Safest bike helmets

[JoJoJo]

someone sent me a link to research done by Virginia Tech and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

can you find your helmet on the list?

[Jesper]

My helmets are all much older, and I didn't see any TT stuff there. I was planning on getting a POC Octal, but the price was a little steep for what I wanted to pay. I still use "hairnet" helmets for many types of riding (not in traffic though).

[Zviedrs]

Giro Foray is on the list somewhere mid-pack, but mine is older and probably not MIPS.

[Flowrider]

To add, sometimes a damaged helmet is hard to discover, as there could be a hairline crack inside the helmet which is difficult to see and even feel.

[enkei]

Go with name-brand MIPS (or similar, some brands use systems similar to MIPS but with different names) bought from reliable retailers. There are many fakes out there, so never buy off Amazon, eBay, etc. Never buy used helmets. Helmets typically have lifespans of 3-5 years.

[meamoantonio]

(10-27-2021, 02:44 PM)JoJoJo Wrote:  someone sent me a link to research done by Virginia Tech and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

can you find your helmet on the list?

Virginia Tech ratings are pretty good, I make buying decisions based on Looks and Virginia tech scores then price hahaha Looks would have to go first of course because its part of the whole fit while riding

[Criminal]

(05-17-2025, 03:17 PM)enkei Wrote:  Helmets typically have lifespans of 3-5 years.

The lifespan thing is just manufactuer's legal bunk to cover their butts; and they are probably hoping most will do it and throw away a perfectly good helmet and provide the manufacturer more profits by buying again.

How many riders out there are riding a +5 year old helmet without any signs of deterioration (if not in any accidents or exposed to detrimental conditions)? My helmet is 24 yrs old and was already well over 10 yrs old when I got it; looks and feels like the day I bought it other than scuffs (none present when purchased for $5) over the years.

Better a used helmet (with no obvious damage or abuse) than no helmet at all. There is too much doom and gloom about "used" and "expired" helmets. People buy used cars all the time and never consider if there were safety recalls or if the vehicle's safety systems were serviced or checked so a used helmet might be a perfect economical solution.
At least protect your skull with something until you can get something more approppriate. My most "expensive" (if bought new: $350; paid $50) helmet was used when purchased amd it is perfectly fine. All it takes is inspection and common sense. I find most adult used helmets are in excellent shape because the previous owner never wore it more than once (probably did not ride the bike either) so do not short change yourself on a good used helmet deal; believe me, the bad ones are pretty obvious (though always cleanse it thoroughly) and are easy to elimnate from the lot.

[GirishH]

I have to agree with @Criminal here. Personally, I feel that the claimed lifespans of helmets or MIPS technology are mostly marketing ploys.

I wear a hard-shell ski helmet that I found for free on the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It shows no visible or obvious signs of wear and tear.

I often wonder about the benefit of protecting my head when the rest of my body remains fully exposed to vehicular traffic, bumps, or injuries. I know the head is the most important part of the body, but what if the rest doesn’t fare well?

I carry a first-aid kit and take all the safety precautions a long-distance cyclist should. But is there anything that can truly keep both my head and body safe?

Yes, I could stay home or ride in a car, but that’s not my choice.

Again, a helmet is far better than none at all. And, I wear one all the time.

(05-19-2025, 09:55 AM)Criminal Wrote:  

(05-17-2025, 03:17 PM)enkei Wrote:  Helmets typically have lifespans of 3-5 years.

The lifespan thing is just manufactuer's legal bunk to cover their butts; and they are probably hoping most will do it and throw away a perfectly good helmet and provide the manufacturer more profits by buying again.

How many riders out there are riding a +5 year old helmet without any signs of deterioration (if not in any accidents or exposed to detrimental conditions)? My helmet is 24 yrs old and was already well over 10 yrs old when I got it; looks and feels like the day I bought it other than scuffs (none present when purchased for $5) over the years.

Better a used helmet (with no obvious damage or abuse) than no helmet at all. There is too much doom and gloom about "used" and "expired" helmets. People buy used cars all the time and never consider if there were safety recalls or if the vehicle's safety systems were serviced or checked so a used helmet might be a perfect economical solution.
At least protect your skull with something until you can get something more approppriate. My most "expensive" (if bought new: $350; paid $50) helmet was used when purchased amd it is perfectly fine. All it takes is inspection and common sense. I find most adult used helmets are in excellent shape because the previous owner never wore it more than once (probably did not ride the bike either) so do not short change yourself on a good used helmet deal; believe me, the bad ones are pretty obvious (though always cleanse it thoroughly) and are easy to elimnate from the lot.