By Simon von Bromley

Published: Thursday, 02 December 2021 at 12:00 am


Here’s our selection of the best road cycling helmets currently available for 2021. We’ve made sure to include choices for a wide range of budgets, from entry-level helmets right the way through to top-end options for racers.

For most, fit, ventilation and comfort matter over all else. All of the helmets listed here are tested to stringent safety standards, and ensuring that a helmet fits well will also ensure it can do its job of keeping you safe in the event of a crash.

Many helmets are now designed with aerodynamic qualities in mind, too, which has an effect on shape, size and overall looks.

While some dedicated aero helmets are included here, you can also check out our list of the best aero helmets on the market.

If you’re looking for off-road helmets ,you can also check out our selection of the best mountain bike helmets.

Once you’ve finished exploring all of the options, keep reading to the end to check out our buyer’s guide to road helmets.

Best road bike helmets in 2021, as rated and reviewed by the BikeRadar team 

  • Bell Avenue MIPS: $120 / £65
  • Specialized S-Works Evade with ANGi: £250 / $275 / €320
  • Bell Zephyr MIPS: £200 / $230 / AU$369
  • Bontrager Starvos WaveCel: £100 / $100 / €110
  • Bontrager Velocis MIPS: £150 / $210/ €199 / AU$250
  • Bontrage XXX WaveCel Road: £200 / $300 / €250
  • Endura Pro SL: £150 / €200
  • Giro Foray MIPS: £80 / $85 / €100 / AU$99
  • Kask Protone: £225 / $199 / AU$269 / €255
  • Lazer Blade: £70 / $100 / €68
  • Mavic Comete Ultimate MIPS: £245 / €270 / $297
  • MET Idolo: £50 / €60 
  • MET Rivale HES: £110 / $99 / €130 / AU$199.95
  • MET Trenta 3K Carbon: £265 / €300
  • Oakley ARO5: £199 / $250 / €250
  • Rudy Project Spectrum: £170 / €179
  • Scott Cadence Plus: £170 / $240 / €250 / AU$340
  • Scott Centric Plus: £150 / $200 / €200 / AU$300
  • Specialized Propero 3 ANGi: £110 / $140 / €140
  • Sweet Protection Falconer MIPS: £210 / $230 / €230
  • Van Rysel RoadR 500: £30 / $40 / €35 
  • Abus GameChanger: £180 / $245 / €220 / AU$340
  • Abus AirBreaker: £229 / €250
  • Abus StormChaser: £130
  • Bell Stratus MIPS: £135 / $170
  • Coros Safesound Road: £93 / $100 
  • Endura Xtract II: £60 / €75
  • Giro Vanquish MIPS: £230 / $275 / €250 / AU$430
  • HJC Valeco: £125 / €149
  • Kali Therapy: £90 / $100
  • Kask Valegro: £170 / $250 / AU$299 (Gloss colours), AU$309 (Matt colours)
  • Lazer Century: £130 / €160 / $160
  • Lazer Genesis: £180
  • MET Allroad: £70 / €80
  • MET Manta MIPS: £220 / AU$388 / €250
  • MET Rivale MIPS: £140 / €150
  • POC Omne Air SPIN: £140 / $150 / €160

Bell Avenue MIPS

5.0 out of 5 star rating
"Bell
The Bell Avenue MIPS helmet offers truly outstanding value.
Dave Caudery / Immediate Media
  • $120 / £65 as tested
  • Outstanding value
  • MIPS tech and user-friendly features

There was a time when MIPS technology held a significant premium and was used almost exclusively in the most expensive of helmets. Those times are very much in the past, with Bell’s Avenue MIPS being a perfect example.

Its retention system is easy to adjust and very effective, while the polycarbonate shell features 18 vents to keep things nice and cool, as well as reflective highlights to boost visibility.

Its 310g weight is going to be heavier than quite a few helmets at this price, but we think it’s a sound trade-off when you consider just how well this lid performs for its price tag.