Road bike helmet test: Expensive versus cheap - 26 helmets compared

This article was first published in August 2020 and was revised in June 2024.

Overview: 26 road bike helmets from 80 to 320 euros in the TOUR test

• Abus Airbreaker
• Abus Viantor
• Bontrager XXX Wavecell
• Bontrager Starvos Wavecell
• Cratoni C-Pro
• Cratoni C-Bolt
• Endura Pro SL
• Endura FS260-Pro
• Giro Aether Mips
• Giro Agilis Mips
• Kask Protone
• Kask Rapido
• Lazer Genesis
• Lazer Blade +
• POC Ventral Air Spin
• POC Omne Air Mips
• Rudy Project Sprectrum
• Rudy Project Rush
• Scott Centric Plus Mips
• Scott ARX Plus Mips
• Smith Trace Mips
• Smith Portal Mips
• Specialised Prevail II Mips ANGI
• Specialised Echelon II Mips
• Uvex Race 9
• Uvex Race 7

New materials and technologies make bicycle helmets safer - as shown by TOUR's crash tests. Safety technologies such as MIPS and the like measurably reduce the risk of concussion by giving the head additional rotational freedom in the event of an oblique impact. Expensive helmets often have such features and therefore perform better on average than cheaper helmets. However, advanced technology is also occasionally found in cheaper helmets. Our test also shows that the current standardisation is outdated.

How much more safety do Mips & Co. offer?

For the first time, we were able to measure the protective effect of mips and co. in an elaborate, innovative test procedure and, based on this data, objectively determine which helmet provides better protection than others. In the overall ranking, the expensive helmets come out on top, even in a direct pair comparison between manufacturers, the more expensive model is usually better, but the cheaper model also wins four times.

There was no helmet for you among the models tested? Then take a look at our test of aerodynamic helmets. Visor helmets pre: To the complete visor helmet test.

How TOUR tests road bike helmets

TOUR has the highest test standards in the cycling industry. For the current test, two employees worked for weeks (day and sometimes night).

Laboratory test: Safety test

The helmet is placed on an aluminium test head weighing 4.9 kilograms, and the straps and headband are closed according to the real model. Butyl pads imitate the flexibility of the scalp. During the simulated fall, the helmet and head are guided on a sled and hit the ground at an angle of 45 degrees at a speed of 21 kilometres per hour. The road represents
in the test setup is a steel surface covered with 40-grit sandpaper to imitate the roughness of the asphalt. We proceed analogue to the test facilities at Mips, Virginia Tech and various research institutes.

We test at least two samples of each helmet. In the first run of the Safety tests In the first test we hit the helmet on the forehead, in the second on the side. Acceleration and induced rotation caused by the impact on the slope are measured and recorded. The mean value from four measurements is given; this accounts for 25 per cent of the final score. After the test, the helmets mostly show cracks and occasionally small chipped areas. Structurally, however, the helmets all remain intact and some barely show any signs of the crashes. Internally, however, they are damaged. Occasionally, we had helmets hit the same spot several times. The protective effect becomes weaker each time.

The Ventilation we test with a wind machine. The heated, helmeted head is exposed to the airflow and we determine the cooling capacity in watts. This accounts for 20 per cent of the final score, as does the weight of the helmet.

Practical test

We systematically assess the strap system and headband according to a variety of criteria in terms of function and handling, with each point contributing 10 per cent to the rating. Several TOUR testers carry out the fit and practicality check.

<<More about the test protocols of the TOUR magazine>>

The road bike helmets in the individual test

Abus Airbreaker

• Price: 250 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 213 grams, 18 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 52-58, 59-61 cm
• Extras: Helmet bag
• Fit tendency: All-round, narrow
• Measured values: 88 watts / 0.38 / 100 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 2,0
• Cooling (20 %): 2,7
• Weight (20 %): 1,0
• Headband (10 %): 1,5
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 2,0

Conclusion: Slim design for slim heads, lightest helmet in the test, overlapping sizes, straps below the ears not adjustable, many colours.

Abus Viantor

• Price: 90 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 275 gram, 10 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 52-58, 58-62 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 93 watts / 0.38 / 127 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 3,3
• Cooling (20 %): 1,7
• Weight (20 %): 2,0
• Headband (10 %): 2,0
• Belt system (10 %): 1,5

Overall grade (100 %): 2,4

Conclusion: Two sizes overlap, good cooling, slightly wider than the top model, average safety values, many colours

Bontrager XXX WaveCel

• Price: 244 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 350 gram, 5 variants
• Sizes: 51-57, 54-60, 58-63 cm
• Extras: Replacement pad, bag
• Fit tendency: All-round, wide
• Measured values: 84 watts / 0.27 / 97 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 1,7
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,7
• Cooling (20 %): 3,3
• Weight (20 %): 3,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,5
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 2,3

Conclusion: Large and heavy due to the additional honeycomb construction, low cooling, one year free replacement after a fall

Bontrager Starvos WaveCel

• Price: 110 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 370 grams, 3 variants
• Sizes: 51-57, 54-60, 58-63, 60-66 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: All-round, wide
• Measured values: 84 watts / 0.27 / 96 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 1,7
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,7
• Cooling (20 %): 3,3
• Weight (20 %): 3,7
• Headband (10 %): 1,9
• Belt system (10 %): 2,3

Overall grade (100 %): 2,3

Conclusion: Four sizes overlapping, like the expensive model it is relatively large and heavy, low cooling, but can convince in terms of safety

Cratoni C-Pro

• Price: 230 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 299 grams, 3 variants
• Sizes: 54-58, 57-61 cm
• Extras: Camera holder, spare pads, rear light
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 92 watts / 0.42 / 131 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 3,3
• Cooling (20 %): 2.0
• Weight (20 %): 2,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,4
• Belt system (10 %): 1,0

Overall grade (100 %): 2,4

Conclusion: Helmet shell reaches far over the back of the head, ratchet lock with practical pull tab for opening, quite heavy, many extras

Cratoni C-Bolt

• Price: 100 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 236 grams, 4 variants
• Sizes: 53-56, 56-59, 59-62 cm
• Extras: Replacement pad with fly screen
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 93 watts / 0.4 / 97 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,7
• Cooling (20 %): 1,7
• Weight (20 %): 1,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,4
• Belt system (10 %): 1,5

Overall grade (100 %): 1,8

Conclusion: Very good price-performance ratio, practical ratchet lock with tab for opening, only satisfactory for "Security rotation"

Endura Pro SL

• Price: 200 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 237 grams, 4 variants
• Sizes: 51-56, 55-59, 58-63 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 95 Watt / 0.37 / 97 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,7
• Cooling (20 %): 1,7
• Weight (20 %): 1,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,6
• Belt system (10 %): 1,8

Overall grade (100 %): 1,8

Conclusion: Medium size is relatively small, lightweight and good cooling performance despite additional honeycomb protective layer

Endura FS260-Pro

• Price: 120 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 225 gram, 5 variants
• Sizes: 51-56, 55-59, 58-63 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 89 watts / 0.37 / 124 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 3,0
• Cooling (20 %): 2,3
• Weight (20 %): 1,0
• Headband (10 %): 1,5
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 2,2

Conclusion: Three overlapping sizes, very light for the price range, less impact protection than the more expensive top model, integrated insect net

Giro Aether Mips

• Price: 320 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 282 grams, 12 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 55-59, 59-63 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 91 watts / 0.22 / 88 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 1,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,3
• Cooling (20 %): 2,3
• Weight (20 %): 2,0
• Headband (10 %): 1,6
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 1,7

Conclusion: The double polystyrene shell with Mips buffers offers a safety plus, small turning wheel for width adjustment, many colours, expensive

Giro Agilis Mips

• Price: 100 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 288 grams, 8 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 55-59, 59-63 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 91 watts / 0.28 / 109 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 2,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 2,3
• Cooling (20 %): 2,3
• Weight (20 %): 2,0
• Headband (10 %): 1,8
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 2,1

Conclusion: Good performance in all categories, but the integrated Mips doesn't work quite as convincingly as the expensive top model

Kask Protone

• Price: 240 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 230 grams, 25 variants
• Sizes: 50-56, 52-58, 59-62 cm
• Extras: Bag
• Fit tendency: Allround, short
• Measured values: 99 watts / 0.40 / 127 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 3,3
• Cooling (20 %): 1,0
• Weight (20 %): 1,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,5
• Belt system (10 %): 1,5

Overall grade (100 %): 2,1

Conclusion: Fits relatively small and short, top for ventilation and weight, belt buckle closes at the side, compromises on safety, lots of colours

Kask Rapido

• Price: 80 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 220 gram, 10 variants
• Sizes: 52-58, 59-62 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround, short
• Measured values: 99 watts / 0.40 / 127 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 3,0
• Cooling (20 %): 1,0
• Weight (20 %): 1,0
• Headband (10 %): 2,3
• Belt system (10 %): 1,3

Overall grade (100 %): 2,0

Conclusion: Relatively small and short, only two sizes, top cooling performance, belt buckle on the side, only satisfactory in both safety categories

Lazer Genesis

• Price: 220 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 216 grams, 5 variants
• Sizes: 52-56, 55-59, 58-61 cm
• Extras: Bags, replacement pads
• Fit tendency: Allround, short
• Measured values: 89 watts / 0.39 / 93 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,7
• Cooling (20 %): 2,7
• Weight (20 %): 1,0
• Headband (10 %): 1,9
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 2,0

Conclusion: Very light, sizes overlap, relatively short construction, width adjustment is integrated into the top of the helmet shell, large pigtail recess

Lazer Blade+

• Price: 100 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 285 grams, 6 variants
• Sizes: 50-54, 52-56, 55-59, 58-61, 61-64 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround, short
• Measured values: 90 watts / 0.39 / 135 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 3,7
• Cooling (20 %): 2,3
• Weight (20 %): 2,0
• Headband (10 %): 2,0
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 2,6

Conclusion: Very short and can pinch on the forehead and back of the head, but many overlapping sizes, weak impact protection

POC Ventral Air Spin

• Price: 255 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 243 grams, 7 variants
• Sizes: 50-56, 54-59, 56-61 cm
• Extras: Bag
• Fit tendency: All-round, narrow
• Measured values: 96 watts / 0.32 / 89 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 2,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,3
• Cooling (20 %): 1,3
• Weight (20 %): 1,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,8
• Belt system (10 %): 1,3

Overall grade (100 %): 1,5

Conclusion: Test winner: No weaknesses, light and airy to wear, easy to adjust the width and straps

POC Omne Air Spin

• Price: 180 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 312 gram, 5 variants
• Sizes: 50-56, 54-59, 56-61 cm
• Extras: Bag
• Fit tendency: All-round, narrow
• Measured values: 96 Watt / 0.31 / 105 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 2,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 2,0
• Cooling (20 %): 1,3
• Weight (20 %): 2,7
• Headband (10 %): 1,6
• Belt system (10 %): 1,3

Overall grade (100 %): 1,9

Conclusion: Significantly heavier than the top model, only two sizes available, good safety and very well ventilated, belt guide leaves room for the ears

Rudy Project Spectrum

• Price: 180 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 267 grams, 7 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 55-59, 59-62 cm
• Extras: Bag, insect net
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 87 watts / 0.41 / 108 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 2,3
• Cooling (20 %): 2,7
• Weight (20 %): 1,7
• Headband (10 %): 1,3
• Belt system (10 %): 1,5

Overall grade (100 %): 2,2

Conclusion: Very comfortable width and height adjustment of the headband, a net is integrated into the helmet padding to protect against insects

Rudy Project Rush

• Price: 80 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 246 gram, 6 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 55-59, 59-62 cm
• Extras: Visor, chin pad
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 91 watts / 0.39 / 127 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 3,0
• Cooling (20 %): 2,0
• Weight (20 %): 1,3
• Headband (10 %): 2,0
• Belt system (10 %): 2,0

Overall grade (100 %): 2,3

Conclusion: One of the cheapest helmets in the competition, lightweight, very generously padded inside, satisfactory in terms of protection

Scott Centric Plus Mips

• Price: 200 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 225 gram, 6 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 55-59, 59-61 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 90 Watt / 0.26 / 91 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 1,7
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,3
• Cooling (20 %): 2,3
• Weight (20 %): 1,0
• Headband (10 %): 1,3
• Belt system (10 %): 1,3

Overall grade (100 %): 1,5

Conclusion: Even with Mips, the helmet is very light, offers a lot of safety, the side strap leaves plenty of room for the ears, easy width adjustment

Scott ARX Plus Mips

• Price: 120 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 245 grams, 8 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 55-59, 59-61 cm
• Extras: Visor
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 94 watts / 0.32 / 93 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 2,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,7
• Cooling (20 %): 1,7
• Weight (20 %): 1,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,5
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 1,7

Conclusion: Very good price-performance ratio, is very light in this class with Mips, can convince in all categories

Smith Trace Mips

• Price: 250 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 281 gram, 8 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 55-59, 59-62 cm
• Extras: Bag
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 94 watts / 0.21 / 96 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 1,0
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,7
• Cooling (20 %): 1,7
• Weight (20 %): 2,0
• Headband (10 %): 1,8
• Belt system (10 %): 2,0

Overall grade (100 %): 1,7

Conclusion: Offers a high safety plus with honeycomb shell and mips, but somewhat heavier, webbing guide tends to twist at the back

Smith Portal Mips

• Price: 110 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 295 grams, 4 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 55-59, 59-62 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 91 watts / 0.36 / 89 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 2,7
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,3
• Cooling (20 %): 2,0
• Weight (20 %): 2,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,6
• Belt system (10 %): 1,7

Overall grade (100 %): 1,9

Conclusion: High impact protection, integrated Mips is not convincing, otherwise the helmet has no weaknesses

Specialised Prevail II Mips ANGI

• Price: 280 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 235 grams, 10 variants
• Sizes: 51-56, 55-59, 59-63 cm
• Extras: Camber sensor ANGi
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 91 watts / 0.34 / 81 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 2,7
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 1,0
• Cooling (20 %): 2,0
• Weight (20 %): 1,3
• Headband (10 %): 1,6
• Belt system (10 %): 1,3

Overall grade (100 %): 1,6

Conclusion: Top in impact protection, only average in rotational safety despite Mips, the fall sensor can send an emergency call after registration

Specialised Echelon II Mips

• Price: 90 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 328 grams, 6 variants
• Sizes: 51-56, 55-59, 59-63 cm
• Extras: Webbing with reflective thread
• Fit tendency: Allround
• Measured values: 95 Watt / 0.22 / 118 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 1,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 2,7
• Cooling (20 %): 1,7
• Weight (20 %): 2,7
• Headband (10 %): 1,6
• Belt system (10 %): 1,8

Overall grade (100 %): 2,1

Conclusion: Cheapest helmet with Mips, top for rotational safety, good ventilation, two sizes overlap, strap with reflective thread, relatively heavy

Uvex Race 9

• Price: 199 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of production: Germany
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 285 grams, 3 variants
• Sizes: 51-57, 56-60 cm
• Extras: Replacement pads
• Fit tendency: wide, short
• Measured values: 90 Watt / 0.41 / 108 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 2,3
• Cooling (20 %): 2,3
• Weight (20 %): 2,0
• Headband (10 %): 1,4
• Belt system (10 %): 1,2

Overall grade (100 %): 2,2

Conclusion: The wide and short shell requires careful fitting, top when adjusting the headband and harness system, weaker when it comes to safety

Uvex Race 7

• Price: 130 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of production: Germany
• Weight (58 cm), colours: 270 grams, 4 variants
• Sizes: 51-55, 56-61 cm
• Extras: none
• Fit tendency: wide, short
• Measured values: 93 watts / 0.40 / 99 g

Rating:

• Security rotation (15 %): 3,3
• Safety Shock absorption (25 %): 2,0
• Cooling (20 %): 1,7
• Weight (20 %): 2,0
• Headband (10 %): 2,0
• Belt system (10 %): 1,5

Overall grade (100 %): 2,1

Conclusion: Helmet shell relatively short and wide, as with the expensive model, be sure to try it on, good impact protection, satisfactory in rotation