Trying to find a great helmet at a reasonable price can prove extremely difficult at times. Sometimes the design of a helmet can look super fancy in appearance but lack the essentials needed to justify the price tag.
However, there are some top contenders out there that hit all the criteria to make up a great road bike helmet and all whilst sitting at a sensible price point.
We’ve created the best road bike helmets under 100 guide to help you find your new helmet without all the fuss of scouring the internet.
We’ve selected our top five choices along with a buyer’s guide and a frequently asked questions section to cover any queries or specifications you may have for your helmet.
All of our helmets recommended in the list are CPSC certified so meet all safety requirements and regulations.
Ready to get cycling?
If you haven’t got the time to hang around then don’t fear, we’ve got you covered with our top choice right here. Our favourite for the best road bike helmet under 100 is the trusted Schwinn Thrasher bike Helmet and here’s a handful of reasons why we think it's a killer helmet:
- Huge variety of colours
- Moisture wick pads
- Durable
- Comes with a visor
- Adjustable
- Full shell protection
- Durable
- Good ventilation
OUR TOP PICK
The Schwinn Thrasher helmet is our number one choice for the best road bike helmet under $100 and is ideal for any children, teenagers, or adults who cycle. It’s super comfortable and won’t irritate your skin even during long periods of use.
You’ll get a perfect fit with the Schwinn Thrasher helmet with the adjustable dial fit knob to help you make it as secure as you need and the full-range of adjustable padding that you can move round to suit your head shape and will help keep the helmet stable on your head whilst you ride.
The full shell coverage offers the ultimate protection for your head, so it’ll really help reduce the risk of head injuries if you happen to fall off your bike or collide with anything.
However, the full shell coverage is super lightweight and won't weigh you down while you ride, so you won’t get a stiff neck that you can sometimes develop when wearing heavier helmets.
The helmet comes with 20 air vents to provide maximum ventilation and keep your head nice and cool on hot summer rides or even just long journeys. It comes with moisture-wicking pads built in to help absorb any built-up sweat on your journeys but without compromising on the strength of the design.
You’ve also got the option of a detachable visor to help block out bright sunlight if you’re cycling facing the sun and even helps to stop rain from getting directly into your eyes if you're cycling through wet weather.
What sets the Schwinn Thrasher apart from the others is its traditional angular helmet design that never goes out of style but with added an edge.
There’s a choice of 23 colours and designs which vary from sleek black, variations of camouflage, and even some more vibrant designs for those who really like to cycle in style. It’s also a great option for kids who are reluctant to wear helmets in the fear of not looking ‘cool’.
The Thrasher helmet is incredibly durable and will withstand all general wear and tear that occurs from high usage during cycles.
It’s an ideal helmet for clumsy children who don’t take much care when taking their helmets off and putting them on the ground during breaks.
One downside is that the visor attachment doesn’t seem incredibly strong and could be prone to bending or snapping if the helmet is not handled with proper care.
The helmet is unisex and one size fits all, but the adjustment setting means it’ll suit nearly all head sizes. If you do have an abnormally small head, you may even want to consider sizing down to a youth helmet to ensure ultimate security.
However, if you’re unsure, Schwinn does offer a suggested age range based on your head circumference on its product links.
PROS:
- Huge variety of colours
- Moisture wick pads
- Durable
- Comes with a visor
- Adjustable
- Full shell protection
- Durable
- Good ventilation (20 air vents)
CONS:
- Visor attachment is not that strong
EDITORS CHOICE
The Giro register is sleek and versatile and comes in a handful of simple designs and colours, so if your main focus is safety rather than staying on-trend then this will be a great option for you.
It comes with reflective accents on the external shell, to help you stand out to any passing cars if you choose to cycle at night.
The Giro Register is still lightweight when you consider its design and safety features but is heavier than some of the other models from the Giro brand.
The adjustable strapping and turn-dial features on the back of the helmet will allow you to get a perfect custom fit to your head so if you’re someone who is in between sizes then you’ll be able to customise the helmet to fit you snugly.
The Register offers great ventilation with its 22 vents built into the compact shell along with the quick-dry padding which will help keep your head cool and avoid sweat trickling down your face on your more testing cycles.
The internal Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) gives you extra protection in the event of an accident and helps manage the flow of energy after a crash or impact, directing it away from your head.
An extra layer of EPS impact foam will also soften the blow to the sides of your head if you hit something at an awkward angle.
The Giro helmet is the only helmet on our guide with the added MIPS safety design, so if you want to be assured that you are getting the safest helmet possible, this one would be your best option.
This Giro model comes with a detachable visor. It’ll help protect and shield your eyes from elements such as rain and dust whilst out on your cycle.
It’ll also help shield your eyes from harsh sunlight making it a lot easier for you to see and refrain from crashing.
However, the visor is not the most secure and can sometimes be prone to coming off if you’re cycling on bumpy and uneven terrain.
The helmet comes in two sizes, one being adult large and adult extra-large, and is suitable for men and women.
PROS:
- Variety of colours
- MIPS System for ultimate safety
- Optional visor
- 22 vents built in
- Simple patterns
CONS:
- Visor doesn’t always stay on
BEST VALUE
Our third option on our recommendations is the KINGBIKE Ultra Lightweight helmet. There’s also an array of stylish designs and colours to choose from if you’re looking for something to stand out from the crowd.
The lightweight design allows you to ride in total comfort for any length of time along with the 20 built-in vents which provide temperature regulation so you’ll feel cool and comfortable cycling even in the warmest conditions.
Despite being lightweight in design, the KINGBIKE helmet is sturdy and strong to provide ultimate protection.
The helmet also has a detachable visor that you can use for the front of your helmet to protect your eyes from glaring sunlight and also to stop elements such as rain and dust from the terrain from getting into your eyes.
The visor is easy to remove and install back in whenever you may need it. You’ll also get a free backpack included with the helmet, to help keep it stored when not in use which is a unique accessory to this product.
The KINGBIKE Ultra Lightweight helmet offers a great extra built-in safety feature with the rear LED light which has 3 modes.
It can permanently stay on for the duration of your ride or you can have it on a quick or slow flashing mode, allowing you to be seen by other motorists whilst out on the roads during darker hours.
The only issue we have with the KINGBIKE is that the material used for the chin strapping doesn’t feel overly strong and we think it would be prone to losing its shape after being exposed to heavy rain. The chin strap also sits slightly off center and sometimes slips off if you tilt your head in certain directions.
The ultra-lightweight helmet is best suited for adults and ranges in sizes of medium to large and large to extra large. It’s a great option if you’re known for having a big noggin. The adjustable knob will allow you to customize the fit of your helmet.
PROS:
- Variety of colours and designs
- Lightweight
- 20 vents built into helmet
- Rear light for safety
- Comfortable
- Visor is easy to install and remove
CONS:
- Chinstrap doesn’t feel strong
RUNNER UP
Our penultimate choice is the G-LTECK Airflow Bike Helmet that comes available in two matte colours, white and black, so if you’re a no-frills kind of person who wants safety rather than style, then this will be a great contender for you.
The helmet is built with 3 important steps to ensure maximum protection for your head. You’ve got the exterior hard shell, then a built-in skeleton to hold the helmet together (even during impact), and then you’ve got the added foam to emerge it all together.
It sure does feel secure on your head and the adjustable dial and adjustable straps allow you to have it as tight as you need it.
It’s also built with shock absorption technology to help protect all areas of your head and reduce the risk of brain injuries if you get into an accident.
The Airflow bike helmet is lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day with the cushioned chin pad which doesn’t irritate your skin even when it gets humid or starts raining down on you.
It also allows you to keep cool and encourages airflow through the 22 massive air vents, so you won’t get incredibly sweaty on your head even during the hottest summer months.
You’ve also got the extra bonus of a detachable visor to put on your helmet during bright sunny weather or heavy rain to protect your eyes and face.
Due to its strong design, the Airflow helmet is highly durable and will last through all seasons. The helmet padding inside is also washable to help keep your helmet clean and reduce any bad odours that may occur over time due to a build-up of dried moisture.
G-LETECK offers a 2-year manufacturing warranty on the Airflow helmet so this risk-free purchase is great regardless if you’re going to use the helmet for commuting to work or just recreational cycling during your spare time.
G-LETECK is notably the only brand on this last that comes with a big warranty, which really exemplifies that they have great confidence that this Airflow bike helmet will last you regardless of all the extensive wear it will get.
The helmet comes in a good range of sizes varying from small to large and you’ll be able to find what size is best for you through the measurement guide on the link.
PROS:
- Good shock absorption
- Optional visor
- Easy to use adjustable dial
- Simple chin strapping
- Washable padding
- 2-year warranty
CONS:
- Only two colours to pick from
RUNNER UP
The helmet only weighs 340 grams so is very lightweight and will be consistently comfortable for long durations of wearing it out on your bike.
Whilst this helmet is lightweight, it is however, along with the top choice Schwinn helmet, the heaviest options on our recommendations.
So if you’re someone who is susceptible to neck pain or looking for the most lightweight helmet then you’ll need to consider the other options.
The helmet is featured in three pleasant yet simple colours and also supplies two different coloured visors if you do want to change up the style.
One of the best parts about this helmet is the integrated LED light built into the rear. The light is rechargeable via a USB which is a lot more convenient than other LED lights as it saves you going through heaps of batteries to keep it powered.
It comes with 3 lighting modes, steady, flash, and wave to keep you in sight of other drivers on the road at all times.
The light is easy to turn on by simply pressing the button on the center of the rear and is easy enough to do so whilst still cycling. The battery does however, only last for a maximum of 2-3 long rides until it needs charging again
The exterior is built with polycarbonate material with the impact-absorbing foam liner to ensure maximum protection when out on your rides and also high durability, so if you’re someone who doesn’t take great care with helmets then this one will last you a long time.
The helmet features 23 vents to keep your head cool and also provides replacements for the inner pads for when the time comes to change them.
The GROTTO helmet is the best one on the list for large airflow as it has the highest number of vents, so if you use your helmet in hot climates or someone who gets very sweaty out on their rides then this helmet will be a good companion for you.
The GROTTICO helmet is a great fit for both men and women and comes in a medium and large size which are supported by adjustable straps and a dial to customize the fit to your head.
Despite being a good unisex helmet, one of the most common complaints with this helmet is that hair can get caught in the clasps when putting it on and off and sometimes can be very difficult to remove without snagging your hair.
If you don’t have long hair then this will not be a concern for you, however, if you do, you’ll either have to be careful every time you wear this helmet or look for an alternative option.
Another concern is the dial that comes on the rear of the helmet. Whilst it works perfectly fine, it doesn’t feel the most sturdy and after looking at some reviews, some people have even commented that it has broken on them whilst trying to adjust the tightness.
PROS:
- Integrated safety rear light
- Rear light charges with USB
- Best helmet for air ventilation
- Detachable visor
- Lightweight
CONS:
- Hair gets caught in clasp
- The dial is not the strongest
Best Road Bike Helmet Under 100 Buying Guide
Safety
All bike helmets sold will comply with the correct safety standards by government commissions, ensuring that it has passed all safety inspections and tests involving construction, impact absorption, retention system, and also the chin strap and buckle features.
Over recent years, there has been an emergence of extra safety technologies such as MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system), these new revolutions claim to add extra protection from head injuries by using better materials that absorb more impact in the event of an accident.
It is vital that your bike helmet fits properly or it won’t be able to protect you fully. They come in many sizes and we recommend measuring your head with a tape measure to accurately find a size that’ll fit you best.
Most bike helmets will come with a built-in retention system, which will allow you to adjust the fit of your helmet to fit your head properly.
This is helpful if you want to wear a hat underneath to keep warm or even for women who want to wear their hair up whilst cycling.
You’ll want to find a helmet that comes with secure, durable, and comfortable straps for under your chin. It should be a snug fit, so you’ll want something that won't come loose or irritate your skin either.
Internap Padding & Ventilation
Good padding in a bike helmet will prove beneficial as it will be more comfortable on your head and will also absorb the sweat so it doesn’t drip down your face.
Some of the best helmets include removable padding that can be washed on if needed replaced.
Finding a helmet with a good design will offer good ventilation as well, which will prove invaluable on your more difficult routes that require you to go uphill and work up a sweat.
Reflectivity & Lights
If you’re considering cycling at night or during the early hours of the morning during the winter months, you’ll want to find a helmet that has reflective stripes coated onto the exterior so you can be seen in the street lights or also by the headlights of oncoming vehicles.
You could also get a helmet with a built-in LED light on the rear which will alert motorists of your presence on the road. Most LED lights on helmets will come with various modes such as static light and also flashing modes.
The flashing light mode is more battery efficient so you won’t have to keep replacing the batteries as much. Overall, it’s just important to have some sort of illumination on your helmet as well as the rest of your cycling clothing and bike in general to ensure you are seen by other motorists and pedestrians.
Visors
Sometimes wearing external sunglasses with a bike helmet can be a bit of a tight fit on the head and can sometimes start to rub behind the ears. That’s why visors are a grand alternative.
It’ll protect your eyes from bright sunlight and also reduce heavy rain and any dirt or dust from your ground getting into your eyes whilst you cycle. Most visors are detachable from the helmet, so you can always take it off if you don’t need to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do more expensive helmets protect better?
A cheaper helmet will be built with cheaper materials, however, all bike helmets require the same safety standards certificate so will all do the same job.
More expensive helmets will be made from better materials which can improve other things like ventilation, be more attractive in appearance and may weigh less than competitors.
So in this case, no, they do not protect better as they all have the same safety standard as cheaper alternatives.
What is the lifespan of a bike road helmet?
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) states that your helmet should last you 5 to 10 years depending on how much you use it, however after that period it will need replacing. If you are involved in a crash, you need to replace your helmet straight away.
You should check your helmet over every so often to see if there are any damages to the internal foaming or any hairline cracks on the exterior, whilst these may seem minor to the eye, it may affect the helmets capabilities of protecting you in an incident.
Do helmets need MIPS (Multi-directional impact protection system)?
MIPS is recommended for helmets but is not a government safety standard. Helmets that have been approved by The CPSC certify that they protect against brain injuries. MIPS helmets reduce the risk of concussion more so than other helmets.
Which colour helmet is best?
Having a brightly coloured helmet will increase your chance of being seen by motorists on the road and reduce your chances of being hit by a vehicle. Neon colours like orange are yellow stand-out the most to drivers so are the most recommended.
We don’t recommend black helmets as they are harder to detect by drivers and also the exterior will get hot on sunny days. White is a much better colour to get.