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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Bike Helmets

Your brain has no crumple zoneβ€”helmets provide it. We compared helmets from budget to MIPS-equipped, finding what protects without cooking your head.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Register MIPS Adult Helmet

Giro

Register MIPS Adult Helmet

4.7 (12,345 reviews)

MIPS at a non-MIPS price. Giro brought rotational impact protection to the masses.

Technology

MIPS

Fit

Universal Adult

Vents

22

Certification

CPSC

Pros

  • βœ“ MIPS protection
  • βœ“ Universal fit
  • βœ“ Excellent ventilation

Cons

  • βœ— Basic styling
  • βœ— Limited colors
  • βœ— One size only

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Register MIPS Adult Helmet
Register MIPS Adult Helmet Best
Giro
4.7
$65 View
Convoy MIPS Helmet
Convoy MIPS Helmet Value
Smith
4.6
$80 View
Ventral Air MIPS
Ventral Air MIPS
POC
4.8
$275 View
Intercept Adult Helmet
Intercept Adult Helmet
Schwinn
4.3
$25 View
Heritage Collection Helmet
Heritage Collection Helmet
Thousand
4.5
$89 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Register MIPS Adult Helmet

Giro

Register MIPS Adult Helmet

4.7 (12,345 reviews)

MIPS at a non-MIPS price. Giro brought rotational impact protection to the masses.

Technology

MIPS

Fit

Universal Adult

Vents

22

Certification

CPSC

Pros

  • βœ“ MIPS protection
  • βœ“ Universal fit
  • βœ“ Excellent ventilation

Cons

  • βœ— Basic styling
  • βœ— Limited colors
  • βœ— One size only
Best Value
Convoy MIPS Helmet

Smith

Convoy MIPS Helmet

4.6 (3,456 reviews)

Double protection technology in urban styling. You don't have to look like a Tour de France racer.

Technology

MIPS + Koroyd

Fit

Adjustable dial

Style

Urban

Certification

CPSC, CE

Pros

  • βœ“ Koroyd protection
  • βœ“ MIPS liner
  • βœ“ Magnetic buckle

Cons

  • βœ— Limited ventilation
  • βœ— Runs warm
  • βœ— Visor not included
Premium Pick
Ventral Air MIPS

POC

Ventral Air MIPS

4.8 (876 reviews)

Possibly the most ventilated helmet ever made. Your head stays cool even climbing in summer.

Technology

MIPS Integra

Weight

270g

Vents

Optimized flow

Certification

CPSC, CE

Pros

  • βœ“ Exceptional ventilation
  • βœ“ MIPS Integra
  • βœ“ Aerodynamic

Cons

  • βœ— Premium price
  • βœ— Distinctive look
  • βœ— Limited colors
Budget Pick
Intercept Adult Helmet

Schwinn

Intercept Adult Helmet

4.3 (23,456 reviews)

A $25 certified helmet is infinitely better than no helmet.

Technology

Standard EPS

Fit

Dial adjustment

Vents

20

Certification

CPSC

Pros

  • βœ“ Incredibly affordable
  • βœ“ CPSC certified
  • βœ“ Multiple sizes

Cons

  • βœ— No MIPS
  • βœ— Basic ventilation
  • βœ— Basic fit system
Heritage Collection Helmet

Thousand

Heritage Collection Helmet

4.5 (4,567 reviews)

The helmet you'll actually wear because it looks good.

Technology

EPS foam

Features

PopLock

Style

Vintage urban

Certification

CPSC, CE

Pros

  • βœ“ Beautiful design
  • βœ“ Magnetic buckle
  • βœ“ Secret PopLock

Cons

  • βœ— Less ventilation
  • βœ— No MIPS
  • βœ— Urban use only

Buying Guide: How to Choose Bike Helmets

How to Choose a Bike Helmet

MIPS: Worth the Upgrade
MIPS adds a slip-plane liner that reduces rotational forces during angled impacts. Most crashes aren't straight-on. Worth the extra $15-30.

### Fit Is Everything
  • Helmet sits level, two fingers above eyebrows
    - Straps form a V under each ear
    - Shouldn't shift when you shake your head
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Helmets

    Do more expensive helmets provide better protection?

    Not necessarily for basic impacts. They're lighter, cooler, and often have MIPS.

    How tight should a bike helmet be?

    Snug but not painful. One finger between strap and chin.

    Can I use a skateboard helmet for cycling?

    If it's CPSC certified, yes. Less ventilation but more rear coverage.

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