Finding a Helmet That Works for You

Crashed twice in my cycling career. Both times the helmet did its job. The first was a cheap helmet that cracked in half protecting my skull. The second was a nicer one that absorbed the impact without dramatic destruction. Both worked. Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing them.

What Actually Matters

Fit

More important than brand or features. A helmet that doesn’t fit right won’t protect properly. Should sit level on your head, not tilted back. The retention system should secure it without pressure points. Try before buying if possible.

Safety Certifications

CPSC certification is required in the US. CE EN 1078 for Europe. Any helmet from a reputable brand has these. Beyond basic certification, MIPS or similar technologies add rotational impact protection — worth having but not mandatory.

Ventilation

More vents = cooler head. Racing helmets prioritize ventilation. Urban helmets often sacrifice vents for style. Match to your riding intensity and climate.

Helmets Worth Considering

Giro Synthe

Expensive but excellent. Great ventilation, MIPS included, comfortable fit. This is what many road racers wear. Overkill for casual riding but outstanding if you’re putting in serious miles.

Bell Super 3R

Mountain bike specific with removable chin bar — converts from half to full face. Clever design for riders who want protection options. Heavier than road helmets but appropriate for the terrain.

POC Octal

Extended coverage at back and temples. Swedish brand known for safety focus. Distinctive look that you either love or don’t. Good ventilation despite the larger coverage area.

Specialized S-Works Prevail II

Extremely light, extremely expensive. Professional racer stuff. Impressive engineering but hard to justify the price difference for most riders.

Lazer Blade+

Good value with MIPS included. Solid mid-range option that does everything reasonably well. That’s what makes mid-range helmets endearing to us regular riders — adequate everything without premium pricing.

Smith Session

Trail riding focus with Koroyd impact technology. Good combination of protection and ventilation. Works well for aggressive off-road riding.

Technology Buzzwords Explained

MIPS

Multi-directional Impact Protection System. A layer that allows rotation during oblique impacts, reducing rotational forces on the brain. Research supports it. Worth having if available in your price range.

WaveCel

Bontrager’s alternative to MIPS. Different approach to the same rotational force problem. Both work; neither is definitively better.

Koroyd

Tube-like structures that crush on impact. Used by Smith. Allows for good ventilation while maintaining protection.

When to Replace

After any crash, even if the helmet looks fine. Compression damage isn’t always visible. Every 3-5 years regardless of crashes — materials degrade. If straps or retention systems fail.

Fit Guide

Measure your head circumference about an inch above your eyebrows. Match to manufacturer’s size chart. Within a size range, adjust with the retention dial.

Should sit level with no more than two finger-widths above eyebrows. Straps should form a V around ears. Chin strap should allow one finger between strap and chin.

If between sizes, usually go smaller — retention systems work better tightening than loosening.

Don’t Overthink It

Any certified helmet from a reputable brand protects your head. Expensive helmets are lighter, cooler, and often more comfortable — but they don’t protect dramatically better than budget options.

The best helmet is one you’ll actually wear. If a cheaper helmet fits better and you’re more likely to use it, that’s the right choice.