Numerous important factors go into choosing the perfect bike helmet for your interests and needs, including but not limited to safety, climate, and comfort.
In this article, we’ll show you four of the best gravel bike helmets available and discuss the pros and cons of each one.
That way, you’ll be able to find the best gravel bike helmet for your specific needs, level, style, and bike riding interests.
Comparison Chart
1. Troy Lee Designs A1 Bike Helmet
The Troy Lee A1 bike helmet is MIPS-protected, which means that the helmet has a slip-layer that allows multidimensional motion between the head and the helmet.
Mips safety system ultimately reduces rotational forces to the head, especially when falling at an angle. So, if you are serious about safety or will be riding in extreme terrain, getting a Mips may be an important purchasing factor for you.
This helmet is also equipped with a polycarbonate outer layer and an EPS liner for additional protection and durability.
Many cyclists looking for gravel bike helmets are riding in the summer and breaking a sweat while they ride, so they want to keep cool. The Troy Lee helmet keeps you cool and comfortable in 2 ways.
One way is its eight pressurized intake passages for ventilation, which allows cool air to seep through the helmet and to your head.
Then, it intelligently works in reverse as well, meaning it has eight rear vacuumed vortex outlets that allow heat to move from your head outwards through the helmet.
Finally, this helmet has adjustable wear for various head shapes and riding styles. The adjustability also ensures that the helmet is compatible with different eyewear
Pros
- MIPS-protection
- Polycarbonate material and EPS liner
- 8 Pressurized intake passages and 8 rear vacuumed vortex outlets for ultimate ventilation and cooling
- Adjustable wear for optimal comfort and fit
Cons
- Higher price than similar competitors
2. Giro Register MIPS Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet
The Giro Register Helmet is similar to the Troy Lee helmet above in that it also is MIPS-protected, which ensures a high-quality safety system.
Additionally, this Giro helmet touts an InMold construction technology, which means it combines a polycarbonate outer shell with a foam liner that helps absorb impact. Not only is this design safer than some other designs, but it is also lighter and cooler.
Furthermore, ventilation is emphasized with this gravel helmet, as it sports 22 vents — a relatively high number for a bike helmet.
If you reside in a warmer climate or like to go on intense, long rides, then more ventilation will provide optimal comfort and cooling for your rides.
Plus, the Giro Register has various color options, including matte red, matte titanium, and even highlighter yellow if you really want to stand out.
Finally, if any parts need to be replaced or repaired within the first year, Giro will do it free of charge.
Pros
- MIPS-protection
- InMold construction technology (polycarbonate shell and foam liner)
- 22 vents for optimal ventilation and cooling
- Various attractive color options
- 1-year replacement and repair free of charge
Cons
- It may be hard to stabilize the helmet front-to-back because some users find the triangular side straps may be difficult to adjust
3. Giro Fixture MIPS Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet
The Giro Fixture is similar to its cousin above, with the InMoldconstruction system, MIPS protection, and excellent customer service.
However, this helmet has an additional Roc Loc Sport Fit System that allows greater helmet adjustability.
This feature solves the con of the Giro model mentioned above, so if you are worried about adjustability, this helmet could be worth the slightly higher price.
Plus, if you want more “feminine” color options, this Grio model has a Women’s series to offer even more attractive colors and design elements.
Given the myriad of features this helmet sports, we believe this is the best gravel bike helmet for all types of off-road riding and long-term durability.
Pros
- MIPS-protection
- InMold construction technology (polycarbonate shell and foam liner)
- 22 vents for optimal ventilation and cooling
- Various attractive color options
- 1-year replacement and repair free of charge
Cons
- This helmet has 18 vents instead of 22 like the other Giro model but still offers exceptional ventilation and comfort
4. KINGBIKE Ultralight Bike Helmet
If you like night or low-light off-road cycling, then you might prefer a gravel bike helmet that includes a light, so we’ll discuss one of the best gravel bike helmets with lights as well.
The KINGBIKE Ultralight bike helmet is one of the lowest-priced gravel bike helmets that still has a durable and sturdy frame.
So don’t let the low price fool you because this bike helmet can certainly get the job done.
It has an ultra-lightweight design to reduce head pressure and an LED rear warning light for safe night riding.
Its streamlined design is also more fashionable than some of its competitors. However, its fashion-forward design doesn’t sacrifice durability; this helmet also has a polycarbonate shell with EPS liner for long-lasting comfort and safety.
Plus, the KINGBIKE helmet comes with two detachable visors, so you can choose when you need to put one on for UV protection on extra sunny days.
Overall, this helmet is excellent for beginner and intermediate mountain and off-road bike riders who want to take it easier at first or for casual riders who like to simply go off-road now and then for the occasional adventure.
If you like this brand but are a more aggressive or experienced rider, KINGBIKE has a heavier-duty mountain bike helmet as well.
Pros
- Value price
- Lightweight and fashionable design
- LED warning light for safe night riding
- Polycarbonate shell and EPS liner
- Two detachable visors
Cons
- It might be smaller or feel cheaper than competing helmets
Conclusion
Many bike helmets are suitable for gravel and off-road cycling, but we believe the ones mentioned above are four of the best gravel bike helmets available.
We hope our analysis of these four bike helmets helps you choose the most functional, safe, and comfortable bike helmet for your specific needs.
Read also: Best Road Bike Helmets