ROAD HELMETS

Road, gravel, commuting... can you find a cycling helmet that can do it all? We review eight options vying for versatility and value, starting at £65

- Matthew Baird

Road, aero road, time trial, gravel, commuting....bike helmets in 2024 are split into many genres and subcategories. But can you find a helmet that can do it all? We've tested lids from £65 to £190, all with the MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) safety insert, to find out.

Often overlooked in the search for aero gains, safety should come first when choosing a bike helmet. Happily, the lids here pass the relevant safety tests for European sale, and many come with added protection measures, including crashreplacement options as well as the aforementioned MIPS.

While EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) dominates the build, the helmets here offer many ways to aid rider comfort, venting, speed and safety. Comfort and sizing are key considerations, with internal height adjustments, retention systems, strap adjustability and sizing variations helping to make the helmets on test fit most head shapes.

Compared to aero road helmets or cone-shaped TT lids, the more traditional road helmets here offer increased ventilation from larger and more numerous air channels; great for the summer, but you'll want a skull cap in winter. With aero road lids from Giro and Uvex around £200, speed was considered when testing, but the focus here is more on comfort, versatility, ventilation and added features.

Matthew Baird Matt is the editor of Cycling Plus and has reviewed hundreds of helmets since 2008. He can often be found on the roads and trails of his beloved Mendip Hills in Somerset. Or the local bakery.

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