Cycling is arguably the most important leg of a triathlon given the amount of time you spend on the bike vs running and swimming, both in training and during an actual race. Ensuring both efficiency and safety should be a significant concern throughout the time.
There are a lot of helmet options available in the market that provide protection, durability, and other important features. However, it can be difficult to find best helmet that meets the actual needs and demands. Therefore, a considerable amount of knowledge and research is required before choosing the best helmet for yourself.
Considerations When Chosing a Triathlon Cycling Helmets
When buying a triathlon helmet, there are some essential features that need to be considered before making a final decision.
Ventilation: Ventilation is one of the essential factors when considering triathlon helmets. With no or minimal ventilation, a triathlete may overheat quickly in the sun and heat.
Weight: Weight is the second important thing that needs to look after when purchasing a triathlons helmet. Ensure that the helmet is a lightweight as it can positively affect the performance and speed. Depending on the helmet, different material can have a substantial impact on the helmets weight.
Sizing: Sizing and fit is an essential element when selecting a triathlons helmets. Helmets generally come in sizes small, medium, or large. Thankfully, however, many helmets come with adjustable features within the helmet that will allow you to customize fit even further. Giro has an excellent resource with it’s Size Charts for measuring the size of your head in order to determine the helmet size.
Different Types of Triathlon Helmets
One helmet does not fit all! There are a few different types of cycling helmets that you need to take into consideration when chosing the right one for you.
Road: The road Helmets are usually the regular use helmets that people wear when recreationally using the bike. The material used in these helmets is Plastic and foam, which protects the head. The exact purpose of using them is to stay safe from bike or major car accidents.
Aero: The Aero Helmets are good for those looking for smooth airflow at the time of riding bicycles. In other words, using these helmets can effectively slip the air. However, the cooling issues cut-off due to the permanently sealed-off feature.
TT: TT means is Time Trail which is a great options for triathlons. Hence, these helmets are heavily used as cycling helmets for Triathlons. Anybody can make loads of timing advancements in these helmets for better results.
7 Best Cycling Helmets for Triathlons
| Helmet | Image | Feature | Buy Online | |
| 1 | Giro Vanquish |  | Best Overall Helmet | $299.95 at Amazon.com $299.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com |
| 2 | Giro Aerohead |  | Fastest Triathlon Cycling Helmet | $299.95 at Amazon.com $299.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com |
| 3 | Giro Isode |  | Best Beginner Helmet | $64.95 at Amazon.com $59.99 at DicksSportingGoods.com |
| 4 | Kask Protone |  | Most Comfortable Helmet | Price not available at Amazon.com $299.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com |
| 5 | Kask Rapido |  | Best Budget Helmet | $69.90 at Amazon.com $99.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com |
| 6 | Smith Optics Podium |  | Best Time Trial (TT) Helmet | Price not available at Amazon.com $350.00 at SmithOptics.com |
| 7 | Smith Optics Ignite |  | Most Durable Cycling Helmet | $250.00 at Amazon.com $250.00 at SmithOptics.com $250.00 at CompetitiveCyclist.com |
1. Best Overall Triathlon Helmet – Giro Vanquish MIPS Adult Aero Cycling Helmet
$299.95 at Amazon.com
$299.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
The best overall cycling helment for triathlons is the The GIRO Vanquish MIPS becase it provides a faster cycling experience with excellent protection and safety. GIRO has implemented a unique helmet design with TransformvAir technology, which helps with drag during cycling. The Transform Air technology provides advanced aerodynamics which is useful for both racing and training.
The helmet comes in three different standard sizes – small, medium, and large. This means the customer can find the correct fitting helmet based on Giro’s specifications in it’s sizing chart.
The ventilation and comfortable fitting are top notch in these helmets due to the Roc Loc Air Fit System combined with the MIPS safety technology. The best part here is that Giro itself introduced the feature for the customers.
In additional to keeping the head protected, aerodynamic and ventilated, Giro also introduced lenses to protect the eyes and nose during cycling. The lenses of this helmet come in Vivid Shape, which allows proper airflow along with a better tune-in contrast that provides a natural-looking environment. The lenses/shades are also replaceable so you can use their own shade in the helmet if you choose.
I personally own the Giro Vanquish and it’s been a great hemlet. The fit has been very comfrotable, but by far the best feature is the magenetic shades. Even on a cloudy day you can see perfectly so the shades keep the sunlight out while still allowing you to see clearly in darker conditions, which is super important for biking.
| Pros: – Shades built in to the helmet. – Fewer Vents but bigger to allow more ventilation – Very comfortable compared to other helmets. | Cons: – Slightly Heavier. – Not Preferable for High Cheekbones face. |
| Unique Feature: – Aerodynamic efficiency and reduces Drag due to Transform Air Technology. | Basic Features: – In-Mold Construction. – Wind Tunnel Ventilation system. – Roc LOC 5 Air Fit system. – Integrated MIPS Equipped. |
2. Fastest Triathlon Cycling Helmet – Giro Aerohead MIPS Adult Road Cycling Helmet
$299.95 at Amazon.com
$299.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
The Second product on the list is also from the same manufacturer, Giro – the Aerohead MIPS Road Cycling Helmet.
The looks and performance of this helmet are definitely an upgrade than it’s predecessors in the marketplace..
The details and features of the Aerohead are what sets it apart. For example, the straps available in this helmet feel high quality and the inner liner is durable and lasts longer than most helmets.
One of the best features of the Giro AeroHead MIPS is the magnetic lens anchor attachment, which allows easy clip on and off of the lens with strong magnets but also strong enough to stay on during rougher rides.
The helmet has good ventilation, even cycling at slower pace with limited wind resistance. In other words, you will enjoy a good breeze and cooling effect regardless of weather condition.
| Pros: – Adequate Ventilation. – Elegant Looks with Good Color Combinations. – A touch of sensible and durable construction appears in this helmet. – Affordable. | Cons: – It comes for the Adult Range cyclers. – The Shades catches stain, but it?s not a big issue. |
| Unique Feature: The Helmet comes with a unique eye shield that prevents face view distortion. Meanwhile, the shield remains secure due to the attached magnetic anchor on it. | Basic Features: – Super Fit Engineering. – Vented Eye Shield. – Polycarbonate Shell. – Magnetic Lens Anchor. – MIPS Equipped. |
3. Best Beginner Triathlon Helmet – Giro Isode MIPS Adult Road Cycling Helmet
$64.95 at Amazon.com
$59.99 at DicksSportingGoods.com
The third pick on the list of best cycling helmets for triathlons is also a Giro helmet. This it’s the Isode MIPS which is famous for it’s unique and cool ventilation holes design.
There are more than 20 vents in the helmet making it a super cool and ventilated helmet. Although it has a considerable amount of ventilation holes, it doesn?t lower this helmet’s quality or safety. The MIPS technology in the helmet protects the head from any accidents.
Previously we have heard complaints about the fit of the helmet due to varying head sizes. Therefore, Giro has introduced an adjustable knob in the helmet that easily helps to adjust it as per the head size. The clips available in the helmet come in a compact and small size. Meanwhile, the straps are easy to adjust on both ends. This feature helps with a more comfortable and better positioning of the head with the helmet.
| Pros: – Lightweight. – High safety rating with protection for multi-directional impact. – Budget-friendly. | Cons: – No Shades available for the eyes and nose. |
| Unique Feature: These Helmets are preferably designed for recreational biking experiences. | Basic Features: – Reflectivity. – Quick-Dry Padding. – Compact Shape. – Full hard body coverage. – Integrated MIPS technology. |
4. Most Comfortable Cycling Helmet – Kask Protone Helmet
$299.95 at Amazon.com
$299.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
The Kask Protone has introduced a good quality inner frame with a slimline feature. Although the helmet is slimmer than most others on the market, the outstanding quality ensures that it’s a protective helmet.
Kask protone is an outstanding option for those who are looking for an everyday aerodynamic helmet. Why? Because there are only a few available in the market that offers positive results.
The inside cushioning of this helmet is unique and better than other helmets available. The best part is that the cushioning is dense and comes with a soft cool max padding. The brackets come with perfect padding and an comfortable shape. Hence, the helmet will hug the occipital bones to provide a better fit and feel.
The performance and designing testing never disappointed at all. Why? Because the designs and material testing approve by a top-notch service in Italy.
| Pros: – Comes with a protective fit. – No flap Snug-fitting Chinstrap. – The ventilation is outstanding. | Cons: – No Shades available. – The interference happens in the headbands due to the low retentions. – Expensive. |
| Unique Feature: The Kask Protone is uniquely made to provide a comfortable and ventilated cycling experience. | Basic Features: – Polycarbonate Outer Material. – MIT Safety Technology. – OCTO Fit Micro Dial Adjuster. – 3D Dry Padding. – Wind Tunnel Tested Aerodynamics. |
5. Best Budget Triathlon Helmet – Kask Rapido Road Cycling Helmet
$69.90 at Amazon.com
$99.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
The fifth product in the best cycling helmet for triathlons is the Kask Rapido; it?s the second pick in the list of the Kask brand. The product comes with several color options and a perfect detailing that provides a unique appearance.
The helmet is very lightweight and has excellent shock absorption. This is because the brand has designed the product by jointing the outer shell and inner cap together, which brings an advanced mold technology feature.
For a triathlon proper ventilation is essential for helmets. Understanding this, Kask has included a total of 23 large ventilation slots present in the helmet. This makes the helmet perfect for long hot summer rides!
Finally, the brand is offering approximately three years of warranty for this product so every penny a cyclist spends on this product is worth it.
| Pros: – Aerodynamic. – Better Ventilation. – Lower budget, Good quality helmet. – The product is suitable for those with thick hair. | Cons: – The Craftsmanship and Materials are mediocre (Customer review). – Narrow fitting (customer Review). – The retention system is bulky. |
| Unique Feature: Kask Rapido is basically a Road helmet that comes with a unique helmet adjustment system, along with robust material and secure transitions. | Basic Features: – 100% Italian Made. – In-Molding Construction. – MIT Technology. |
6. Best Time Trial (TT) Helmet for Triathlons – Smith Optics Podium TT Adult Cycling Helmet
Price not available at Amazon.com
$350.00 at SmithOptics.com
The Smith Optics helmet is ideal for those who want to spend a bit more to get a better quality product. It?s specifically designed for racing and time trials, making it an ideal helmet for triathlons. With that said, these helmets are not the ordinary ones that can be used for recreational purposes?this helmet is specifically designer and maximum speed and efficiency.
The helmet comes with additional space to adjust the shades depending upon the needs. Also, it comes with an extra supportive and fully covered protective helmet solution so the cyclist’s head, face, and nose will remain protective throughout the time.
| Pros: – Super Protective. – Comes with Adjustable Glasses. – Good for intense time trial competition. | Cons: – Expensive. – Ventilation is not great and needs to be improved (Customer review). |
| Basic Features: – AirEvac Ventilation. – MIPS System. – VaporFit Adjustable. – Ultra-Light Single-layer webbing. – Two Exhaust Vents. |
7. Most Durable Cycling Helmet – Smith Optics Ignite MIPS Adult Cycling Helmet
$250.00 at Amazon.com
$250.00 at SmithOptics.com
$250.00 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
The last product in the list of best cycling helmets for triathlons is Smith Optics Ignite, which is also the second smith brand product in this list. The product comes with seven color options as Black, Matte Black, Matte Cinder Haze, Matte Charcoal, Matte mystic green, Matte rise, and matte white.
The Smith Ignite helmet offers good airflow due to the koroyd technology. However, the ventilation causes issues for those who have thick and long hair.
As compared to other helmets, Smith Ignite comes with a three year warranty. Despite the higher cost, it isn?t bad to spend such an amount of money on something that lasts for almost three years.
| Pros: – Three Years Warranty. – Seven Color options to choose from. – Multi-purpose Cycling Helmet. – Good in Quality. – Protective for Crashes or accidents. | Cons: – Issues with the Matte finish. |
| Unique Feature: These helmets come with aero advantages, which provide an undoubtedly and comfortable slippery air safety feature. | Basic Features: – Eight Fixed Vents. – Anti-microbial Lining. – Light Weight. – MIPS Brain Protection System. – VaporFit Dial Adjustment. – AirEvac Ventilation system. |
What is the best cycling Helmet type for Triathlons?
Generally time trail helmets is the best cycling helmet type for Triathlons. Why? Because it?s specifically designed for speed and efficiency , which are some of the most important features when racing long distances during triathlongs.
What is MIPS?
To start, MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact protection. MIPS technology reduces the trauma when the helmet sustains impact from any angle. However, the ultimate goal of using the technology in a helmet is to protect the brain.
