Top Road Bike Helmets ? We review the latest and best offerings, both aero and vented tested.
For road cycling a good quality helmet is essential. Being from an era in which they did not really exist I used to think otherwise. Through blind luck on the fourth ride wearing a helmet (which i was only wearing out of a sense of fashion) I had a serious crash in which that helmet saved my life. From then on and for almost everyone I see these days, helmets are a normal part of cycling. I know several fellow cyclists that owe their lives to wearing helmets, many of them like me began to wear them when their hero pro cyclists began to sport them. For the most part at this top price point they are all very good quality with similar features.
The top flight level as seen in the pro peloton are some serious bits of kit. They are also a serious cash investment so here is an overview of what is available at the moment with their pros and cons. Also included are links to retailers with the latest prices and user reviews.
MET Manta Road Helmet
What they say: The fastest closed aero road helmet
What we say: The Met manta is a pro level aero helmet but still has plenty of airflow to keep you cool. The fit and straps are top class and it has a low profile design. Light and comfortable, it comes with a soft bag and also has reflective rear stickers for evening/early riders.
Buy this if you want an excellent , fast aero helmet
- Aero design
- Good looks
- Pro team cred
- All this tech pushes the price high
See more reviews and discount prices on Wiggle
POC Octal AVIP MIPS Road Helmet
What they say: The award winning POC Octal AVIP MIPS helmet is engineered to be the next step in road bike helmet safety.
What we say: This helmet is one of a new wave to have the MIPS technology. MIPS is used to reduce the rotational forces to the brain in the event of a crash. The POC also has a thick liner pad for safety and is classed as an aero design.
Buy this if you want a pro helmet with great safety features.
- MIPS and other safety features
- Light
- Bright colour choices
- Expensive but packed with tech
See more reviews and discount prices on Wiggle
Mavic Cosmic Pro Road Helmet
What they say: A fast and light performance helmet inspired by our iconic Cosmic Ultimate model
What we say: The latest incarnation of the Mavic Cosmic helmet. A comfortable helmet with a good quality fitting system.
Buy this if you want a light helmet with classic mavic looks.
- Well priced considering quality
- Light
- Good looks
- Limited colour choice
- Not a full Aero design
See more reviews and discount prices on Wiggle
Met Rivale road helmet
What they say: The lightest open aero road helmet in it’s class
What we say: A lower budget option from Met . The Rivale is a light weight vented design that punches well above its price range. Very similar in styling to the flagship met Manta but with more vents.
Buy this if you want aero advantages , great looks , more vents and are on a budget (relative).
- Low price
- Can also be found at a great discount
- good colour choices
- Low profile looks
- Plenty of vents
- Very little wrong with this helmet, especially at some of the discount prices found online.
See more reviews and discount prices on Wiggle
Catlike Whisper Helmet
What they say: When you think of Catlike, you instantly think of the iconic Whisper. A helmet that broke all the rules of design when it was introduced and that continues captivating cyclists all over the world.
What we say: Seen on the pros for about a decade this helmet has proved its self on many a grand tour stage. Well ventilated and still a nice looking and original design.
Buy this if you want a classic vented design with great racing heritage.
- Well ventilated
- Light
- Has stood the test of time.
- Older design but still looks good
Giro Synthe Helmet (MIPS)
What they say: Faster is cooler – the Synthe is the pinnacle of road helmet design and is now available with MIPS technology for added impact protection
What we say: Aero class helmet with plenty of vents. Has the tried and tested roc lock fitting system This helmet is also one of the new wave to have the MIPS technology. MIPS is used to reduce the rotational forces to the brain in the event of a crash.
Buy this if you are looking for a vented aero helmet with added safety.
- Mips system
- Great fit and safety
- Price to match its hi tech safety
See more reviews and discount prices on Wiggle
Kask Protone Road Helmet
What they say: Developed in collaboration with Team Sky, the Kask Protone proves that a helmet can be both breathable and aerodynamic
What we say: Great looking aero helmet. High quality finishing details like a leather chin strap. Lightweight and vented this kask has lots going for it.
Buy this if a light weight aero helmet with zero compromise in quality is top of your list.
- Top quality pro level helmet
- Looks like a transformer if thats your thing
- One of the team sky helmets
- Breathable and aero
- Nothing other than maybe price
Kask Mojito Road Helmet
What they say: Combining Kask’s signature Italian styling and workmanship with aerodynamic design and a highly adjustable fit, it’s easy to see why the Mojito is one of our best-sellers
What we say: Kasks best seller the Mojito is a great quality helmet that does very well in the consumer reviews on all the sites it sells on. This is because its a good looking light helmet that is often worn by pro and semi pro riders. The usual Kask fit and finish is present yet it can be found for well under the £100 mark.
Buy this if you want the kask pro quality at a discount price.
- ‘Cheap’ for a pro helmet
- Lots of colour choice
- Well vented
- Semi-aero
- Nothing at the price
