The Best Bike Helmets: Staff Picks

The Thousand Heritage II helmet is one of the most striking helmets on the road with a slick, retro aesthetic. Thousand retained the same cool vibes and features like an easy-to-use magnetic chin strap buckle while adding notable upgrades. The 2.0 version offers better ventilation and internal cooling channels, and the option to integrate a magnetic tail light (sold separately). The interior of the helmet has been redesigned with comfort in mind too, with additional padding to fit more head shapes. And you still get the Thousand-patented PopLock channel, which allows you to lock the helmet to the bike; just pop out the small, round "thsd" logo and pass your U-lock or chain lock through the hole. Buy here.

Bike commuters want a customizable helmet that keeps them cool when navigating pavement, gravel, trails or all the above on their way to work. It's no wonder then that reviewers love the Smith Signal Mips with its multivented road design. "Great fit—love the ratchet style adjustment and plenty of air flow to keep your head cool," says one customer-reviewer. "The color is definitely an attention getter and welcomed since I do mostly road riding—high visibility is everything." A rotary dial makes it easy to adjust the helmet's fit. That entire tension system can also move up and down, or forward and backward to further personalize your lid. A plethora of vents channel air to help keep you cool and your glasses fog-free. And there's a channel that makes it easy to store your glasses. Inside, find a low-friction layer that slides 10 mm to 15 mm in all directions, reducing rotational motion to the brain during impact—this is Mips®. Buy here.

The redesigned Giro Fixture II boasts the safety tech of the brand's leading adult helmets in a smaller version for your mini me. The lid's revised silhouette offers a more streamlined look that integrates Mips®, a protection system designed to reduce rotational forces in a crash. Beyond that, there's plenty more for any caregiver to love. The Fixture II is simple for kiddos to fasten or adjust on their own with one hand; the dial of the patented Roc Loc Sport fit system clicks as it tightens or loosens. It's also ponytail compatible, while quick-dry padding allows your kid to ride comfortably day after day. Reflective decals on the Fixture II help add visibility when your child's riding streets and sidewalks. Buy here.

Trail and cross-country riders don't usually need full face protection if they're riding less-gnarly terrain and prefer comfort and breathability. What they do need is a protective helmet in a lightweight, breathable package. Enter the Smith Convoy, which weighs just 11 ounces thanks to its weight-shaving in-mold construction and ample vents for maximum ventilation. The beauty of bike helmets today is that those weight savings don't come at the expense of the leading tech. The Convoy features Smith's fit adjustment system, for example, and Mips, which reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head. "Adjustment provides a snug, comfortable fit and it is very lightweigt so there is no pressure buildup over a long ride," says one customer. Not high-tech, but a sweet bonus: the Convoy's built-in channels that hold your sunglasses when you don't need 'em. Buy here.

While the U.S. hasn't adopted e-bike specific helmet standards, the Bontrager Charge WaveCel adheres to Dutch standards, known as NTA 8776. That standard certifies helmets to be used at the higher speeds that some e-bikes reach. In addition to user-friendly features, like an easy, magnetic chin strap closure and Boa® tension system that lets you tighten your lid with one hand, the Charge comes equipped with Bontrager WaveCel tech. WaveCel is a collapsible cellular structure that lines the inside of the helmet and works like a crumple zone that absorbs the force of an impact. And the Charge is covered by the Bontrager crash-replacement guarantee, so if you do find yourself in an accident during your first year of owning the helmet, the brand will send you a free replacement. Buy here.

The Smith Persist 2 hits all the roadie highlights in a light, well-ventilated package. Comfort matters when you're laying down the hammer. Reviewers rave about the Persist's adjustability, soft lining and AirEvac ventilation system, which pulls hot air away from your brow when you're working hard, as well as the brand's trademark system that allows you to customize the fit to your head. "This is the first helmet that has properly fit me," one customer commented. "It's snug and very comfortable for long rides."

Full-face helmets offer maximum protection, making them a logical pick for riders who crave speed. These helmets provide added protection in the back of the head, sides and chin, and help protect your face and mouth in the event of a crash. The Mainline from Smith is a top-of-the-line mountain biking helmet designed for superior comfort and impact protection. The helmet is built from Koroyd®, an ultra-light material made up of tiny tubes that are designed to collapse instantly and evenly, absorbing more energy on impact. The Mainline also incorporates Mips®, a low friction layer inside the helmet that helps add protect against rotational motion transferred to the brain. (A few reviewers complain about noise issues while wearting the helmet; however, some suggest that it goes away once you fine-tune the fit with multiple face pad kits). As for comfort, 21 vents and the Smith AirEvac ventilation system moves air through the helmet to enhance breathability. "I rode several hours of x-country and downhill trails without it becoming hot," adds another reviewer. Buy here.