Best Cycling Helmet Under $100 (2023) – For Your Next Enjoyable Ride
What is the best cycling helmet under $100 2023? Think of your purpose: affordability, safety, or breathability? Regardless, there’s a model here made for you.
Introduction
What makes the best cycling helmet under $100 2023? Is it cycling performance, design, or safety features? None of them can be the decisive factor of the best cycling helmet because no models are perfect in all cases.
The definition of the best cycling helmet must be based on one’s needs. Those who want speedy rides look for different values from those who want to cruise; those who ride in the mountain a lot require different factors from urban riders. In short, the perfect road helmets are the ones optimized greatly for their purpose.
No matter what price range you are browsing, you can always find a model that meets your key requirements. With that in mind, to help all of our readers find their perfect match, we have compiled a list of the best cycling helmets for under $100 for different uses.
Read on to see which one is for you.
Find the best cycling helmet under $100 for you
Our Top Picks:
- Best Budget – XINERTER Adult Bike Helmet
- Best Overall – Kask Rapido Road Cycling Helmet
- Best Breathable – TeamObsidian G1342
- Best For Style – Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet
- Best Mountain Helmet – BELL Formula LED MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet
- Best Lightweight – Giro Register MIPS Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet
- Best For Kids – Giro Syntax MIPS
- Best For Riding In Rains Or Fog – Schwinn Beam LED Lighted Bike Helmet
- Best Convenient – BERN, Allston Helmet with Flip Visor
- Best For Street Cycling – KINGBIKE Ultralight Bike Helmet
Best Cycling Helmet Under $100 (2023)
#1. XINERTER Adult Bike Helmet – Best Budget
XINERTER Adult Bike Helmet – Best Budget
Specifications
- Size: 22-24 inches
- Inner Material: Expanded Polystyrene
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Ventilation: 22-hole ventilation system
- Weight: 0.58 pounds
- Color: Gradients, Red gradient, Titanium, White, Black
Review
It’s safe to say that the XINERTER Adult Bike Helmet is the cheapest of the cheap, but its price doesn’t speak for its quality.
While this model is aimed at road biking, it’s versatile and ready to handle even mountain cycling thanks to its multifunctional capability.
To start with, this is a model, avoiding shoulder pain for long rides and rides on rougher terrains. It also features a removable visor that comes in handy when you cycle on the mountain.
The visor is attached to the inexpensive helmet with three magnets, making it easy and convenient for use even with one hand. You don’t have to worry about the visor falling off as the magnets are very strong; yet, you can still remove or attach it with one hand.
The ventilation system with 22 holes not only enables comfortable road rides but is also adequate for mountain rides, which often requires less ventilation than road cycling. The holes help suck cold air and pass it from the front end through the air duct matrix to avoid overheating.
Inside the cheap helmet, apart from durable EPS foam, users get thick padding that covers the entire head, providing both protection and comfort for their rides.
Overall, while this item doesn’t offer any unique features for cyclists, it offers great versatility performs well in both road and mountain biking. It comes in great design, good build quality, decent functionality, comfort, and convenience.
Most importantly, all these values come at an astonishingly low price, the lowest on the list and probably on the market.
Pros
- Decent weight
- Comfortable
- Good fitting
- Fast shipping
Cons
- No adjustment instructions
- Visor color doesn’t change
#2. Giro Register MIPS Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet – Best Overall
Kask Rapido Road Cycling Helmet – Best Overall
Specifications
- Size: 20-22 inches
- Inner Material: EPS foam
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Ventilation: 24-hole ventilation
- Weight: 0.5 pounds
- Color: Anthracite, Black, Black/Yellow Fluo, Fuschia, Light Blue, Orange, Red, White
Review
The Kask Rapido is certainly not the cheapest cycling helmet on this list, but it’s still in the low price range. Especially, it offers cyclists a complete package of great weight, design, protection, and performance.
The first thing that catches the eye must be its design, which speaks for the most sporty spirits out there. The item features a rugged, aggressive look delivered in a stylish manner.
It’s 100% hand-made in Italy; each detail is perfected with utmost craftsmanship. If you want a handsome cycling helmet, it could be your go-to model.
It also has a neat form yet wraps around the head quite well for an open-face helmet.
In terms of fitting, the Kask Rapido offers unmatched adjustability thanks to the Up’N’Down adjustment system. It even easily fits around ponytails so that you can wear the quality helmet for long rides without discomfort.
Meanwhile, the model also features extremely adjustable straps. This way, you can make sure each one is right where you want them to ensure fitting.
The Kask Rapido features multi-mold-in technology that enhances the product’s durability and ensures protection for your head.
For road cyclists, you will find this product’s ventilation extremely helpful. With a 24-hole system, the Kask Rapido excels at ventilating, efficiently letting air go through and escape the inner to keep your head dry and fresh throughout your ride.
Plus, it’s 25% lighter than helmets that cost many times the price you have tried and failed with many expensive cycling helmets. You should look at this model.
Pros
- Great comfort for larger heads
- Good adjustability
- Well ventilated
- Cool look
Con
- Lack some padding at the back
#3. TeamObsidian G1342 – Best Breathable
TeamObsidian G1342 – Best Breathable
Specifications
- Helmet Size: 21-22 inches
- Inner Material:
- Outer Material:
- Ventilation: 22-hole ventilation
- Weight: 0.6 pounds
- Color: Black, Blue, Red, White, Yellow
Review
The TeamObsidian G1342 is remarkably airy to wear, which is attributed to its design.
The item houses 22 ventilating holes, fewer than the Kask Rapido. However, the holes are all bigger than those on the Kask model, letting more air go through more easily and efficiently.
The G1342’s ventilation is proven fantastic in real life, helping wearers avoid overheating during long, speedy rides. You may not even sweat from your heads anymore when wearing this cycling helmet.
In addition to that, the model is lightweight at only 0.6 pounds. This way, it doesn’t press on your head, allowing for great airflows and keeping your head cool all the time.
When it comes to safety, the TeamObsidian G1342 comes with an integrated ABS skeleton for an enhanced level of protection. The product is also equipped with shock absorption technology to reduce impact in crashes.
The removable visor not only adds protection for your face in collisions but also creates a seamless curve that lets the air slide over.
On top of that, the product is good-looking with a matte finish that offers a nice, sporty, trending appearance for its wearer. There are five colors options for you to choose from, including black, blue, red, white, and neon green.
All in all, the TeamObsidian G1342 stands out from competitors in the price range for excellent breathability, but it’s also worth the money due to its design and safety insurance.
Pros
- High visibility
- High quality
- Good performance
Cons
- Hard to find the XL size
#4. Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet – Best For Style
Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet – Best For Style
Specifications
- Size: 22.88 – 24.5 inches
- Inner Material: EPS foam
- Outer Material: Two-piece PVC micro-shell
- Ventilation: 20-hole ventilation
- Weight: 0.7 pounds
- Color: 27 options
Review
One of the reasons this helmet is great for style is its wide range of color options.
The Schwinn Thrasher comes in 27 color variants, many of which are mixtures of multiple colors with patterns, shapes, and decorations. It means there are many eye-catching styles for you to opt for.
The brand also offers various sizes for children, youth, and adults, making Schwinn Thrasher the ideal choice. However, this helmet is not just about the look – It features two layers of PVC micro-shell that offer extra protection for your head. The Schwinn Thrasher proves sturdy in real life, successfully protecting its wearer from head injuries by absorbing all the impact.
Last but not least, the 20-vent system paired with all-around padding will keep your head cool, ventilated, and comfortable throughout your ride.
Pros
- Useful visor
- Relatively lightweight
- Secure fit
- Durable
Cons
- Not good for wearing a hair ornament
#5. BELL Formula LED MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Mountain Helmet
BELL Formula LED MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet – Best Mountain Helmet
Specifications
- Size: 20-22 inches
- Inner Material: Expanded Polystyrene
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Ventilation: 19-hole ventilation
- Weight: 0.6 pounds
- Color: Ghost Matte Black Reflective
Review
What to look for in a mountain helmet is sturdiness and durability, both of which are guaranteed in the BELL Formula.
This excellent helmet features the fusion in-molding technology, a process bonding the outer shell of the helmet to the inner EPS foam liner. It makes the product sturdier and better at handling rougher terrains.
Furthermore, BELL gives this model the Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Basically, it’s aimed to lessen the rotational forces in a crash that can otherwise lead to certain impacts on the cyclist.
Together, these technologies and features help the BELL Formula ensure safe, efficient mountain rides for its wearers.
Also, there is a rechargeable LED dial on the back of the helmet and a reflective coating that maximize visibility for cyclists on the trail. It’s a safety feature not all models have and act as additional protection.
While mountain biking calls for a high level of head protection and head shapes, it also requires certain ventilation, so cyclists feel comfortable all the time and optimize their performance.
With that in mind, take a look at how the ventilation system is arranged in the BELL Formula. There are only 19 holes on this helmet, much fewer than the other models on this list, but they are focused on the front and appear in massive areas.
At the rear, the ventilating holes are big as well, making sure the air has big exits. It allows for a lot of air to enter, go through, and escape the wearer’s head, keeping it dry and airy throughout the day.
Owning this comfortable helmet, cyclists will also benefit from the swat guide that well absorbs moisture along with conventional fasteners. Last but not least, the helmet comes in a dynamic, modern design with five color options to choose from for different cycling outfits.
Pros
- Great fit for round heads
- Lightweight
- Premium design
Cons
- Short LED dial’s battery life
- Lack visor
#6. Giro Register MIPS Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet – Best Lightweight
Giro Register MIPS Adult Recreational Cycling Helmet – Best Lightweight
Specifications
- Size: 21-24 inches
- Inner Material:
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Ventilation: 22-hole ventilation
- Weight: 0.55 pounds
- Color: Matte Highlight Yellow, Ice Blue Floral, Matte Black, Matte Black/Red, Matte Portaro Grey, Matte Red, Matte Titanium, Matte White
Review
At a weight of 0.55 pounds, the Giro Register is light as a feather. It’s so lightweight that you may sometimes forget that you are wearing a cycling helmet.
As a result of being lightweight, the lightweight helmet offers outstanding comfort for its wearers. However, the comfort also comes from other characteristics of this helmet, including its design, adjustability, and fitting.
The melon-like design of the Giro Register means wearers get a snug fit helmet that stays firmly on their heads throughout the ride. There are also multiple air vents on the front, allowing for efficient ventilation that helps keep the cyclist dry and cool.
Adjustability is a huge advantage this helmet has over other models. It involves minimal strap adjustments and doesn’t have adjustable side straps at the jawline. This way, the wearer can avoid risks of sliding as well as unnecessary adjustment issues.
Plus, the helmet is well padded inside. The padding is soft though not very absorbent, and it assists comfort for long rides.
On top of that, the helmet meets safety standards with a protection system, features quality construction with a polycarbonate outer shell, and high visibility if you opt for the Matte Highlight Yellow color.
Overall, those who look for light, comfortable cycling helmets must at least consider this model.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Easy to adjust
- Snug fit
- Well ventilated
Con
- Short visor
#7. Giro Syntax MIPS – Best For Kids
Giro Syntax MIPS – Best For Kids
Specifications
- Size: Small
- Inner Material: Expanded Polystyrene
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Ventilation: 25-hold ventilation
- Weight: 0.6 pounds
- Color: Highlight Yellow/Black, Matte Black, Matte Black/Bright Red, Matte Citron/White, Matte Midnight Bars, and Matte White/Silver.
Review
If you are looking for a sleek, nicely designed model for your kids, look no further than the Giro Syntax. The helmet comes in a small size that should wrap your kids’ heads easily. It also has the Roc Loc 5 fit system to make sure every kid can fit in this helmet.
Weighing 0.6 pounds, the Giro Syntax is among the most lightweight models on this list, so you don’t have to worry about it pressing on a child’s head.
When it comes to design, the product features curves and ventilating holes of different sizes, giving it a ‘fun’, dynamic look. The helmet offers several color variants with two-tone options, while others offer plain looks only.
At the same time, the bright color highlight on the helmet increases visibility when your kids go cycling in low-light conditions. The design also allows their heads to go deeper into the helmet, combined with padding, protecting it better.
For those who are still not sure about this helmet’s safety level, you may be happy to know it does boast MIPS integration and has proven a leading model in the manufacturer’s test lab as well.
The ventilation system is probably the biggest advantage this helmet has over the other models on this list. In particular, this houses 25 ventilating holes arranged all over the product, ensuring great airflow a cool and dry head for child cyclists.
In short, the Giro Syntax is a lightweight, beautiful, protective cycling helmet for children to wear.
Pros
- Great fit
- Solid performance
Cons
- Color not as described
#8. Schwinn Beam LED Lighted Bike Helmet – Best For Riding In Rains Or Fog
Schwinn Beam LED Lighted Bike Helmet – Best For Riding In Rains Or Fog
Specifications
- Size: 22-24 inches
- Inner Material: EPS foam
- Outer Material: PVC Microshell
- Ventilation: 18-hole ventilation
- Weight: 0.85 pounds
- Color: Viz Yellow
Review
For those who live in humid regions where there are rain and fog all the time, they can benefit from the Schwinn Beam cycling helmet. In such riding conditions, what you need the most are safety features such as protection and visibility.
This helmet has two highly visible color options, neon pink, and neon green. These colors are extremely easy to spot when riders’ vision is limited in the rain or foggy atmospheres.
Plus, it houses reflective strips on the top and the sides, helping other vehicles see you in low-light conditions. Moreover, there is a rear light at the back of the product; it runs on battery and can be removed when not in use.
If you go cycling at dusk or on roads with no lights, these features will offer significant visibility assistance to help you avoid crashes with other vehicles from all directions.
The Schwinn Beam is equipped with a small visor to prevent light rain from falling on your face. Besides, the visor acts as a protection measure in case of accidents where you fall on your face.
There are 18 air vents, but they are relatively small for the size of the model. Therefore, it’s more suitable for street, daily cycling rather than intensive rides.
It’s worth noting that the rubber light switch doesn’t always work as it’s supposed to. You may find it hard to turn on and turn off the rear light; it could even be defective on some products.
Overall, this item is great for street rides in rainy, foggy areas but definitely not for extreme sports.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Work for most cyclists
- Feel secure
- Light button easy to use
Cons
- Limited padding
- Light not rechargeable
#9. BERN, Allston Helmet with Flip Visor – Best Convenient
BERN, Allston Helmet with Flip Visor – Best Convenient
Specifications
- Size: 20-24 inches
- Inner Material:
- Outer Material: PVC micro-shell
- Ventilation: 16-hole ventilation
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Color: Matte Black
Review
The BERN, Allston helmet provides its wearers with unmatched convenience that bike messengers and general urban cyclists will find extremely handy.
To start with, this item features a small inbuilt visor that expands or retracts with a single flip of the hand. Unlike other helmets on this list, whose visors must be attached or detached, the Bern model requires minimal gestures.
The product is quick to resize as well if another person other than you wears it. It’s highly practical for urban streets where one should be as fast as possible.
For ventilation and ride comfort, there are 16 holes arranged mostly on the top of the product and none on the side. It creates just enough airflow for short rides in the city.
While the visor is relatively small, it’s soft and absorbent, which effectively removes sweat from your forehead on hot days.
Besides, Bern equips the product with a BOA 360-degree retention system and the widest range of sizes to ensure a custom fit for different people.
On top of that, you can completely rely on this model’s build quality. It’s strong, provides ultimate head protection, even saves its wearers from accident impacts in many cases.
All things considered, if you ride on the street a lot and seek convenience, the BERN, Allston Helmet with Flip Visor is definitely worth your attention.
Pros
- Well padded
- Chinstrap easy to tighten
Cons
- Visor removal involves headband detachment.
#10. KINGBIKE Ultralight Bike Helmet – Best For Street Cycling
KINGBIKE Ultralight Bike Helmet – Best For Street Cycling
Specifications
- Size: 21.25 – 24.68 inches
- Inner Material: Expanded Polystyrene
- Outer Material: Polycarbonate
- Ventilation: 24-hole ventilation
- Weight: 0.5 pounds
- Color: Black (Matte), Black/titanium, Black&Green, Black&red, Green, Titanium, Titanium Black, White, White&Black, White&Green, Red, Rose Red.
Review
The KINGBIKE helmet has a range of features that make it the perfect cycling helmet for busy streets.
First of all, it has an ultralight rear LED with three modes for different purposes. These include Always on, Fast Flash, and Slow Flash modes, which help to ensure safety and visibility for cyclists, especially in the evening.
When it comes to design, this model enables efficient ventilation that you will be thankful for on hot days. Specifically, the helmet features multiple parallel structure bones curved from the front to the back, letting the wind slide through easily.
There are 24 holes distributed all over the helmet. The holes on the front are large so a lot of air can enter while the covering net blocks out dust and debris.
In addition to that, the brand gives you two removable visors. One of them is solid, suitable for use on rainy or sunny days when you want to prevent the rain or UV rays from touching your eyes. The other one has large holes to help with ventilation.
You also get a portable backpack to keep the visors as well as other accessories when going out.
Lastly, the KINGBIKE helmet weighs only 0.5 pounds, which is very lightweight while not compromising its quality. If you ride your bike regularly, you will appreciate its lightweight.
Indeed, this is the best cycling helmet under $100 2022 for those cycling a lot on busy streets.
It offers the same level of protection as more expensive models while adding multiple-mode LED lights for safety, good ventilation for comfort, and an extra visor for exchange depending on real-time conditions.
Pros
- A variety of color options
- Prevent heat buildup
- Good adjustability
- Great protection
- Perfect for larger heads
Cons
- A bit small Chinstrap
- Colors fade quickly
How To Choose Cycling Helmet Under $100
Helmet Design and Construction
When shopping for a cycling helmet, you need first to decide whether you want a full-face or an open-face helmet.
To compare, a full-face helmet provides overall protection for your head, skull, face, and cheeks in case of accidents. However, it is way heavier than its open-face counterpart, bulkier, and not suitable for use on hot days.
On the other hand, open-face cycling helmets are much more lightweight, comfortable to wear while still protecting your head and skull effectively. That said, an open-face helmet doesn’t let you ride on different terrains like a full-face one does, such as mountain and gravel biking.
When choosing the design and construction of your next cycling helmet, you should keep your type of riding in mind.
- For recreational riders basic impact protection is fine. Mostly any cheap model can cover this type of riding.
- For road rides: you should look for a lightweight model, aerodynamic design, and good ventilation.
- For mountain rides: good ventilation is great, but extended coverage for rear head protection is a must as you will more likely fall backward. Mountain cycling helmets are often bulkier overall.
Size
Sizing is a fundamental factor to keep in mind when you look for a cycling helmet, which means finding the right circumference. The tip to determining your head circumference is measuring it three times then calculating the average.
You can refer to the following list of sizes to find your helmet fit:
- Below 20 inches: Extra Small
- From 20 to 21.75 inches: Small
- From 21.75 to 23.25 inches: Medium
- From 23.25 inches to 24.75 inches: Large
- From 24.75 inches and above: Extra Large
- One size for all: this type of helmet houses a highly adjustable fit system that can snugly wrap around any head circumference.
If you wear glasses, make sure the product design doesn’t cause discomfort when you ride for several hours.
MIPS Integration
MIPS stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. MIPS Integration gives omnidirectional protection for your head and brain. It’s a good safety feature to look for in your cycling helmet.
Fitting and Retention System
A cycling helmet should snugly fit and stay on your head even when you fall off your bike. Apart from the size, you can look for a helmet with a cage-like design, which tightens or loosens a set of straps to fit around your head.
Comfort
To ensure comfort when wearing a cycling helmet, pay attention to the interior of the product. In a lower segment, most models feature EPS foam on the inner liner, which soaks sweat and moisture efficiently to offer a dry and cool feel.
Besides, the ventilation system must be taken into account as it allows for temperature regulation, helping keep your head cool even on hot days.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, a cycling helmet made with in-mold technology is highly appreciated. Specifically, in this technique, the outer shell of the helmet is infused with the inner liner. This way, the helmet helps minimize sudden shock on the head in accidents or collisions.
Apart from the popular MIPS technology, there are other techniques used in bike helmets for head protection.
The first is called WaveCel. Found on Bontrager helmets, WaveCel protection consists of a honeycombed liner material creating a complex crumple zone to absorb primary and rotational impact forces.
The other one is called SPIN, or Shearing Pads Inside. A helmet with this technology has silicon-injected pads. The whole padding structure can move inside the outer shell, which redirects rotational forces when there’s an impact on your head.
Best Cycling Helmet Under $100 2023: FAQs
Are Cheap Cycling Helmets Safe?
Yes, they are. While the low prices of cheap helmets may cause some to worry about their protection capability, they have to meet certain standards.
Most cheap models now feature MIPS tech or Multi-Directional Protection System to reduce impacts from crashes. The implementation of this technology has significantly improved the functionality and quality of cheap cycling helmets.
Another technology you can easily find in cheap cycling helmets these days is in-molding tech. It makes the product sturdier and more durable for effective protection.
How much should you spend on a bike helmet?
A cycling helmet’s price varies greatly. You can find models as cheap as $20,but there are also models costing as much as $160. The price of a cycling helmet depends on its brand reputation, quality, design, material, etc.
That said, there are many good cheap cycling helmets for under $100 that you can choose from. If you research carefully enough, you will find low-priced helmets that offer the same features and level of quality as premium helmets.
What Are The Best Brands for Affordable Cycling Helmets?
For those seeking affordable cycling helmets, you can look at the following brands. XINERTER sells some of the cheapest cycling helmets on the market while ensuring the quality and reliability you expect from cycling gear.
Giro offers different lines of cycling helmets for different types of users and cycling. There are Giro helmets for women, Giro helmets for mountain biking, and more. Other brands to consider include TeamObsidian, Kask, Bell, and Bern.
Conclusion
Among the ten models listed in this post, the Kask Rapido Road Cycling Helmet is ultimately the best cycling helmet under $100 2022. If you are planning on replacing your old helmets and looking for a complete package of affordability, quality, and performance, this one can be your go-to option.
That said, the other nine models have values to offer. As long as you know what you’re looking for in a cycling helmet in 2022, there must be one that well meets your needs.
Otherwise, if you haven’t made up your mind about what features or value to rely on for your purchase decision, refer to our comprehensive buying guide. It should cover all the good quality a cycling helmet can deliver for you.
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Jame K. Thomas
Hey guys, I am an avid cyclist who have raced competitively in the amateur ranks until my mid 30s. I love cycling because it offers both physical and mental challenges, as well as the sense of freedom that comes with riding outdoors. I have devoted myself to the communities and shared all that I know about this supper-duper lovely cycling. Hope that my experience in this blog could give you help.
