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Trying to pick a new bike helmet when there are hundreds of options can be a daunting task. And while all bike helmets—including road, gravel, and mountain biking—have to meet the same safety standards, that doesn’t mean all helmets are created equal. Beyond type, there are multiple factors to consider to determine what your next purchase might look like: fit, ventilation, weight, and comfort are just a few.

Our testers put the latest helmets through the wringer to determine the best options. Whether you’re a roadie, you relish grinding gears in the gravel scene, you eschew those for the lure of single track, or you prefer the thrill of machine-sculpted berms and big air, these are the best bike helmets to protect the delicate gray matter between your ears.

At a Glance

Mountain Bike Helmets

• Best for Protection:��
• Best Three-Quarter Coverage:
• Best Convertible:
• Best Lightweight Full Face:
• Best Carbon Full Face:

Road/Gravel/XC Helmets

• Best Fit:
• Most Stylish:
• Best on a Budget:
• Best High-End Option:
• Buying Advice
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Mountain Bike Helmet for Protection

Specialized Tactic

Weight: 380 g
Size Range: ��–L

Pros and Cons
⊕ 5-Star Virginia Tech safety rating
⊕ Price
⊗ Struggled to get a tight fit

This is a super affordable lightweight helmet that meets the strictest safety certifications for this category: It has the highest Virginia Tech safety rating (five stars) for half-shell mountain bike helmets. In addition to a fixed visor and eyewear storage, the Specialized Tactic features Mips Evolve, an integrated fit system for precise adjustments.

We did find the fit system (which is designed to accommodate variations in head shape/occipital base) functional, but our tester felt like it was a “looser fit” than they prefer, which they couldn’t remedy. Overall the helmet was comfortable with good airflow, and if safety is your priority, this is a super solid option to keep you safe while shredding singletrack.

Best��Three-Quarter Coverage Mountain Bike Helmet

Bluegrass Jetro 3/4

Weight: 595 g
Size Range: ��–L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extended back head and jaw coverage
⊕ Competitive price tag
⊗ Runs a little small and tight
⊗ Ventilation slightly lacking

The Bluegrass Jetro ¾ mountain bike helmet is a great solution for when you want extra protection without adding a chin guard. This distinctive looking, extended coverage half-shell received a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech and is certified for e-bike use (NTA 8776, the Dutch standard that requires helmets to pass specific impact tests).

The helmet features MIPS-C2 (a more advanced variation of Mips that provides rotational impact protection with a redesigned slip plane to redirect rotational energy away from the head in event of an impact), a Fidlock magnetic buckle, a breakaway visor, an internal adjustable cage for a dialed fit, and 21 vents for increased airflow.

Testers appreciated the range of features and safety components of this helmet, but did note it was a little tight and runs a bit hot when pedaling. All in all, it’s the right choice for those seeking extended coverage without the claustrophobia of a chin bar.

Best Convertible Mountain Bike Helmet

Bell Super DH Spherical

Weight: 878 g
Size Range: ��–L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Doesn’t bounce around
⊕ Removable chin bar
⊕ Robust safety features
⊗ Runs a little hot with chinbar affixed
⊗ A tad heavy

Tis convertible helmet is a mighty competitor in a stacked field of high-protection, full face helmets. It utilizes a polycarbonate shell with multiple layers of EPS foam featuring Spherical Technology (a ball-and-socket design that helps redirect impact forces away from the brain), an adjustable visor, a dial adjustment system, and a removable chin bar. The helmet retains the ATSM F-1952 downhill certification (the highest American rating safety certification standard available), and was our testers’ top-pick convertible helmet based on safety and comfort.

While it runs a little hot (it is DH-rated, meaning it offers more robust protection at higher speeds), the ability to remove the chin bar for climbs is an often underrated feature that comes in handy for those of us who like to earn our descents. “This is a convertible helmet that inspires confidence on the descents while allowing for comfort on the climbs,” said Oregon-based tester Annick Chalier.

Best Lightweight Full Face

Fox Proframe RS

Weight: 836 g
Size Range: ��–L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Excellent ventilation and air flow
⊕ Super adjustable fit and stability when riding
⊕ Compatibility with variety of eyewear
⊗ Expensive

This lightweight, breathable, full-coverage helmet checks all the boxes when it comes to protection and versatility. Featuring Mips Integra Split (a variation of Mips that offers the same rotational protection technology, placed between an EPS and EPP foam) for low- and high-speed impact protection, an adjustable visor, a BOA fit system for tightening, and generous venting, the Proframe RS is our testers’ top-pick enduro racing helmet on the market.

While it is slightly heavier than similar options, it offers outstanding ventilation with a more protective and secure feel when going warp ten, thanks to the BOA fit system that includes an internal adjustable cradle. That cradle allows the rider to adjust the helmet to fit higher or lower on the head, as well as a BOA dial to fine-tune adjust once on. The Proframe RS is not inexpensive, but it’s worth the hefty price tag to keep your noggin safe on those rowdy single-track trails.

Best Carbon Full Face

Sweet Protection Fixer 2Vi Carbon

Weight: 1104 g
Size Range: �ݳ�–X��

Pros and Cons
⊕ Snug but spacious fit
⊕ Wide field of vision
⊗ Expensive
⊗ Runs a little small

The recently released Sweet Protection Fixer 2Vi is our choice for your most extreme mountain bike riding where more robust materials and a more secure fit are key. It’s “fixed” with a two-layer safety system developed in conjunction with Mips for increased performance and comfort, multi-density EPS impact shields, break away visor, ample venting, double D-ring buckle, and the appropriate safety certifications.

This helmet comes in five sizes to offer a tailored fit, along with a very roomy goggle port for a less claustrophobic feel. While I normally wear a size small in most helmet brands, I tested the size medium Fixer 2Vi and it was still a snug fit. I would recommend sizing up if you are unable to try the helmet on.

The Fixer 2Vi is slightly lighter than competitors thanks to use of a carbon shell, but that comes with a higher price point. If you are looking for solid protection and comfort, and money is no object, this helmet is worth a go.

Best Fit Road/Gravel Helmet

Smith Triad Mips

Weight: 290 g
Size Range: ��–X��

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable, deep profile fit
⊕ Competitively priced
⊕ Available with Aleck Crash Sensor
⊗ Integrates best with Smith brand eyewear
⊗ Best for round heads

The Smith Triad is my go-to helmet for solo gravel adventures. Some of its standout features are a combination of Mips technology and for energy-absorbing impact and rotational forces protection, 19 fixed vents, dial fit adjustment, and the option of purchasing with or without a crash sensor. The fit of this helmet was superb thanks to the VaporFit system, which allows for micro adjustments (the tester with a more round, less oval-shaped head preferred the Triad).

Testers liked that its high level of comfort and the added safety of the Aleck Crash Detection Sensor, which is a worthwhile add-on () that sends alerts to emergency contacts in the event of a crash. It sets up and connects via Bluetooth to the Aleck phone app. The helmet is lightweight and airy with ample ventilation for hot days, and the deep profile fit gave it an edge up in rider confidence in more challenging terrain.

Most Stylish Road/Gravel Helmet

POC Ventral Air Mips

Weight: 260 g
Size Range: ��–L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Excellent ventilation
⊕ Super lightweight
⊕ Unique and stylish
⊗ Expensive
⊗ Shallow fit

The POC Ventral Air Mips is a boldly designed lightweight riding helmet that provides a highly adjustable 360-degree fit system. Testers found the fit was suitable for a variety of head shapes. The helmet features Mips Integra, a fully wrapped unibody polycarbonate shell with EPS liner, an “eye garage” to securely store sunglasses, and precisely placed ventilation ports with internal channels to control air intake and release. Fancy, huh?

While this helmet is expensive, it does come in a wide range of colors and options such as wide fit (for rounder shaped heads) and comes with Near Field Communication (NFC), a medical ID device designed to communicate with other devices or systems. This helmet excels on hot days, offers the protection you need, and will have your friends hankering.

Best Road/Gravel Helmet on a Budget

Lazer Strada Kineticore

Weight: 290 g
Size Range: ��–X��

Pros and Cons
⊕ Affordable
⊕ Optional LED easily affixes to helmet
⊕ 5-Star Virginia Tech safety rating
⊗ Adjustment system can be finicky

This budget pick cycling helmet hits all the marks in comfort and performance, including that coveted 5-star Virginia Tech safety rating, without a heft price tag. The helmet offers a variation of Mips style rotational impact protection called Kineticore, along with Lazer’s ScrollSys fit adjustment system, ample venting, and an optional ULED light that affixes to the back.

The ScrollSys provides a solid and secure fit, although it is unique and a little finicky, as it utilizes a dial on the top of the helmet, unlike the clickwheels located on the nape of the neck of most helmets. Testers agreed this is a very reasonably priced helmet with decent performance and top-notch safety features—a lightweight, stylish, safety-oriented helmet that will not break the bank.

Best High-End Road/Gravel Helmet

Kask Protone Icon

Weight: 230 g
Size Range: ��–L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Aerodynamic look and feel
⊕ Excellent air flow in all conditions
⊗ Internal adjustment system loosened up on rides
⊗ Helmet padding felt a little scratchy

The “Made in Italy” label is synonymous with quality craftsmanship and luxurious design, which is no better exemplified in the helmet world than by Kask. And if Tom Pidcock can win an Olympic gold in a Kask helmet, then maybe you can, too?

The Protone Icon is a longstanding favorite among roadies. This is a high-end aero helmet equipped with a rubber dial adjuster to tighten the fit, Rotational Impact WG11 Tested (an effective alternative to Mips), CoolMax quick-drying internal liner (made of polyester fibers and designed to be moisture-wicking), and ample venting.

While it’s a pretty hefty investment, the helmet lives up to the hype and excels in lightness, breathability, and safety. The only issues testers ran into were with the fit system, which loosened up on bumpy descents, and the interior fabric, which was a bit scratchy for some, but overall we’re content with the comfort—and its truly excellent its air flow.

Bike Helmet Buying Advice

Buy New

Rule number one when buying a new bike helmet? Don’t buy used, no matter how “lightly-used” the previous owner is claiming it to be. You just never know if one minor crash or hit to the pavement compromised the helmet to the point where it’s not safe to wear anymore.

Consider Use Case and Features

Consider the type of terrain you’ll be biking on to help you prioritize which features you need. Will you be doing a lot of uphill? Make sure your helmet of choice has enough ventilation; one trend we’re fans of is the use of internal channeling to promote airflow. Other premium features to look for: a compatible spot to hold your eyewear when not in use, and a magnetic buckle. If you’re planning to bomb laps at the bike park, you might want to opt for a full-face helmet. If you’re still not sure which type and fit is the best for you, head to your local bike shop and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Full-face helmets are ideal for bike parks or more technical riding and racing with higher riding speeds—which mean more severe consequences if you crash and land on your face. A full-face includes a built-in chin bar that offers protection to your nose and mouth (teeth) that ¾ and half-shell helmets do not. A ¾ helmet is like a full-face helmet but without the chin guard. It covers ¾ of the head and offers added protection around the head and jaw as compared to a half-shell design. The ¾ design is beneficial for anyone who wants a little added protection with a wide field of view thanks to the open-face. Half-shell helmets are the most popular style for mountain biking, and the only helmet type you will see in road and gravel cycling.

Budget vs. Safety Considerations

How much is your head worth? At first glance, a two-hundred-dollar price tag might seem excessive, but once you’re riding regularly, you’ll realize a quality helmet is worth every penny.

Across all categories (road, gravel, and mountain biking), we primarily considered fully-featured helmets that come with industry-leading protection technology, such as Mips. Many modern helmets use a rotational impact reduction system like Mips to dissipate the forces applied to the rider’s head during a crash. We believe that helmets featuring Mips or comparable impact protection, while pricier, are a worthy investment because they tend to offer better protection in the event of a crash.

If you see a Virginia Tech rating, that’s a reference to Virginia Tech’s state-of-the-art, independent testing lab. They have been testing helmets since 2011 using a consistent testing protocol to produce a single score (i.e. safety rating) that is proportional to overall risk of concussion during cycling.

What Are Aerodynamic (Aka “Aero”) Helmets?

Modern cycling helmets come in two general categories: traditional multi-vent designs and more optimized aerodynamic options. Traditional shells provide many vents to promote heat dissipation and a low weight. Aero helmets emphasize aerodynamic properties, often with minimal ventilation. While the aero designs are becoming more mainstream, they still remain a subcategory to lightweight, breathable, high-performance lids.

Sizing and Fit

Consider your head shape when looking for a helmet and try before you buy. Most helmets are designed with either an oval or a round shell. Your local bike shop will have a selection available and a knowledgeable staff to help point you in the right direction.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 9
• Number of Testers: 3

Helmets were selected with input from Pinkbike staff, three testers, and industry colleagues. Testing was mostly done in the vicinity of Hood River, Oregon, from late summer through the fall months of 2024, with some long-term testing input pulled from Pinkbike staff feedback. All the testers are accomplished mountain bikers who spend a lot of time in the saddle riding, coaching, or racing.

The main trails where we tested helmets in Hood River were located in the iconic Post Canyon network, just on the outskirts of town. Post Canyon offers a vast network of forested trails that drop 3,000 vertical feet from top to bottom, with a mix of jumps, drops, berms, and rocks. We also tested on the 44 Trails system, located on the flanks of Mount Hood some 45 minutes south of town as well as in the infamous Gifford Pinchot National Forest (which hosted multiple editions of the Transcascadia Enduro race) just across the Columbia River and an hour north.

Fall is the perfect time for testing in the Pacific Northwest, as the dry summer heat fades away and the fall rain makes for some epic trail conditions. We encountered a variety of temperatures, from below freezing to uncomfortably sunny and hot.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her husband, three kids, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. She spent a chunk of time competing in the pro women category in enduro races in the PNW, as well as events like Trans BC, Trans Provence, Downieville Classic, Grinduro and the occasional CX or gravel race. When she is not working, cooking, or parenting, you will find her on the local trails or exploring the endless forest roads.

is a longtime Pacific Northwesterner. She has a passion for all things cycling and has been a mountain bike coach, raced road bikes professionally, raced cyclocross and dabbled in some endurance mountain bike racing. Through the years of training for racing, mountain biking always remained the counterbalance to the structured intervals, a way to be creative and connect with nature, dance down the trail hootin’ and hollerin’ with friends and find distance from the outside world by being focused on the moment with the bike.

has been riding mountain bikes since the mid 1990s, racing Enduro and downhill since the early 2000s.�� He loves riding alpine backcountry in the fall, building free ride lines in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, and doing ride trips with family and friends. He calls Hood River home where he works as a senior software engineer and resides with his wife, two kids, and rescue dog.