Now that the weather is getting warmer and you’re spending more time on your bike, it’s important to make sure you’re wearing a great bike helmet.
A bike helmet may actually be the difference between life and death. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System of the United States Department of Transportation, 62% of bikers killed in 2019 did not wear helmets. According to research in New York City, of all bikers who died, 97% were not wearing a helmet. So, we know having a good helmet is important.
However, finding a good bike helmet for you might be challenging. Furthermore, some bike helmets are very expensive. But what makes a bicycle helmet “good,” and what are the best bicycle helmets of the year?
This article will teach you what a bicycle helmet is, how to choose one that’s right for you, and our picks for the ten best bicycle helmets.
Below are just three of our featured favorites. Scroll further down to see our full roundup, or click here.
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What is a helmet?
A bicycle helmet is a kind of safety helmet intended to reduce impacts on a cyclist’s head in the event of a fall while limiting negative effects such as peripheral vision impairment.
The degree of protection provided by bicycle helmets in the case of an accident and the impact of helmet usage on cyclists and motor vehicle driver behavior are the subjects of continuing scientific study.
Bike helmets are meant to withstand a single hit. Therefore, assuming that every helmet involved in an accident is destroyed. Then, replace it even if it appears in good condition.
Even if you haven’t been in a crash, you should replace any helmet after five years. Pollution, UV light, and weathering can all cause critical components to deteriorate over time.
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
Benefits of bike helmets
If you’re on the fence about whether you should buy a bicycle helmet or not, consider the benefits. Bicycle helmets have many benefits, including:
- Weather protection for your head.
- Increased general visibility with the use of a visor.
- Up to 47% of bikers get head injuries.
- Wearing a helmet may reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 88%.
We always recommend using a bicycle helmet whenever you ride a bike. It may not be as flashy, but it will keep you safe. And ultimately, that’s what matters.
The ten best bike helmets of 2022
Below are the best bike helmets that you can buy right now.
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Best overall bike helmet
This bike helmet is a great choice for all cyclists.
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The Thousand Chapter helmet is one of the best on the market. It is light, well-ventilated, stylish, and comes in various colors. It also has MIPS integration, a pop-lock opening, and a magnetic removable light function.
The attention to detail in Thousand’s helmets is what truly strikes us. The modest Thousand logo on the front and the PopLock cover on the helmet are glossy blacks that shine against the matte surface. The black gloss coating around the bottom edge of the helmet adds subtle contrast and gives the helmet a more premium appearance by hiding the EPS foam. The nylon strap that keeps the PopLock cover in place is also black.
The MIPS integration gives an extra layer of protection by lowering the possibility of a rotational impact in the event of an accident while also making it more appealing compared to other helmets on the market.
It is a bit pricy, but it is well worth it. You get an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting helmet with enough extras to justify the extra cost.
Click here to check the most current price of the Thousand Chapter Collection Helmet.
Best bicycle helmet for beginners
This bicycle helmet is the best for those new to fixed gear cycling. Cost is a strong factor here.
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The classic design goes well with the maximum head protection. It’s CPSC-certified in the United States for practically all of your action sports escapades. To absorb impact force and keep you safe, hard and fully formed ABS surrounds high-grade EPS foam.
Six rectangular vents on the top allow for efficient ventilation of your helmet to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. Cool, fresh air rushes in and pushes out stuffy, stagnant air. This is one of the lightest CM-1 helmets. It also includes two sets of inner padding with varying thicknesses, allowing you to tailor your fitness and maximize your comfort.
Click here to check the current price of the Retrospec Remi bicycle helmet.
Best value bicycle helmet
This bicycle helmet is ideal for those on a tight budget but wants the most bang for their buck. In other words, this is the best bicycle helmet for the money.
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The BASE CAMP cycling helmet will take your regular ride to the next level. It’s designed for urban performance, with a sleek appearance and intelligent features like an integrated sun visor, nine cooling vents, and a removable taillight, providing commuters and daily riders with superior head protection and cool rides.
This bike features a removable LED light with two illumination modes: steady and flashing. The LED taillight gives maximum visibility and safety when riding in the dark on city streets. And with nine strategically positioned vents, our bike helmets keep you cool on longer journeys.
The simple dial fit system allows you to simply secure and modify helmet fit with only one hand. The Base Camp bike helmet’s quick-release clasp fastens easily for a quick and secure fit. And the helmet pads are soft, comfy, moisture-wicking, and machine washable.
Click here to check the most current price of the BASE CAMP Bike helmet.
Most popular bicycle helmet
This bicycle helmet is one of the most purchased and highly reviewed bicycle helmets on the internet.
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The OutdoorMaster helmet has an insane amount of reviews. It’s one of the most popular helmets around.
Click here to check the most current price of the OutdoorMaster multi-sport helmet.
Most advanced bicycle helmet
This bicycle helmet is one of the most high-tech bicycle helmets we could find.
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First and foremost, this helmet is light even though it is solidly made and includes a battery to power all of its features. It’s comfortable, and you won’t feel discomfort even after wearing it for an hour or two.
I particularly enjoy the helmet’s remote control, which can be fastened to the bike’s handle and is used to switch on the left and right blinkers as well as put on an emergency signal on the helmet’s rear LED lights to notify cars and those behind me, especially at night.
The built-in speakers on both sides are fantastic for listening to music or news while riding your bike, and the Bluetooth call capability is also simple to use (with a one-touch pick-up or hang-up call).
Another fantastic feature is the front-mounted camera; the video quality from the camera is rather nice and clear, and it serves as a wonderful source of evidence in the event of an accident. A rear camera would be very useful as well, but for not, we will have to make do with the front camera.
Click here to check the most current price of the Kracess smart bike helmet.
Best looking bicycle helmet
This bicycle helmet is for those who value style above all else.
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Click here to check the most current price of the Giro Bexley Cycling Helmet.
Best luxury bicycle helmet
This bicycle helmet is for those who are looking to splurge on the best gear.
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Click here to check the most current price of the Giro – Bexley Cycling Helmet.
Least expensive bicycle helmet
This bicycle helmet is for those looking to save as much money as possible. This bicycle helmet may not be high quality but it will be budget-friendly.
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Click here to check the most current price of the Zacro – Adult Bike Helmet.
Best bicycle helmet for commuters
This bicycle helmet is ideal for those who have to travel long distances for school or work.
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Click here to check the most current price of the Giro – CadenCycling Helmet.
Most compact bike helmet
This bike helmet is one of the smallest and most compact bike helmets we could find.
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Click here to check the most current price of the FEND One – Foldable Bike Helmet.
What to consider when buying a bicycle helmet (things to look for)
The more you know ahead of time, the more enjoyable your purchase will be. Here are the most crucial considerations to make when purchasing a bicycle helmet.
1. Protection
this is probably the most important thing you should consider when purchasing a helmet. Take a look at the construction quality and build. There should be multiple layers protecting your head. Look for helmets that are certified for cycling use.
1. Liner
Consider getting a bicycle helmet that has a removable inner liner. This will allow you to clean the helmet when it gets very sweaty. This can help prevent mold and bacteria from settling in the helmet for long periods, which keeps the helmet smelling fresher for longer.
2. Weight
If the helmet is too heavy, you won’t want to wear it. So make sure you get something that’s reasonably late. With that said, however, any lightweight helmet that will properly protect you will cost more. Keep that in mind.
4. Visor
Some bicycle helmets provide a visor on the front of the helmet. This allows you to see further in the distance without the sun’s glare. This can be a valuable safety feature on any helmet. However, your helmet does not have a visor. No big deal. You don’t need one. It’s just nice to have. And, you can always use a cycling cap underneath your helmet.
5. Comfort
It should go without saying that a comfortable helmet is critical. If it’s uncomfortable, you won’t want to wear it, and if you don’t wear the helmet, what was the point of getting it in the first place? Comfort also means your straps shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. If so, they will also not provide you with adequate protection.
If you want even more tips, check out this video called Bike Helmets for City Cycling from the Zach Gallardo YouTube Channel.
Why we chose these bicycle helmets (ranking criteria)
We studied hundreds of reviews from real purchasers and expert testers to determine which bicycle helmets performed the best and were the most dependable. And we selected bicycle helmets at various price ranges to ensure that everyone can find a bicycle helmet that suits their needs. We judged these bicycle helmets by the following criteria.
1. Style
In reality, if a helmet looks more appealing to the eye, individuals are more likely to use it. So, if a helmet seems to be too Tour de France for a weekend bar crawl in Brooklyn, we don’t recommend purchasing it. So, we selected these bike helmets based on their aesthetic appeal.
2. Price
While this article covers bicycle helmets with varying price ranges, we highlight affordability as a benefit. So, we selected these bicycle helmets based on their reasonable price and the total value they provided for that price.
3. Features
Every bike helmet has unique features. Some are better than others. We ranked these bicycle helmets based on their advertised features.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do bike helmets make a difference?
According to a United States study, helmets cut the risks of severe traumatic brain injury by half when riders suffer a brain injury.
Do you have to wear a helmet by law?
Most states, countries, and municipalities have their laws regarding bicycles. Generally, a bicycle helmet is not legally required. However, there are many instances where a helmet is required. Check your local laws.
How much does a helmet typically cost?
A bike helmet can be as cheap as $25, but a “good” bike helmet can cost $500 or more. A good bike helmet normally costs between $75 and $150, depending on what you need it for and which features are most important to you. Top-of-the-line bike helmets usually cost between $250 and $350.
Conclusion
We know choosing the right fixed-gear bike helmet can be challenging. But hopefully, now you have some good options to choose from when considering purchasing a new helmet. And don’t forget to replace your helmet every few years, even if you haven’t been in an accident.
This article covered what a bike helmet is, what the best fixie ones of the year are, and how to choose the right one for you. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- Best overall bike helmet – Thousand, Chapter bike helmet
- Best value bike helmet – Retrospec, Remi bike helmet
- Best bike helmet for beginners – Base Camp, Bike helmet
- Most popular bike helmet – Outdoor master, Multi-sport helmet
- Most advanced helmet – Kracess, Bike helmet
- Best Looking bike helmet – Thousand – Heritage bike helmet
- Best luxury helmets for road cyclists – Giro, Aether bike helmet
- Least expensive bike helmet – Zacro – Adult bike helmet
- Best bike helmet for commuters – Giro, Caden bike helmet
- Most compact bike helmet – Fend, One foldable bike helmet
So, which bike helmet is your favorite? What do you think of our list? Let us know in the comments below (we read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out our full blog for more tips and tricks on everything fixie. Thanks for reading, and stay fixed.
Helpful resources
- Articles about Fixed Gear and Singlespeed Cycling and Equipment
- Fixed-gear bicycle – Wikipedia
- How to Choose a Bike Helmet
