Best Bike Helmets (2025): Top Picks for Road, Mountain, and Gravel

Whether heading out on your mountain bike, e-bike, or road bike, the Kali Protectives Central Helmet is a good choice. It meets U.S. and E.U. safety standards for bicycle helmets, earning 5 out of 5 points for safety. It also features ample ventilation and a highly adjustable dial system for a snug fit and wide, flexible chin straps with a magnetic buckle, earning 5 out of 5 points for adjustability, too.

Though it doesn’t utilize multi-directional impact protection system technology—also known as MIPS—it does employ Kali’s proprietary Composite Fusion technology. With this technology, Kali directly bonds the expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam of the liner to the helmet shell through in-molding. This eliminates any gap between the shell and liner, which Kali claims reduces G-forces to the head during impact by as much as 30%. It also eliminates the use of glues and tapes, allowing Kali to make lighter-weight helmets that still meet critical safety ratings. (This one weighs only 12.2 ounces.)

I’ve worn this helmet for three years through dozens of MTB trail rides and training cycles for four triathlon races. While I can’t personally attest to its crash performance—thankfully!—I can attest to its comfort, featherweight feel, and ventilation. I was happy to have it during brutal training blocks in the middle of a Miami summer. 

The downside is that sizing is limited, with just two options: small/medium and large/extra-large. As such, it gets 3 out of 5 points for sizing. That’ll work for most people, but those who already struggle to find comfortable helmets may not find a winner in the Kali Central. 

Oh, and staying visible is easy with the built-in, USB-rechargeable rear flashing light. 

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If you’re after a no-frills, downhill-oriented helmet with full-face coverage, the O’Neal Sonus Deft delivers solid protection at a very approachable price. 

It meets both CPSC and EN-1078 standards, and it earned 4 out of 5 stars in Virginia Tech’s bicycle helmet safety testing, so it earns 4.5 out of 5 points for safety. While it doesn’t use MIPS or O’Neal’s own IPX rotational technology (found in the brand’s pricier helmets), the combination of ABS shell and EPS liner provides strong baseline impact absorption.

My husband was wearing this exact helmet when he crashed on a jump line. He went over the bars, and the fall was fast and bad. Though he came away with substantial bruising on his arms, shoulders, and collarbone, he suffered no face or head injuries even after a significant skid. He’s since retired the helmet, of course, as you’re supposed to after a crash. 

At 2.3 pounds, it’s much heavier than a half-shell MTB helmet, which is why it earns 3 out of 5 points for weight. The extra heft is noticeable on long days but worth it if you’re riding technical descents where chin protection is essential. The Sonus comes in five sizes (XS to XL), which is excellent coverage and earns the helmet 5 out of 5 for sizing.

Adjustability is more limited compared to trail helmets with dial-fit systems. You’ll mainly be working with cheek pads, straps, and the fit at the crown, so it scores 3 out of 5 points there. On the plus side, the removable visor and washable pads are practical features, and the integrated goggle strap makes it a good pick if you prefer to ride with goggles.

This helmet won’t win awards for ventilation or lightness, but for downhill and park riders who want dependable coverage at a reasonable price, it’s a solid option. It’s a tad overkill for trail mountain biking and cross-country-oriented hardtail riding.  

The Kask Protone Icon has become a favorite among road cyclists who want a blend of ventilation, low weight, and pro-level looks. It meets CPSC safety certification and incorporates Kask’s WG11 rotational impact testing protocol, which puts it at 4 out of 5 for safety standards. While Virginia Tech hasn’t rated it, Kask’s in-house testing emphasizes angular impact performance. 

This helmet was highly recommended by my triathlon coach. Though I never adopted it myself—I stuck with my top pick, the Kali Central—it was a favorite of many of my team members.

At just 9.1 ounces, it’s super lightweight compared to many competitors, earning a full 5 out of 5 points for weight. Long climbs and hot days feel more manageable thanks to the ample vents and aerodynamic shaping. The helmet comes in three sizes (S, M, L), which covers most riders but not all, so it scores 3 out of 5 for sizing.

Adjustability is also a highlight. The Octo Fit retention system and floating cradle allow for precise tightening, even while wearing gloves (IYKYK), which earns 5 out of 5 points for adjustability. The faux leather chin strap adds comfort and a touch of style, though it can feel stiff until broken in.

Overall, the Protone Icon is ideal for serious road cyclists who want to balance aerodynamics, comfort, and protection in a lightweight package. It’ll also work well for long-haul gravel riding.

If you’re a motocross rider, you need a helmet that meets different standards than regular bicycle helmets. You’ll be moving at much faster speeds and getting more air on jumps, so at a minimum, you need to look for helmets approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Meet the Leatt Helmet Kit Moto 9.5: Built with crash protection in mind, it meets both DOT and Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) standards, earning 5 out of 5 points for safety. Leatt’s 360-degree Turbine Technology reduces rotational impact forces and concussion risk, putting it among the most protective helmets in this lineup.

At 2.63 pounds, it’s heavy compared to bicycle helmets, but for a full-face dirt bike helmet with integrated chin bar and visor, the weight is reasonable. That lands it at 4 out of 5 points for weight. With six size options from XS through XXL, Leatt earns a full 5 out of 5 for inclusive sizing.

Adjustability is moderate (4 out of 5) thanks to the breakaway visor, integrated hydration port, and cheek pads that can be swapped for comfort. The included IRIZ goggles are a bonus, designed to integrate seamlessly with the shell and prevent gaps that let in dirt or debris.

While you wouldn’t wear this helmet for a casual bike commute, for those on motorized bikes who want a system designed for serious impacts, it’s a highly protective choice.

The Giro Fixture proves you don’t need to spend hundreds to get reliable protection. Despite being a budget pick, it’s CPSC-certified and equipped with MIPS for protection from rotational impact and concussion. That said, its Virginia Tech safety score (2 out of 5) isn’t as strong as some pricier models, so it earns 3.5 out of 5 points for safety.

Weighing 11.6 ounces, it’s comfortably light for recreational use, earning 4 out of 5 for weight. The downside is sizing: the Fixture only comes in one “universal adult” fit. While the Roc Loc Sport system helps dial in snugness, one-size-fits-all inevitably leaves some cyclists behind. For that reason, it earns just 2 out of 5 points for sizing.

Adjustability is otherwise solid, with the easy-to-use dial and snap-fit visor, which earns it 4 out of 5 points. Ventilation is decent, though not as refined as higher-end Giro helmets. For under $75, the Fixture remains one of the best value helmets around. It’s ideal for casual riders, commuters, or those looking for a simple, comfortable lid without compromising baseline safety.

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The Lazer Z1 KinetiCore was designed with ventilation and lightweight construction at the forefront. With both CPSC and EN-1078 certifications and Lazer’s proprietary KinetiCore rotational impact protection, it earns a full 5 out of 5 points for safety. Its 5-star Virginia Tech rating further cements it as one of the safest helmets tested to date.

Weighing only 7.7 ounces, it’s also the lightest helmet in this round-up, which earns it 5 out of 5 for weight. Riders consistently note that it feels barely-there on long summer rides. The Z1 comes in three sizes (S, M, L), which is good coverage but not the most extensive, so it scores 3 out of 5 points for sizing.

Lazer’s retention system, Advanced Rollsys, allows for easy, one-handed adjustments and evenly tightens around your head without pressure points, so we gave it a full 5 out of 5 for adjustability. The floating headband design further improves airflow and reduces the likelihood of sweat dripping into your eyes (not something you want flying downhill at 40 miles per hour!)

If you regularly ride in warm or humid climates, the Z1 is one of the best helmets you can buy for staying cool without sacrificing protection.