What Makes a Great Cycling Helmet? (And How I Chose Mine) When I started cycling more seriously, I thought all helmets were pretty much the same. As long as it fit and looked decent, that was enough—right? Turns out, there’s a lot more that goes into choosing a great cycling helmet than most people think. After thousands of miles on the road and a few close calls, I’ve learned to appreciate the small features that make a huge difference. This post isn’t about the most expensive gear—just what matters most when you’re looking for a helmet that protects, performs, and lasts. 1. Certified Safety Standards At a minimum, your helmet should be CPSC certified in the U.S. That means it meets basic impact protection standards. Some helmets go further with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which helps reduce rotational forces in a crash. 2. Fit and Adjustability A good helmet should fit snug but not tight. The best ones offer dial-adjust systems that let you tweak the ...
The Old Guy Bicycle Blog Cycling stories, tips, and reflections from a 69-year-old rider who’s still chasing the road—and loving every mile. Visit my blog today and start learning about cycling!