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TLDR REVIEW

TLDR Review: Bell Frenzy Youth Helmet

May 31st 2024

Best Bike Helmets for Commuters 2025

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: July 22nd, 2024

Last Updated: September 17th, 2024

🚴‍♀️Riding your bike to work is getting more popular in cities everywhere. So making sure you're safe out there is a big deal—and a good helmet is a must.
But with so many choices, hunting down the right mix of safety, comfort, and a bit of good looks can feel overwhelming. We've got you covered with our guide to the best commuter bike helmets for 2024, picked through careful research to fit all sorts of needs and tastes.

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Overall Best: Giro Camden MIPS Helmet

Giro Camden MIPS Adult Urban Cycling Helmet - Matte Black (2022), Large (59-63 cm)

The Giro Camden MIPS Helmet tops our list for its versatility and superior comfort. It's certified specifically for e-bikes, making it a standout choice for electric bike users. This helmet includes a large rear light for enhanced visibility, an integrated brim, and vents that can be adjusted for various weather conditions. The magnetic buckle ensures easy handling, adding to the convenience. While it is slightly heavier due to older USB standards, the helmet offers excellent performance and comfort, making it our overall best pick.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$74.45 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Met Downtown MIPS

Met Downtown MIPS Helmet Black/Glossy, S/M

The Met Downtown MIPS Helmet is our runner-up, delivering on all fronts with its lightweight design and comfort. This helmet performed exceptionally well in safety tests conducted by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, ensuring you're well-protected. It features a low-profile aesthetic and a removable visor, making it versatile for different commuting styles. With 17 vents, it provides excellent airflow and robust sweat pads to keep you cool and comfortable on longer rides. Despite the limited size options and a moderate crash-replacement policy, its quality and functionality make it a solid choice for commuters.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$79.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Specialized Align II

For those on a budget without compromising on safety, the Specialized Align II is a stellar choice. It’s equipped with MIPS technology for advanced impact protection, ensuring you’re well-guarded on the road. Weighing just 230 grams, it's lightweight and comfortable for daily use. The simple adjustment system makes fitting easy, catering to a wide range of users. If you’re a daily commuter in search of an affordable yet reliable helmet, the Specialized Align II is the one to go for.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

Best for Locking Up: Thousand Chapter MIPS Cycling Helmet

If you often leave your helmet locked with your bike, the Thousand Chapter MIPS Cycling Helmet is ideal. It features a stylish design with multiple color options and removable visors. This helmet has a unique locking mechanism that allows you to secure it to your bike, saving you from carrying extra bulk. Additionally, its rear light automatically turns on in low-light conditions, enhancing your visibility and overall safety. It's a practical and fashionable choice for daily commuting.

Lowest at Amazon

$145.00 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$108.75 at Backcountry.com

More Answers

Still curious about the Thousand Chapter MIPS Bike Helmet? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How comfortable is the Thousand Chapter MIPS helmet for long rides?

If you're planning on some long rides, the comfort of the Thousand Chapter MIPS Adult Bike Helmet should have you covered. Based on what we've found, a lot of folks are pretty happy with how it feels during longer rides. Its design seems to really prioritize comfort. The helmet isn't just about looking good; it has that MIPS technology for extra protection, which is reassuring if you’re going to be on your bike for a while. It’s also got padded insides that not only fit well but also manage sweat—which you'll really appreciate when it's hot out. Another plus is that it's lightweight, so your neck and shoulders won’t feel like they’re carrying extra baggage, even after those epic rides. As for keeping cool, it’s got a bunch of vents that help with airflow, so even when you’re pedaling hard, your head stays cool. One thing to note, though: the LED tail light could be a bit of a hassle. It helps with visibility, which is great, but according to our research, the battery seems to die out quicker than you'd expect. So, maybe just keep an eye on it and be ready for a few extra charges if you're using it a lot. Overall, the Thousand Chapter MIPS helmet seems to hit the mark for long rides with its comfy fit, light weight, and ventilation. Just remember to keep the LED light situation in check if that's something you plan to rely on.

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Does the Thousand Chapter helmet's PopLock feature work with all bike locks?

The Thousand Chapter Helmet has a handy feature called PopLock, which is pretty clever if you're looking to secure your helmet along with your bike easily. The manufacturer describes this PopLock as a hidden groove behind the helmet logo, where you can thread your U-lock or chain lock. This setup is meant to work with most standard U-locks and chain locks, but you might want to double-check that your lock isn't too large or has an unusual shape before assuming it'll fit. From what our research shows, people generally appreciate the convenience of the PopLock feature, but it's a good idea to measure your lock to make sure it fits through the PopLock opening. If your lock is on the larger side, like an oversized U-lock, it might be worth checking the dimensions listed in the helmet's manual or even reaching out to Thousand directly to confirm it'll work. Keep in mind, if you're set on getting this helmet, trying it out with your lock first could give you some peace of mind about compatibility.

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What is the battery life of the Thousand Chapter helmet's magnetic tail light?

The Thousand Chapter helmet's magnetic tail light is a handy feature aimed at helping cyclists be more visible, especially in low-light situations. You can recharge it via USB, which is pretty useful for regular cycling. Regarding the battery life, though, there's a mix of opinions. According to the manufacturer, the light should last about one to two hours on a full charge. Some folks have found it bright and easy to attach, which makes it a good choice for commuting or night rides. However, our research has pointed out some concerns. Some have experienced issues like the light not charging properly or going dim unexpectedly. A few mentioned it stays on even when fully charged, which drains the battery unnecessarily. So, there might be some design kinks here. For longer rides, like those pointed out in reviews such as "The Sweet Cyclists," you might find yourself needing extra batteries because the battery life might not stretch that far. It's a good call to consider if this tail light can keep up with your cycling habits. Overall, it's a balancing act between the convenience and visibility the light provides and the potential battery life hiccups. If a reliable tail light is a key part of your cycling gear, these insights might help you decide if it fits your needs. Think about your typical rides and how crucial a consistent light is for your safety.

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Best for Sustainability: POC Myelin

For eco-conscious commuters, the POC Myelin is the best pick. This helmet is designed with sustainability in mind, using 50% recycled materials without any glue, making it fully recyclable. Even though it lacks some advanced features like lights and rotational impact protection, it offers good ventilation and a comfortable fit. Its commitment to the environment makes the POC Myelin an excellent option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while riding safely.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$39.00 at Amazon

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