There is no link between the price of cycle helmets and the protection they offer, researchers have found.
Thirty popular models sold in Britain were tested at Imperial College London.
A £50 Tactic MIPS helmet by Specialized got the best mark of 4.84 out of five.
Average price of the helmets was £56.62, with some costing up to £130. All met the EN1078 minimum safety standard.
The study is believed to be the first of its kind and took into account different types of impact.
Official safety tests only require helmets to be assessed in straight-on head impacts.
Lead researcher Dr Claire Baker said her team looked at “likelihood of deep brain injuries from head rotation as well as more surface level injuries and potential skull fractures from direct impact”.
She added: “Our new ratings give consumers objective, evidence-based data to support their buying decisions.”
