Protection is always necessary when it comes to riding bikes on the road. Having adequate protection for your safety on-road or off-road is much more important than your destination.
Getting the right gadgets and accessories in the presence of a gravel bike is quite complicated, but it is something that we cannot compromise on. Such as, selecting and purchasing the right gravel bike helmet. Yes, identifying the best gravel bike helmet is pretty much tough because there are so many options available in the market and most of them look similar to each other.
Contents
- Which helmet is best for gravel riding?
- Best Gravel Bike Helmets Overview
- 8 Best Gravel Bike Helmets Review
- 1. Giro Syntax MIPS Helmet – Best Gravel Bike Helmet
- 2. AGH Adult Gravel Bike Helmet
- 3. Smith Optics Trace Helmet for Gravel Riding
- 4. Rapido Road Kask Gravel Helmet
- 5. Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet
- 6. Giro Agilis MIPS Cycling Helmet
- 7. BASE CAMP Bike Helmet with Rear Light
- 8. GROTTICO Adult Bike Helmet with Light
- How to Choose Right Gravel Cycling Helmet?
- FAQs about Gravel Helmets
- Concluding Gravel Bike Helmets Review
Which helmet is best for gravel riding?
You can go with the selection of helmets that are made specifically for gravel riding. Your helmet should be highly comfortable for you and should be exact in the fitting. It should not be very loose and should not be very tight to cause you problems. Moreover, if you get the helmet that contains the MIPS technology inbuilt in it, it would be an add-on in its benefits.
For this, you need to have a proper guide. This article is the one for you. It will make the purchase of the best bike helmets easier and quicker. This is because we have covered the details related to the physical characteristics and functions of available gravel helmets. So let us initiate the review of the 8 best available options, so you can read them and can select the one according to your need.
Best Gravel Bike Helmets Overview
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Best Overall
|
Giro Syntax MIPS Cycling Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
Highly Recommended | Highly Recommended
|
AGH Adult Gravel Bicycle Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
Most Attractive | Most Attractive
|
Smith Bike-Helmets Trace MIPS |
|
Check On Amazon |
Editors Choice | Editors Choice
|
Rapido Road Kask Gravel Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
Best Seller | Best Seller
|
Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
More Durable | More Durable
|
Giro Agilis MIPS Cycling Helmet |
|
Check On Amazon |
Best Overall | Best Overall
|
BASE CAMP Bike Helmet with Rear Light |
|
Check On Amazon |
Highly Recommended | Highly Recommended
|
GROTTICO Adult Bike Helmet with Light |
|
Check On Amazon |
8 Best Gravel Bike Helmets Review
The following description will let you know about the 8 best gravel bike helmets that are made in compatibility with your gravel bikes and are strong in construction to provide you maximum protection while riding.
1. Giro Syntax MIPS Helmet – Best Gravel Bike Helmet
Specifications
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 0.6 lbs.
- Recommend For: Road and Gravel Rides
Not only for gravel biking but also road cycling and many other types of riding, this Giro Syntax MIPS Cycling Helmet is the top-most helmet that is renowned for giving a highly comfortable feel, specifically for those with egg-shaped heads.
This is the most popular helmet that is often selected and recommended by professional riders.
This helmet is renowned for providing extraordinary safety to the riders because of the presence of the MIPS safety system.
This MIPS in the helmet ensures that the external energy is redirected away from the head by simply minimizing the rotational forces. Moreover, the presence of 25 ventilation holes allows the proper crossing of air to make sure your head’s environment is the most relaxed throughout the riding.
This makes it ideal for summer riding too. Furthermore, these 25 ventilation holes make sure there is cooler air inside the helmet throughout the time.
Additionally, it uses the Roc Loc 5 fit system that helps you to make adjustments in the helmet according to your need. Further, it also consists of some additional soft and small straps to help you adjust the helmet most comfortably.
What I Like?
- 25 ventilation holes
- Roc Loc 5 fit system
- Highly comfortable
What I Don’t Like?
- Not for large size of heads
Why I Recommended Giro Syntax Gravel Cycling Helmet
Giro Syntax MIPS Cycling Helmet is a well-renowned topmost and best gravel bike helmet that you can rely on if you want to have the most comfortable riding experience. It comes with 25 ventilation holes and consists of MIPS technology inbuilt into it. Moreover, because this helmet possesses the great Roc Loc 5 fit system, you can fit this helmet, no matter what size of the head you have.
If you planning for a cross country ride, then you should go through my guide about best XC helmets
2. AGH Adult Gravel Bike Helmet
Specifications
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 0.5 lbs.
- Recommend For: Gravel Cycling
This gravel helmet bike is a unisex bike helmet that is ideal for both beginners and experienced riders.
The aerodynamic construction of this helmet is unique and offers great air crossing abilities that are unmatchable to any other helmet on this list.
In addition to aerodynamic construction, this AGH Adult Gravel Bicycle Helmet is the easiest to handle because of being light in weight.
One thing that should be kept in mind is that this second-best bike helmet offers great comfortability features in addition to safety features. There are no chances that you will feel bad or uncomfortable while riding with this helmet. You can enjoy riding in the most safest and secure environment in the presence of this gravel bike helmet.
Moreover, in the construction of this helmet EPS foam is used as an internal lining of the helmet to protect you from damage, in case of fall and emergency. Then comes the ventilation holes. There are 18 vents spread throughout the helmet to make you feel cooler and easy throughout the ride. These vents will make you feel better around your head by eliminating warm and hot air and ensuring appropriate airflow.
What I Like?
- Appropriate airflow
- Cushioned inner space of helmet
- Aerodynamic construction
What I Don’t Like?
- Not for a very large head
Why I Recommended AGH Adult Bike Helmet
AGH Adult Gravel Bicycle Helmet is a renowned bicycle helmet that is popular for being greatly aerodynamic and light in weight. It ensures proper airflow in the presence of 18 ventilation holes that are spread throughout the helmet to make you feel no hotter in the summer climate. Moreover, you can enjoy riding most comfortably because of the presence of a cushioned internal layer of the helmet.
As a gravel bike rider, you may also want to read about gravel bike riding clothing
3. Smith Optics Trace Helmet for Gravel Riding
Specifications
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 0.7 lbs.
- Recommend For: Gravel Cycling
The presence of MIPS technology in addition to the enduro-specific lid design makes sure the helmet is adequately fitted and is in the most comfortable position on your head.
The perfect fitting and high comfortability of the helmet automatically enhances the performance and helps you in riding the bike in the most comfortable and relaxed position.
Furthermore, when it comes to weight this helmet is the lightest among all other available options.
This Ultra-lightweight construction of the helmet helps the rider to enjoy biking with a null feeling of pressure on the head. You will not feel anything and will continue riding for longer times without getting tired.
Additionally, the presence of MIPS technology helps your brain to stay in the most protected environment. This helps in diverting the rotational forces away from your head making sure you are not affected by any kind of accidents and emergencies. 18 vents allow proper air crossing to make you feel super cooler and very easy and comfortable around the head.
What I Like?
- Ultralight in weight
- Available in multiple colors
- Moisture-wicking properties
What I Don’t Like?
- Very expensive
Why I Recommended Smith Trace MIPS Gravel Bike Helmet
Smith Bike-Helmets Trace MIPS is our third best and the lightest helmet that is reliable for gravel biking. It comes in multiple colors helping you select the one that is your favorite. Moreover, in the presence of 18 ventilation holes, proper air crossing is ensured to help the rider stay in the most comfortable and coolest environment.
If you’re an enduro mountain biker then you may also be interested to read about enduro bike ride helmets
4. Rapido Road Kask Gravel Helmet
Specifications
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 1 pounds
- Recommend For: Cycling
This is the most dynamic road helmet that is constructed with the use of Kask’s super-efficient and innovative in-mold technology.
It is the best and the rightest choice for those who are looking for a safe, lightweight, and comfortable gravel bike helmet.
The outside of this fourth best gravel bike helmet is made with the use of polycarbonate construction material.
The external shell in combination with foam padding and lining in the interior of the helmet results in the strength and comfortability needed for safe riding. Moreover, the presence of dual-density EPS foams assists in rotating and managing the impacts to make the helmet the safest and the most secure one on this list.
Moreover, when it comes to summer riding you will find no other option better than this Rapido Road Kask Gravel Helmet. This is because it comes equipped with 24 ventilation holes to allow air crossing in the best possible way.
The retention system is present that is responsible to address the helmet, according to the needs of the users, making it ideal from a fitting and sizing point of view. You may also be looking for a best bike computers for gravel riding.
What I Like?
- Retention system
- 24 ventilation holes
- Comfortable fit
What I Don’t Like?
- Small size straps
Why I Recommended Rapido Road Kask Helmet
This is another most reliable and highly comfortable gravel bike helmet that is constructed with such features to make sure you can enjoy riding most safely. It comes with 24 ventilation holes to help you enjoy riding in the coolest head environment. Because of the presence of a retention system, there is no compromise in the comfort and size of the helmet making it ideal for every head size.
5. Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet
Specifications
- Outer Material: Plastic
- Weight: 0.5 pounds
- Recommend For: Cycling
It’s been around the last century that Schwinn is constructing transportation means such as bikes, cycles, and their accessories.
This company is renowned for creating a product that is compatible and eligible for use on roads, hills, mountains, and many other types of slopes and terrains. This bike helmet is from the same company Schwinn.
This 5th best gravel bike helmet is very reliable to wear in various kinds of weather and is constructed in lightweight construction.
Such construction ensures you do not have to suffer from unnecessary fatigue on your head even after continuous riding for long hours. Moreover, in the presence of various safety features, the physical looks of this bike helmet are very attractive and sporty.
The construction of this gravel bike helmet is completed with the addition of dual micro-shell layers. These layers do not add weight to the helmet, instead are responsible for increasing the durability and maximizing the protection. In addition to these two layers, it also contains EPS foam located inside the helmet making it great for shock absorption in case of an accident and other severe encounters.
What I Like?
- Light in weight
- Durable and gives maximum protection
- Attractive sporty look
What I Don’t Like?
- Smaller for many heads
Why I Recommended Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet
Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet is another great gravel bike helmet that helps you enjoy riding in the safest environment. It comes with various advanced features of protection and safety to make sure the rider is in the best secure riding place. Moreover, the construction of this riding helmet is done with the use of the latest technology that ultimately enhances the protection level and makes the product super durable.
6. Giro Agilis MIPS Cycling Helmet
Specifications
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 1 lbs.
- Recommend For: Road and Gravel Biking
This is another best gravel bike helmet that belongs to the same Giro company from which our topmost product belongs to.
In the presence of the highest positive ratings, this Giro helmet is the 6th best bike helmet to serve you with everything you need throughout the riding.
In the presence of in-mold construction, this gravel bike helmet is constructed after the fusion of a hard external shell and internal foam. None of the construction steps makes the helmet heavy, instead, the helmet comes under the best lightweight options too.
Moreover, because of being equipped with MIPS technology, this helmet provides outstanding safety and makes your ride super safer and secure. In addition to these features, the presence of the Roc Loc 5.5 fit system ensures that you can fit the helmet according to your need and requirement. This makes the helmet highly comfortable and perfect for every size of the head.
What I Like?
- Most inexpensive option
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Highly comfortable
What I Don’t Like?
- Short straps
Why I Recommended Giro Agilis Cycling Helmet
Giro Agilis MIPS Cycling Helmet is another helmet from the most reliable company Giro. It is the most affordable option on this list and is constructed with the use of solid and sturdy construction techniques. In the presence of several fitting systems, this gravel bike helmet can provide a highly comfortable and relaxed environment throughout the riding.
7. BASE CAMP Bike Helmet with Rear Light
Specifications
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 0.6 pounds
- Recommend For: Cycling
If you are looking for a helmet for everyday use you will find no other option better than BASE CAMP Bike Helmet with Rear Light. It is the best go-to helmet available and reliable explicitly for gravel bike riding.
Moreover, it is the most durable option available on this list, with strong external construction and soft and padded inner construction, to help you enjoy riding most comfortably and confidently.
Further, this bike helmet comes with great style and efficient performance, in addition to the certification of CPSC bike helmet standards. This not only makes it reliable but also increases the confidence of the rider, who is riding a gravel bike, wearing this helmet. Moreover, because of EPS foam construction in the inner layer of the helmet, this best gravel bike helmet ensures great protection and safety in case of an accident.
Furthermore, the moisture-wicking lining of the helmet is washable and ensures that your head is not wet because of hot weather and sweat. It contains a soft padded interior that is washable and provides prevention against germs and odor build-up. There are 9 ventilation holes to provide cooling around your head so that you feel fresh and easy throughout the riding.
What I Like?
- Soft padded interior
- Durable and strong construction
- Moisture-wicking abilities
What I Don’t Like?
- Poor quality strap clips
Why I Recommended BASE CAMP Bike Helmet
BASE CAMP Bike Helmet with Rear Light is the most durable and reliable option you can ever have when it comes to the best helmets. It comes with moisture-wicking abilities and soft padding in the interior of the helmet making it easy and comfortable to wear for longer times. It comes with 9 ventilation holes to provide cooling and easiness around your head so that you can ride for longer times with more confidence and freshness.
8. GROTTICO Adult Bike Helmet with Light
Specifications
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 0.6 pounds
- Recommend For: Cycling
This is the most inexpensive and economical option available in this list of the top 8 best bike helmets. You can simply buy this helmet at a budget-friendly price and can enjoy premium features within your pocket limit.
It is constructed in compliance with the standards of both American and European helmet policies to make sure that the rider is riding the most reliably and safely possible.
In the presence of a hard outer shell and foam interior, this bike helmet is no doubt ideal for gravel riding.
Moreover, this construction also adds to the durability factor of the helmet making it able to serve you for longer times without affecting its efficiency and performance. 23 ventilation holes are located at different parts of the helmet to make sure the air around your head is fresh and cooler.
Moreover, there are four various colors in which the helmet is available so that you can select the one according to your preference. Additionally, it comes in two sizes, medium or large, for both men and women, to help you choose the best one according to your needs. One of the most unique features of this helmet is that it comes with a rechargeable USB rear light, offering you the ability to ride safely at night.
What I Like?
- LED light
- Budget-friendly
- Durable and strong construction
What I Don’t Like?
- Straps aren’t of good quality
Why I Recommended GROTTICO Bike Helmet
GROTTICO Adult Bike Helmet with Light is our last product on the list of best bike helmets. This product is the most durable and strong in construction ensuring it will stay with you for longer times. Moreover, it is the most budget-friendly option available that comes with LED light, inner padding, and a hard external shell, to make you feel the most comfortable and relaxed throughout the riding.
How to Choose Right Gravel Cycling Helmet?
The details here tell you about the specifications that should be present in your gravel bike helmet. Of course, you don’t want to purchase something that is not profitable.
To purchase a gravel helmet worth buying, the following features should be present in it. Before finalizing the best gravel bike helmet, look for these specs and select the one that has these in it.
Compatibility With Your Riding Style
Before finalizing the helmet and paying money, ask yourself what kind of terrain and what style of riding you are going to ride your bike on. It will help you in purchasing the best available helmet that is compatible with your riding needs and style.
Make sure you are selecting a helmet that is compatible with your riding style. Moreover, the helmet that is not adequate for your riding needs and techniques, isn’t worth purchasing. So always ensure to focus mainly on your route and your style before finalizing the best bike helmet.
Comfortability and Fitting of Helmet
When looking for the best gravel bike helmet make sure you are focusing on comfort and fitting in firsthand. The helmet should be comfortable enough to provide you with long-lasting comfort and relaxation. It should not be hectic for you and should not be heavier on your head to make you feel you have unnecessary pressures and strains.
The more comfortable you are, the more long-lasting riding you can do. Furthermore, look for the air crossing feature and how easily the helmet is fixed on your head. It should not be tight and should not be loose enough to cause you annoyance. So always make sure to look for comfortability and fitting before finalizing your gravel bike helmet.
MIPS Technology
MIPS is a technology used in helmets to properly protect your brain in case of mishaps. If you are buying the best gravel bike helmet I will recommend you select the one with MIPS technology built into it. Many companies are offering MIPS technology in their helmets. I will suggest paying extra and getting the one with MIPS in it.
Visor or Non-Visor
A visor is a protection for eyes that comes with a helmet. Although a visor is optional for road helmets, it is considered vital for gravel bikes most of the time. You can go with the helmet that contains a visor with it. It will be beneficial for you in many regards.
It generally protects your eyes from wind and trash that may adversely affect you while riding. So it’s better to look for the helmet with a visor and select the one that contains a visor in it.
FAQs about Gravel Helmets
What is a gravel helmet?
A gravel helmet is not a regular helmet, it is slightly better than a regular helmet. Not only with the features but also with the looks, these gravel bike helmets are the most unique and different style of helmet helping you stay secure while riding. It comes with the added benefit of impact protection throughout riding both on-road and off-road.
Is gravel riding safer than the road?
Well, we cannot answer this question in one word. There are different thoughts and concepts relevant to gravel riding. But somehow we can say that gravel riding is comparatively safer than road riding. This is because there are fewer traffic encounters as compared to the road. Moreover, there are very low wind obstacles and other hindrances creating problems in gravel riding as compared to road riding.
Concluding Gravel Bike Helmets Review
Gravel bike helmets not only give protection and safety to the rider but also provide him with confidence and more passion. This is because they are relaxed and they know that their safety is not compromised while riding. These above-mentioned 8 best gravel bike helmets are not only reliable but also very durable, attractive, and strong enough to protect your head.
You can reliably select any of the above-mentioned products and can enjoy the safest and the most confident riding. In case you are in a hurry and do not have the time to go through all of the products mentioned above you can simply select any of the following three recommended ones. All three of these are selected based on their recommendation and positive reviews they have received online.
As a reviewer, I will suggest you select,
- Smith Bike-Helmets Trace MIPS is a renowned gravel bike helmet that comes with 18 ventilation holes and is ultralight in weight. It will make you feel you are not even wearing anything on your head even after you ride for longer times.
- Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet is a good quality and durable gravel bike helmet that comes with the latest features ensuring you can ride in the most protected and secure environment.
- AGH Adult Gravel Bicycle Helmet is another reliable gravel bike helmet that is renowned for having 18 ventilation holes and great aerodynamic construction. It comes with an internal layer of foam that not only is shock absorbent but also provides extra covering and protection to your head.
Hi, I’m Alexandra Betty, co-founder of OutdoorGearsHub.com! I am a cycling enthusiast and currently living in Waltham, Massachusetts. I love just about everything about the cycling industry, which is why I created this site! Combining my passion with my work has always been extremely important to me. Feel free to reach out, leave comments, or recommend improvements to the site and its content so we can help you improve your cycling experience!
I am on a mission to enable everyone to spend more time on a bike and outdoors. So whether it’s on the road, gravel, mountain, e-biking, or just cruising around – Outdoor Gears Hub is the place to come for trusted advice.