23.01.2024 | Reading time - 53 min(s)

Best Bike Helmets Buying Guide

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Posted in: Customer Services, Cycling Helmets

Choosing the best cycling helmets can seem an easy choice but there can be some factors to consider. Here, we discuss the main considerations when choosing the right adult bike helmet for you and your particular cycling. There can actually be a great deal of factors to consider when choosing the correct helmet as this will depend greatly on what sort of riding you are doing and what style of bike you will be riding.

In this article, we will look at some frequently asked questions about cycling helmets and then go on to look at some of the best mountain bike helmets, best road bike helmets and best leisure & commuter helmets on the market just now.

In this article, we will be discussing all things bike helmets (Quick links to the sections in red)-

What's the difference between mountain bike helmets and road bike helmets? - taking a look at the physical differences between road bike helmets and mountain bike helmets and the reasons for these differences.
What makes a good leisure/commuter helmet? - We explore the top criteria that makes a good leisure and commuting helmet.
What do I get when I spend more on a helmet? - We look at what you get when you spend more on a cycling helmet and the reasons these differences are important.
Are some helmets safer than other helmets? All the helmets we sell meet the minimum cycle helmet safety standards in the UK but, here, we look at some extra safety features that are available on certain other helmets.
Virginia Tech Helmet Testing - A name that appears a lot on helmet review and articles so we take a look at why Virginia Tech is so important when it comes to cycling helmets.
MIPS Functions - MIPS (Multi Directional Impact Protection System) is appearing in more and more helmets. We take a look at what MIPS is and why it is so important.
How do the looks affect the helmet? - Looks are important, that's a fact, so we look at how looks affect a bike helmet.
How should the helmet fit? - Fit is vitally important for two reasons - comfort and safety. We look into this a bit further here.
What's the difference between men's and women's helmets? - Helmets are available as men's, women's and unisex. We look at the differences in this section.
What should I consider when buying a children's helmet? - we take a look at some considerations when choosing a children's helmet.
When Should I replace my helmet? - There are firm guidelines on when and how often to replace your helmet. We discuss this here.
What are the best mountain bike helmets? We list the top mountain bike helmets available now.
What are the best road bike helmets? - a look at the best road bike helmets available and their top features.
What are the best leisure/commuter bike helmets? - a look at some of the best commuter helmets

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What's the difference between mountain bike helmets and road bike helmets?

Whether you are road cyclist or mountain biker will influence your helmet choice. For a road bike helmet, the helmet will sit a bit higher on the back of your head due to being more over the front of the bike and looking up, while mountain helmet design will generally cover more of the back of your head to give more protection in the event of a spill. Due to the nature of off-road biking, you will also find mountain bike helmets that offer full face protection so they not only protect your head, but your face as well. For road cyclists who compete or want to be as fast as possible, there are full aero helmets that are designed for time trial racing or triathlon.

For commuter cycling, the best bike helmets will be ones that fit well and are safe (that's all the ones we sell as they are tested to British Safety Standards). If you find that you are sitting in an upright position, you can opt for a helmet with more coverage at the back or if you are on a flat bar road bike or fast commuter, you might want to opt for a road bike helmet.

For electric biking, it is a very similar choice to the commuter/hybrid decision and will very much depend on your sitting position and personal preference.

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What makes a good leisure/commuting helmet?

Commuter/leisure cyclists can choose from most helmets as long as they fit well and offer a level of safety features that fit the individual cyclists' needs. Of course, if you commute on a drop bar bike, it would make sense to look to road bike helmets as they will likely be more comfortable helmets due to the position you ride in. Looks can be very important when choosing a commuter helmet and now you can find a lot of helmets that are safe, comfortable and stylish too.

These go great with unisex hybrid bikes UK

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What do I get when I spend more on bike helmets?

As you spend more on a helmet, you will generally get a more lightweight helmet, better ventilated helmet (to keep your head cool), and more aerodynamic helmet. If you get very warm in summer, it can be worth spending a bit more for a better ventilated helmet or if you are a road cyclist who wants to get from a-to-b as quickly as possible then you can justify spending a little more on a faster, lighter and cooler helmet. If you are a mountain biker, the criteria are the same - you will likely get a lighter, better ventilated helmet and if you go to a high enough price, you will find full face helmets for maximum protection.

An important point to note is that sometimes, less expensive helmets will come in a 'one size fits most' option so that is another benefit to spending just a little more on helmets. This is also useful if you wear helmets in winter and need to go a size up to fit a skull cap underneath.

Are some helmets safer than other helmets?

All of the helmets we stock conform to the same minimum UK safety standards however if you spend more you will get a helmet with extra safety functions such as MIPS technology (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) for better protection for your neck and spine if an accident happens and certain Specialized helmets come with ANGI technology that can alert a chosen contact if a fall is detected (Angi can be purchased separately and fitted to Specialized helmets). If you are a keen mountain biker, then full-face helmets are available as falls can be a bit more common.

In recent years, we have also seen the rise of MIPS helmets due to the fact that this is now available at a much lower price point. MIPS helmets are designed to reduce rotational force on the head and, therefore brain, in the event of an accident due to the introduction of a low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows multi-directional movement on certain angled impacts. You can pick up a MIPS equipped helmet for much lower prices as technology trickes down.

Virginia Tech helmet testing

'Virginia Tech' is a name you will likely see on any cycling helmets reviews or bike helmet articles so it is definitely worth going into a bit of detail on the significance of Virginia Tech and why they are so important.

Virginia Tech test bicycle helmets and award a score based on the helmet's ability to reduce linear acceleration and rotational velocity of the head resulting from a variety of head impacts a cyclist might experience. Six locations are checked on each helmet at medium and high impacts and the scores from both the linear acceleration and rotational velocity tests are used to calculate the chances of concussion by weighting this performance against the probabilities of these specific areas being impacted. This score is then put into a friendly star rating system to categorise which helmets are best at reducing the chances of concussion.

MIPS Functions

MIPS, or 'Multi directional Impact Protection System' was developed to enhance the basic design function of a bicycle helmet - to protect the brain in the event of an angled, or oblique impact. Many of the world's most respected helmet manufacturers now incorporate MIPS technology into their helmets to offer an even greater protection system.

The people at MIPS have over 25 years of experience in rotational motion and helmet safety and they found that the majority of accidents where someone hits their head involves oblique impacts, and those oblique impacts can increase the risk of brain injury. Their studies found that most cycling head impacts are oblique, so MIPS technology came up with a way to mitigate these risks of rotational forces on the head and brain.

Before MIPS came along, helmets tested to UK safety standards were tested with straight, linear impacts and they were good at protecting against these impacts but now, with MIPS, you can protect against impacts that cause rotational forces while still keeping the protection against straight impacts. It should be said that the technology to protect against linear, or straight, impacts is still present in modern helmets, MIPS is in addition to this.

As with lots of modern technology, MIPS technology mimics the brains natural movement inside the skull by allowing slight movement to protect the brain in the event of an impact. MIPS has developed a low-friction layer that is designed to be incorporated inside the helmet shell that gives 10-15mm of omni directional movement that can redirect energy away from the head for these angled impacts and reduce the rotational energy transferred to the head and brain. This might not sound like much but 10-15mm of movement can be the difference between a minor and a major head injury.

By adding MIPS to current helmets, you can protect your head against both straight and oblique impacts and thus, reduce the chance of brain injury.

How do the looks affect the helmet?

How the helmet looks can be a big factor in choosing a helmet and there is a great deal of different styles to choose from such as the Specialized Mode Mips. Gone are the days when helmets are big ugly things (anyone remember Tuff Top helmets from the 80's and 90's?). There are some great designs for kids helmets now that are bright and fun such as the C-Preme helmets.

How should the helmet fit?

Not all heads are the same shape so it is very important to get a helmet that feels comfortable to you and fits you well. A well fitting helmet is one that is comfortable and is not pressing painfully into any parts of your head. The second rule of fit is that is should stay on your head when tightening the ratchet system that tightens the helmet around the circumference of your head. It is important to note that it is not the chin strap that keeps the helmet on - this should be relatively loose under your chin and you should be able to fit two fingers under the chin straps.

If you were to pop in to any of our shops, we would be happy to talk you through and let you try various different helmets to find the right one.

What's the difference between men's and women's helmets?

Companies are investing a lot of time and money researching physiological differences between peoples head sizes and proportions. Based on this research, women's and men's helmets differ in size and shape but many women can wear 'men's' helmets and many men can wear 'women's' helmets - our advice would therefore always be that if a helmet is the correct size and is not putting any pressure in the wrong place then this is the helmet for you. See all mens and womens helmets

What should I consider when buying a children's helmet?

When buying a helmet for children, the same considerations apply as to when you are buying an adult helmet in terms of fit and safety - the only difference is to do with sizing as you need to make sure the helmet fits and is safe immediately but that there is some room for growth. There is no point buying a helmet that is far too big if it is not safe as soon as it goes on their heads. Children's helmets come in an wide variety of sizes from 'toddler' to 'youth' and are now available with the added safety features such as the MIPS protection.

When should I think about replacing my cycling helmet?

To answer this question, we need to consider how bike helmets function. A cycling helmet consists of a layer of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS foam) covered with a thin polycarbonate shell. In the event of a crash, the polycarbonate shell is designed to crack and the EPS foam is designed to compact and lessen the impact to your head and brain. The EPS foam works in a similar way as a crumple zone in a car to spread the impact over more time and thus reducing the force on your head.

For the reasons detailled above, cycling helmets are single crash only as once the EPS foam portion of the helmet has compacted, it does not spring back to it's original shape. If you were to fall off your bike again and hit the same part of the helmet, it would not provide the same protection as there is no longer the compressive quality. It is therefore strongly recommended to replace your helmet after any crash.

Aside from replacing a helmet after a crash, there is also a shelf-life for your helmet in terms of time. The Polystyrene foam (EPS foam) portion of the helmet will start to degrade from general use and will start to offer less and less compressive characteristics and, thus, becoming less safe in the event of a crash. It is recommended by experts at cycling helmet brands that you should replace your helmet every three to five years.

See our Helmets Sale

Top Cycling Helmets

MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMETS

When choosing the best mountain bike helmets, there will be a number of different factors that will aid your decision. Some of these factors will be - the type of off road biking you will be doing, how breathable you want the helmet to be, do you want a lightweight helmet? and what is your budget. The fit of the helmet will also be very important as different head shapes might not agree with all helmets. We will take a quick look at how the style of MTB biking will affect which type of mountain bike helmets you may choose.

These go perfectly with a unisex adult mountain bike

Cross Country MTB

Cross country MTB races or leisure rides will generally be longer distance so this would suggest an importance on the lightest helmets with the best ventilation for keeping your head cool while still offering more protection at the back of the head. Cross country MTB is generally not as extreme as pure downhill so you will unlikely opt for a full-face helmet but you would still want more coverage at the back of the head in case of a spill.

Trail centre MTB

There are many different levels of trail centres so this section will have the greatest degree of personal preference but if you tackle blue routes and just enjoy the less technical terrain, you will likely opt for something relatively inexpensive with good coverage and fits comfortably. For red routes with more extended climbs, a lighter and more well ventilated helmet will be worth the investment to keep you comfortable and for a black route, you could potentially opt for a full-face helmet also as the downhill sections are more technical and you might be more likely to come off your bike.

Downhill MTB

As the name suggests, downhill biking is all about the downhills and downhill mountain bikers will likely get a shuttle bus or a chairlift to the top of the mountain and rattle down as fast as they can. For this reason, the emphasis is usually on safety so full-face helmets are much more common for this discipline to give the maximum protection to your head and face.

Here are some of our best bike helmets for all different disciplines of MTB biking.

Best mountain Bike helmets

Lazer Coyote MTB helmet

Lazer's Coyote helmet is a modern looking and practical MTB helmet that delivers on all aspects for a relatively low price. This helmet would be ideal for leisure mountain bike riders or those that take on less technical cross-country riding. You could also happily use this on a blue route at a trail centre.

Liv Path MIPS

The Liv Path MIPS is inspired by gravity riders and presenting a modern MTB style, this off-road helmet is designed with generous ventilation and added protection along with essential safety features like MIPS technology and Liv added a lower rear coverage design to shield more of the back of your head.

Direct Flow Cooling channels are designed to pull in air to keep you cool during slow, challenging climbs or flowy descents. With a one-handed dial adjustment and rear fit system you get perfect head-hugging comfort.

This helmet is from Liv so is technically a women's helmet but if the fit is correct and it is comfortable, then it could be for anybody. An excellent helmet for not-too-technical mountain bike riding such as blue routes at trail centres or light off-road MTB.

Smith Convoy MIPS helmet

When designing the Smith Convoy MTB helmet, Smith set out to create an MTB helmet that felt like it was tailor-made for your head. An adjustable dial on the back lets you fine-tune the fit for comfort

When it comes to comfort and protection, the helmet ticks all the boxes. It has a Mips liner system for advanced rotational impact protection and all the ventilation you'll need through the hottest days on the trail. In addition to easy integration with performance eyewear, it also features outside channels that store your shades when dusk sets in.

This helmet can be used for quite a wide array of cycling including leisure hybrid cycling but can also be used on cross-country mountain bikes, red routes and blue routes at trail centres.

Giant Rail SX MIPS Helmet

Whether you are making the crux move on a technical climb or bombing down steep, rocky terrain, you need full protection to perform at your peak. Awarded a five-star rating by the world-famous Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Lab, the Giant Rail SX features an integrated MIPS Brain Protection System and a lightweight, highly ventilated design to keep you safe, comfortable and in control when you are pushing your limits.

Trail-specific maximum enduro coverage EPS construction make this a great helmet for almost all styles of MTB whether that's long cross-country rides where coolness and comfort are key to trail centre cycling on blue, red and black routes. The Rail SX will have you covered.

7IDP M2 Boa Helmet

As bikes become more capable and trail riding gets faster the 7idp M2 Boa Helmet slots into the current generation of open face protection. Conehead™ technology utilises dual-density foam to dissipate impacts more effectively giving you a safer ride.

It is the Conehead technology that utilises dual-density foam to dissipate impacts more effectively giving you a safer ride. The Boa® Fit System delivers a connected, fast, customized and durable fit, purpose-built for performance and comfort and an open face all mountain design with full rear head coverage gives all the protection required in a cross country mountain bike helmet.

Specialized Camber bike helmet

The Specialized Camber mountain bike helmet earned the highest 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating™ from internationally renowned Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (see earlier section for more information on Virginia Tech).

Provided with the MIPS system which is a low-friction layer that allows a sliding motion of 10 to 15mm in all directions. Studies indicate that this reduces some of the rotational forces transmitted to the brain during angled impacts

Easily-adjustable, one-size Headset SX fit system with adjustable Tri-Fix web splitters delivers an easy and accurate fit for incredible performance and a supremely comfortable helmet.

4th Dimension Cooling System optimizes ventilation making this an excellent cross-country helmet or for those long ascents in summer months. Keeps your head comfortable and cool.

This helmet is ANGi ready, with a fit system mount designed for easy integration with Specialized's ANGi crash sensor that alerts designated contacts if you have a crash and will also let them know your location in case you are in trouble.

Giro Source Mips Helmet

The Giro Source MIPS has a rugged and trail-ready design that also combines advanced performance and protection. Featuring deep coverage with aggressive ventilation from 17 vents coupled with deep internal channeling, it helps keep things cool even when the going gets tough. A Roc Loc® 5 fit system with integrated MIPS® brain protection, plus a moto-style adjustable screw-in visor and full lower hardbody durability complete the package.

Lazer Coyote Kineticore

Style, performance, ventilation, comfort and protection all in one clean and practical MTB lid.

Drop into technical terrain with confidence knowing you're wearing a Virginia Tech 5-star safety-rated helmet. The trail-ready Lazer Coyote KinetiCore features an integrated visor that can quickly be pushed up or down to keep sun, rain, and low-hanging branches out of your face, while the no-slip grip on the shell secures your goggles in place.

Adjustable TurnSys technology offers vertical adjustability and a tailored fit with the twist of a dial, while the magnetic buckle makes it easy to strap in and out with one hand and gloves on so you never miss a beat. For those rides where you are squeezing out every last minute of daylight, LED light compatibility via the velcro mount ensures you are seen.

Kineticore is a rotational impact protection system that prtects against oblique impacts while cycling for extra safety if you were to have a fall.

SPECIALIZED TACTIC 4 MIPS HELMET

With a good combination of fit, ventilation, and confidence for trail and enduro riding, the Specialized Tactic 4 MIPS delivers exceptional coverage and seamless integration with goggles or glasses. Available in a wide variety of colours, there is definitely style along with the substance.

For added comfort and a better fit, the Specialized Tactic’s features a slim, adjustable integrated Fit System that accommodates variations in head shape and occipital base. Occipital base adjustment personalizes fit for comfort and allows you to tune helmet angle to ensure that your helmet and eyewear stay perfectly in line.

Integrated fixed visor provides increased trail vision and a seamless interface with eyewear. Specifically designed eyewear channels always give you a spot to store your glasses at a moment’s notice.

Computational Fluid Dynamic design integrates the maximum volume of internal channeling for optimal airflow through the helmet drawing heat away from the head. 4D brow cooling which provides a gap between the helmet and forehead, draws airflow into internal air channels at every speed

The Tactic is another helmet on this list that earned the highest 5-Star Virginia Tech Helmet Rating from the internationally renowned Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Fitted with a MIPS Evolve solution for lightweight and breathable rotational impact protection for the perfect combination of safety and comfort.

This helmet is also ANGi ready, with a fit system mount designed for easy integration with the ANGi crash sensor which is available separately and can alert a designated personal contact of your location in the event of a crash.

Liv Roost MIPS

Designed to inspire confidence, the new Liv Roost Mips features Mips technology for increased safety through rotational impact protection and additional bottom shell design for optimal structure and extended rear coverage.

The ponytail-friendly Snap-on 3-position rear height adjustment fit system provides a sturdy fit and the super supple anti-microbial strap system with secure FidlockR buckle system creates increased useability and comfort at a wallet-friendly price.

Here is another helmet that has been awarded five out of five stars on the Virginia tech helmet rating system.

This is a truly versatile helmet that can be used for commuting, leisure and off-road MTB and represents excellent value for money.

Giant Roost MIPS Bike helmet

With a new head form that provides a better fit for more riders, the redesigned Giant Roost MIPS features trusted Mips protection for enhanced rotational impact protection, a precise three-position rear-height adjustable fit system, increased ventilation, and modern styling. Certified five-star by the world-renowned Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Lab, Roost is a lightweight go-to helmet for charging the toughest trails.

Specialized Ambush 2 Bike Helmet

Sized to drop in with a highly customizable fit and precision adjustment. The Specialized Ambush 2 features Specialized Integrated Fit system and adjustable Tri-Fix splitters to provide a dialed fit. Fine-tune your vision using the Ambush 2 Occipital Base Adjustment to precisely adjust how the helmet sits on the brow for seamless integration with goggles and glasses for an unrestricted view down the trail

Innovative sunglasses storage with hidden rubber flaps maintains a secure, rattle-free fit, keeping your glasses safely stored when you need to get them out of the way during long climbs or moments of rest. Integrated fixed visor with a breakaway feature provides increased trail vision and a seamless interface with eyewear while effectively channeling airflow through the helmet for superb ventilation.

Features the MIPS SL solution with Specialized's exclusive perforated backing. Integrating MIPS technology within the helmet padding reduces moisture retention while increasing breathability. The Ambush 2 earned the highest 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating from the internationally renowned Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. This helmet is ANGi ready, with a fit system mount designed for easy integration with the Specialized ANGi crash sensor.

Smith Network Mips

The Smith Network is a versatile, shred-ready bike helmet. Safety technology from Koroyd and MIPS offer protection and enhanced energy absorption should you need it. Zonal Koroyd coverage is designed to provide lightweight, energy-absorbing and ventilated impact protection while MIPS Brain Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head resulting in a safe and cabable helmet for all types of mountain biking.

For when the sun is (hopefully) shining, the ventilation system keeps air flowing and your eyewear fog-free on the warmest of days.

Specialized Gambit Helmet

Here is one for the full-on downhill mountain bikers that are all about the descents. The Specialized Gambit offers full-face and head protection for those that push mountain biking to the limits of their abilities (and sometimes beyond - and that's why we need a full-face helmet).

Combines a lightweight carbon fibre shell, structurally specific polycarbonate backing, and five optimized pieces of targeted density foam (patent pending) for reduced weight, optimized fit, and decent ventilation.
Tune a more precise, personalized fit thanks to Gambit’s adjustable Integrated Fit System that accommodates variations in head shape and occipital base
Occipital base adjustment personalizes fit for comfort and allows you to tune helmet angle to ensure that your helmet and eyewear stay perfectly synched
4-position adjustable cheek pads provide fit refinement for any head shape
Integrated, fixed visor with a breakaway feature provides a wide field of view while protecting against trail debris
Increased airflow and improved ventilation from the SBC Integrated Fit System does away with the excessive padding of a traditional full-face friction fit
MIPS SL with Specialized's exclusive perforated backing integrates MIPS technology within the helmet padding and reduces moisture retention while increasing breathability
Computational Fluid Dynamic design integrates the maximum volume of internal channeling for optimal airflow through the helmet. 4D brow cooling provides a gap between the helmet and forehead, drawing airflow into internal air channels at every speed
This helmet is ANGi ready, with a fit system mount designed for easy integration with the ANGi crash sensor which is available separately

BEST ROAD bike HELMETs

The best road bike helmets will fit into your style of riding where you can choose to prioritise lightweight, aerodynamic or well ventilated to fit your budget. The general rule with road bike helmets is that the more money you spend, the more lightweight, aero and well ventilated you will get. The two main aspects here for most riders are the lightweight and well ventilated categories as these better ventilated helmets will make longer distances more comfortable and a lighter helmet will lead to less neck and shoulder fatigue particularly on longer rides.

On the more extreme end of the scale is the aero road helmet. These helmets are designed to save you as much time, aerodynamically, as is possible and these helmets are usually for people who compete in time trial or triathlons. A more aero helmet will typically have less ventilation due to solid shells providing the best aerodynamics which means less vents for airflow.

Lazer Tonic Kineticore Helmet

Sleek and comfortable - Lazer Tonic KinetiCore is designed for the recreational road cyclist who wants a lightweight helmet that does not compromise on protection.

Confidently work up a sweat knowing the lightweight and breathable Tonic KinetiCore will keep you cool with twenty-eight vents to improve airflow when you are pushing your pace.

Add to this the Advanced TurnSys dial system providing vertical adjustability and the exclusive KinetiCore protection technology, and the result is an amazingly well-ventilated, comfortable and lightweight helmet.

Kineticore is Lazer's answer to reducing the impact of linear impacts and also protects against rotational impacts in the event of a fall.

Specialized S-Works Prevail III Helmet

The S-Works Prevail 3 helmet is perfect for riders who value the comfort of the benefits that superior ventilation delivers. It is the ultimate all-around helmet that excels in hot conditions, strenuous climbs, and mountainous stages. Safe and comfortable due to the MIPS technology you might even forget you are wearing a helmet at all.

The Specialized S Works Prevail helmet features an ultralight and supremely comfortable version of MIPS - MIPS SL - that has only gotten better. Specialized added perforations, along with a ripstop mesh to maximize breathability and performance. With MIPS SL, Specialized have essentially integrated MIPS technology within the helmet padding itself. MIPS SL's minimalist "watchband" attachment system provides 10 to 15 millimeters of rotation in every direction and offers the same brain protection benefits as other versions of MIPS, while also ushering in a new level of comfort and weight savings.

The Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 helmet is one of the best road bike helmets available and one that also receives the prestigious Virginia Tech 5-star award.

Specialized Echelon II MIPS Helmet

With a sleek and fast look, the Specialized Echelon 2 helmet presents a compact profile on a rider's head. And with increased ventilation and an ergonomic design, you're guaranteed an exceptional fit, tremendous comfort, and ample ventilation. Accordingly, it's the ideal helmet for road cycling enthusiasts.

MIPS-equipped to help protect against rotational impacts in the event of a fall and can be equipped with Specialized Angi that senses if there is a crash and alerts a designated contact with your last known location in case you are in need of help.

Giro Agilis Mips Helmet

The Giro Agilis MIPS helmet is the ideal choice for riders looking for a helmet that combines an airy design with slightly deeper coverage and a host of performance features. This helmet is perfect for road and gravel riding.

Thanks to the adjustable Roc Loc 5.5 MIPS system that combines fit and positioning adjustments while integrating with MIPS technology there is an added measure of protection in the event of an angled impact.

To enhance the durability and ventilation without adding any excess bulk or weight, Giro employ a Hardbody outer shell which extends to the inside of the helmet. This is molded from a tough polycarbonate that’s fused permanently to the EPS foam liner using their In-Mold process.

Giro Agilis Mips Women's Helmet

The Giro Agilis MIPS Women's is the perfect choice for riders looking for a helmet that combines an airy design with slightly deeper coverage and a host of features. This helmet is ideal for road and gravel riding in particular.

Giro Aries Spherical Helmet

Cooler, lighter, faster, pick all three. The all-new Giro Aries Spherical helmet is Giro's most premium helmet ever. Its smaller form and lighter weight, delivers sensational comfort and cooling power.

Spherical TechnologyT, the ball-and-socket design powered by MipsR adds protection by redirecting energy away from the brain in certain impacts, and Progressive Layering with dual densities of Nanobead EPS foam adds more comprehensive energy management.

24 Wind Tunnel vents are maximized by the AURA Reinforcement Arch, while plush Ionic+ anti-microbial padding and a network of intricately engineered deep internal channelling elevate comfort.

From the proven reliability and adjustability of the Roc LocR 5+ Air fit system, to full lower hardbody coverage to enhance durability, to the meticulous production quality, the Aries is the epitome of top-shelf performance, protection, and style.

Its smaller form and lighter weight delivers sensational comfort and cooling power.
Powered by MipsR which adds protection by redirecting energy away from the brain in certain impacts
24 Wind Tunnel vents for increased ventilation and aerodynamics
Aries is the epitome of top-shelf performance, protection, and style

Specialized Propero 3 MIPS Helmet

This race-inspired design is known for its incredible fit and tremendous value. The Specialized Propero 3 MIPS helmet has many similar features to the S-Works Prevail, like the Tri-Fix webbing system and 4th Dimension Cooling, granting the Propero III incredible performance at a more attainable price.

As you would expect, this helmet is equipped with MIPS for increased rotational impact protection and another helmet that attains the coveted 5-star Virginia Tech rating.

For added safety, this helmet can be equipped with Specialized Angi that is a device that attaches to the helmet that can notify a nominated contact in the event of a fall. This device will even let your contact(s) know your last known location in case you require help.

Giro Cinder Mips Helmet

The Giro Cinder MIPS provides all the features a keen road rider wants in a lightweight package. The design is inspired by the classic aesthetic of the Synthe helmet, offering similar performance and style.

Features include the Roc Loc 5 fit system, which allows you to easily dial in fit tension and adjust vertical position with a single hand so you can keep comfortable on long rides.

Air-FX padding also offers comfort on your longest rides, and the helmet is equipped with MIPS to redirect impact energy, providing more protection in certain impacts.

Giant Rev Pro MIPS Helmet

Drawing inspiration from Giant's acclaimed Rev MIPS and Pursuit MIPS helmets, the all-new Giant Rev Pro MIPS road helmet is the perfect combination of ultra-lightweight head-cooling design, aero speed, comfort and safety. On the gruelling day-long ride or in the all-out sprint, the Rev Pro delivers you maximum performance advantage.

CFD-analysis optimised shape combines maximum ventilation with optimal aero profile
Broad vents and deep interior channels provide consistent air flow without sacrificing aerodynamics
Integrated Cinch ProT MIPS system allows more dispersed contact points around the head for all-day comfort and precise adjustment
Five-position height adjustment discreetly incorporated into lower EPS foam layer
Low and high-speed impact-tuned construction with optimized low-density EPS, and an ultra-thin toughened polycarbonate shell
Element Strap System (ESS) provides easily adjustable, ultra-thin, LiteFormT single-layer straps
TransTextura PlusT advanced natural fabrics fight bacteria growth by pulling sweat from a riders head and inhibiting the build up of odour.

Liv Rev Pro MIPS Helmet

Designed for the tastes of the peloton, Liv Rev Pro MIPS helmet contains only what is necessary for optimal ventilation, safety and comfort at the lowest weight. That means your head will stay cool even on those hot summer climbs out of the saddle.

The sleek design and ACE proven ventilation system plus supreme safety make it the choice for performance-minded female road riders who know their brain is worth it.

Contains MIPS low friction layer between the head and the helmet that provides added protection with respect to angled impacts.

Giro Eclipse Spherical Helmet

The Giro Eclipse Spherical helmet is an aero helmet that features a sleek outer shell that actively streamlines airflow to reduce drag across multiple wind angles, while 14 Wind Tunnel vents pull air through the helmet to provide incredible cooling power that rivals some of the most aggressively vented road helmets.

Inside the helmet, the ball-and-socket design of Spherical Technology is powered by the Mips brain protection system, which allows the helmet’s outer EPS foam liner to rotate around the inner foam liner during a crash to help redirect impact forces away from the brain.

Specialized S-Works Evade III Helmet

An aero road helmet can save you as much as 46 seconds over 40km compared to a standard road helmet. The Specialized S-Works Evade 3 Helmet saves you time from a to b and has now improved the ventilation meaning that you do not have the same level of trade off between speed and ventilation.

As with all helmets above a certain price point, the Evade 3 features MIPS technology. The version that Specialized use on this is the ultralight and supremely comfortable MIPS Node Air technology and is integrated directly into the helmet padding, with a sleek low friction layer designed to dissipate rotational forces. With Specialized’s proprietary development work, they added perforations to maximize breathability, performance, comfort, and weight savings

BEST LEISURE/COMMUTER HELMETS

When choosing the best commuter helmet or leisure riding helmet, the emphasis is on comfort, both in the fit and the ventilation to keep you comfortable. Looks can also be a significant factor when choosing a leisure or commuter helmet and modern helmets can look stylish while offering you advanced protection.

Specialized Align II MIPS Helmet

The Specialized Align 2 MIPS protection helmet is a value packet and affordable helmet for commuting and leisure cycling that features the added safety of MIPS (multi-directional Impact Protection system).

If you're on the quest for a feature-rich helmet that leaves some change in your pocket, the Align II is for you. Available in a range of colours and sizes to ensure you look good and have the right fit.

Specialized Mode Mips Helmet

The most advanced piece of technology on your bike is the one attached to your shoulders. That’s why Specialized's new Mode helmet is designed to fit just right whilst keeping you feeling, and looking cool. Clean, elegant lines deliver more than modern styling, they integrate hidden vents for increased airflow, so you stay cool even when the temps rise. A seamlessly integrated fit adjustment system and personalized sizing lets you create a fit that’s safe and secure.

As well as looking great and keeping you cool, the Specialized Mode MIPS earned the highest 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet RatingTM from the internationally renowned Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Specialized Tone Helmet

The Specialized Tone helmet looks good and works (even) better. Mindfully designed for good looks and dependability, Specialized Tone redefines how a bike helmet looks when it performs. An integrated fit system with Tri-fix webbing adjustment makes it easy to set your fit and get on your way while internal channels keep air moving as you briskly ride along in comfort. Leaving the business to the inside, Tone gives you all the right reasons to get outside from a commute to everyday cruising.

Bern Watts 2.0 Helmet

The all-new Watts 2.0 focuses on added comfort and protection, while keeping Bern's iconic low-profile and brim-style design.

It is lighter in weight with improvements made to the EPS (inner foam) structure, boasts 11 vents with enhanced airflow throughout the helmet, and features Bern's compass fit system so you can ‘dial-in' on your perfect fit.

We hope you have enjoyed out article on bike helmets and as always, if you have any questions about any of the above or are in need of assistance finding your new helmet, please feel free to call us or visit us in one of our stores where our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help.

Author

Ross Howieson

Content Creator

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Best Bike Helmets Buying Guide

What's the difference between mountain bike helmets and road bike helmets?

What makes a good leisure/commuting helmet?

What do I get when I spend more on bike helmets?

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MIPS Functions

How do the looks affect the helmet?

How should the helmet fit?

What's the difference between men's and women's helmets?

What should I consider when buying a children's helmet?

When should I think about replacing my cycling helmet?

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