat and keep your head more comfortable. The helmet also comes with an adjustable visor. If you want to remove it, all you have to do is push up the front of the visor. Then you can unsnap and pull each side one at a time.
What's really impressive is the high number of positive reviews from customers who were actually involved in accidents and managed to remain unscratched thanks to this little wonder. Safety is the most important feature, and the Schwinn Thrasher seems to have it covered. People have successfully gotten out of car collisions, deer impacts, and even mountain descents with no head injuries. In our opinion, these are good signs that the helmet does its job!
Pros
Cons
KINGBIKE Bike Helmet
The KINGBIKE helmet is, first of all, a fashion statement. It is available in 11 color options, so it's basically designed for both male and female tastes.
Color plays a role in bike safety. Color is more than just a design feature: it's a way of making other traffic participants notice you! The brighter the colors of your helmet are, the more visible you become to others. So it's safe to say that the color of your bike is an additional safety measure.
You can opt for either the M/L helmet or the larger size, L/XL. The helmet features 24 airflow holes that will keep your head ventilated while you cycle on hot summer days. Additionally, the helmet also comes with a rear light that functions in three modes: slow flash, fast flash, or always on. This feature is awesome, just like every feature that adds to the overall safety level as important as the bike helmet. The helmet is made from a combination of EPS, PC, PP, and nylon. Upon ordering it, you will receive the helmet itself, as well as the visor and a backpack that allows you to store the helmet and take it with you when needed.
Pros
Cons
Base Camp Cycling Bike Helmet
market. It is made with Integral Moulding Technology and EPS construction to provide durability and safety for its user. The former is there to make sure that any potential impact force is absorbed by the inner padding, to make sure you won't end up having head injuries in case of an accident or a bad fall. The EPS foam is there to make sure that the helmet is light enough to feel comfortable while you're wearing it. Unfortunately, it only includes 7 vents, so it isn't exactly the most proper ventilated helmet.
The removable visor includes a magnetic buckle system. There are 3 magnets in total: one located in the upper middle part of the removable visor and the other two are placed on the left and right side. The center magnet is fixed on the helmet, while the other two move in a very limited range.
Pros
Cons
Critical Cycles Silas Bike Helmet
The Silas bike helmet was designed as a one size fits all type of model, so it should fit both men and women alike. The EPS protective foam body has 24 airflow vents that allow proper air circulation to make sure the biker is safe, comfortable, and ventilated. The helmet is CPSC certified and features an aerodynamic design that looks pretty cool, depending on which of the 6 colors options you choose. In addition, the helmet includes a LED safety light that has 3 settings: solid, pulse, and strobe. This helps you stay visible even during the dark or when weather conditions aren't rolling out in your favor. There is also a reflective strip added for even further safety.
Pros
Cons
VICTGOAL Bike Helmet
Available in 9 different color options, the VICTGOAL bike helmet is suitable for both men and women, thanks to the Dual Fit adjustable design characterized by the adjusting knob located on the back. This helmet is compatible with head sizes with a circumference that falls within the 22 to 24-inch limits. There are 28 vents on the helmet to regulate airflow up to a point where you feel comfortable wearing it even in high temperatures. The adjustable visor has a magnetic buckle to be easily detached if you want it to. Additionally, it features UV400 protection to shield you from the sun's rays that often make it impossible to see the road ahead, especially on sunny summer days.
An included backlight will also make it easier for riders to spot and avoid you during the night or under foggy or rainy weather conditions. Coupled with bike wheel lights, the lights-helmet combo will help you stand out from the darkness. The helmet itself is made of PC and EPS, the strap and the padding are made from polyester and polyurethane, while the visor is made of shatterproof PC.
Pros
Cons
TeamObsidian Bike Helmet
With a lifetime manufacturer warranty, one can't help but wonder: is this THE bike helmet that wins the race? TeamObsidian takes pride in its 3 steps process followed to construct their helmets. First, the shell is placed in a mold, then it's reinforced with a skeleton, and the foam is added in the last step. There are 22 air vents to provide all the fresh air you need. Comfort is really important in a bike helmet, especially if road cycling is one of your main hobbies. The shock-absorbing technology will make sure that impacts won't leave you with head injuries in major collisions.
EPS is pressure molded to make sure the helmet benefits from a strong layer. The chin pads are comfortable, eco-friendly, and detachable for easy washing. The M/L size is compatible with 58 to 62 cm head circumferences.
Pros
Cons
EASECAMP Bike Helmet
Here's yet another lightweight bike helmet that's made of a polycarbonate shell with EPS liner. Available in black, pink, and red, this helmet is suitable for both women and men. The EPS foam liner absorbs hits and impacts. In addition, the 28 included vents should provide more than enough airflow. The helmet also promises comfort to the biker, because of its ergonomic design and the included mesh.
Pros
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The Bottom Line
Even if the TeamObsidian helmet has climbed the ladder to reach the premium category of bike helmets, we somehow feel that the price doesn't really justify the product's quality and features. There is a more affordable alternative that can do the job just as well (or even better!)
The Schwinn Thrasher helmet costs way less and delivers high-standard safety. And it's the voice of the public that says so. People have used the helmet during car collisions and, even if the helmet was trashed, the biker's head came out injury-free. Another customer spoke of her experience involving this helmet and a deer. The helmet got a bit cracked on the front side, but the cyclist got out of the deer collision with no major injuries. Some buyers even reported trying to perform mountain descents that their brakes couldn't handle and, if it weren't for the Thrasher, they would have ended up with some serious head injuries.
The combination of 21 vents plus the moisture-absorbing pads do a great job in keeping your head dry when you find yourself cycling under the hot summer sun. We do believe that, amongst all the models we've looked over today, the Schwinn Thrasher bike helmet provides the best price-to-quality ratio.