When it comes to cycling, safety should always be a top priority, and a high-quality bicycle helmet is a crucial piece of protective gear. With a myriad of helmet brands available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right helmet that fits your needs.
In this article, I have compiled a list of leading bicycle helmet brands to guide your search. From well-established names like Giro and Bell to innovative brands like Abus and POC, this list will introduce you to a diverse range of helmet manufacturers known for their commitment to safety, comfort, and style.
| Helmet brand | Year founded | Origin country | Popular models | Brand description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Abus | 1924 | Germany | Abus Airbreaker, Abus Gamechanger | A German brand offering fashionable bike helmets across all cycling disciplines with increased visibility in road cycling due to their partnership with Movistar Team. |
 Bell | 1954 | United States | Bell XR MIPS, Bell Stratus MIPS | A long-time helmet brand known for high-quality motorcycle helmets, expanding into bicycle helmets in recent years. |
 Bern | 2005 | United States | Bern Hudson, Bern Brentwood 2.0 | A privately held company producing stylish helmets for various sports, including cycling, skateboarding, snow, and watersports. |
 Bontrager | 1965 | United States | Bontrager XXX Wavecel | The sister brand to Trek, focusing on accessories and apparel. Exclusive use of WaveCel technology for enhanced head protection. |
 Ekoi Racing | 2001 | France | Ekoi AR14 | A French brand popular among pro riders in road racing and triathlons, known for offering helmets at competitive prices. |
 Giro | 1985 | United States | Giro Aether Spherical | The leading helmet brand with a wide range of cycling gear, including MIPS-equipped helmets and other cycling accessories. |
 HJC Sports | 1971 | South Korea | HJC Ibex 2.0 | An established brand in the Moto GP helmet industry, expanding into road racing and triathlon helmets for cycling. |
 Kask | 2004 | Italy | Kask Protone Icon | An Italian brand known for stylish helmets and partnerships with successful professional cycling teams. |
 Lazer | 1919 | Belgium | Lazer Z1 MIPS, Lazer G1 MIPS | A long-standing helmet specialist with a presence in various cycling disciplines, favored by professional cyclists. |
 Limar | 1986 | Italy | Limar Air Revolution | An Italian brand focusing on aerodynamic and innovative helmet designs, offering options for road, gravel, mountain, and dirt biking. |
 MET | 1987 | Italy | MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS | A brand with a wide range of helmets for different cycling disciplines, including road, off-road, downhill, and urban. |
 Nutcase | 2000 | United States | Nutcase Little Nutty | A helmet brand with a family-oriented focus, offering a variety of helmet designs for parents, kids, toddlers, and babies, originating from the United States. Nutcase emphasizes designs that cater to the needs of different family members. |
 Oakley | 1975 | United States | Oakley Aro 3 MIPS | Known for performance cycling sunglasses, Oakley expanded into road cycling helmets with the Aro range. |
 POC | 2004 | Sweden | POC Ventral Air SPIN | A Swedish-based brand known for designing stylish helmets and sunglasses, featuring innovative technologies like SPIN for rotational force protection. |
 Rudy Project | 1985 | Italy | Rudy Project Spectrum | Widely recognized for its extensive range of performance eyewear, Rudy Project also offers a strong lineup of bike helmets. |
 Scott | 1958 | United States | Scott Cadence | Renowned for its road and mountain bikes, Scott also provides a selection of helmets alongside their apparel and accessories. |
 Smith Optics | 1965 | United States | Smith Trace MIPS | An American outdoor brand specializing in eyewear, Smith Optics expanded into helmets, offering options for various cycling disciplines. |
 Specialized | 1974 | United States | S-Works Prevail 2 | A leading brand in the cycling industry, offering a comprehensive range of products, including helmets equipped with the ANGi crash sensor for enhanced safety. |
FAQ
What should I look for when choosing a helmet brand?
When choosing a helmet brand, consider its reputation, safety certifications, helmet features, comfort, and style.
Look for brands that prioritize safety, offer helmets with relevant certifications (e.g., CPSC, EN1078), and provide features that align with your cycling needs.
How do I know if a helmet brand is reputable and reliable?
Look for well-established brands with a history of producing quality helmets, positive customer reviews, and adherence to safety standards. Check for safety certifications, industry awards, and partnerships with professional cycling teams, as these can indicate a brand’s commitment to quality and performance.
Are expensive helmet brands always better than budget-friendly options?
Expensive helmet brands often use better materials, are lighter, have advanced features, and have superior ventilation. However, budget-friendly options can still provide adequate safety and protection. Choosing a helmet that meets safety standards and fits properly is important, regardless of the price.
More reading : 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Bicycle Helmets
Can you recommend affordable helmet brands without compromising quality and safety?
Brands like Abus, Bern, and Nutcase offer affordable helmet options without compromising quality and safety. These brands often provide a range of bike helmets with varying price points, ensuring that riders on a budget can still find helmets with reliable protection and decent features.
Are there any emerging helmet brands that are gaining recognition in the market?
Yes, there are emerging helmet brands that are gaining recognition in the market. Ekoi Racing, Limar, and Rudy Project are a few examples. These brands are known for their competitive pricing, focus on performance, and increasing popularity among professional cyclists.
More reading : Helmets Worn by Cyclists at Tour de France
Are there helmet brands that cater to specific age groups, such as children or toddlers?
Yes, several helmet brands offer models specifically designed for children or toddlers. Brands like Bern and Nutcase provide helmets with appropriate sizing, child-friendly designs, and additional safety features to cater to the specific needs of young riders.