Urban bike helmets

Features

Urban bike helmets are all about three things: style, safety and function. The requirements of an urban helmet differ from those of road bike helmets or mountain bike helmets, so they are often designed with unique features. Performance factors such as aerodynamics and weight are less of a factor, and it’s wise to look for models that offer more generous coverage in the rear. Other features to look for include integrated lights, adjustable brims, and removable padding that can be swapped out for warm or cold weather—all designed specifically for urban riding.

Style

Commuters and urban riders typically favor more subtle helmet styles compared to the more tech-forward look and feel of road helmets. Consider styles that you’ll want to wear with street clothes rather than a riding kit. In general, urban bike helmets are more closely related to the style of skateboard helmets or snowboard helmets. Some include hard or soft visors that give them a distinct look as well as shielding your eyes from rain or bright sun glare. 

Comfort and fit

When trying to find the correct helmet model and size, it’s important to consider everything from the overall helmet shape to retention systems and straps. A poor fit isn’t just uncomfortable, it can compromise safety. The first thing you need to know is your head circumference. You can find this by wrapping a flexible tape measure around your head about 2cm above your eyebrows. Or you can wrap a string around your head and measure it with a yardstick. Once you have the right size, be sure to properly adjust the chin straps and buckle, along with the adjustment dial if it has one (usually located in the rear of the helmet). 

Safety

This is what matters most when choosing a helmet. You can look for certain safety features, including our Mips® safety system and other special functions made for the type of riding you do, but the first step is to make sure the helmet is certified to helmet standards in your country. There are many different standards worldwide, but some of the most common ones include Europe’s General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the U.S. 

Rotational management

This is the reason Mips exists. We have done the research. We have the data. Studies show that when you crash and hit your head, it’s most often an angled impact. This creates rotational motion, and the brain is very sensitive to this. So, this part is easy: just be sure to pick a helmet that’s equipped with a Mips® safety system, which is intended to help reduce rotational forces to the head when falling at an angled impact.