Helmets are designed to protect your head. You don't have to wear a helmet by law, however it is wise to be as safe as you can whether on or off road. The Government recognise this and do not charge VAT on helmets.

The best way to assure a helmet fits is to try it on, but following sizing guides gives you a good idea what to buy.

What should you look for?

• Safety - UK cycle helmets have to pass strict EU safety tests so quality is assured on any helmet you buy in this country. Just to be clear, in most cases, the body of the helmet is there to provide the protection (working as a crumple zone). The soft padding inside a helmet is primarily there to improve fit.
• Fit - Helmets must be comfortable. The best helmets are the ones you forget you are wearing, as they feel so natural!
• Cooling - large, numerous and well-shaped vents help keep your head cooler. The more air that gets to your head, the better, for wicking sweat away and keeping your head cooler.
• Visibility - Helmets can be helpful in allowing other road users to see you more easily. Light colours, reflective materials and even lights have been employed by helmet manufacturers to increase visibility.
• Weight - lighter helmets put less stress on your neck and are more comfortable.
• Price - Spending less that £30 will get you a more basic helmet, it will usually be heavier with less efficient venting. The more you spend over £60 will gain you larger vents and lighter weight from more exotic materials.

Here is our pick of the best buys out there:

Giro Indicator Helmet - £39.99 (Universal 54 - 61 cm size)

Great combination of performance, value for money, and style. Designed as an all-round cycle helmet, this budget Giro offering shares many features with more expensive helmets.

• Acu-Dial fit system provides one handed micro adjustment whilst on the move and ensures a perfect custom fit for every rider
• Advanced strap management keeps everything in place to allow further fine tuning for a safe and secure fit
• In-moulded body adds strength and protection but no extra weight penalty
• 20 vents allow cold air in and hot air out to provide cooling and increase rider comfort
• Additional rear exhaust vents pull air through the helmet even when riding at slower speeds
• Snap-fit visor helps keep sun and rain away from your face
• Meets CE EN1078 certification

Met Camaleonte Urban Helmet - £39.99 (S: 52-57 cm / L: 58-61 cm)

• In-Moulding Shell Construction
• Reflective sticker at the rear improves visibility
• Lockable side straps divider
• Safe-T Twist adjustment
• Removable visor
• Washable and anti-allergic pads
• MET helmets exceed relevant safety standards present in the UK
• Weight - M: 250g, L: 270g

Specialized Echelon Helmet - £49.99

The ideal helmet for road enthusiasts. This minimalist, road race-inspired design is the most affordable way to experience the signature Specialized fit, comfort and ventilation.

• Complies with one or more of the following safety standards for bicycle helmets: CPSC, SNELL B90A, CE and AS/NZS
• Headset SL fit system with four height positions and micro-adjustable dial is easy to adjust on the fly
• 4th Dimension Cooling System to optimize ventilation
• Four in-moulded shells and composite matrix reinforcement to maximize strength and minimize weight
• Wind tunnel tested for maximum cooling
• Light and easy to use U-Turn strap adjusters

Bell Lumen Road Helmet - £59.99

Compact road helmet combining great value with modern Bell styling. This sleek looking road helmet punches well above its weight.

• Fusion In-mould with extended rear hard-body coverage
• 22 vents for exceptional ventilation
• Compact shape means improved aesthetics through reduced size
• CoolMax padding
• Geared Positioning System (GPS) delivers one-handed adjustment of the dial for superior fit and comfort
• Cam-Lock clips adjust the straps around your ears and face for a custom fit
• Meets CE EN178 certification

All these helmets offer excellent value for money and crash protection that meets EU safety criteria.

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