The best commuter cycling helmets

When commuting on your bike, you might want something different to a road cycling helmet if it's through a city. Of course, you can use whichever helmet you already have, but for those long travels to and from work, you might want to think about investing in one of the best commuter cycling helmets.

The best commuter cycling helmets at a glance

• Best commuter cycling helmet: Giro Camden MIPS Bike Helmet - View on eBay
• Best sporty commuter cycling helmet: POC Omne Air Bike Helmet - View on Amazon
• Best commuter cycling helmet with non-MIPS protection: KASK Moebius WG11 Urban Helmet - View on Halfords

Like choosing your bike, finding the right helmet for you can be a tricky task. Commuter helmets look very similar to regular road bike helmets; they offer protection and, generally speaking, provide less ventilation. This is because the consensus over commuting is that you'll be going at a much more leisurely pace, rather than someone who would be riding their road bike for fitness, for example.

There also might be a bit more safety tech crammed into your commuter helmet. Let's go through that now.

Built-in protection

Helmet manufacturers have started developing how their helmets work, which goes beyond the external shell; the technology inside the crash structure of the helmet has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. This is just on the outside of the helmet – inside the helmet, protection has changed too.

Many manufacturers have adopted the Multi-directional Impact Protection System, also known as MIPS. This is a patented protection system against the rotational forces which can occur during an incident.

Some manufacturers have taken on their version of this impact protection system and developed one to work with their helmets. If they have, we will make sure to explain it if we come across it.

If you want to add a little extra security and safety to your commute, you could always add an action camera to your helmet - think of them as a dash cam for bikes.

Ventilation

This can be a personal preference, whether you want a bit more coverage for your head or a bit more air flowing through – it's a seasonal thing, too.

If you're commuting more in the summer, you might want something with more ventilation to keep you cool. Conversely, if you're riding year-round, you might want something with a little less ventilation to help keep you warmer in Winter and keep the rain off your head when it inevitably falls.

Do I have to pay more for more excellent safety?

The general rule of thumb is yes. Just like an electric bike costing £2,000 will be better than a £500 option, the more you pay, the better the helmet. While there is no legal requirement, nor is it compulsory for you to wear a helmet to ride a bike in the UK, there are some safety standards to which helmets must adhere and here's what you should look out for.

Helmets sold in the UK must comply with Europe's General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR), adopted by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in 2005. The GPSR Standard for bike helmets is EN 1078, and the BSI Standard is BS EN 1078. BS EN 1078 is the standard most common for helmets in the UK and is generally displayed somewhere on the packaging or helmet itself. You can tell if your helmet complies with these standards if they show either of these symbols:

We believe you should always purchase the safest helmet you can afford - after all, it may save your life one day.

SHOP: The best commuter cycling helmets

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

The best commuter cycling helmets: FAQs

Is it better to have a visor on a bike helmet?

Whether or not to have a visor on a cycling helmet is up to your own personal preference. Having an accessory on your cycling helmet, like a visor, can come with a few benefits, like protecting your eyes from sunlight or rain, and stop debris and dirt from getting in your face. Alternatively, some cyclists find visors incredibly distracting, and they create additional wind resistance which can affect your aerodynamics.

How often should I replace my bike helmet?

Even the bestcycling helmets need to be replaced once in a while, it's recommended that they're changed every three to five years. Over time factors like UV exposure, sweat and normal wear and tear can degrade the helmet's materials and compromise its ability to protect your head in the event of an accident.

If you (and your helmet) have been in a crash, no matter how big or small, you must replace it as the impact can weaken its structure.

The best thing to do is just inspect your helmet for signs of damage, including cracks, dents or frayed straps, and replace it if you notice any scratches or defects. This is so you can ride your bike with the highest levels of safety in mind.

How can I make my bike helmet more comfortable?

Wearing your helmet correctly is the best way to make it feel more comfortable. Here a few ways to check you're wearing it right.

Use a mirror

Your helmet should fit comfortably but snugly, on your head. The front of your helmet should cover most of your forehead.

Utilise the chin strap

The chin strap is there for a reason - use it! The strap should be tight enough that you struggle to fit your finger between the strap and your chin. It's also essential that the V on the side of the straps should sit below your ears.

Helmet position

Your cycling helmet should sit level on your head so that it doesn't move more than an inch in any direction.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial when cycling, specifically for sunny days. Helmets with ample ventilation will increase comfort by keeping your head cool.

Myles Warwood was a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, Parkers and CAR. His areas of expertise include cycling, fitness tech and hot hatches.

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