Road cycling glasses are necessary safety gear like cycling shoes, helmets, and gloves. They provide much-needed protection from the elements and flying debris when cycling. In recent years, manufacturers have continuously improved road cycling glasses for women, making them safer, trendier, and more comfortable.

When shopping for road cycling glasses for women, you need to look for comfortable glasses designed to protect your eyes from flying debris and adverse weather conditions. Cycling glasses are essential cycling accessories that need to suit the cycling terrain and intended riding activities. 

Obviously you want to look good by rocking a stylish pair of road cycling glasses. This article will guide you on what to look for in road cycling glasses for women and identify some of the best women’s cycling glasses.

Things To Look Out For When Shopping for Road Cycling Glasses

When looking for a fashionable pair of quality road cycling glasses for women, it is not always easy to know what features to go for. Therefore, let’s explore some essential features to ensure you not only look good but are adequately protected when cycling.

Lens Type and Color

The best road cycling glasses protect your eyes from harmful sun rays. Choosing the correct lens type and color is thus essential to meet this requirement. The right lens type and color can protect you from excessive light and increase visibility depending on the weather and time.

The best lens type keeps the sunlight from your eyes in extreme light conditions. Smoke, brown, or clarion-colored lenses are the best for these conditions. These colors increase visual acuity, enabling you to easily pick out obstacles in your surroundings as you cycle.

Clear lenses are perfect for cycling in the evening because you do not need light protection in these circumstances. Similarly, you can purchase all conditions (AC) red-lensed cycling glasses ideal for different light intensities. You may also consider photochromic lenses, which adjust to changing light conditions.

Suppose you are a consistent rider who cycles at different times and weather conditions. Consider interchange lenses; they allow you to change lenses depending on the time you are riding.

Lens Size

When shopping for road cycling glasses, it is essential to pick a frame size that fits the shape of your face. Women’s cycling glasses come in various sizes to cater to different face shapes.

The appropriate frame size should fit your head perfectly without being excessively tight or loose. Moreover, the cycling glasses’ arms should not obstruct your vision when cycling. Getting the right fit ensures comfort as the glasses do not dangle or fall when cycling.

To enhance comfort, various models of cycling glasses have adjustable bridges that allow them to conform to your nose. These features ensure the glasses fit different face shapes and noses. Ultimately, you should always pick cycling glasses that fit your head and offer adequate protection.

Type of Frame

Another factor to consider when shopping for women’s cycling glasses is the frame type. While you want a frame design that is stylish and aesthetically pleasing, you should consider the frame’s material as well when checking out the design features.

The perfect material for cycling glasses should be strong to enhance durability and eye protection. Polycarbonate and acetate are frame materials built to withstand impact. These materials are scratch-resistant and ensure maximum eye protection from debris while cycling since they do not break easily.

Choosing cycling glasses with a sturdy frame material also ensures they last longer.

Weight

No one wants heavy glasses holding them back when cycling. Your best bet for good road cycling glasses is a light pair that doesn’t even feel like it’s there when you’re on the road. Ultimately, light lenses enhance a comfortable riding experience.

The weight component is vital for cyclists who require prescription cycling glasses since their lenses might be thick and add more weight. If that is the case, pick a light frame when shopping.

Considerations for Prescription Cycling Glasses

If you have an eye defect, then you probably need to wear prescription cycling glasses when on the road. Such glasses need some special considerations to accommodate the inscribed lenses and ensure the cyclist’s vision remains clear on the road.

As mentioned earlier, the frame needs to be light to accommodate the weight of the prescription lenses. Similarly, prescription glasses need a hydrophobic coating that makes them water-resistant. The coating prevents sweat and water from sticking to your lenses, thus enhancing your vision.

You may also consider shopping for cycling glasses with a vent that prevents fogging.

The Best Women’s Cycling Glasses

With the qualities mentioned above in mind, let’s look at some road cycling glasses for women that will blow your mind. These cycling glasses have been tried and tested and boast excellent reviews from female bikers.

From the various reviews and personal experiences on Amazon.com, some of the best road cycling glasses for women include:

POC, Aspire Clarity Sunglasses

The POC Aspire Clarity Sunglasses are a sophisticated pair of cycling glasses with incredible features to enhance your cycling experience.

These women-designed cycling glasses meet all your cycling needs, from adequate protection to visual enhancement. Additionally, they make you look drop-dead gorgeous on the road.

The glasses feature photochromic Carl Zeiss lenses, giving you superior optical performance in any light condition. The lenses are also treated with Ripel to enhance clear vision and make cleaning the lenses easy should you smudge them on the road.  

Additional features of the POC, Aspire Clarity glasses make them perfect for people looking for comfortable cycling glasses. They are incredibly light; therefore, you do not have to worry about weight bringing them down when conducting vigorous cycling. The glasses also contain a hydrophilic coating which ensures your vision stays clear in rainy conditions, and they remain grippy when wet. Thus, the glasses’ nosepiece and temple do not fall off even when wet.

If you are looking to purchase cycling glasses that match your style, these glasses come in six different fashionable color combinations. You will not fail to get the perfect color for you.

100% Polycarbonate Speedcraft XS Glasses

The 100% Polycarbonate are comfortable glasses with a striking look. The glasses’ frame has a slightly odd shape at the top, with a stepped design that extends to the middle, giving the glasses a unique look.

When it comes to design features, the glasses are small and narrow, making them comfortable, discreet, and perfect for women with small faces. The light polycarbonate material used in the lenses also makes them ideal for rigorous cycling.

The glasses also boast visual enhancements that increase clarity when cycling. They have photochromic lenses ideal for extreme and low light conditions. The lenses are also shatterproof, scratch-resistant, and offer full-proof UV protection, ensuring eye safety.

Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses

Although a bit pricey, the Oakley Radar EV sunglasses ooze quality. They have a sophisticated design that combines elegance and comfort, ensuring value for your money.

The lenses and frame have the desirable qualities any cyclist looks out for when exploring the outdoors. The plastic frame is exceptionally light and offers a snug fit with its narrow width and adjustable features that enhance comfort.

Although the glasses do not have interchangeable lenses, they are so adaptive that you can wear them all year in varying light and weather conditions with guaranteed safety. They also offer 100% UV light protection, shielding your eyes from harmful sun rays.

Purchasing the Oakley Radar EV Cycling Sunglasses comes with additional perks; buyers receive free accessories to maintain their glasses. The accessories bundle includes a pouch for the glasses, a lens cleaning cloth, lens cleaner spray, and a repair kit.

You will get your money’s worth when you purchase these glasses.

ROCKBROS Polarized Sunglasses

If you want a pair of quality lightweight, polarized glasses for a fraction of the cost of expensive name brands, these glasses are just for you. The glasses have a one-piece lens with a hidden full-frame offering excellent eye protection and reduce air resistance.

Although the sunglasses only come in one color (black-silver), they are simple and very stylish. These glasses have an adjustable rubber nose pad and temples to fit many different face shapes giving them a perfect and comfortable fit for vigorous cycling.

Also, the lens and frame are highly elastic making these durable and safe. They have 100% UV400 protection coating blocking UVA and UVB rays. These features ensure your eyes are adequately protected when cycling.

Conclusion

When shopping for road cycling glasses for women, your comfort and protection should be paramount. Try to get a pair of glasses that fits your face perfectly, has features that enhance vision when cycling, and protects your eyes from damage. Once you have ascertained these features, you can look for an aesthetically pleasing design that suits your fashion taste.

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Women Hybrid Bikes You Will Love Plus Tips on Choosing

Whether your cycle for fitness, work commuting, or simply as a pastime, the right gear can significantly improve your experience. Get the most out of cycling by choosing the right gear for the weather.

For summer road cycling, wear a helmet with good ventilation, breathable gear with sun protection, and mesh footwear. Gloves are optional for summer riding. For winter road cycling, opt for a helmet with ear and neck protection, waterproof and windproof gear, warm socks, and waterproof gloves.

In this article, we’ll look at different seasons and weather conditions, and what you should wear when cycling in each situation. Read on to learn more.

What To Wear for Summer Cycling

Riding in the summer can be brutal at times, especially during high noon when the sun is at its zenith. Add humidity to the mix and cycling can become incredibly uncomfortable. With the proper biking clothing, however, summer cycling can be a pleasurable experience.

Helmet

The helmet is a non-negotiable component for cycling, but the type of helmet you use may differ from season to season. 

In summer, you want a helmet that provides excellent ventilation to keep you cool during those long rides. Additionally, a lightweight helmet is best for those hot, humid days.

The ideal solution? The Bell Z20 MIPS helmet from Amazon.com. This headgear is designed for enhanced airflow and comes in an exciting range of colors.

Jersey

In the summer, you’ll need a top that protects you from the brutal rays while also offering enough breathability to keep you cool and energized. Moisture-wicking materials are best, to help keep you comfortable and not dripping with sweat.

The Catena Women’s Cycling Jersey, available on Amazon.com, is ideal for this purpose. It offers an anti-skid strap at the hem, which can help if you’re sweating during the hottest times of the day. The material is lightweight and breathable, providing additional comfort.

Shorts

Shorts come in various shapes and sizes, but you’ll need to ensure your cycling shorts have the right features to sustain you during your summer cycling escapades. They should offer padding, breathability, and the material should be lightweight.

The Louis Garneau Classic Gel Cycling Shorts on Amazon.com are made with a unique mat fabric for comfort and breathability. The gel cushioning on the back provides comfort during every ride and prevents chafing.

Additionally, these shorts come with silicone grippers that keep the fabric in place even during the most intense cycling sessions.

Footwear

While you can wear any shoes in warm weather, summer-specific footwear will make the experience a lot more pleasurable. Ideally, your cycling shoes should be snug yet offer enough room for breathability.

These CyclingDeal Cleat Mount Women’s Cycling Shoes on Amazon.com are the ideal pair for summer. Its mesh finish and the vents on the outsole provide a breathable design that dissipates heat during rides.

Gloves

While gloves aren’t an essential component for summer cycling, some cyclists prefer the extra padding to prevent calluses and sweaty palms. Fingerless gloves are an excellent option for summer cycling.

This pair of Giro Tessa Gel Women’s Road Cycling Gloves are fingerless, but prevent the hands from getting clammy with sweat during humid weather conditions, thanks to the breathable mesh. The four-way stretch makes them an ideal fit for all different hand sizes.

Glasses

Sunglasses are an integral part of the summer cycling experience as the glare from the road, and repeated exposure to UV rays is detrimental to your eyes in the long run. You’ll need a pair of sunglasses that’s sturdy enough to stay on during bumpy rides while shielding your eyes from the sun.

The most economical investment here would be the Rudy Project Sintryx Sports Sunglasses from Amazon.com. This pair of sunglasses comes with three lenses made for riding in various weather conditions, so you only have to invest once for the whole year.

These glasses come with heavily vented frames to ensure regular airflow and prevent fogging even during the most humid days. And the spring-loaded design makes switching between lenses a cinch.

What To Wear for Winter Cycling

Winter cycling is an inherently enjoyable experience, with darker skies and a cool breeze brushing your face. However, without suitable clothing, the cold can be problematic during extended cycling sprees. It’s important to invest in the right gear to protect your skin when cycling in the winter.

Helmet

A winter helmet needs to provide added protection to your ears and the back of your neck to ensure you don’t freeze up. At the same time, it must be breathable and ensure adequate airflow to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort.

The Giro Timberwolf Helmet on Amazon.com is perhaps the ideal headgear for winter cycling. It comes with added padding on the sides and rear to keep you warm even during the lowest temperatures. You can easily adjust this padding to suit your preferences.

Additionally, this helmet comes with an adjustable air vent on top that can be opened if you start feeling too hot.

Jersey

Winter is sometimes accompanied by wet weather and it’s important to regulate your body temperature when cycling in the winter, especially if it starts to rain.

It’s best to get cycling gear that can handle both the cold and the rain. You’ll want a windproof and waterproof jacket to keep you protected from the harsh elements.

The BALEAF Women’s Windproof Thermal Softshell Cycling Jacket on Amazon.com, is built for cold and wet weather conditions. The windproof design will keep you safe from strong winds and the waterproof feature will protect you from heavy rains. You’ll stay warm and snug even in the most frigid temperatures while retaining breathability with it’s vented zipper.

Trousers

Winter cycling trousers should block out the cold, stay breathable, and keep snow from getting in. Additionally, you’ll need padding to keep your cycling expedition as comfortable as possible. The Santic Women’s Cycling Windproof Pants, available on Amazon.com, offer all of those features and more.

These high-waist trousers are padded and fleece-lined, offering additional warmth and protection from the elements. They’re reflective for night riding and offer breathable fabric that’s also moisture-wicking.

Footwear

Footwear can get a little tricky during winter as you’ll have to consider socks and shoes that keep you warm and provide ventilation while also keeping out water and snow during adverse weather conditions.

Luckily, we have gear for each of these concerns.

Socks

Giro Seasonal Merino Wool Cycling Socks on Amazon.com are the ideal pair for cycling during winter. These socks stay warm even at lower temperatures. And this warmth is regulated by a woolen-nylon design that removes moisture, preventing your feet from getting damp and clammy.

Shoes

Your winter cycling shoes need to provide extra purchase on slippery surfaces, as well as warmth. If you don’t want to invest in a winter cycling shoe, you can instead cover your regular cycling shoe with cycling overshoes. These are covers that go over your shoes to further protect you from the elements.

The LOVTRAVEL Winter Cycling Overshoe from Amazon.com comes in six different sizes and keeps feet warm and dry in cold weather. The Kevlar base wear prevents the shoes from wearing down quickly and the neoprene and rubber outer shell resists water and prevents abrasion.

Gloves

Winter cycling gloves should allow comfort and ease of movement while keeping your hands warm during long journeys.

The Sealskinz Windproof & Breathable Gloves for women on Amazon.com are perfect for winter and wet weather. The gloves are waterproof and windproof to protect your hands from the biting cold and rain. They’re thick enough to keep out the cold yet thin enough to ensure you still have an accurate feel on the handlebars.

Glasses

As mentioned already, you can use the pair of Sintryx Sports Glasses from Rudy Project for all weather conditions. Before setting out, all you have to do is switch the lenses to accommodate cold and wet weather, and you’re good to go! 

Final Thoughts

For ease of classification, we have grouped cold and wet weather so that you can use the same gear in both weather conditions.

Wearing the proper clothing for road cycling can significantly enhance the experience and help you stay motivated to cycle even on the most challenging days.

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Clipless road cycling pedals can keep your feet secure while riding, increasing your pedaling efficiency and power. Many high-quality clipless pedals cost well over $100, but you can also find budget-friendly options to suit your riding preferences, skill level, and financial limitations.

The best clipless road cycling pedals for under $100 are Shimano Dual Platform Pedals. They’re multipurpose, made of durable steel and aluminum, easy to install, and offer a firm connection using the included two-bolt cleats.

Shimano Dual Platform Pedals may not be the best choice for all cyclists. For example, you may want to choose an alternative pair of pedals if:

• You’re on a tight budget. Choose the Zeray Carbon ZP-110C Road Bike Pedals (available on Amazon).
• You’d prefer to use SPD-SL pedals. Choose the Shimano SPD-SL Clipless Pedals (available on Amazon). 
• You enjoy using clipless platform pedals. Choose the Venzo Platform Pedals (available on Amazon).
• You’re new to road cycling. Choose the Look Keo Classic 3 Road Pedals (available on Amazon).

This article will explore the factors you’ll want to consider when choosing clipless road cycling pedals for less than $100. I’ll also discuss why Shimano Dual Platform Pedals may be the best choice for most cyclists and offer alternatives that may be better suited to your specific needs and preferences.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Clipless Cycling Pedals

Though price might be your primary consideration when searching for clipless road cycling pedals under $100, there are several other factors that you’ll want to consider. Some of the most crucial things to think about when browsing clipless pedals include:

• Weight
• Width
• Walkability
• Pedal type
• Float
• Brand

I’ll discuss each of these factors in greater detail to explain how they can impact your riding experience and why they’re essential to finding the best pair of pedals for your bike and body. That way, you can select clipless pedals that best suit your needs and preferences.

Weight

Clipless pedals can add significant weight to your bicycle, as many are made of metal parts and steel ball bearings. 

If you’re accustomed to using flat plastic pedals, you may want to opt for a lightweight plastic option instead of a metal pair of pedals. Doing so can help you transition from standard bike pedals to clipless pedals.

Naturally, if durability is one of your primary priorities, it may be better to choose a pair of metal clipless cycling pedals. While these can be challenging to push and lift, especially if you’re new to road cycling, they’re bound to outlast plastic models and withstand daily use.

Width

Many clipless road cycling pedals are about 60mm wide (2.4in), which isn’t wide enough to support the entire sole of your foot. The primary exceptions to this trend are platform (also called flat) clipless pedals.

Cyclists looking for maximum support during their rides may want to choose wider pedals than standard clipless pedals.

It’s also vital to consider cleat width and size. Some clipless pedals come with extra-wide cleats that are almost as wide as the sole of the average cycling shoe. These can keep your feet comfortable and well-supported, reducing pressure-point pain that often comes after using thinner pedals and cleats.

Walkability

One of the most important questions you’ll need to ask yourself when searching for affordable clipless road cycling pedals is: Can I walk around immediately after cycling?

For example, some clipless pedals are compatible with cycling shoes that have recessed cleats. These types of cleats don’t make direct contact with road surfaces. As such, they’re easy to walk around in after or before cycling.

Alternatively, you can choose clipless pedals that come with attachable cleats. These tend to house the cleat attachments inside a hard plastic or rubber frame.

When you dismount your bicycle, this frame is one of the first parts of your shoe to make contact with the ground. Because cleats only cover a small area of your shoe sole, walking around in raised cleats can be uncomfortable and shorten the lifespan of your cleats.

For this reason, you’ll want to consider how often you tend to dismount and walk around between cycling sessions. For example, if you regularly commute to work on a road bicycle, you may want to opt for recessed cleat shoes that are compatible with platform pedals.

Pedal Type

There are three primary types of cycling pedals from which to choose and offer unique benefits and potential drawbacks. Depending on your cycling style and personal preferences, one of these types may stand out as a better choice than the others.

SPD Pedals

The most popular type of clipless cycling pedals might be SPD pedals. SPD is an acronym for Shimano Pedalling Dynamics. 

These types of pedals tend to pair with two-bolt clips and smaller clips. As such, they’re easy to slip in and out of. Notably, many SPD pedals are made of thick metal, making them a durable (but heavy) option.

SPD-SL Pedals

SPD-SL pedals are a lighter version of SPD pedals. In fact, the SL denotation stands for SuperLight. 

For that reason, they’re often a popular option for road cyclists and competitive road cycling competitions. In addition, SPD-SL pedals typically utilize a three-bolt cleat attachment that’s slightly wider than SPD cleat attachments.

Platform Pedals

Clipless platform pedals are nearly identical to standard plastic platform pedals found on most entry-level mountain and road bikes. They’re wide, flat, and often multipurpose, with one side allowing for clip attachment while the other is compatible with any type of cleat-free shoe.

Consequently, platform pedals are an excellent choice for those looking for versatile, easy-to-use clipless pedals. They also tend to offer more sole support than SPD or SPD-SL pedals.

Brand

It’s crucial to consider brand names when choosing high-quality clipless cycling pedals. There are a handful of brands that are well-known for producing top-notch pedals, including:

• Shimano
• Look Keo
• TIME Sport
• Speedplay

Choosing from among these brands is an excellent way to ensure you’re selecting a quality pair of pedals that’s backed by a long-term warranty and helpful customer support team.

Best Overall: Shimano Dual Platform Pedals

Shimano’s cycling pedals are some of the best, which is why they’ve become a subtype within the broad category of clipless pedals. These dual-function platform pedals are an excellent example of why Shimano is one of the most trusted brands for cycling pedals. Are you looking for a classic pair of slim, two-bolt SPD pedals? If so, you can’t go wrong with these Shimano pedals. 

Though they’re heavier than competitor options, weighing about 266g (0.6lbs) each, the bulk of their weight comes from their thick steel and aluminum construction. This metal frame (and internal ball bearings) make these pedals a durable option that can withstand impacts, heavier cyclists, and daily usage.

Cyclists can clip into these pedals using the included two-bolt cleats, but they can also decide to go without and use the non-clip platform side instead. As such, the walkability of these pedals is far higher than standard SPD pedals. Release tension adjustments are straightforward and require a 3mm Allen wrench/key. That said, some users find that tension remains high, even after adjustment. As such, this pair of pedals may not be the best choice for those looking to enjoy clip release.

Still, it’s challenging to find a better pair of multipurpose, SPD-compatible clipless road cycling pedals. Besides, every Shimano pedal is backed by a two-year limited warranty, a significant plus for anyone hoping to get the most out of their new pedals.

Pros

• These are dual-function pedals that allow cyclists to ride with and without cleats
• More durable than plastic or semi-metal pedals
• Utilizes a standard SPD two-bolt attachment site for optimal SPD compatibility
• Made by one of the most trusted cycling pedal brands, Shimano

Cons

• Users may struggle to release from the pedals easily and quickly
• Heavier than carbon or composite pedals

Best Budget-Friendly Choice: Zeray Carbon Road Bike Pedals

If you’re shopping for clipless road cycling pedals on a tight budget, you can spend far less than $100 and still come away with an excellent pair of pedals.

These Zeray carbon pedals might not be the longest-lasting option, but they are an affordable introductory pair of clipless cycling pedals. The reinforced carbon fiber polymer construction is resistant to mild impacts and can withstand rain and humidity far better than pedals made entirely of metal.

If you’re a beginner-level rider or someone looking to reduce bicycle weight, you’ll also appreciate how light these pedals are. Each pedal weighs about 142g (0.31lbs). 

The width of toe platforms is also something that makes them a solid pick for beginners and casual road cyclists. While some pedals only offer about an inch of support for your upper foot and toes, these have a total platform area of 950mm² (1.5sqin). 

Pros

• The design offers more significant support to the upper foot and toes
• Each pedal weighs less than 150g (0.33lbs)
• Some of the most affordable clipless pedals available

Cons

• The carbon fiber polymer can degrade faster than metal
• It may not be strong enough for competitive cycling

Best SPD-SL Pedals: Shimano PD-R550 Clipless Pedals

Are you looking for a classic pair of slim, three-bolt SPD-SL pedals? If so, you can’t go wrong with these Shimano pedals. 

These are the Shimano Tiagra 4700 series with a durable stainless steel body plate reducing flex and wear. They weigh at 310 grams/pair and offer an extra-wide platform increasing stability and power transfer. 

These are an excellent pedal for beginner road cyclists with the wide platform offering stability and support at an affordable price.

Pros

• Offer a wide platform for stability
• Covered by Shimano’s two-year original owner warranty
• Easy to install and comes with cleats
• A classic, simple pair of SPD-SL pedals

Cons

• Composite body so may not be as durable as carbon or metal
• Pedal pivot pin may work it’s way out over time

Best Platform Clipless Pedals: Venzo Platform Pedals

If you’re looking for a lightweight dual-function platform pedal, you may want to check out these thermoplastic Venzo pedals. Each pair weighs a total of 350g (0.7lbs), making them an excellent option for those hoping to lessen their road bike’s weight. 

They’re far wider than standard SPD cycling pedals, with a width of 95mm (3.7in), ensuring that those cycling with or without cleats and clips can enjoy a smooth pedaling experience. They utilize two-bolt clips, making them compatible with most SPD cycling shoes.

Release tension is fully adjustable, with the adjustment screw located on the outer edge of each pedal. This placement makes it easy for riders to quickly adjust each pedal’s release tension, ensuring maximum comfort and stability during each ride.

That said, these Venzo Platform Pedals are more prone to breaking than metal cycling pedals. For that reason, they’re best suited to occasional road cyclists, not competitive riders or commuters. 

Pros

• It is far more lightweight than solid metal clipless pedals
• It is wider than the average SPD pedal, offering more support for those with wider soles
• The tension release screw is located on the outside of the pedal for quick adjustments

Cons

• The thermoplastic body can crack or separate from metal components
• Pedals do not come with cleats so make sure your cleats are compatible

Best Choice for Beginners: Look Keo Classic 3 Road Pedals

These Look Keo pedals attach easily to your bike’s crank arm, and you’ll only need an Allen wrench to tighten them. In addition, the included three-bolt cleats offer a wider surface area than many other clipless cleats, making it easier for riders to engage and disengage from the pedals.

While these pedals are made of plastic (as opposed to metal), this design makes them far lighter than other clipless pedals. Look Keo pedals only weigh about 0.09lbs (40g). As such, riders that haven’t developed exceptional ankle or leg strength can move them with ease.

Release tension is adjustable, allowing you to customize your preferred attachment strength. To adjust each pedal’s release tension, you’ll need to twist the hex head screw at the rear of the pedal. To do this, you’ll need an 8mm Allen key.

And unlike many other clipless pedals, the Look Keo comes in three distinct styles: All black, black-and-red, and black-and-white. As such, you can choose a pedal style that complements your bicycle. 

Pros

• Easy to install onto most road bikes
• One of the most lightweight clipless pedals
• Available in multiple colors
• Wide cleats are well suited to beginner-level cyclists

Cons

• The plastic material may splinter after extended use
• Pedals may emit clicking noise during use

Key Takeaways

I’ve found that Shimano Dual Platform Pedals are the best overall choice for most road cyclists due to their multipurpose design, durability, and easy-to-use cleats. In addition, Shimano is well-known throughout the cycling community for producing some of the highest-quality clipless pedals, and these are no exception.

While you may prefer to invest in a different pair of clipless pedals, Shimano Dual Platform Pedals offer more riding options and SPD compatibility than standard clipless pedals, making them a solid choice for most cyclists.

Find Shimano Dual Platform Pedals on Amazon now.

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Helmets are an essential part of cycling; they keep you safe during rides and protect your head when falling to the ground. But they come in so many different looks, colors, and prices that usually make people confused. Here, we’ve provided a buyer’s guide for choosing the perfect cycling helmet for you to have a wise choice.

The best road cycling helmet should fit your head size and shape perfectly so that it stays in place when you fall. It should also be sturdy and offer a protective system with internal padding to absorb impacts. Plus, it has to be lightweight so that it doesn’t strain your neck.  

If you’re also a cyclist and don’t know how to choose the best cycling helmet for yourself, read this guide to learn more about different types of helmets and the crucial features to look for. We also provide a list of the best cycling helmets you can consider buying.

What To Consider When Buying a Good Cycling Helmet

Several factors contribute to a good, protective cycling helmet. It’s very important to get familiar with them so that you’ll know what to look for the next time you buy a helmet. Let’s go through them.

Size

We all have different head sizes with various shapes, so it’s crucial to find a helmet with the right size to fit properly on our heads. Otherwise, our comfort and safety would be compromised.

Cycling helmets come in small, medium, and large sizes; however, there’s no rule or standard about the helmets’ sizing, and different brands have their own sizes. So, the small or medium size of one brand may be slightly different than another one. 

A well-fitted helmet should hold around your head comfortably but in a way that it remains in place if you hang upside down, without the help of the retention system. A rule of thumb is that the helmet shouldn’t move on your head when you shake it – of course, without pressure points on your head.

What should you do? If you’re going to buy a helmet online, simply measure the circumference of your head and check it with the helmet sizing to assure it’s properly fit. Use wrapping tape to measure around the widest part of your head, about 2cm (0.79in) above the brow line.

But if you buy your helmet at a physical store, you can try on different ones to find the best fit for your head size and shape. You can also ask the seller to help you with the sizing. 

Shape

Another critical feature is the helmet’s shape, which also varies from brand to brand – each brand has its own conception of the shape of a human head. Some brands produce narrower helmets while others make round ones. 

Generally, helmets come in oval, round, intermediate oval (the most common one), and long oval shapes. If possible, try the helmets on to see how comfortable they’re and whether they fit your head shape or not. Otherwise, you can use a mirror or even ask someone to look at your head from above and determine its shape. 

However, what affects helmet shape the most, is aerodynamics. Manufacturers try to design a helmet that, besides being safe and comfortable, doesn’t block the wind flow and reduces its resistance. As a result, the round or circular-shaped cycling helmets keep the rider well-protected without lowering their speed. 

Road cycling helmets are the most used type of helmets globally and designed for cycling long/short distances and racing on the road. They have an aerodynamic shape that’s light, snugly, and well-ventilated.

Moreover, the road cycling helmets designed for the time trial on the road have a slightly different shape. They’re longer and have a tail not to reduce the speed. They’re also wind-tunnel tested to allow the air to move around it and save more energy. However, they’re only functional for time trialing, not long-distance cycling. 

Protective System

A helmet’s protective system consists of a plastic shell (the sturdy outer part) and a liner (the inner padding and structures). The internal parts and structures are developed to prevent rotational forces that can cause brain injuries.

The padding should be of high-quality Styrofoam and preferably removable for washing. Multi-directional Impact Protection System or MIPS is also a specialized technology for redirecting rotational forces by allowing the foam liner to rotate a bit. 

Additionally, some helmets come with WaveCel technology, a liner material made of honeycomb that absorbs the impact’s energy and reduces rotational forces.

Retention System

Almost all cycling helmets come with straps and buckles to ensure they’re well-fitted and stay there in case of a crash. However, various brands use these straps for different purposes.

There’s usually a chin strap with a buckle that should fit under your chin in a way that you can easily slide two fingers through it. This strap gets divided near the ears by two strap dividers. There are also some buckles to tighten or loosen your helmet. 

You can use the lower buckle for adjusting the chin strap and another one on the upper side to adjust the v-shaped parts near the ears. Remember not to tighten the strap too much. It should feel snugly under the chin when you open your mouth. 

Tightening Mechanism

There’s another mechanism featured in most modern cycling helmets that makes adjusting it easier for cyclists. There’s usually a knob inside the back of helmets called headmaster; it allows you to fit the helmet to the preferred position by sliding it to the side or lowering/raising it as you wish.  

Some high-end helmets have another feature instead of this knob called the BOA system. It’s really easy to use; you can tighten your helmet by rotating it to the right and loosen it by reversing the rotation to the left, only with one hand. 

Pressure Points

A real important factor to consider when you’re buying a road cycling helmet is the pressure points. If you feel any extra or uneven pressure while it’s on your head, it means that the helmet is wrong-sized or has an unsuitable shape for your head. 

For example, if you feel pressure on the sides of your head, it means the oval shape of the helmet is too much for your head and you should go for a rounder one. So, it’s recommended to wear a helmet for 30 to 45 minutes before using it on your rides because some pressure points may not show up immediately but turn into painful points over time. 

Ventilation

The human body gets warmer during activity, and your head is no exception to that. Depending on the design and function, cycling helmets come in various ventilation types. A good ventilation system allows the air to flow through it and cool down the rider’s head, and prevent moisture buildup under it – especially on hot days when you’re pedaling in direct sun. 

Safety

A good helmet should have a DOT symbol on the outside rear part, which means it’s undergone the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218. All helmets should go through a series of tests before entering the market and they get a safety label that indicates they can protect riders from potential risks of falling. 

On this label, you should see the following:

• The name of the manufacturer/brand.
• The model information. 
• DOT, FMVSS No. 218, and CERTIFIED.

However, helmets made before 2013 may only have the DOT on their labels. 

It’s equally important to stay away from unsafe helmets. They’re usually heavy (1lbs/450g or less), thinner than 1 inch (2.5cm), and don’t have stiff foam. They may also have plastic buckles that can easily break in a crash and lack sturdy chin straps.   

Weight

The weight of the cycling helmet is another crucial factor to consider. While modern cycling helmets are lighter than ever now, the slightest weight difference can heavily influence your performance – especially in the long rides. So, choosing a lightweight – but safe – helmet is essential to reduce the pressure on your neck.  

Generally, the larger the helmet, the heavier it gets. So, small bike helmets weigh around 0.55lbs (250g), while medium ones weigh about 0.61lbs (276g). Large-sized ones with a weight of about 0.66lbs (300g) are the heaviest. Remember that these are the actual weights of helmets, while they may feel different after you wear them for a long time.

Hair Port

Many women cyclists and some men have long hair they wear in a ponytail. So, having a hair port at the rear of the helmet is a necessity for them. As a result, they can slide their hair through the hair port without facing any problem with the helmet’s fit or compromising its safety. 

Sunglasses

Lots of cyclists wear regular glasses or sunglasses while pedaling on the road. So, they need to ensure the helmet they wear allows wearing eyewear and fits with it. This feature is normally ignored in most cases.

That’s why you should take your glasses with you when buying a helmet. Just ensure that the frame or arms of your glasses aren’t in contact with the shell or its tightening mechanism. 

The Best Helmets for Road Cycling

Here are 6 helmets we consider the best road cycling helmets that provide most or all of the features mentioned above. All products are available on Amazon.com.

Giro Syntax MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet

Giro is one of the well-known brands with lots of helmet variations. The Giro Syntax MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet is another lab-tested masterpiece with 25 vents, easy-to-adjust with the Roc Loc fit system, and very lightweight (9.6 Ounces). It also features the MIPS for extra protection. 

It’s also budget-friendly, comfortable for small heads, and with great foam intensity and internal padding. 

Kask Mojito Cubed Adult Road Bike Helmet

Kask Mojito Cubed is a popular helmet that only weighs 8.11 ounces (230g medium size) and and 17 vents.  The Mojito Cubed passes the KASK WG11 test and surpasses European safety standards by 48%, providing a significant improvement in front, rear and top impacts. Premium Blue Tech helmet padding for comfort and sweat-wicking. The Mojito Cubed uses a new Octo Fit retention system, which helps dial in the fit around the entirety of the helmet, rather than only horizontally at the back.

BELL Stratus MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet

This helmet is light (300g for M size) but features a sturdy polycarbonate shell bonded to the EPS foam liner. It’s also equipped with MIPS technology and a minimal adjustment system, which is super easy to use.

The Bell Stratus has 18 vents but is still well-ventilated. Its Sweat Guide pad ensures the sweat doesn’t get into your eyes and offers full-head ventilation using overbrow ventilation.  

POC, Omne Air Spin Bike Helmet

Omne Air Spin helmet is a sleek multi-purpose helmet that you can use for road cycling, daily commute, or just weekend rides. Its EPS liner with silicone pad technology and SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) system makes it a super protective helmet. 

The POC Omne Air Spin helmet is also very light, well-ventilated, and adjustable with a one-handed dial on its back (in addition to the inside adjustment system). This helmet is extremely comfortable on longer rides and only weighs 10.05 ounces (284.9g).

However, it’s more expensive than others, and some buyers complain that it’s not suitable for the round oval or intermediate oval head shapes. 

PHZ. Adult Bicycle Helmet

The PHZ. helmet meets both the US and EU safety standards. It has a thick foam padding and a quality PC shell, joined by in-molded technology. A great advantage of this helmet is the detachable USB light for more safety at night. 23 vents, 2 removable visors, detachable padding, and a package bag make it a great purchase. 

Considering what we mentioned about all the helmets, this is the perfect road cycling helmet for everyone. It’s low-priced despite the great features offered like USB light, good ventilation, and high protection. It has an extra visor and a pouch, which makes it great for gifting.

MOON Adult Cycling Helmet

This helmet boasts a very lightweight (only 275g or 9.7oz) build and comes with excellent foam material. With 25 vents, it’s also well-ventilated, and the inner padding is removable for cleaning. The great thing about the MOON cycling helmet is its removable visor that allows you to switch between road or mountain style easily.

Aerodynamic design and easy adjustment are other advantages making this one of the best helmets out there.

Conclusion

To get the best helmet for yourself, consider your purpose, head size, shape, and most importantly, the helmet’s safety and protective mechanisms. Don’t buy helmets just for their aesthetic features, and put your health a priority.

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