best bike helmets in canada

The Best Bike Helmets in Canada in 2023

Over the past year, cycling has become a popular activity. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and some exercise. While having a bike lock or bell are important safety features for your bike, having a good bike helmet is even more important. In the event of a crash, the bike helmet is what keeps your head safe.

Bike helmets come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Choosing the right one for you can be challenging. This buying guide will help you find the best bike helmet for you. We’ve listed the best bike helmets in Canada in different categories.

Our top picks

How to chose a bike helmet

Here are some things to consider when selecting a bike helmet.

Helmet Type: There are three main bike helmet types:

  • Commuter: These bike helmets are intended for urban ridding or commuting to work. They have an economical design and are usually comfortable to wear. Some commuter helmets come with a visor to protect your eyes from sun glare. Many commuter helmets are adaptable to seasonal changes.
  • Road: Road helmets are designed to be aerodynamic, lightweight, and well ventilated. These helmets strongly protect your head against road surfaces. Many have a thin micro shell construction, which is a thin layer of plastic glued or bonded to a material called expanded polystyrene (EPS). This is a crushable foam that absorbs energy when a collision occurs. One drawback for road helmets is that the ventilation holes on some helmets do not protect the top of your head from objects like tree branches. Lastly, road helmets tend to be light and provide good visibility.
  • Mountain: Mountain bike helmets prioritize protection. Most have a hard-shell design, which provides optimal protection for your head. The full outer shell protects you from sticks and branches. Full face models are a type of mountain bike helmet that offers complete facial protection. They have deep coverage to protect the back and sides of your head.

We recommend you select the helmet type that best reflects your cycling style.

Safety Features: Bike helmets can come with various safety features. Here are some examples:

  • MIPS: This stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. It is a liner inside the bike helmet that lets your helmet and head move relative to each other in the event of a crash. This means that the helmet moves without pulling on your head.
  • Specialized ANGi: This is a small electronic sensor that will automatically signal your phone to send a call for help in the event of a crash. ANGi also sends out your GPS location. This sensor is good for when you crash and you’re unable to call for help.
  • Aerocore: Aerocores are miniature tubes that are thermal welded together. At first glance, they look like drinking straws. They enable EPS foam to absorb more energy upon impact.
  • Wavecel: This 15 mm thick grid of layered polyester crumbles, flexes, and glides upon impact. The goal is to reduce force during a crash.

Based on our research, we recommend you look at bike helmets that have at least one of these safety features.

Size: It’s important to ensure that the helmet you want fits comfortably on your head. Most bike helmets come in multiple sizes, and some are even adjustable. Also, the measurements of the bike helmet are usually listed on the product’s webpage. Correct sized helmets should sit low and straight on your forehead. You shouldn’t rely on adjusting the chinstrap to hold the helmet in place.

An Important Note: If you happen to be in an accident and your helmet gets damaged, replace it. Bike helmets are designed to sustain only one hard impact.

The best commuter bike helmet

PHZ. Helmet with Rear Light

The PHZ Bike Helmet is a good option for the urban cyclist. The helmet has internal recessed channels for optimal ventilation. The channels pull cool air in through the front of the helmet and push it out through an air-channel matrix. This system reduces over heating. In terms of safety, the PHZ Adult Bike Helmet has high density EPS foam and a sturdy outer shell. To improve comfort, the helmet has soft detachable pads in the inside. The most noteworthy feature this helmet provides is the LED rear light. This light gives added protection and visibility while biking at night.

Many customers like the look of the helmet, saying it had a modern and attractive design. The helmet felt comfortable to several customers, and the LED rear light was a popular feature. However, some people commented that the strap was too long. One customer complaint that the matte finish came off when the helmet was washed.

Pros
  • LED rear light provides added safety.
  • Comfortable to wear.
Cons
  • Strap may be to long for some people.
  • Matte finish fades after helmet is washed.

Runner up

POC OMNE Airspin Bike Helmet

This is a multipurpose helmet designed for both road and commuter cycling. Like many helmets, the POC OMNE has high density EPS liner for crash protection. However, this helmet has a patent pending silicone pad technology system, called SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside). This technology offers further collision protection. The design of the helmet is slim and clean. The light weight and breathable construction make the helmet comfortable and functional. This was something many customers responded to. They liked the helmet’s comfortable feel as well as its good ventilation and light feel. Overall, most customers agreed that this helmet was good for long bike rides.

The only major complaint were towards the helmet’s straps. Some customers said that the straps were too short and hard to adjust.

Pros
  • Good ventilation.
  • Strong crash protection.
Cons
  • Straps may be hard to adjust.

Best road bike helmet

Giro Savant Adult Road Bike Helmet

The Giro Savant Adult Road Bike Helmet is designed to be comfortable. It has a system called Roc Loc 5 that allows you to adjust the helmet to your head size. The helmet has 25 air vents that provide optimal ventilation when you ride. The outer shell of the helmet is made of polycarbonate while the inside liner consists of high-impact foam. The helmet is available in three colours: black/white, titanium/white, and yellow. Overall, this helmet is designed to provide you with maximum safety while remaining cool, light, and durable.

Several customers reported that the helmet was light, comfortable, and had good ventilation. They also liked the helmet’s stylish look. Those who purchased the yellow version said that the bright colour was a nice safety feature; it makes the rider more visible to cars. However, some customers had issues with helmet’s strap. The main issue was that the strap was either too tight for some, or it was hard to adjust.

Pros
  • Durable construction.
  • Good ventilation.
Cons
  • Helmet strap may be too tight and hard to adjust.

Best mountain bike helmet

Giro Fixture MIPS Bike Helmet

This mountain bike helmet offers maximum protection with MIPS technology. The system redirects energy when the helmet makes contact with a hard surface. Another safety feature of the helmet is the detachable visor. This protects your eyes from the glare and other debris. Outside of the safety features, the Giro Fixture bike helmet has a sleek and compact design. The helmet also has good airflow for hot days. Like other Giro helmets, this one has the Roc Loc 5 adjustable system. Additionally, this mountain bike helmet is available in one size fits all and universal adult size (54-61 cm).

With all these features, the Giro Fixture bike helmet has an affordable price. This was a positive noted by several customers. The helmet’s light weight was also popular among customers. One person said that they hardly realize they are wearing it. The only major complaint noted was that the helmet was pricey. Other individuals claimed that the helmet did not fit their head, or the straps were hard to adjust. However, these complaints were not universal. Most customers liked the helmet’s comfortable fit.

Pros
  • Removable sun visor.
  • MIPS technology.
Cons
  • Expensive.

Runner up

POC Tectal Helmet for Mountain Biking

This helmet is designed for aggressive trail riding and endurance racing. Along with an EPS liner, the POC Tectal helmet has a unibody shell construction that further enhances safety. The helmet is also designed to provide more coverage at the temples and the back of your head. Lastly, the helmet’s ventilation system is evaluated and optimized in wind tunnel testing.

Customers liked this helmet’s protection features. One person said feel secure that this helmet will keep them safe in the event of a crash. Another person even said that the helmet saved their life when they crashed and hit their head against a boulder. The sturdy build quality and the overall comfort were other positives noted by customers. Most complaints customers had with the product were individual issues, such as the helmet not fitting, or the product was received damaged. There were no universal complaints about the helmet.

Pros
  • Provides more head coverage.
Cons
  • Expensive.

Best affordable bike helmet

Zacro Lightweight Bike Helmet

This bike helmets comes with several features at an affordable price. The Zacro bike helmet has an aerodynamic design with 18 vents. This design helps increase speed while keeping your head cool. To improve comfort, the helmet has a light weight. In terms of safety, the helmet has an EPS foam liner and a PVC and PC outer shell. As a bonus, the helmet as a removable sun visor. In the back of the helmet, there is an adjustable dial that enables the helmet to fit various head sizes.

Overall, customers like the helmet’s light weight, and the removable sun visor was popular as well. Many people said the visor was easy to snap on or remove. Most customers said that the helmet was comfortable to wear and the straps were easy to adjust. The only drawback with this helmet is that you miss out on some additional safety features. This is due to the helmet’s low price. Still, the Zacro Bike Helmet is an affordable product that provides both safety and comfort.

Pros
  • Affordable.
  • Fits multiple head styles.
Cons
  • Lacks additional safety features like MIPS.

Best bike helmet for Kids

Exclusky Adjustable Kids Helmet

The Exclusky Kids Helmet is designed for biking, skateboarding, and other riding sports. The age range for this helmet is five- to thirteen-year-olds. To protect childrens’ heads, the Exclusky Kids Helmet has many safety features. First, the helmet has a thick but soft heat-sealed EPS lining and a chin pad. Next, the helmet has an extended rear section to provide coverage to the back of the head. The helmet comes in various bright colours, which helps people easily see the child. Finally, the helmet has a detachable sun visor.

Customers said they liked the helmet’s safety features. Many also liked the helmet’s affordable price. However, some people reported that helmet’s material faded or broke easily. Others said there were some sizing issues.

Pros
  • Lots of safety features.
  • Affordable price.
Cons
  • Colour may fade over time.
  • Material may break easily.

Best full-face bike helmet

Smith Mainline MIPS Helmet

This helmet is designed for downhill mountain biking. It has MIPS and Koroyd safety features for energy absorbing protection. While most full-face helmets tend to be heavy, the Smith Mainline Helmet has a light weight. The helmet also has a unique ventilation system. It’s called AirEvac, and it not only keeps your head cool. The system also prevents fog build up in ridding goggles. The Smith Mainline Helmet also prioritizes comfort. It has three washable cheek pads, two crown liners, and two neck rolls which allow you to adjust the helmet’s fit. The helmet uses a D-ring chin strap fastener to give you a snug fit. To top it all off, the helmet comes with an adjustable visor.

The Smith Mainline Helmet was quite popular with customers. Several reviews praise the helmet’s light weight, comfort, breathability, and safety features. One common complaint was that the MIPS and Koroyd features made a lot of noise while people cycled. However, some people reported no noise issues. One customer theorized that the noise issues may be due to the helmet not fitting properly.

Pros
  • Light weight.
  • Comes with an adjustable visor.
  • MIPS and Koroyd safety features.
Cons
  • May make a lot of noise while you’re cycling.

Frequently asked questions

How Do I Find the Right Helmet Size for Me?

As you’ve probably guessed, bike helmets can come in all sizes. Fining the right size for you can be challenging. There are many bike helmet size charts online, and each vary on their measurements. After reviewing several sources, here is a table with the general bike helmet sizes.

Inches Centimeters Helmet Size
19-19 ¼ 48-49 Youth Small
19-¾ – 20 1/8 50-51 Youth Medium
20-½ – 20 7/8 52-53 Youth Large
20-7/8 – 20-¼ 53-54 Extra Small
21-5/8 – 22 55-56 Small
22-½ – 22-7/8 57-58 Medium
23-¼ – 23-5/8 59-60 Large
24 – 24-3/8 61-62 Extra Large
24-¾ – 25-¼ 63-64 Double Extra Large

To determine your size, measure the circumference of your head.

 

Why Do I Need a Bike Helmet?

Bike helmets are important because they protect your head from injury. If you happen to take a hard fall from your bike, a helmet is the only thing protecting your head from hard surfaces. Even though it seems unlikely that you will fall or be in an accident, it’s best to wear a helmet when cycling. Accidents can happen when you least expect it and its good to be prepared for them just in case.

 

Is It Illegal to Ride a Bike Without a Bike Helmet?

This question depends on where you live. In Canada, there are no federal laws mandating that people wear bike helmets whenever they cycle. However, each province and territory have their own set of laws when it comes to bike helmets. Furthermore, cities/towns in each province have their own bike helmet by laws. Here is a table that summarizes the provincial laws on bike helmets and their corresponding fines:

Province Bike Helmet Law Fine
British Columbia All ages must wear bike helmets Up to $100
Alberta People under 18 years of age must wear helmets $69: may vary based on city by-laws
Saskatchewan No provincial legislation.

In Moose Jaw and Estevan, those under 16 years of age must wear helmets.

Law applies to all ages in Yorkton

$70 in Moose Jaw

$20 in Estevan

$5 in Yorkton

Manitoba Those under 18 years of age must wear a bike helmet. Up to $50
Quebec No provincial laws N/A
Ontario Those under 18 years of age must wear a bike helmet $75
New Brunswick All ages must wear a bike helmet $21
Nova Scotia All ages must wear a bike helmet Minimum $25
Prince Edward Island All ages must wear a bike helmet Up to $100
Newfoundland and Labrador All ages must wear a bike helmet Fine ranges from $25-$180
Northwest Territories No provincial laws N/A
Nunavut No provincial laws

Inuvik has an all-ages helmet by law

In Yellowknife, those under 18 must wear a helmet

The fine in Inuvik is $25. The fine in Yellowknife is $25.
Yukon No provincial laws N/A

 

 

What’s the average bike helmet price in Canada?

The average bike helmet price varies in Canada. Helmets in the lower price range are between $20-$80. More expensive helmets range around $100-$400. We recommend that you compare bike helmet prices listed on various online sites.

How do you Clean Bike Helmet Straps?

Bike helmet straps absorb most of the sweat you excrete while cycling. Eventually, the strap will get dirty and give off an unpleasant odor. When your bike helmet straps start to smell bad, it’s time for them to be cleaned. But how do you go about doing this?

There are several articles online that provide instructions on cleaning bike helmet straps. Most differ on the steps they use, but there are some commonalities:

  1. Remove the helmet padding: Doing this allows you give you more access to the different strap layers.
    • If possible, remove the straps from the helmet as well. That way, it will be easier to clean them.
  2. Brush the straps: Using a dry brush, bend the strap and begin to brush it. This removes any salt and other deposits from the strap. Make sure you brush gently to minimize and wear and tear. Toothbrushes are a great tool to use in this step.
  3. Wet and Soak the Straps: Once you’ve finished brushing, soak the straps under a running tap of warm water. Once the straps have absorbed the water, add a detergent to your brush and begin to scrub the straps. As you’re brushing, try to reach the inner areas of the strap.
  4. Rinse the Straps: Next, rinse off the straps to remove any soap.
  5. Dry the Straps: You can hang up the straps to air dry, or you can use a fan to speed up the process.
  • Optional Step: Once the straps are dry, you can spray them with an antibacterial to make sure no microbes are left on the strap.

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Updated date

December 23rd, 2022

About the author

Nicholas Mah

Nick Mah is a writer who enjoys writing about music, movies, sports, and cooking related topics. He also enjoys reading and writing about history. In his spare time, he enjoys watching movies, reading a good book, going for long bike rides, listening to music, or playing his guitar.
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