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A cycling helmet is a crucial piece of gear for all cyclists that is even required by law in many countries. However, not all bike helmets are made equal, and with an overwhelming number of options on the market, it is difficult to determine which one is best for you. Is it worth paying extra, or should you settle for a less expensive option?
We answered this question below and put together 10 best road bike helmets under $200. These are high-quality options ranging from mid to premium quality. The majority of cyclists would be happy with any of the helmets on our list.
Our TOP 3 Best Road Bike Helmets Under 200$
Related articles:
Cheap and expensive road bike helmet – what is the difference?
Many assume that the more expensive a road bike helmet is, the safer it is. However, in reality, it is not that simple. Regardless of the price, all bike helmets need to meet specific safety standards. For example, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) are two institutions that regulate and certify all bike helmets sold in the US and EU.
A cheaper helmet can be as safe as a more expensive one since the safety requirements are the same. So then why do prices differ so much?
Well.. as the price increases, helmets get lighter, more aerodynamic, have better quality straps, are more comfortable to wear, offer better ventilation, more secure retention system, add more reinforcement, and look much sleeker!
It is also worth noting that, in general, more expensive helmets integrate MIPS or SPIN safety technology that should add extra protection during an accident.
What are MIPS and SPIN and do you really need it?
MIPS is an acronym for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, designed to reduce the rotational forces on the brain in case of an impact. It consists of soft interior layers that shift 10-15mm independently inside the helmet, lessening or reducing any rotational movement during a crash.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions about MIPS here.
The MIPS liner has proven effective and reliable when tested in laboratory simulations through third-party organizations. For example, Virginia Tech scored 30 different helmets on its safety. The top 6 helmets had an integrated MIPS technology. You can read more about the experiment here.
SPIN is another similar add safety technology developed by POC.
So, should you get a helmet with MIPS or SPIN? The answer really depends on you. If you are looking for the best possible protection, then go for it. It can’t hurt for sure! The good news is that nowadays, even budget helmets can have an integrated MIPS technology. So we think that it is worth choosing a helmet with this feature.
Of course, every accident is different, and none of the technologies or brands can offer complete protection. Just be mindful and careful on the road.
Our Pick of 10 Best Road Bike Helmets Under 200$
1. POC Omne Air Spin Road Bike Helmet
- MIPS: No, but has POC's SPIN technology
- Colors: 13
- Weight: Size M: 10.75oz / 305g
Positives
- Great-looking helmet
- Snug-fitting
- 360-degree adjustable dial
- Excellent ventilation
- SPIN technology
Negatives
- Ear straps can't be adjusted
- Not the lightest helmet out there
POC Omne Air Spin Bike Helmet is an excellent choice if you are looking for a high-quality and stylish helmet for under 200$. It is very comfortable to wear, offers excellent ventilation, and the POC”s SPIN technology provides additional head protection.
The helmet comes in many different colors, so you are sure to find one that you like and fits your outfit.
On the downside, ear straps on this helmet offer limited adjustments, and some riders struggle with it. Also, this is not the lightest helmet out there.
2. Giro Synthe MIPS II Adult Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- Integrated MIPS technology
- Great all-around features and performance
- Stylish look
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Negatives
- Not the cheapest
Giro is well known for making high-quality cycling products, and the Synthe MIPS II is no different. This helmet offers great all-around features and performance.
The design is compact and stylish, making it an excellent choice for road cyclists who care about how they look. The helmet is also very light and comfortable, which is ideal for long rides.
On the downside, it is not the cheapest helmet on our list. But if you are looking for a high-quality helmet with all the bells and whistles, then the Giro Synthe MIPS II is a great choice.
3. Bontrager Velocis MIPS Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- Super lightweight
- Integrated MIPS technology
- Very comfortable
- BOA closure system
- Excellent ventilation
- Ideal for racing
Negatives
- Not the cheapest
Bontrager Velocis MIPS Helmet is one of the best road bike helmets for under 200$. It is packed with premium features and is best suitable for racing and performance cycling.
The helmet is extremely lightweight, making it an excellent choice for road cyclists looking to save every ounce.
It is very comfortable to wear, and adjustments are easy to do due to the BOA closure system. In addition, the Bontrager Velocis offers excellent ventilation, making it perfect for hot summer days.
The only downside is that this helmet is not the cheapest on our list. But if you are looking for a high-performance road bike helmet, then the Bontrager Velocis MIPS is an excellent choice!
4. Smith Network MIPS Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- A lot of colors
- Stylish mate color design
- Excellent ventilation
- MIPS technology
Negatives
- Not the lightest helmet
- Absence of full circumference headband system can cause some fit discomfort
Smith Network MIPS Helmet is a great choice if you are looking for a great looking, very stylish, and durable helmet. It sits right in the middle of the Smith’s helmet collection.
The helmet comes in various colors and has a sleek matte finish. The helmet is also very well ventilated, making it a go-to choice for hot summer days.
However, it is not the lightest choice on our list, and some riders find the absence of a full circumference headband system to be uncomfortable if the rider’s head is not perfect for the shape of this helmet.
5. Kask Mojito 3 Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- Very comfortable due to outstanding padding
- Super light
- Good look
- Fits well
Negatives
- Lacks ventilation
- Does not include MIPS technology
Kask Mojito is a great choice for road cyclists looking for a good and reliable road bike helmet.
The helmet is extremely light, making it perfect for long rides and all-day adventures. In addition, the extra padding placed strategically throughout the helmet makes it very comfortable to wear.
The Kask Mojito also has a great look and fits well.
The only downsides are that this helmet does not offer the best ventilation and does not have MIPS technology.
6. Giro Cinder MIPS Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- Integrated MIPS technology
- Great price to quality ratio
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Good look
Negatives
- Not the lightest
- Offers a limited color choice
Giro Cinder MIPS is a great choice if you are looking for a high-quality helmet at a reasonable price.
The helmet is comfortable and offers a ton of adjustability, making it a great choice for different head sizes. It also looks good.
The only downside is that it is not the lightest helmet on our list and offers limited color choices. For example, Giro’s Synthe helmet is a premium and higher quality choice but naturally comes at a higher price.
7. Bell Z20 MIPS MIPS Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- Very comfortable due to high level of adjustability
- Great fit
- Excellent ventilation
- Integrated MIPS technology
- Sleek design
Negatives
- A bit on the heavier side
Bell Z20 MIPS is an excellent choice if you are looking for a comfortable and well-ventilated road bike helmet. This helmet offers an exceptional adjustability level, making it suitable for different head shapes and sizes.
The helmet also has a full circumference fit system, which ensures that the helmet sits well against most head shapes.
The only downside is that the helmet is a bit on the heavier side.
8. POC Octal MIPS Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- Sleek looking design and colors
- Fantastic ventilation
- MIPS technology
- Reflective elements
- Light
Negatives
- A bit bulky
- Padding is on a thinner side
POC Octal MIPS is an excellent choice for road cyclists looking for a highly lightweight and well-ventilated helmet.
It comes with an integrated MIPS technology and reflective elements to keep you safer on the road. We also really like its stylish look and sleek design.
The only downside is that the helmet is a bit bulky, and some riders find the padding to be on a thinner side.
Still, if you are looking for a light and well-ventilated road bike helmet, the POC Octal MIPS might be perfect!
9. BELL Stratus MIPS Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- Great ventilation
- Affordable price for the MIPS integrated helmet
- Fits really well
- Includes sweat padding
Negatives
- Not the sharpest looking helmet
BELL Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet is a solid, reliable choice if looking for an affordable MIPS helmet. It offers excellent ventilation and fits really well.
The helmet comes with sweat padding, which is a great addition for the warmer summer days.
The only downside is that this helmet is not the best-looking one out there.
Overall, it is an excellent choice for the price and offers good value for your money, but don’t expect anything outstanding.
10. Lazer Sphere MIPS Road Bike Helmet
Positives
- Top rated safety helmet
- Highly adjustable and very comfortable to wear
- Solid-looking
- Well priced
Negatives
- Heavier than some alternatives
Lazer Sphere MIPS is a great choice if you are looking for a safe and comfortable road bike helmet.
The fit is highly adjustable, making it suitable for different head shapes and sizes.
The Lazer Sphere MIPS is a top-rated safety helmet and looks solid with its matte finish.
The only downside is that it is a bit on the heavier side when compared to some of the other helmets on our list.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What to look for in a bike helmet?
Safety: Needless to say, safety is the essential factor to consider when purchasing a bike helmet. All helmets sold and imported in the US must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. We talked about this at the beginning of the article. Having the MIPS technology integrated into helmets is a good idea, but this is really up to you in the end.
Fit: The first thing to look for in a bike helmet is fit. Helmets should be snug but not too tight, and they should sit level on your head with no minimum rocking side to side or front to back. You can’t know for sure if a particular helmet fits you well before you try it on. If you plan to buy online, we recommend looking for a website with a good returns policy. Try your new helmet on, and if it does not fit well, send it back.
Sunglasses compatibility: When trying a helmet on, make sure to test if it is compatible with your glasses. Some helmets fit pretty low and are not compatible with some sunglasses.
Ventilation: Choose a helmet that has plenty of ventilation. Look at the number of vents and overall helmet construction to assess how good it is at keeping you cool in warmer temperatures.
Weight: You also need to consider the weight of a helmet. Especially on longer rides, the extra weight really makes a difference on your neck and head over time. So do take into account how much a helmet weighs.
Comfort: The next thing you need is comfort. Comfort is not a specific feature but a combination of multiple things. For example, the padding on a helmet is significant for comfort as well as ventilation, adjustable straps, and a rotational dial. Unfortunately, you can’t predict comfort, so get a helmet you like, try it on, and see how it feels. Send it back if you don’t like it.
Adjustments: You also want to make sure that you have the proper adjustments for a bike helmet. The straps should be adjustable to find a perfect fit a eliminate uncomfortable pressure on your head or neck. Also, look for a helmet with a rotational dial adjustment system. This dial usually allows you to make micro-adjustments and thus also improve the fit and comfort.
Look: The style and look of your helmet are also important. After all, you want to be safe and have a helmet that will last, but it also needs to look good!
Aerodynamics: This is another consideration you can consider when looking for a bike helmet. It will improve your riding performance, but not as crucial if you are just getting started or taking short trips on the weekends.
Reflectivity: Another thing to look for is reflectivity. A bike helmet with a lot of reflective material will keep you safer when riding at night or early in the morning during low light conditions.
Crash replacement policy: You should also consider what a manufacturer or a retailer will do in case of an accident. For example, some manufacturers offer a crash replacement policy that allows you to replace your damaged helmet at a reduced cost or even for free. So make sure to check their policy before the purchase.
LED light compatibility: If you plan to cycle at night and especially in the city, it is a good idea to have extra rear light attached to your helmet. In these circumstances, we recommend you get a helmet that is compatible with an LED light. Most helmets are compatible by default but worth double-checking.
2. How to choose the right helmet size?
To find the right helmet size, you need to measure the circumference of your head. To do so, use a flexible measuring tape and place the end of it around your head where you would like to wear the helmet. The measurement is done from front to back, just above your ears.
Once you know your head’s circumference, you need to check the sizing guide of a helmet you are interested in. It is also a good idea to have some extra room when it comes to size if you want to wear a hat or a headband in winter. For example, if you are right on the border of different sizes, you might want to consider going for a slightly larger size.
3. How do I choose a road bike helmet?
Choosing a road bike helmet is not an easy task, and it’s hard to know without trying on the specific model. The best thing to do would be to look at the question above on “What to look for in a bike helmet?” and decide what are the most important features to you. Also, look at the list of budget bike helmets we narrowed down in this article. There are plenty of options on this list, and we are confident you will find one that suits your needs.
4. What is the best helmet for road cycling?
It depends on your needs and goals. For example, if you want the lightest helmet for long-distance cycling, then Kask Mojito 3 Road Bike Helmet is a great choice. However, if look and style, in addition to safety, are your top considerations, then POC Omne Air Spin or Bontrager Velocis MIPS would be the preferred choices.
5. What is the best bike helmet brand?
This is a difficult question to answer. Best bike helmet brands will differ depending on the person and their needs. For example, some people might prioritize safety more than weight or aerodynamics. These factors could also change over time as your priorities shift. Nevertheless, we like several helmet brands — for example, Giro, Smith, POC, Bontrager, and Kask.
6. What are the different types of helmets?
There are many different types of sub-types of bike helmets. However, the three broad categories are:
Road bike helmet: Best for long-distance riding, racing, and very high speeds.
MTB bike helmet: Best for offroad biking such as mountain biking or cross country trails.
Urban/commuting bike helmet: Best option if you’re not riding extreme terrain but want a safety precaution while cycling in traffic on paved roads.
7. What is the lightest road helmet?
The lightest road bike helmet in our review is the Kask Mojito 3. Size M weighs around 8.11oz / 230g making it excellent for long-distance riding when you don’t want to carry the extra weight. However, Kask Mojito 3 decided not to incorporate some additional safety features like MIPS. Also, their helmets were not tested by Virginia Tech (independent helmet safety tester). We are not saying that this helmet is not safe, as it must comply with all safety regulations, but it’s hard to say where it stacks up against the competition.
8. What is the most visible color for a bike helmet?
The best color for a bike helmet is the one that makes you most visible to others, especially drivers. This means bright colors like fluorescent yellow, green, or orange. You can also find helmets with built-in LED lights for even better visibility at night or in low-light conditions.
9. Do all road bike helmets have MIPS?
No, not all road bike helmets have MIPS. However, more and more helmet manufacturers are incorporating MIPS into their manufacturing as it has been shown to reduce rotational forces on the brain in the event of a crash.
10. Does Giro make good helmets?
Giro is a well-respected helmet brand with a long history of making high-quality products. Professional cyclists and amateurs alike use their helmets. Our favorite Giro helmets include the Giro Synthe MIPS, Giro Cinder MIPS, and Giro Aglis MIPS.
11. Can you add MIPS to a helmet?
No, you cannot add MIPS to a helmet. MIPS is built into the helmet at the time of manufacture and cannot be added after the fact.
12. What is the best budget road bike helmet?
We actually have a separate article on the 15 best road bike helmets under $100 that you can check out here. It has a lot of great options to choose from.
13. Should I replace my bike helmet after a crash?
Yes, you should always replace your bike helmet after a crash. Even if the helmet seems undamaged, it could have been weakened in the impact and may not provide adequate protection in another crash.
Why should you trust us?
In order to feature and review any products on our website we do extensive research, read user feedback, carefully review forum threads, look at search trends, brand popularity, try to actually use and test as many products as possible ourselves, and evaluate other factors depending on the product category. By doing extensive research and incorporating it with our own experience we are able to shortlist only a handful of products out of thousands of options.
We want to bring value to our readers and help them find answers to questions and buy the most appropriate cycling products. Brands and cycling professionals always try to innovate and improve to get the best possible outcome. Unfortunately, innovations and product improvements these days result only in marginal gains, but the price increase for these gains is not equally proportional. In economics, this behavior is defined as “diminishing returns”. Knowing this we focus on featuring the best value for the money products that are affordable, but at the same time have a lot to offer. We don’t want our visitors to overspend on something they will not benefit from.
