Video: How to Choose the Right Bike Helmet

How does one choose the right bike helmet?

It sounds like a simple question, but candidly, the answer isn’t as simple as it used to be. Between newer safety technologies like MIPS, the rapid growth of categories like gravel and electric mountain biking, and more riders seamlessly shifting from road to trail to commuting, today’s helmets are more nuanced than ever.

Bottom line, finding the right helmet means understanding three key things: Is it safe? Does it fit properly? And is it designed for the kind of riding you actually do? 

In our latest video, we break down exactly how to choose the right bike helmet, from safety checks and proper fit to the core differences between commuter, road, XC, mountain, and electric mountain bike models.

What This Video Covers

• How to tell if your current helmet is still safe, or if it’s time for a replacement 

• When to replace a helmet (even if you haven’t crashed)

• How to check proper helmet fit using the two-finger rule

• What MIPS and rotational impact protection systems actually do

• The differences between commuter, road/gravel/XC, mountain, and enduro or electric mountain bike helmets

Is Your Helmet Still Safe?

Before choosing a new helmet, it’s worth considering whether your current one is still up to the task. Specifically, Contender recommends running through a 4-point checklist: 

• 1 | Check the Outer Shell, looking for cracks, dents, deep abrasions, or signs of impact. Remember: even small fractures can compromise protection.

• 2 | Inspect the EPS Foam, which is inside the helmet, and is designed to absorb crash energy. If you notice cracked foam, compressed or bulging sections, or eparation between the shell and liner, it’s time to replace the helmet.

• 3| Replace Every 3–5 Years. Even without a crash, helmets degrade over time due to UV exposure, sweat, and everyday wear, among other factors. If it’s been a few seasons, replacement is smart insurance.

• 4 | Check for Safety Protocols & Certification. In the U.S., helmets should carry CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certification; this ensures the helmet meets federally mandated impact standards. If your helmet lacks CPSC labeling, it may not meet current safety requirements.

Beyond certification, newer helmets also include rotational impact protection systems, such as MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). These systems are designed to reduce rotational forces during angled impacts, which are the type of impacts most common in real-world crashes. If your helmet predates MIPS or similar systems, upgrading to a modern design can provide an added layer of protection. 

Does Your Helmet Fit Properly?

Fit matters just as much as safety certification. A premium helmet that fits poorly will protect you worse than a properly fitted mid-range option. To assess proper fit–for your current helmet, a potential upgrade–Contender recommends a quick diagnostic for three criteria: 

• First, you should be able to place two fingers (horizontally stacked) between your eyebrows and the bottom of your helmet. Too low, and the helmet will obstruct your vision; too high, and your forehead won’t be protected. 

• Second, a good helmet should have a retention system, such as a tension dial on the back of the helmet. This ensures that the helmet is snug yet comfortable, without rattling or creating pressure points. 

• Third, aim for 1-2 fingers (vertically stacked) between your chin and the helmet strap. Too loose and your helmet can shift during impact; too tight, and you’ll be uncomfortable, making it harder to breathe or talk, eat or drink. 

Commuter Helmets

With an emphasis on visibility and everyday practicality over weight savings, commuter helmets also offer great style, while being an excellent choice for a wide range of riders. SHOP: commuter and urban helmets 

What to Look For:

• Integrated front and rear lights 

• Increased shell coverage

• Durable outer construction

• High visibility design or colors 

• Bonus: integrated lights at the front or rear of the helmet (white or red) can help to increase visibility to cars

Road, Gravel (and Cross-Country) Helmets

Spoiler: road and gravel and cross-country (XC) helmets are effectively one and the same category. Optimized for ventilation, lightweight construction, and excellent protection against impact, road helmets are ideal for everything from group rides to gravel adventures to all-day gran fondo’s, and from short-format NICA racing to marathon efforts like Leadville or Point to Point. SHOP: road, gravel, and cross-country helmets 

What to Look For:

• Lightweight construction

• Excellent ventilation and cooling

• MIPS or rotational impact protection

• Rear dial fit system

• Aerodynamic shaping (for race-focused riders)

Mountain Bike Helmets (Downcountry & Trail)

For downcountry and trail riders, where speed, gravity and a more relaxed kit is the name of the game, mountain bike helmets trade weight savings for increased coverage and impact protection at the back of the head, along with special features such as a sun visor or Go-Pro mount. SHOP: mountain bike helmets 

What to Look For:

• Integrated visor, to block out the sun 

• Extended rear coverage

• MIPS or spherical impact systems

• Slightly more robust construction

• Rear dial fit system

• Special features, such as a “sunglass garage” or a Go-Pro mount 

Enduro & Electric Mountain Bike Helmets

When flat out speed and full send is on the menu, be it bike parks, lift-served riding, or shutting yourself on an electric mountain bike, an enduro helmet or e-bike rated helmet ensures maximum protection and impact resistance, albeit at the cost of added weight and sometimes less ventilation. SHOP: enduro & electric mountain bike helmets 

What to Look For: 

• Integrated visor

• Expanded coverage, both side and rear 

• Reinforced construction

• Electric mountain bike certification (such as NTA 8776) 

• Designed for higher speeds and rougher terrain

• Rear dial fit system

• Special features, such as the ability to pair with downhill goggles or a Go-Pro mount 

Learn More

Not sure if your current helmet is still safe? Or looking to upgrade to something lighter, cooler, or a better fit for your style of riding? We’d love to help. 

Our team can check your helmet’s fit, walk you through safety features like MIPS and rotational impact protection, and help you choose the right model for your chosen discipline. 

Hot tip: if you come in, bring your current helmet with you, and we’re happy to take a look and make sure you’re riding safely and confidently.

📍 Visit: our Salt Lake City or Park City locations

📞 Call: (801) 364-0344

📧 Email: info@contenderbicycles.com