How to Choose a Bike Helmet — Safety vs Price
A €20 helmet and a €200 helmet have to meet the same safety standard. So what are you paying for with the difference? Weight, ventilation, comfort and MIPS technology. But does that mean a cheap helmet is unsafe?
Certifications — the safety minimum
Every helmet sold in the EU must carry the EN 1078 certification. That means it has passed impact tests and protects your head at impacts up to ~20 km/h. Without that certification — don't buy it.
Additional certifications:
- CPSC (USA) — slightly higher requirements than EN 1078
- Virginia Tech rating — independent tests with a star rating. The most reliable way to compare helmets.
MIPS — is it worth paying extra for?
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a liner that lets the helmet rotate 10–15 mm on an angled impact — reducing the rotational forces on the brain. Most serious head injuries in cycling come from angled impacts, not straight-on ones.
Helmets with MIPS cost €12–25 more. Worth it? Given that it protects against the most common type of injury — yes.
What separates a cheap helmet from an expensive one?
| Feature | A €25–50 helmet | A €100–200 helmet |
|---|---|---|
| Protection (EN 1078) | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 300–350 g | 200–250 g |
| Ventilation | Basic (8–12 vents) | Advanced (20+ vents) |
| MIPS | Rarely | Usually yes |
| Fit system | A simple dial | Precise, multi-point |
| Shell material | In-mould (basic) | In-mould (advanced, lighter) |
Fit — more important than price
The most expensive helmet, worn wrong, protects worse than a cheap one that fits. A helmet should:
- Sit stably without the strap fastened — not wobble
- Cover your forehead (2 fingers above your eyebrows)
- Have Y-shaped straps under the ears, the buckle under the chin
- Not press on your temples or forehead
When to replace a helmet?
- After every crash — even if you can't see any damage. The EPS foam cracks internally.
- Every 3–5 years — materials degrade from UV, sweat and heat.
- Visible damage — cracks, a detached shell, worn straps.
More on whether a bike helmet is worth buying at all — in our earlier article.
Train smarter with WattLog.pro
WattLog.pro collects data from your trainer and shows what's really happening with your fitness.
Try WattLog.pro for free →