Bike Helmets for Road, MTB, Kids & Commuter Riding

Ivanhoe Cycles offers a wide selection of bike helmets suitable for all types of riders. The range includes helmets for road cycling, mountain biking, commuting, and children.

We stock well-known brands such as Fox, Giro, Bell, and Kask bike helmets.

Whether you're riding trails, commuting, racing on the road or buying a child’s first helmet, the right fit and protection matter.

Many riders now choose MIPS bike helmets for additional rotational impact protection, while others prioritise lightweight construction, ventilation or extended coverage for mountain biking.

Mountain bike helmet with visor for trail riding

How to Choose the Right Bike Helmet

Choosing the right bike helmet starts with understanding how and where you ride. Different helmet designs prioritise ventilation, protection, weight and comfort depending on riding style.

Road bike helmets generally focus on airflow and lightweight performance for long rides and climbing. Mountain bike helmets usually provide additional rear coverage and visors for trail riding. Full face helmets add chin protection for gravity riding and bike parks.

When choosing a bike helmet, consider:

Riding style
Helmet fit and sizing
Weight
Ventilation
MIPS protection
Visors
Retention systems
Rider's head size

At Ivanhoe Cycles, our team helps fit thousands of riders across Victoria every year, from kids starting on their first bikes through to experienced road and mountain bike riders.

Shop Bike Helmets by Riding Style

Road Bike Helmets

Road bike helmets are designed for lightweight, comfort and ventilation.

When you compare a road bike helmet to a MTB helmet or recreational helmet, you'll see it looks sleeker and has a lot more ventilation holes.

This is because road cyclists travel at higher speeds than any other riders.

The extra front vents sucks in more cold air and the larger exhaust vents release hot air.

Road riders commonly look for these things in road bike helmets:

Minimal weight.
Sleek aero-shaping .
MIPS layer inside the helmet.
Comfortable pad placement around the head.

Road riders often pair lightweight helmets with road cycling gloves and cycling glasses.

Mountain Bike Helmets

Mountain bike helmets are designed with increased rear and side coverage for additional protection on trails and uneven terrain.

Popular MTB styles include:

Open face MTB helmets
Full face MTB helmets

Open-face helmets can be used for Cross-Country trails through to steeper, faster Enduro trails.

Mountain bike riders often combine MTB helmets with MTB gloves and bike goggles.

Full Face MTB Helmets

Full face mountain bike helmets provide additional chin and facial protection.

Some full-face helmets like the Fox Rampage are designed for pure Downhill and BMX racing.

Others, like the Fox Proframe, are very lightweight and heavily ventilated. These style of full-face helmets can be worn all day pedalling.

Riders choose full-face MTB helmets for:

High-speed DH or BMX racing.
Steeper, faster Enduro riding where pedalling is still required.

BMX Helmets

BMX helmets are designed for skateparks, racing and dirt jumps.

Like MTB helmets, these have substantial head coverage and some also come with MIPS now too, such as the Fox Flight MIPS.

Riders commonly choose BMX helmets because they:

Want the extra coverage.
Are using them for urban street riding.
Are using them for dirt jumping and skateparks.

Gravel Bike Helmets

Gravel riders often look for helmets that combine road ventilation with slightly deeper head coverage.

An example of this is the Fox Crossframe.

Gravel helmets are suitable for:

Mixed terrain routes where you're crossing from gravel to road and back.
Touring on gravel or endurance road bikes.

E-Bike & Commuter Helmets

E-bike and commuter helmets prioritise comfort and visibility for everyday riding.

In our experience, E-bike riders tend towards a more MTB helmet style for the extra protection.

Our customers that commute use either a MTB-style or road-style helmet, depending on their bike setup.

If their bike is a flat bar road bike or similar fast hybrid then a road bike helmet is ideal.

Shop Bike Helmets by Rider Type

Women's Bike Helmets

Women's specific bike helmets use the same safety technologies as unisex/mens models.

They differ in the fit.

Womens bike helmets have a slightly smaller overall fit profile. Unisex/mens helmets go up to bigger sizes.

The most important thing to note is:

It's not the gender label on the helmet that matters. It's how well the bike helmet fits your head.

A lot of our helmet range has no gender label, and we have no issues find the perfect fit for women.

Adult Bike Helmets

Adult bike helmets are available across road, mountain and recreational riding categories.

Popular features include:

MIPS brain protection.
Lightweight and ventilated designs.
Adjustable fit systems.

Children's Bike Helmets

Children's bike helmets are designed specifically for younger riders with smaller sizing, lightweight construction and simple adjustment systems to improve comfort and safety.

Suitable for:

Balance bikes
Children's bikes
Kids BMX riding
Family bike rides
Riding to school

Features commonly found in children's helmets include:

Lightweight designs
Adjustable fit systems
MIPS protection on selected models
Bright colours and fun graphic
Extended rear head coverage

Choosing the right size is important, as a properly fitted helmet should sit level on the head and feel secure without creating pressure points.

A lot of customers who are buying a new kids bike also consider a new children's helmet.

What Is MIPS in a Bike Helmet?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System.

MIPS technology is designed to allow a low-friction layer inside the helmet to move independently during certain angled impacts.

This movement may help reduce rotational forces transferred to the rider.

Many modern road, mountain and kids helmets now include MIPS technology.

Riders commonly choose MIPS helmets because they want:

Additional impact protection
Modern safety features
Trail confidence
Long-term comfort

Bike Helmet Construction

Modern bike helmets are designed to help manage impact forces while balancing comfort, ventilation and weight. Although road, mountain bike and full face helmets vary in design, most use similar core construction principles.

Understanding how a bike helmet is built can help you choose the right helmet for your riding style.

EPS Foam Liner

Most modern bike helmets use an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam liner as the primary impact-absorbing material.

EPS foam is designed to compress during an impact. As the foam deforms, it helps absorb and distribute energy before it reaches the rider.

The internal foam liner is considered a sacrificial component, meaning that once it has absorbed a significant impact it may no longer provide the same protection.

For this reason, helmets should generally be replaced after a crash, even if external damage appears minimal.

Outer Shell Construction

The outer shell helps protect the internal foam while distributing impact forces across a larger area.

Common shell construction methods include:

In-Mould Construction

In-mould construction permanently bonds the outer shell to the EPS foam liner during manufacturing.

Benefits can include:

Reduced weight
Improved durability
Cleaner finish
Better structural integrity

Most modern road and MTB helmets use in-mould construction.

Hard Shell Construction

Hard shell helmets use a thicker external shell attached to the foam liner.

These are often found in:

BMX helmets
Skate-style helmets
Some children's helmets

Hard shell designs can provide increased resistance to everyday knocks and abrasion.

MIPS Technology

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System.

MIPS technology uses a low-friction layer inside the helmet that is designed to move slightly relative to the head during certain angled impacts.

The purpose of this movement is to help reduce rotational forces that may occur during impacts where the head does not strike an object perfectly straight.

Many modern bike helmets are now available with MIPS technology across:

Road bike helmets
MTB helmets
Full face helmets
Children's helmets

Retention Systems and Fit Adjustment

A properly fitted helmet is important for both comfort and protection.

Most modern helmets use rear adjustment systems that allow riders to fine-tune fit around the head.

Common features include:

Dial adjustment systems
Adjustable side straps
Height adjustment
Integrated retention cradles

A correctly fitted helmet should:

Sit level on the head
Cover the forehead
Feel snug without pressure points
Remain stable when moving

Shop Bike Helmets by Brand

Fox Helmets

Fox helmets are popular for Trail, Enduro and Gravity riding.

They use lightweight construction, modern fit systems and MIPS options available across many models.

Popular Fox helmet ranges include:

Fox Mainframe. Is the value-focused MTB helmets with trail features.
Fox Speedframe. Lightweight trail and MTB helmet designed for serious mountain bike riding. That said, we still sell this to customers who want above-average protection and a superb fit.
Fox Proframe. A very lightweight full face helmet designed for Enduro and Gravity riding.
Fox Rampage. A full-face for Downhill and bike park riding.

Explore our complete Fox Helmets range.

Giro Helmets

Giro helmets are popular across road cycling, mountain biking and recreational riding, with a strong reputation for comfort, ventilation and modern design.

Many Giro bike helmets feature advanced fit systems and MIPS protection options, making them a popular choice for riders looking for performance and everyday comfort.

If you'd like to explore the full range, shop our Giro Helmets collection.

Kask Helmets

Kask is a high-end Italian helmet brand.

Kask helmets are popular among road cyclists and endurance riders for their lightweight construction, safety, ventilation and premium comfort.

Designed with performance in mind, Kask helmets combine aerodynamic efficiency with fit systems designed to provide a secure and comfortable feel on longer rides.

Many riders choose Kask road helmets for:

Superb head coverage. They come down a little lower and cover the rear of teh head better than most other road bike helmets.
Lightweight design. Starting at 180 grams, the Kask Valegro is one of the lightest road bike helmets.
Fit and adjustability. Kask have this unique bracket design that cups the back of the head. It can also has far more positions, so it adapts to various head shapes.

Popular Kask helmet ranges include:

Kask Protone. A lightweight performance road helmet balancing ventilation and aerodynamic design.
Kask Mojito. Our best seller. It's a versatile road helmet designed for comfort and everyday riding.
Kask Valegro. Lightweight climbing-focused helmet with maximum airflow.

So for riders looking for a premium road helmet, explore our Kask helmets collection.

Bike Helmet Size Guide

Measure around your head approximately 1–2cm above your eyebrows.

Head Circumference	Suggested Size
48–52cm	XS
52–56cm	S
56–59cm	M
59–62cm	L
62cm+	XL

How Long Do Bike Helmets Last?

Bike helmets are not lifetime products.

Replace your helmet:

After a significant crash
If cracks appear
If straps become damaged
If the adjustment dial fails. This is the only
Approximately every 3–5 years depending on use.

Even small impacts can damage the internal foam structure without leaving visible marks.

Which Bike Helmet Is Right For You?

Riding Type	Helmet Recommendation	Common Features
Road Cycling	Lightweight Aero Helmet	Ventilation, lightweight design, aerodynamic shaping
Mountain Bike Trail Riding	MTB Helmet	Extended coverage, visor, MIPS options
Downhill & Gravity Riding	Full Face Helmet	Chin protection, maximum coverage
BMX Riding	BMX Helmet	Skate-style or full-face options
Commuting & E-Bikes	Commuter Helmet	Integrated lights, visibility features
Children's Riding	Children's Helmet	Lightweight construction, adjustable fit systems

How To Clean and Store Your Bike Helmet

To maximise helmet lifespan:

Wash using mild soap and water.
Remove and wash pads where possible.
Avoid harsh chemicals.
Store away from prolonged sunlight.
Avoid leaving helmets inside hot vehicles.

Bike Helmet FAQs

Fit and Sizing

Your bike helmet should sit parallel to the ground. Not point up or down.

The helmet should sit 20-30mm above your brows.

Tighten the adjuster at the back until comfortably snug.

Try to (gently) pull the helmet off your head. If it feels like it's sticking to your head, that's good.

If it easily slides up then it's not the right fit. Because there's no contact with the inside of the helmet.

Adjusting the straps

The straps should form a "V" shape under the ears.

Ideally the buckle that holds the straps should sit below the ear too.

However for toddlers, sometimes this is not possiblle. So the buckle might sit on the ear.

Once done, the helmet should not move forward or backward when properly adjusted.

What is MIPS in a bike helmet?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and is designed to help reduce rotational forces during certain impacts.

Are MIPS bike helmets worth it?

Many riders choose MIPS helmets because they add an additional rotational impact management layer.

Should I replace my helmet after a crash?

Yes. A significant impact can damage the internal foam structure even when external damage is not visible.

Can bike helmets expire?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing helmets approximately every 3–5 years depending on usage and storage conditions.

Can I wear a cap under my helmet?

Not casual-style caps. This affects how the helmet fits.

But thin cycling caps are commonly worn under helmets for comfort, warmth or sun protection provided they do not affect fit.