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Bike Helmets

On the road you want plenty of airflow; off-road, more cover at the back of your head.

Guide

Bike Helmets

The right bike helmet depends on your bike. A road helmet is light and well ventilated; an MTB helmet has a visor and reaches further down the back of the head; a city helmet often comes with a light.

Key points

Size by head circumference in cm, not by S, M or L.
Level, two fingers' width above your eyebrows.
Replace after every crash, even with no visible damage.

Which type for which use?

Use	Choose	Reason
Road bike, gravel, long rides	ChooseRoad helmet	ReasonLight, lots of air at the head. No visor. Usually cut shorter at the back
Tours, trails, off-road	ChooseMTB half-shell	ReasonVisor, lower coverage at the back of the head and temples. Warmer than a road helmet on long climbs
Bike park, downhill, enduro	ChooseFull-face helmet	ReasonChin bar for face and jaw. Too warm and heavy for tours with lots of climbing
Commuting, shopping, e-bikes up to 25 km/h	ChooseCity helmet	ReasonRear light, reflectors, closed shape. Little ventilation for sporty summer rides
Balance bike, play streets, the school run	ChooseKids' helmet	ReasonSmall sizes, easy to adjust. Only fits while the head size is within the range

Types compared

Road helmet (Road and gravel)
For long rides on tarmac and gravel.
- Advantage: Light
- Drawback: No visor against sun and branches
Example: Abus Airbreaker 2.0 Mips ›
MTB half-shell (Trail and tour)
For tours and trails off-road.
- Advantage: Visor
- Drawback: A little warmer on climbs
Example: Smith Convoy Mips ›

What to look for when buying

Question	In brief	Why
Which standard must a bike helmet meet?	In briefEN 1078	WhyThe European standard EN 1078 covers bicycle helmets: construction and field of vision, shock absorption, straps and buckle. It sets minimum requirements, not a ranking of models.
What size do I need?	In briefHead size in cm	WhyPlace the tape measure just above your eyebrows and run it round the widest point at the back of your head. Compare the figure with the helmet's size chart, not with S, M or L.
What does MIPS do?	In briefLow-friction liner	WhyMIPS is a low-friction layer between padding and shell. In angled impacts, the helmet can move slightly relative to the head.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special helmet for an e-bike?

Not for a pedelec up to 25 km/h: a helmet to EN 1078 is fine. Rules for S-pedelecs up to 45 km/h differ by country, so check the local rules. Helmets to the Dutch standard NTA 8776 are made for these speeds.

Do I need a full-face helmet for mountain biking?

On tours and trails, a half-shell with a visor and low coverage at the back will do. In bike parks, on downhill tracks and in enduro races, a full-face helmet also protects chin and face. Uphill it is heavier and warmer.

How do I clean a bike helmet?

According to Abus, wipe the shell with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Hand-wash the pads in lukewarm water with a mild detergent and let them air-dry, not on a radiator.

Is MIPS required?

No. EN 1078 does not require a system against rotational motion. MIPS and similar systems are an extra. More important than any feature is a helmet that fits and sits correctly.