In road cycling, new technology and products are constantly becoming available to the interested biker who wants to keep their gear up to date.
Given that your helmet is the single most important bit of gear for riding after the bike itself – and that you’ll be wearing it a lot – choosing the right one for you is essential for both your comfort and safety as a cyclist.
So, we’ve put together a comprehensive round-up of the best road bike helmets on the market in 2023, including their features, pros, and cons.
In our product round-up we’ll be covering:
- 3 Key Factors In Choosing A Road Bike Helmet
- The 4 Best Road Bike Helmets In 2023
- How To Choose The Best Road Bike Helmet For You
Let’s dive in!
3 Key Factors In Choosing A Road Bike Helmet
You might be wondering if it really matters which bike helmet you wear out on the road, provided it keeps you safe. Don’t all helmets do the same thing?
In short: yes, all good-quality helmets protect your head.
However, no two helmets are built the same, and there are some things to know before choosing. Different helmet designs can make a huge difference to the experience of wearing them while riding, and may offer differing amounts of protection in a crash.
#1. MIPS
When looking at road bike helmets, you’re going to hear the term MIPS a lot.
But what is MIPS?
Multi-Directional Impact Protection Systems (MIPS) reduce the impact of rotational forces on the brain in the instance of a crash.
We know from research that these rotational forces most commonly cause head injuries and concussions.
MIPS use fluid layers to minimise the impact of rotational forces and better protect you from concussions.
MIPS is a fairly new technology and has become increasingly affordable in recent years.
In sports, safety comes first, and all the helmets we’ll be covering here have protection against rotational forces in the event of a crash.
- Want to know more? Check out our MIPS Helmet Guide here!
#2. Drag
Next, let’s talk about shape. And when talking about the shape of helmets, we’re really talking about drag.
Drag is the aerodynamic force which opposes a solid body’s movement through a liquid body.
For our purposes, this means considering how much wind resistance is created by the shape of your helmet.
It might seem silly, but the science is solid: tiny differences in the size and shape of your helmet affect your aerodynamic efficiency, and more drag means a slower ride.
Years of research and testing have made helmets sleeker, more angular, and, for lack of a better word, “pointier.” With these helmets, your cycling can be faster and more efficient.
#3. Ventilation
You’ll also want to think about ventilation.
This means allowing some cool air to pass through your helmet, rather than simply around it, to carry heat away from the inside of the helmet as it passes out of the back.
There’s often something of a compromise between proper ventilation and drag, as catching air in pockets in your helmet does not do your aerodynamic efficiency any favours.
Deciding on the right amount of ventilation for your helmet also means considering the climate you most often ride in.
If you’re going to be riding in the depths of a freezing winter, you’re probably going to want to actively avoid too much ventilation. For hot summer riding, drag becomes a secondary concern to keeping your head cool!
The 4 Best Road Bike Helmets In 2023
#1. Giro Synthe MIPS II
- Light, Aerodynamic Design
- Excellent Ventilation
- Sleek Styling
The excellent Giro Synthe is back and better than ever with this updated version. It represents the best Giro has to offer in terms of safety, shape and comfort.
First and foremost, it’s lightweight and aerodynamic: a racer’s helmet.
The Synthe is equipped with MIPS and roll cage internal reinforcement for extra protection in the event of a crash.
In size medium, the Synthe weighs a feathery 270 g (9.5 oz), making it the lightest helmet on this list.
The helmet is well-ventilated with 26 individual vents, a wind tunnel-aided design, and some golf ball panelling for extra circulation.
One thing to note is that the polycarbonate shell’s coverage is actually fairly small. In service of a lightweight design, the helmet’s lip finishes high and the lower back of the skull is left uncovered.
This lower section is secured by Giro’s Roc-Loc 5 system, which is extremely comfortable and perfect for fine-tuning the helmet’s fit.
The helmet comes in three sizes, so the Roc-Loc system comes in handy for bridging the gap between you and your perfect fit.
The Synthe’s shape is also ponytail compatible! Plus, the helmet has docking ports for your cycling sunglasses.
In short, for serious bike racers, the Giro Synthe is very hard to beat.
#2. Bell Stratus MIPS
- User-Friendly Interior
- Great Value
- Polycarbonate Shell and MIPS-Equipped
At a lower price point, the Bell Stratus road bike helmet remains a solid, safe option, offering great value for money.
With the Stratus, Bell integrates some of the best features from their high-end Z20 helmet into a more affordable package.
The MIPS system offers added safety, and is one of the headline features of the helmet.
Although it weighs barely more than the Giro Synthe at just 275 g (9.7 oz), you can rely on the polycarbonate shell to protect your head.
There are also reflective logos and details on the back and sides for added visibility.
With an aerodynamic shape and plenty of wind tunnel vents, Bell’s helmet lands neatly between minimal drag and maximum ventilation.
The Stratus’ interior composition features Bell’s Float System™. This user-friendly technology uses no-twist straps and a fastening dial to provide a good fit above the ears and a nice amount of float.
The Stratus also uses a “sweat guide” system which uses padding to guide perspiration to the front of the helmet, whilst keeping sweat from dripping onto your face.
There are four sizes to choose from, so measure your head circumference before purchasing.
You can also mount your riding glasses into this helmet’s ports.
#3. Giro Agilis MIPS
- Excellent Ventilation
- Extensive Head Coverage
If you’re not taken with the Bell Stratus, Giro’s Agilis is a really strong alternative.
The Agilis also has MIPS and reflective plates, and weighs only a fraction more at 280 g (9.9 oz).
In terms of ventilation and interior composition, there’s little difference between the Giro Agilis and the Bell Avenue.
The designs on this helmet are classy, with muted colors and understated patterns.
One main difference is that the Giro Agilis provides lots of head coverage. The polycarbonate shell sits lows on the forehead, close to the ears, and wraps around near the base of the skull.
However, that low front lip can sometimes obstruct your view if riding aggressively, down at the drops.
Like any other helmet, these considerations all come down to fit, and we always recommend trying a helmet on and seeing if it works for you, before wearing it out.
There’s a little more flexibility in terms of size here with five options, which should make it easier to find your perfect fit.
And of course, there are sunglasses ports.
#4. POC Omne Air SPIN
- Sleek Design
- Very Comfortable
If safety, comfort, and a stylish finish are your priority, look no further than POC’s Air SPIN helmet – great for commuting and short trips.
There’s certainly an argument to be made that a high-end racing helmet like the Giro Synthe is overkill for your daily commute, and that’s where the Omne Air SPIN shines.
The helmet’s design is simplified. It’s a chic-looking model which focuses on the essentials: solid impact protection and straightforward ventilation.
The Omne Air SPIN is built with silicon padding distributed to the areas considered most vital, the central section of the helmet gets the most with a solid frontal plate.
This helmet protects the user from rotational forces using SPIN technology, POC’s patent-pending alternative to MIPS.
There are three sizes, with the medium weighing 306 g (10.8 oz).
The interior composition is a particular stand out, with ergonomic no-twist straps, a 360 retention system, and a shaped plastic fastener which secures the straps clear of your ears.
You can also mount riding or sunglasses to this helmet’s ports.
All in all, whilst this helmet isn’t trying to compete with a high-end racing helmet, it does the basics well: safety and comfort!
How To Choose The Best Road Bike Helmet For You
Now we’ve given you the details about our favorite picks for road bike helmets in 2023, the ball is in your court.
Will you pick the top-of-the-line Giro Synthe for racing, the Bell Stratus or Giro Agilis all-rounders, or the chic Omne Air SPIN?
It’s also important to stress that you need to find what works for you. Try before you buy, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new options and styles.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer here!
