17 for 17: The 17 Best Helmets of 2017 – Bike Magazine Australia

You’ve been extra good this year, right? Why not treat your head to a fresh, new helmet? Here are 17 helmets for road cycling, mountain biking, and cruising around town. We’re pretty sure that somewhere on this list, there’s a helmet that’s right for you.

Bell Stratus MIPS

The Stratus is a new addition to the Bell line-up, and it offers many of the features of the pro-level Zephyr but at a more affordable price. It includes 18 vents for airflow and weighs a svelte 275 grams. Internal air channels focus the airflow on your head where you need it most, while the rounded profile makes it aerodynamically efficient. Bell has updated their Float Fit system with an oversized dial that’s easier to adjust on the fly. The strap system is designed to lie flat and stay secure, even when you’re flying at full speed. A MIPS liner completes the Stratus and provides more protection from some kinds of impacts. Available in five colors and three sizes.

Rudy Project Racemaster MIPS

Rudy Project’s flagship Racemaster is a lightweight, race-ready road helmet. It is constructed from a proprietary, multi-density foam they call Hexacrush. The hexagon-shaped structure of the EPS liner is designed to improve shock absorption and absorb lateral impacts. The Garage eyewear dock connects sunglasses securely to the back of the helmet for long climbs or sudden cloud cover. An updated fit system, the RSR 9, allows riders to micro-adjust the fit. Rudy Project also includes extra pads and an option visor to allow you to customise both fit and appearance further. A snap-lock buckle secures the straps. The Racemaster is has a MIPS system for added protection. Available in three colours and two sizes.

 

Giro Synthe

With the Synthe, Giro set out to design a helmet that performs on the aerodynamic front while also effectively venting. Giro says that they tested it extensively in the wind tunnel and that it’s the most aero road helmet they’ve ever made. Mesh panels over the vents let air flow while ensuring that the venting does not interfere with its aerodynamic profile. A pair of panels provides a port for sunglasses and serves as an additional vent. Giro’s Rock Loc Air fit adjustment is simple to use and reliable. The Synthe is a lightweight performance road helmet, ready for whatever road you choose to follow. Available in four colours and three sizes.

Kask Protone

Kask brings Italian style to their flagship Protone helmet. A featherweight at 215 grams, the Protone was worn by Team Sky’s Tour de France-winning team. It features massive vents up front and an exhaust port in the rear to keep you cool. Kask uses wicking Coolmax material for its pads, which also helps with temperature control. The Octo Fit system cradles your head for a secure and comfortable fit. Both the interior pads and chinstrap are washable to keep things tidy. Available in a jaw-dropping 19 colours and three sizes.

Giro Foray MIPS

If Giro’s top-end Synthe is a little much for your wallet, the Foray MIPS has many similar features at a more affordable price. The Foray features a sleek molded profile, which shares some of the aerodynamic advantages of the Synthe. In-mold construction ensures durability and strength on the Foray, and its 21 vents promote air circulation. MIPS protects your head against torsional impacts. Giro’s Roc Loc 5 system offers a two-way adjustment and aims to provide the most comfortable fit possible. Coolmax pads are more comfortable at the contact points and wick away sweat. Available in five colours and three sizes.

 

Bontrager Velocis

Designed for road riding, the Velocis is Bontrager’s top-end, lightweight helmet. An in-mold composite skeleton provides solid construction and allows for large head-cooling vents. Antimicrobial pads wick moisture and keep down the stench while internal channels help funnel air flow to your head. Bontrager’s Headmaster II fit system lets you adjust fit with one hand. A simplified strap design gives the Velocis a streamlined look, but it will also accept the Bontrager NeoVisor if you prefer your own portable shade. Bontrager offers a one-year crash replacement program. Available in three colours and one size.

Bell Overdrive MIPS

A lightweight road helmet that won’t break your wallet, the Overdrive hits the sweet spot in the Bell line-up. The compact, streamlined design echoes Bell’s more expensive offerings, while an in-mold polycarbonate and EPS shell aim to protect against impact. The Overdrive also features MIPS technology to defuse energy from rotational impacts. Bell’s FloatFit system ensures easy adjustment. The Overdrive’s straps are treated to resist sweat absorption, which should keep them cleaner over the long haul. It all adds up to solid performance in an affordable package. This helmet is an ideal option for road riding, commuting, or cruising around town. Available in three colours and three sizes.

Bell Super 3R MIPS Women’s

The Super 3R MIPS is Bell’s full face helmet for women who shred. The removable chin bar makes it more versatile than some full face options, while lightweight in-mold construction assures durability. MIPS technology gives more protection from some kinds of impacts. Bell fit in 23 vents, so it’s ready for hot-weather ripping. Four additional ports along the front of the helmet and six vents along the chin bar make the Super 3R breathable. The well-padded interior features X-Static fabric, and the adjustable visor accommodates a variety of goggle designs. Capture your runs on a point-of-view camera from Bell’s integrated mount, which breaks away in the event of a crash. Available in two colours and three sizes.

 

Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS Classic

The A1 MIPS Classic is designed for aggressive all-mountain riding with an extended profile for added coverage. TLD uses a reinforced polycarbonate shell that’s in-molded with the EPS foam liner for durability and safety. It features eight vents in the front and top of the helmet to draw airflow toward your head, and eight exhaust outlets help propel hot air out the back. A MIPS liner provides more protection against some rotational forces. TLD builds in a triple-position retention system for a secure fit. A single-piece, plush, anti-microbial liner can be removed for washing. The A1 is completed by an adjustable visor with anodized hardware. Available in eight colours and three sizes, we’re pretty sure there’s one to suit just about any rider.

Giro Chronicle MIPS

Quality protection at an affordable price is Giro’s goal with the Chronicle, which is designed for all-around trail riding. Giro draws on their high-end offering, the Montaro, for the Chronicle, which features 14 vents and a streamlined profile. Giro’s Roc Loc 5 system ensures a secure fit, while Coolmax padding wicks away sweat. A MIPS insert provides additional protection from some impacts. The Chronicle is goggle-friendly and includes an adjustable visor. We like the matte look of the Chronicle’s polycarbonate shell. It’s available in six colours and three sizes to help you stay stylish on the trails.

Fox Racing Metah CC

Fox’s long experience in mountain bike product design is on display with the Racing Metah. Fox uses a proprietary, multi-density foam they call Varizorb which aims to absorb impacts and keep you as protected as possible. Fox goes for size over quantity on the venting front with large vents on the top and sides. The Metah has extended coverage in the rear and temple area, which makes it a solid choice for aggressive trail riding. The fluid, integrated look of visor design is sure to catch eyes on the trail. Available in seven colours and two sizes.

 

POC Tectal

POC got their start in snow sports and have stayed true to their distinctive style in their cycling collections. The Tectal features a cubist shape and 15 vents. An extended profile in the back and temple areas keeps you safe, whether you’re ripping singletrack, climbing fire roads, or hucking off jumps. EPS foam forms the inner layer while a seamless, polycarbonate outer shell provides additional durability and protection. We like the large, elongated vents for hot-weather riding. A strap on the back secures goggles, while the one-handed fit adjustment keeps it comfortable on your head. An adjustable visor completes the trail-ready Tectal. Available in seven colours and three sizes.

Specialized Ambush

With the Ambush, Specialized has set out to design a helmet for enduro and intense trail use that offers superb ventilation. It features extended coverage and a patented Aramid-reinforced skeleton. Specialized’s proprietary Mindset system provides 360-degree fit adjustment. It also includes a five-position internal height adjustment to ensure your fit is dialed. Specialized uses a combination of vents, internal channels, and exhaust ports to help keep the air flowing through it. Small details such as a quick-drying liner, indexed visor, and easy-to-adjust strap design complete the Ambush. Available in three colours and two sizes.

Thousand Heritage Collection

The Thousand Heritage Collection brings a vintage moto vibe to cycling. We like the simple, classic style of the Heritage Collection, which features a rubberised matte finish. An easy-to-use magnetic buckle secures the straps, which are made from a vegan-friendly leather alternative. Seven low-profile vents and three internal cooling channels provide the air conditioning. Thousand also includes two sets of extra pads to customize your fit. Available in three colours and three sizes – although you may have to get this one shipped direct from USA or pick it up yourself if you visit the States.

 

Nutcase Street Helmet

Nutcase makes epically colorful helmets designed to keep you safe on your way to the office or the coffee shop or when you’re just out for a jaunt around town. We love their creative designs. This design includes 11 vents and durable construction. A magnetic buckle keeps straps secure and provides for easy one-handed operation. The Nutcase comes with three sets of foam pads to dial in your fit, and there’s a removable fit system inside. Ride it with the visor, or remove the visor for more visibility, but in either case, reflective details keep you visible even in low light. Nutcase certifies their helmets for cycling, scooter use, and skate. Not into the 19 available patterns? Nutcase also offers eight solid colours. All come in three sizes.

Bern Union MIPS

The sleek lines of the Union bring Bern’s urban sensibility to cycling. Twenty-one vents keep you cool while the Boa handles the 360-degree retention system to ensure a secure fit. Bern uses a proprietary manufacturing system to make a lower-profile, but still plenty safe, helmet. A wicking liner is ready to keep the sweat out of your eyes, and the flippable canvas brim offers shade when you need it. The Union also includes the MIPS system. Available in two colours and three sizes.

Giro Quarter

For everyday urban riding, the Giro Quarter offers affordable protection. It’s a street-style, vented lid with plenty of colour choices. The Quarter has an EPS liner and a hard shell exterior. Webbed straps keep it secured to your head, while soft interior pads absorb the inevitable perspiration and help dial in fit. Giro also adds a PU coating to the liner to increase its durability. Eight vents keep you cool. Available in five colours and three sizes.

Copyright © 2016 Rodale Inc.