By now, most of us are familiar with the differences between gravel bikes and road bikes, but what about gravel helmets? And do we really need them?
More and more gravel-specific helmets are popping up on the market, which prompted us to question: what are the differences between gravel and road cycling helmets?
Likewise, can you get away with wearing your mountain biking helmet for gravel riding?
Generally speaking, gravel helmet designs seek to match the light weight and optimal ventilation of road cycling helmets with the added protection of mountain biking lids.
In this guide, we'll take you through the subtle differences between road and gravel bike helmets, and share a few options you can choose from.
To peak or not to peak
You may have noticed road cycling helmets generally don't feature a peak, whereas mountain biking, utility and some gravel helmets do.
The main reason for this difference is bike setup, because road cyclists tend to adopt a more aggressive position on the bike, where a peak or visor could potentially block their field of vision. This doesn't affect mountain bikers or utility cyclists, who tend to have a more upright position.
In addition to keeping the sun out of your face, a peak can prevent rain, mud, vegetation and other trail debris from getting in your eyes, so it can be a handy feature if you're heading off-road.
You'll notice some helmets designed for gravel riding will come fitted with a small or removable peak, such as the Oakley ARO3 All Road.
Protection
Gravel helmets tend to feature enhanced protection compared to road cycling helmets, leaning towards the designs of off-road specific trail helmets.
For example, the Fox Crossframe Pro, which is designed for XC, cyclocross and gravel riding, features a fully on-moulded shell, which covers the EPS foam entirely, including under the brim.
Just like the 100% Altis Gravel, this model also has a deep-drop shell, which means it covers a greater area across the back of the neck than comparable road cycling helmets, more akin to enduro trail lids.
You'll notice many gravel helmets also use a rotational impact liner, from brands such as MIPS, or use in-house designs, as high-end road cycling helmets do.
Do I really need a gravel-specific helmet?
In short, no. There are lots of models both within the road cycling and XC mountain biking categories that'll be great when it comes to taking your drop-bar rig off-road. However, there are some great new models on the market that may take your fancy when it's time to replace your current helmet.
There are a few things worth looking for, no matter how your preferred helmet is labelled. A little extra protection can go a long way when it comes to more challenging terrain (it's a safety device, after all).
We'd also highly recommend avoiding a helmet with white or pale-coloured straps for gravel cycling. The combination of mud, sweat and salt isn't a good look and you might struggle to get them gleaming again.
Gravel helmets ridden and rated 2025
Met Allroad
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- £70 / €75 as tested
- Pros: Good build quality; comfortable; well-priced; ponytail-compatible; removable visor
- Cons: Thick webbing straps
The MET Allroad gravel helmet uses a fully in-moulded outer shell and greater coverage to the sides of the head and down over the occipital bone at the back to reflect its intended use.
However, the helmet is lightweight and well-ventilated, as you'd expect from a more road-centric helmet.
Our tester's size-large lid weighed in at 293.3g, which is impressive for a budget-friendly £70 / €75 helmet.
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Fox Crossframe Pro
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- £190 / $220 / €200 / AU$300 as tested
- Pros: Great ventilation; comfortable fit; decent safety features; straps and buckle are top-notch
- Cons: Price; Boa string digs in
Targeted at XC, gravel and cyclocross, the Fox Crossframe Pro is the brand’s first no-peak cycling helmet.
Featuring a deep-drop, fully in-moulded shell, the helmet is highly ventilated to help keep you cool on pacy rides.
The only letdown (apart from the steep price) is the design of the closure system, with the Boa string prone to cutting into the top of the ears on longer rides.
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Specialized Search
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- £125 / $160 / €150 / AU$200 as tested
- Pros: Great value; very comfortable; excellent safety rating; good compatibility with most sunglasses
- Cons: MIPS Evolve Core Solution liner isn’t the airiest; slightly high fit at the back
New in 2024, Specialized’s Search helmet is a keenly priced and airy option designed with gravel and adventure riding in mind.
The brand boldly proclaims the Search helmet as “like having an air conditioner over your head”, with its gaping vents on show, particularly at the helmet’s rear.
While the Search doesn’t quite meet those heady claims in terms of ventilation, it impresses in most other respects. It'll set you back £125 / $160 / €150.
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