Buyer’s Guide: Road helmets
From a budget option to the WorldTour's favorite aero lid, the Buyer's Guide has a few top helmets for your next road ride
Don't miss a moment from Paris-Roubaix and Unbound Gravel, to the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and everything in between when you join Outside+.
$250, Giro.com
208 grams
As good looking as it is aerodynamic, the Synthe is faster than many other aero lids without their funky looks and poor airflow. The styling steps away from Giro’s classic angular look, and we love it. A RocLoc Air fit system keeps the helmet raised above the scalp for excellent cooling.
$200, Mavic.com
211 grams
Mavic’s lightest helmet ever is also its most comfortable. The Ergo Hold retention system, which uses a dial at the back of the head, is simple, light, and effective, though the overall shape seems to fit thinner heads best.
$160, Specialized.com
262 grams
The S3 is trickle-down engineering at its best. It gets the same dial retention system as the more expensive Prevail, the same straps and webbing, the same anti-microbial pads, and the same open- mouthed looks, with just a bit of added weight and a much lower price. Just take the visor off, okay?
$240, LouisGarneau.com
297 grams
The Course bears a resemblance to Giro’s Synthe helmet, but unfortunately, it also comes at a similar price. Louis Garneau’s offering is well ventilated, comfortable, and reasonably light, yet it can’t equal the Synthe in any of those categories. It offers a unique look, but at a price.
[buy-now-btn artscyclery=”http://www.artscyclery.com/Louis_Garneau_Course_Helmet/descpage-LGCHEL.html?from=velobg&utm_source=velobg&utm_medium=link&utm_content=rdhelmets&utm_campaign=buyersguide15″]
$80, BellHelmets.com
284 grams
Carefully shaped cooling vents and a top-notch fit system, which is adjustable in two planes, set the Array apart from its price-range peers. This is a $150 helmet with an $80 price tag; all the performance you need without the hit to your wallet.
