The Best Road Bike Helmets of 2024

While Giro road helmets continue to share subtle hints of design language with predecessors dating back to the 90s, the Aries Spherical claims big gains in performance and makes a subtle shift in aesthetics, while acing the Virginia Tech Helmet Rating safety test, receiving 5/5 stars.

At first glance, I was smitten with the look of the Aries, because frankly, the Giro aesthetic needed a change, and I feel that Giro nailed it. A more prominent Aura II reinforcement arch across the top allows for a beautifully minimal appearance and a strikingly low profile. So compact is the Aries that I had to double-check the label inside to confirm I was indeed holding a size large. Up front, a boxy central vent is cut aggressively into the leading edge, creating a racy and muscular look. Out back, Giro spared no material from being cut away in creating an aggressively tapered shape that balances the looks of the helmet perfectly. The finish on the vents isn’t just clean, it’s razor sharp. The contrasting gloss and matte panels work together to create a seductive visual depth across the helmet’s surface. This masterpiece of form, I learned quickly, was equally impressive in function.

The fit of the Aries is excellent and that’s no surprise. Giro figured out bike helmet fit ages ago by using data to map the human head and dial in the shape of their helmets to fit the greatest possible number of people. That said, the Aries is noticeably more luxurious and secure than the range-topping Giro helmets of yesteryear, despite minimal use of padding, which has been replaced with an array of thoughtfully sculpted internal channels. On the road, the Aries continued to pamper while remaining perfectly positioned. Bumps, wind gusts, and full gas sprints never caused any slips or wiggles. Thanks to this supreme stability, I could ride with minimal tension on the Roc Loc 5 adjustment dial, which made the Aries feel even lighter and comfier. 

Giro claims that the Aries is 2.3% better vented than its predecessor, the Aether. While it’s hard to validate this numerical improvement, I can confirm this helmet moves prodigious amounts of air through its structure, and I am honestly concerned that its venting is so effective that it may not be the optimal helmet for riding in cold conditions. Adding to the Aries’ robust strategy for moisture control, a new DryCore brow pad hides a silicone rubber strip inside its lower edge, where Giro claims it diverts sweat away from the eyes and outward toward the temples. While I can’t confirm with certainty that DryCore actually diverted sweat in this way, it did help keep my forehead dry and seat off of my lenses. 

Perhaps most importantly, the Giro Aries is the best-performing helmet ever tested by the Virginia Tech Helmet Test Lab. This safety rating speaks to the effectiveness of MIPS Spherical technology, which uses a ball-and-socket design intended to redirect impact forces away from a rider’s head during a crash, with the goal of reducing the risk of concussion. 

Even after all this praise, $300 is a lot to pay for a helmet. Certainly, there are helmets that compete with the Aries and cost considerably less. However, if you want the best and cost saving is not a priority, the Giro Aries Spherical is our top recommendation. 

The Aries Spherical made Zach’s 2023 Gear of the Year list, and you can find out more in our launch article.

POC’s entry-level road helmet, the Omne Air MIPS is a prime example of technology trickling down from higher-end offerings into a more affordable, albeit heftier helmet. The extra weight of this helmet is noticeable, but so is the excellent ventilation, sleek profile, and enhanced visibility of AVIP (Attention, Visibility, Interaction, and Protection) on the colorway we tested. 

Beginning with the ventilation, the Omne features five front vents and three rear vents. The three central front vents are matched at the rear, at the opposing end of deep and wide internal channels. It’s a simple but effective layout for ventilation that works well to move air freely over the top of your head. 

The Omne Air profile looks much better than many helmets which are nearly double the cost. While the aesthetics of some POC helmets have polarized opinions, the Omne takes an understated approach to create a look that’s hard to resist. On the back of the Omne Air, POC has included the option of AVIP (Attention, Visibility, Interaction, and Protection), which is a fancy way of describing the color (very bright) orange. In all seriousness, it’s an effective means of getting motorists’ attention as they approach from behind and actually looks surprisingly cool. It also comes in several less brilliant color options.

Branding on the Omne Air is still prevalent but more subdued relative to other POC products from the past. If anybody asks, the acronym stands for Piece Of Cake, but the brand is pronounced “Pock”, not “P, O, C”. 

Once a head impact has become unavoidable, MIPS Integra steps in to redirect impact forces away from your head, with the goal of reducing rotational forces that reach the brain. Virginia Tech Helmet Lab testing resulted in a score of 4 out of 5 stars for Omne Air. I found the fit of the Omne comfortable and secure, but not airy like the Ventral, POC’s range-topping road helmet. Nevertheless, my head did stay cool and dry while riding in warm conditions with plenty of climbing involved. No pressure points developed, and the plush padding and excellent fit kept the Omne perfectly positioned throughout my rides.

For riders looking for a well-vented helmet with a great fit and sleek Scandinavian aesthetics, the POC Omne Air MIPS is a smart choice at a great price. 

The Trek Velocis MIPS is a beautifully minimal, lightweight, and well-ventilated helmet. A sleek, rounded profile is punctuated by 18 vents and clad with Trek’s OCLV carbon fiber which gives the Velocis a contemporary and race-ready stance. Tipping the scales at just 240g in size medium, this range-topping option from Trek makes a strong impression right out of the box.

Inside the shell, you’ll find the MIPS Air – the lightest and best-vented version of MIPS –  integrated into the padding of the Velocis. MIPS systems are designed to redirect impact forces away from a rider’s head during a crash, with the intention of reducing the risk of concussion. For those of us who like to keep padding fresh, the MIPS Air padding is designed to be removed and washed. Just be sure to remove the padding carefully, as it’s connected mechanically to the shell of the Velocis. Although this version of MIPS prioritizes weight savings and ventilation, it’s worth mentioning that the Velocis did receive a 5-star rating from the Virginia Tech University Helmet Lab. This 5-star rating is made even more impressive, given the extremely minimal appearance and feel of not only the MIPS Air but the entire Velocis helmet.  

The fit of the Velocis is comfortable, if not exceptionally luxurious. The interior feels firm and secure, with no obvious pressure points. Unlike the Giro Aries, the Velocis is felt at all times while riding.  A three-position yoke in the back of the Velocis allowed for a customized fit and secure hold. Thanks to the yoke, I was also able to get my 60cm head into a medium, which was a nice benefit to both looks and weight savings.

Strangely, the 360° BOA® fit system was an unfortunate drawback to the Velocis. While I typically get along well with BOA® generally, I found the feel of the BOA in the single lace adjustment system sloppy and the squeaky sound it made during adjustments unbecoming of a $300 helmet. I suspect the BOA dials need more structure and support than the single-lace adjustment system can offer, so while the idea is great, I felt the execution was not. 

Once the adjustment was sorted and I was out riding, I found the Velocis a joy to wear. Trek sculpted the leading edge of the Velocis to minimize interference with peripheral vision, which helps when riding with a more aggressive head and neck posture. Sunglasses are easily and securely stored thanks to channels cut into the interior foam. The Velocis is also noticeably quieter than other helmets in its class, speaking to its sleek and minimal shape. Many riders commented on the Velocis, mostly complimenting its looks and conspicuous display of carbon fiber.

The Trek Velocis MIPS defends its high price point well with a long list of features and a tangible quality that few helmets can match. Its ability to balance the demands of weight-savings, aerodynamics, and cooling makes it a great choice for racing or hunting trophies and crowns on Strava.  

Find out more in our tech coverage of the Trek Velocis MIPS.

The Giro Agilis MIPS is an affordable helmet that hits the mark on fit, safety, and style. A durable outer shell with an impressive array of vents covers a luxurious interior featuring Giro’s renowned fit, industry-leading Roc Loc 5 retention system, and a MIPS liner for rotational impact protection. 

Quite surprisingly, I found the fit to be as comfortable as Giro’s range-topping Aries Spherical, which costs $300. Out on the road, the most noticeable difference between these two helmets was the slightly less efficient airflow through the Agilis despite its whopping number of vents. That said, compared to other helmets in the same price point, the Agilis moves air most admirably. 

In addition to its agreeable shape, adjustments to the retention system and straps are simple and quick, meaning you can truly customize the Agilis fit and ride in total comfort. It stayed secure on my head at all speeds.

At the $100 price point, the only readily apparent shortcomings are found in a few extra grams of weight, and a slightly rougher finish around the edges of the vents. If the protection of both your brain and bank account sounds like a win-win, team up with the Giro Agilis MIPS. 

The Giro Eclipse Spherical is an aero road helmet with excellent ventilation and respectably low weight, making it a 1-helmet solution for any riding or racing scenario. Despite its balanced approach that prioritizes ventilation and weight savings, Giro claims that the Eclipse Spherical is the fastest road helmet they’ve ever tested in the wind tunnel, and it’s relatively lightweight for an aero model at just 270 grams in a size medium. 

Giro achieved best-in-class ventilation and weight savings in the Eclipse Spherical by incorporating its proprietary Wind Tunnel venting system and pairing these active intake vents with deep exhaust channels inside the helmet’s shell to accelerate cool air across the rider’s head and force warm air out. It sounds so easy to reduce weight and boost ventilation by simply removing material from the helmet, and yet, no other aero helmet to date can match the Eclipse in these areas. This speaks to Giro’s iterative approach to helmets. They don’t have to go back to the drawing board for every new helmet but rather draw on learnings from dozens of their best-in-class designs from the past few decades to achieve whatever blend of attributes they seek. 

Speed and comfort are great, but the actual job of a helmet is protecting the rider’s brain in a crash, and here again, the Eclipse Spherical proves its value, by scoring 5 out of 5 stars in testing by Virginia Tech University’s Helmet Ratings Lab. This excellent level of protection is made possible in part by the helmet’s namesake, MIPS Spherical Technology, which uses a ball-and-socket design to redirect impact forces away from a rider’s head during a crash. MIPS Spherical was a great choice for the Eclipse, as it doesn’t compromise weight and ventilation the same way earlier and less advanced iterations of MIPS liners did. In the Eclipse Spherical, the MIPS system blends seamlessly into the helmet and goes entirely unnoticed. 

Throughout the Eclipse Spherical, all the iconic Giro details remain constant. Giro’s Roc Loc 5 Air Fit system, with its 2-way adjustment, makes for a secure and comfortable fit at the base of the occipital lobe. Iconic+ AntiMicrobial Padding and lightweight webbing with easily adjustable guides pamper the rider’s head on even the most grueling days. Like other Giro models, we found the fit to be quite comfortable, with a crowd-pleasing shape that should work for most riders.

If you’ve been wooed by the free speed of an aero helmet, but been put off by the weight, bulky looks, and lackluster ventilation in the past, the Giro Eclipse Spherical might just be the helmet that wins you over. Giro states, and we agree, that the Eclipse Spherical delivers speed without compromise.

Specialized recently redesigned their Propero road helmet and the new Propero 4 is virtually unrecognizable compared to its predecessor. Borrowing design elements from its more expensive S-Works siblings like the Evade 3 and the Prevail 3, the Propero 4 is a low-profile aero model that comes in at a more reasonable price of $200.

Specialized used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing to focus on both aerodynamics and ventilation. Despite looking like it has a limited number of vents, 12 total, internal channeling does a great job of moving air from the front intake vents across the head to the exhaust vents in the back. The smaller number of vents also contributes to the Propero 4’s clean, streamlined look, which we feel makes it among the better-looking lids on the market today.

Inside the Propero 4, Specialized went with a MIPS Evolve for rotational impact protection. On top of that, it was tested in Virginia tech’s independent helmet test lab and earned the highest 5-star rating. We found the Tri-Fix webbing splitter by the ears to hold the straps flat and away from the ears, plus they can adjusted to find the ideal position for your head shape. It’s also offered in both “classic” and “round” fits, so most people should be able to find one that matches the fit of their cranium. 

With a measured weight of 308 grams in a size medium, it isn’t the lightest helmet around, but it feels light on the head thanks to its excellent ventilation and great fit. Overall, we feel the Specialized Propero 4 is a great new helmet that provides aero advantages without the bulky looks and higher price of most other aero models.

You can learn more in our first look article for the Specialized Propero 4.

The original Protone made a big splash because it was a great concept – a uniquely styled helmet with heaps of ventilation up front, a gloriously compact profile, and aerodynamically efficient exhaust ports out back, all at an impressively low weight. Now, the Kask Protone Icon retains the overall aesthetic of the original but updates the internal shaping to increase ventilation while decreasing aerodynamic drag. A new retention system, which Kask calls Octafit+, includes a new cradle, stabilizer, and rubber inserts that connect to a wider section of the occipital lobe, providing a more secure hold.

According to Kask, some subtle changes have been made to the exterior structure as well, aimed at improved aero efficiency, but thankfully these are subtle and don’t change the look at all. Cycling brands have to iterate to stay relevant, and it’s often a case of newer not meaning better, so I applaud Kask for staying true to the winning formula of the original Protone in developing its successor. 

After putting the Protone Icon on, it was clear that the Octafit+ system gives it a more comfortable and stable fit than the original. Vertical adjustment of the cradle is very easy, with just a gentle push up or pull down in either direction, so finding the correct tilt and a comfortable hold is a breeze. The leather chin strap is a great touch. As someone who likes to occasionally grow some scruff, I find that the leather is better able to resist grabbing and irritating the skin on my throat and should help keep the strap looking better over time than polyester, which is more affected by sweat and friction.  

Kask does not use MIPS rotational impact systems, instead using an internal testing protocol called “WG11” to evaluate all their helmets’ performance in rotational impact. Kask claims that the level of friction generated by the head form used in MIPS testing is too great and that the Kask head form provides a more realistic test protocol. Sadly, the Protone Icon has not been tested by the Virginia Tech University Helmet Lab, so its ability to protect against concussions is less quantifiable than some of its competition.

Out on the road, the Kask Protone Icon performs perfectly. The torrential airflow and low weight combine to keep things cool and relaxed during even the most searing efforts. And in those moments, it’s nice to know that your helmet is saving a few watts of drag, and helping you look like a boss. 

The third iteration of the original aero road helmet, the Specialized S-Works Evade 3 seeks to maintain its status as the most aero helmet available, while upgrading cooling and comfort. In fact, Specialized claims a 10% improvement in ventilation over the previous model, and the additional air movement was certainly noticeable out on the road.

The S-Works Evade 3 makes a great initial impression. The overall finish of the shell and vent edges is exquisite, and the lack of any visible bare foam lends it a contemporary, luxurious look. The profile is unique, with a somewhat rectangular stance and a large shelf at the lower trailing edge. This look won’t please everyone, but trade-offs between aesthetics and big aero gains are nothing new. 

The Evade 3 is compatible with ANGi, which is a live tracking device, crash detector, and safety beacon that can be added to the Mindset adjustment harness. Once the optional ANGi sensor is paired with the Specialized Ride app, any force consistent with head impact triggers an alarm on your phone and starts a countdown. If you are unable to stop the alarm before the countdown ends, the app sends text and email messages to your emergency contacts with your location. A subscription is required for the ANGi system to operate. 

Speaking of crashes, the Evade 3 received a 5-star safety rating from the Virginia Tech University Helmet lab which is not all that surprising given its high price tag. The Evade 3 features the MIPS Node Air, which is the most comfortable, best-ventilated, and lightest version of MIPS available. This low-profile version of MIPS is intended to protect the brain from rotational impact forces in certain types of crashes, and its 5-star performance in Virginia Tech’s impact testing makes a strong case for its effectiveness.

As with other magnetic buckles, I found the one on the chin strap of the Evade quite fiddly, and perhaps a solution in search of a problem. Once the Evade 3 was secured and adjusted, however, I found the fit to be excellent and did not notice the extra heft of the helmet at all. 

After riding in the Evade 3 in warm conditions, I can confirm it vents much better than many non-aero helmets, let alone other aero helmets. I would have no hesitation taking it out for a full gas race or ride with lots of climbing in warm weather. To me, this is the clear reason to choose the Specialized S-Works Evade 3. It isn’t the sleekest or the lightest, but it will provide a boost in cooling during the most grueling races and club rides compared to many aero models. 

As its name suggests, the Lazer Vento KinetiCore generates excellent airflow both inside and out, to keep you cool and comfortable, with less aerodynamic drag. As for KinetiCore, it’s a MIPS alternative that features crumple zones in the EPS foam intended to reduce rotational impact forces that reach the brain in the event of a crash. Given the 5-star rating in Virginia Tech’s independent helmet impact testing, KinetiCore promises to work as advertised. 

Unboxing the Vento Kineticore, I was immediately impressed with the finish quality. The edges of the vents are finished cleanly, and the contrasting matte and gloss-painted panels give the helmet a seductive look. It’s also light, at just 285 grams, nearly 20% lighter than the S-Works Evade 3, a perennial favorite in the aero helmet category.

I found the fit to be a bit wide, with a moderate pressure point immediately evident at the front of the helmet. I was surprised since I’ve always gotten on well with Lazer’s fit, going back to its iconic Genesis design. The back of the Vento Kineticore is remarkably comfortable since the tightening mechanism, dubbed ScrollSys, is built into the rear shell of the helmet, instead of pressing against the occipital lobe. 

While I found the ScrollSys mechanism easy to understand and operate, the feeling of adjusting it was harsh, loud, and jerky. There was a lot of back-and-forth before I found the sweet spot. My experience with ScrollSys slightly diminished my opinion of the Vento Kinteticore because it would be an experience I’d have every time I put the helmet on. I enjoyed RollSys, as found on the Genesis, but this iteration is an example of newer and different not always resulting in a better experience. 

Out on the road, the Vento Kineticore performed very well, moving air efficiently through its well-placed vents to keep my head cool and dry. The Vento Kineticore was also noticeably quiet at high speeds, compared to other helmets I tested. While I still felt a bit of pressure at the front and back, the feeling didn’t get any worse after a few hours of riding, so I suspect that the Vento Kineticore is just a better fit for those with slightly wider or rounded head shapes.

I also applaud Lazer for offering some bold color combinations. The red and plum test model looked amazing when worn with the bright red S-Phyre RC903 shoes, which are made by Lazer’s parent company, Shimano. For faster riders and racers who want everything in a helmet – low weight, great ventilation, watt-saving aero performance, and test-proven head protection – the Lazer Vento KinetiCore justifies its premium price and deserves a close look.

The Trace MIPS is unmistakably a Smith helmet. The Portland, OR-based brand has developed a bold design language that’s quite likable. An aggressive stance in the front transitions to a gracefully arched form at the back. It all flows together gracefully, and the contrasting gloss and matte finishes give the Trace a nice visual depth. 

The fit is excellent, with even pressure, supple padding, and perfectly balanced mass from front to back. Adjusting the Trace is quick and easy, thanks to a simple, quiet, and solid-feeling twist dial. The retention system – dubbed Vaporfit – uses minimal material and is barely noticeable against the occipital lobe once the Trace is on and adjusted. 

I’d hoped that in a $260 helmet, Smith would use MIPS Air to maximize comfort and breathability, however, Smith opted for a basic MIPS liner that connects to the inside of the EPS structure. It’s a non-issue, though, because Smith controlled the interior shape and pad placement so well that the Trace feels just as comfortable as helmets with MIPS Air. 

Though the independent helmet impact test lab at Virginia Tech has yet to test and rate the Trace MIPS, its construction supplemented with a MIPS liner and Koroyd provides confidence in its protective qualities. Koroyd is a material designed to dissipate energy during a crash before it can reach your head. The Koryod material is clearly visible in the construction of the Trace, a honeycomb of protection sandwiched between the EPS foam and MIPS liner. 

On the road, the Trace is brilliant, keeping me cool, dry, and essentially disappearing into the background. The Trace stays firmly in place over rough sections of road, giving me confidence that it would make a great helmet for not only road but also for gravel riding. If you’re looking for a boldly styled, super-comfortable, lightweight, and safe helmet for road, gravel, and even commuting, the Smith Trace MIPS makes a compelling argument to be your next helmet.

The Abus Powerdome is a lightweight, compact helmet that prioritizes ventilation and comfort. The fit differs from some better-known helmet brands, as the Powerdome sits a bit higher on the head rather than surrounding it. 

We like the idea of a helmet achieving decent aero performance through a super compact profile versus a bulbous shape that adds weight and sacrifices ventilation for increased laminar airflow. The Abus Powerdome achieves the former, with a tidy profile that is well-appointed with vents, including a huge air inlet at the top of the helmet, modeled after the “Powerdome” of high-performance cars and which gives the helmet its name as a functional design element.

Due to its low weight and compact shape, I honestly forgot the Powerdome was even there during some intense rides in hilly terrain. Rough descents were no bother, as the Powerdome stayed in place perfectly at all times. The strap system is simple and free of flapping at high speed. All in all, the experience of riding in the Powerdome was better than its mid-range pricing would suggest.

Although our test helmet did not come equipped with a rotational impact protection system, Abus offers the Powerdome with a MIPS system as well. Without MIPS, the Powerdome sells for $130, and with MIPS the price jumps to $170. MIPS creates a low-friction layer within the helmet that allows the outer layer of the helmet to move 10-15mm during angled impacts, with the goal of limiting the rotational force applied to your head and reducing the chance of a concussion. Since safety is the reason to wear a helmet in the first place, we always recommend springing for a helmet with a rotational impact protection system.

The Abus Powerdome achieves impressive comfort, ventilation, and weight savings. We also love the look of it from every angle and were impressed with how quietly it cut through the air. If you want a simple but elegant helmet that is comfortable and looks the part for racing and riding on the rivet, check out the Abus Powerdome.

The Bell XR Spherical helmet doesn’t look like most road helmets, but what it may lack in looks, it makes up for in spades with a great fit, impressive ventilation, a little extra head coverage, and the incorporation of MIPS Spherical technology. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s easy to see some XC mountain bike influence in the XR Spherical. Its overall shape, especially around the lower trailing edge, is rather square and chunky and it drops down at the back of the head more than most road helmets. The gradient fade paint scheme is cool, but is somewhat diminished by the enormous Bell logos flanking the XR’s trailing edge. 

The fit is sublime, which is no surprise given Bell’s, and sister company, Giro’s, decades of experience making cycling helmets. Pressure is perfectly distributed around the interior and luxurious padding combines with intelligently sculpted channeling to create an easy but secure hold. The Float adjustment system is smooth and quiet.

Personally, I don’t care for using magnetic buckles on chin straps. I find it to be a feature in search of a benefit. I’ve been told that I have the hands of a carpenter, so maybe it’s just me. 

As of publication, Virginia Tech University has yet to test the Bell XR Spherical. That said, given the above-average head coverage and the use of MIPS Spherical technology, which uses a ball-and-socket design to redirect rotational impact forces away from a rider’s head during a crash, it looks and feels quite protective.

If you’re in the market for a road bike helmet that provides a little more coverage than most, or you’re looking for a versatile option that can span your road, gravel, cyclocross, and XC mountain biking needs, we think the Bell XR Spherical is a solid choice.

The Lazer Tonic KinetiCore is the brand’s entry-level helmet road cycling model, but managed to impress, even compared to the range-topping Vento Kineticore aero helmet. At $80, it makes a strong case as a clear standout in the entry-level pricepoint of road helmets. 

The Tonic’s fit is excellent, and I found it more comfortable than the range-topping Vento. I found the simple twist-dial adjustment knob in the retention system to be a refreshing change after fussing around with the Vento Kineticore’s ScrollSys adjustment. The Tonic is also much lighter than the Vento. All this prompts the question, why is the Tonic so inexpensive? For starters, the ventilation of the Tonic is limited, meaning that riding hard in hot conditions could cause excessive sweating. The Tonic also has a very safe aesthetic, verging on being a bit dull to look at. It certainly doesn’t look expensive or race-inspired. Storing sunglasses in the Tonic wasn’t a great experience either, so I ended up just clasping the glasses to the back of my jersey collar. 

The Tonic uses Lazer’s KinetiCore technology,  a MIPS alternative that features crumple zones in the EPS foam intended to provide rotational impact protection in the event of a head-impact crash. The system promises to work great, as the Virginia Tech University Helmet Lab awarded 5 out of 5 stars to The Tonic Kineticore after crash-testing.

Overall, riding in the Tonic was great, although I did start to feel a bit warm even just cruising around town in mildly warm spring weather. The Tonic stayed in place well, thanks to its perfect fit and ample, soft padding. Aside from not having a great place to easily store my sunglasses and its somewhat bland appearance, I didn’t have any other complaints about it. I could definitely see the Lazer Tonic KinetiCore as a great helmet for anybody, from a novice rider to an accomplished racer who wants to save some cash for club rides and races.