From New York Magazine: The 10 Very Best Bike Helmets There’s a helmet for every head.

All bike helmets sold in the United States must meet the same strict Consumer Product Safety Commission standard. Which means “the protection offered by most helmets is pretty similar,” says Randy Swart, the executive director of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. “And it’s a good level of protection.”

With that knowledge, you can pretty much just pick a helmet according to your personal riding habits and how much you’re willing to spend in the name of comfort and aesthetics. And you’ll definitely want to make sure your new helmet fits properly. It should sit level on your head with the chin strap drawn so the helmet moves slightly downward as you open your mouth. The fit should be snug enough that you’re significantly loosening and tightening the rear adjustment dial (or equivalent mechanism) in order to take the helmet on and off. A well-fitted helmet should feel comfortable and relatively weightless. “It’s like a seatbelt,” says Swart. “Once you put it on and buckle it, you should pretty much forget it’s there.”

Best (slightly sportier) commuter helmet

Bern Watts 2.0 Bike Helmet

From $61

Intended use: Commuting | Safety: MIPS | Comfort and aesthetics: Ventilation, visor, round silhouette

Bern sent me this stylish and full-featured helmet last year, and I’ve been cycling in it all summer. Like the Thousand one, above, it has a specific, somewhat equestrian look that’s arguably more flattering than some of the more road touring–style helmets listed here. Unlike the Thousand, it has a decent amount of ventilation, which has made my life easier when biking to the beach on New York City’s unshaded streets. The dial fit is intuitive and comfortable, and while this is a hefty-looking helmet, it’s surprisingly lightweight on the head. The Watts is compatible with Bern’s clip-in USB-rechargeable light, sold separately. The brand also offers an optional cold-weather bike beanie.