The 9 Best Gravel Bike Helmets to Make Your Ride Comfier!
Gravel biking has become extremely popular recently and offers novice and experienced cyclists a fascinating and adaptable cycling experience. Having the proper equipment to stay safe and comfortable as you explore the thrilling world of gravel biking would be best.
A helmet is even more crucial if you ride a gravel bike because the tough terrain might make accidents worse. The ideal gravel bike helmets combine fashion, security, and comfort with helping you get through even the dreariest off-road days.
Gravel bike helmets have lighter, better ventilation, and ergonomic features like eyeglasses storage. In this post, I’ll look at the top 9 best gravel bike helmets today that offer excellent protection, comfort, and aesthetics. Here are they:
- Troy Lee Designs A1 Half-Face Gravel Bike Helmet.
- KASK Valegro Bike Helmet.
- KASK Wasabi Bike Helmet.
- KASK Adult Gravel Cycling Helmet.
- BELL Falcon XR MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet.
- Giro Aether Spherical Adult Road Cycling Helmet.
- LAZER G1 MIPS Road Bike Helmet.
- POC MIPS Road Cycling Helmet.
- SMITH Engage MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmet.
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In a Hurry? Our Chosen Top 3 Best Gravel Bike Helmets
Reviews of Top 9 Best Gravel Bike Helmets for You
1. Troy Lee Designs A1 Half-Face Gravel Bike Helmet
The A1 MIPS is one of the most comfortable helmets on the marketplace, thanks to its overall fit and spacious interior cushioning.
The A1 is built with MIPS, an EPS lining, and an in-mold hard shell. There are 16 vents on it, and the topmost ports have ventilation channels.
The helmet’s liner is quick-drying, detachable, and washable, and the screws holding the peak to the helmet’s body should fall out in the event of a collision. An indexed thumbwheel and 3 vertical adjustment points adjust the retention cradle’s fit.
The A1’s lack of ventilation, which causes the lid to become hot, is its biggest flaw. Because of this, the thick cushions rapidly become sweaty and cannot dry out.
Pros
- It feels comfortable.
- It fits perfectly.
- It looks great.
- The worth of money.
Cons
- It is a bit heavy.
2. KASK Valegro Bike Helmet
To give the best ventilation for comfort while climbing or riding in hot weather, Valegro was developed in partnership with Team INEOS. The Kask Valegro is a low-profile, lightweight helmet with good ventilation.
The VALEGRO has impressive ventilation technology and weighs only 180g (size small). Total 37 ventilation holes and improved, quick-dry cushioning in this updated design provide optimal cooling. It gives riders the most ventilation, aerodynamics, and the lightest possible construction.
The Valegro has an “Octo” rubberized micro dial adjuster that makes easy adjustments throughout a ride, and the gel pads on its contact points further increase comfort. The Valegro’s helmet supports can freely oscillate through 180 degrees, making finding the ideal fit a surprisingly easy task.
Pros
- It provides great safety.
- Feels very comfortable.
- It is lightweight.
- The worth of money.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
3. KASK Wasabi Bike Helmet
The Wasabi helmet is the only one you’ll ever desire to ride with because of its superior ventilation, adjustable comfort, merino wool lining, and aerodynamic profile. It is made for riding in all seasons and on the road and gravel.
The Kask Wasabi is a unique design regarded as the helmet for all riders and, in some ways, all seasons, with gravel and road riders being its two main customers. Most of the time, it is successful and operates at a very high level.
The only helmet you need for all-year riding. The Wasabi is a great cycling helmet that can be worn all year round during cyclocross, gravel, or road riding. With an adjustable airflow port to tailor comfort and thermoregulation, the helmet gives the wearer control over temperature regulation.
Pros
- It has a unique design.
- It is lightweight.
- Provides great ventilation.
- The worth of money.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
Check Also: Reviews of the Best Aero Mips Helmet for Cycling
4. KASK Adult Gravel Cycling Helmet
One of the most excellent ventilated helmets on the market is the Kask Protone. Even at higher speeds, its semi-aero design guarantees excellent performance. Its most significant benefit is the retention system’s ability to be highly adjusted.
It is one of the most ventilated road bike helmets, ideal for hot summer days. Compared to other ventilated helmets, Protone weighs just 230g and boasts the lowest drag and quickest heat dissipation coefficients.
Due to the polycarbonate layer that protects the shell on the top, on the base ring, and the rear, it has MIT Technology, which provides a better level of head safety with complete polystyrene protection. The washable, allergy-free chinstrap is incredibly cozy and prevents skin irritation.
Pros
- A high-quality fit is provided.
- It is available in a wide range of hues.
- It is a helmet with good ventilation.
- The worth of money.
Cons
- No MIPS technology is present.
5. BELL Falcon XR MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet
The Bell Falcon XR MIPS is one of the most affordable helmets with the most recent MIPS-built crash technology, and it provides good value for the money. You can get this technology and the comparable Float Fit system with a Fidlock buckle for less than half the cost of its more expensive siblings.
The DNA of the XR Spherical is used to create the Falcon XR, which shares many of its features with it, including MIPS rotating impact integration, deeper shell coverage, and excellent ventilation. Also, it provides overall value and efficiency for every kind of riding, including commuting and gravel riding.
There are many colors available, simple storage for eyewear, and a liner that dries quickly and is Ionic+ antibacterial and washable. The same lining is utilized in their priciest helmets. It would be a wise pick for a rider who has many desires.
Pros
- This helmet has better ventilation.
- Its Integrated MIPS lessens rotational forces.
- Its quick-drying inside padding reduces odor-causing sweat.
- Straps are kept flat and in the right place with the help of its Quick-adjust fasteners.
Cons
- A bit heavy.
Check Also: Choose the Best BMX Helmet for Your Needs and Budget
6. Giro Aether Spherical Adult Road Cycling Helmet
The Giro Aether Spherical may offer more excellent value than the Aries Spherical, which is significantly pricier. That’s because it still features the same crash technology despite its slightly changed packaging. The helmet’s padding, vertical height, and circumference may be adjusted with the included Roc Loc 5 Air fit system.
The Aether has a totally unique MIPS design that combines superb ventilation with an absolutely excellent fit to assist in spreading rotational stresses in the case of a crash. Multi-density EPS lining, a reinforced polycarbonate shell, and the MIPS are all components of this helmet’s construction.
You can match the color to your bike or the rest of your attire. You should get this one if you care about your safety and can invest in a high-quality helmet.
Pros
- The helmet is durable.
- It is lightweight.
- It features the MIPS protection system and Spherical technology.
Cons
- It’s still pricy.
7. LAZER G1 MIPS Road Bike Helmet
For a range of cycling disciplines, including road, mountain, gravel, and beyond, the G1 offers featherweight and aerodynamic performance. The US version is significantly heavier since it has a different safety certification than the CE-CPSC-AS used in Europe.
The G1 has Lazer’s patented Advanced Rollsys System in its ultra-light version, providing a simple 360° adjustment. It ensures a proper and cozy fit with the Adjustable Head Basket.
The G1’s real weight varies depending on the user’s size, location, and need for MIPS. The G1 for the US (and Canada) and the Genesis for the rest of the world are the two versions of this helmet that Lazer makes.
Pros
- One of the lightest and safest helmets is this one.
- It has large vents that allow for adequate airflow over your head.
- It has an extremely flexible and cozy retention system.
- Worth of the price.
Cons
- Its head appears a little bulbous due to its thick foam shell.
Check Also: Choose the Best Bike Helmet With Lights for Cycling
8. POC MIPS Road Cycling Helmet
They provide quite an adjustable 360-degree fit system for comfort.
The high-quality road bike helmet from the Swedish company is called the POC Ventral Air MIPS. POC provides neatly designed and packed products with the best technology available in their particular product region.
You can keep your glasses in the helmet if you want to remove them. High-friction pads are essentially the “eyewear garage,” which keeps the glasses from moving. You won’t ever have to worry about your sunglasses falling out because it works so perfectly.
Despite being quite pricy, the POC Ventral Air MIPS is a superb helmet that is best used on hot days because of its outstanding ventilation. It works well with various sunglasses and is quick and simple to adjust. And it looks fantastic.
The helmet is known for keeping your head cool throughout the sweltering summer rides.
Pros
- It is a stylish road bike helmet with excellent ventilation.
- Its 360° flexibility aids in getting a snug fit.
- The Ventral Air MIPS is designed to keep you cool throughout long rides.
- The entire head gets cool air through the ventilation ports and internal airflow channels.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
9. SMITH Engage MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmet
One of the few helmets that costs less than £100 and has MIPS to protect your skull from angular collisions further is the Smith Engage MIPS helmet.
The Engage is the only helmet mountain cyclists need if they want something fashionable and well-fitting. Its 21 vents are designed to keep riders cool on hot summer days, and the coverage is extended on the rear of the head for added protection.
The AirEvac channels in the Engage encourage airflow to keep your eyeglasses from fogging, and Smith’s VaporFit system provides a secure, unique fit. The Engage also has places for eyeglasses storage on the front of the headgear and a three-position visor that rotates up for goggles storage.
To safeguard the helmet from minor knocks and scrapes that can easily harm the foam, the exterior polycarbonate shell of the Engage wraps around the EPS foam liner in an in-mold manufacturing procedure. This feature is not available on all helmets in this price range.
Pros
- It is lightweight.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Looks stylish.
- Well-ventilated helmet.
Cons
- Lack of padding straps.
What to Look for While Purchasing the Best Gravel Bike Helmet?
Helmets for gravel cyclists are explicitly designed to meet their needs. These helmets emphasize comfort, ventilation, and safety while offering a combination of features. The following are some essential factors to take into account while selecting a gravel bike helmet:
Comfort and Fit
Fit is the most important consideration for any helmet. A properly fitted helmet ensures that you will have enough protection, comfort, and stability while riding. While trying on helmets, measure the circumference of your head (in cm) and use the size chart provided by the manufacturer to determine the correct fit.
The correct helmet should feel snug but not too tight and sit properly on your head. Dial-fit systems, repositionable straps, and detachable padding are all customizable factors that can help you fine-tune the fit for maximum comfort.
Safety Features
The most crucial consideration while purchasing a gravel bike helmet is safety. Seek for helmets that meet the safety regulations like CE EN 1078, which guarantees that the helmet has passed strict impact protection tests.
For example, MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is an advanced safety component that can offer additional defense against rotating forces during angled strikes. Some helmets may include built-in LED lights or reflective elements to improve your visibility on the road.
Read More: The Importance of MIPS in Gravel Bike Helmets?
Weight
Long rides can be significantly more comfortable with a lightweight helmet. Gravel riders sometimes spend long in the saddle, and a heavy helmet can be uncomfortable and exhausting.
Choose helmets made of lightweight materials like EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam and polycarbonate shells. Remember that lighter helmets may occasionally sacrifice safety features, so be careful to balance weight and protection.
Read More: Gravel Bike Helmet vs Road Bike Helmet: What’s the Difference?
Ventilation
Gravel biking can be strenuous on your physique, resulting in sweating while you ride. To avoid overheating and discomfort, wear a helmet with plenty of vents.
Wearing a helmet with plenty of vents is best to avoid getting too hot. Some helmets even have built-in vents or channels allowing cool air to circulate.
Design and Style
While comfort and safety should be your top priorities when selecting a gravel bike helmet, style is also important.
Gravel bike culture favors a more relaxed and daring aesthetic, mirrored in helmets’ designs, which often have earthy hues, distinctive patterns, and less aggressive profiles than road helmets. Ultimately, pick a helmet that suits your style and gives you confidence while riding a bike.
Read More: How to Properly Clean Your Gravel Bike Helmet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make sure my gravel bike helmet fits correctly?
Determine the circumference of your skull just above your eyebrows and select a helmet size appropriately to ensure a proper fit.
The helmet must sit firmly on the wearer’s head. To guarantee a snug, secure fit that permits only a small amount of head movement when you shake it, tighten the straps and fit system.
Can I wear a cycling cap under my gravel bike helmet?
Putting a headband or cycling hat under your helmet can aid in moisture management and enhance your overall sun protection.
Avoid wearing bulky or thick headwear that can interfere with the helmet’s correct fit and stability. Instead, make sure that using a cap or headband does not affect the fit and stability of your helmet.
Is it essential for me to purchase a new gravel bike helmet?
A helmet ensures a safe ride, thus you should wear one at all times when cycling. Therefore, you don’t need to spend money on another helmet if you own one. Choose a gravel bike-specific helmet if you don’t already own a road or mountain bike helmet.
It provides more coverage and protection than a road or mountain bike helmet because it is made specifically for the terrain.
So, if you want to ride on gravel regularly, invest in a high-quality gravel bike helmet. In the event of an accident, it will prevent you from suffering major head injuries.
How frequently should a gravel bike helmet be changed?
Even if there are no obvious damage symptoms, replacing your helmet every 3 to 5 years or immediately following a crash or substantial impact is usually best. The materials can crack over time, making the helmet less efficient at defending your head.
My Final Thoughts
Picking the correct helmet for dirt riding is crucial for your safety, comfort, and overall pleasure. This thorough guide covers what factors to consider while selecting a helmet for gravel biking and some of the best models on the market.
You may choose the ideal helmet to meet your requirements and preferences by considering fit, ventilation, weight, safety features, and design. The choices described in this article are a fantastic place to start, but for the most excellent fit, always try on helmets before buying them.
With the proper head protection, you can hit the roads wearing gravel helmets with assurance and elegance.
Hey, I’m Hrithik Hossain. I am the head of helmethacks.com, which specializes in safety helmets. I am looking to connect with anyone interested in purchasing a helmet or who has any questions about different types of helmets. I have over 8 years of experience as a helmet expert, and I can’t wait to help you find the perfect helmet for you. I can help you with any questions regarding helmets, from the best brands to fitting, style, and more! I really enjoy keeping people safe by ensuring they have the best protection possible.
