The latest technology from brain protection specialists MIPS enhances rotational impact protection. PC Shell Probably the first thing that comes to mind for most people is safety. That's why we wear helmets so it makes sense to consider it. Thankfully though, every helmet sold will meet the standards required for the place it's sold. We have a list dedicated to the best cheap bike helmets and we also have something for the best aero helmets, which tend to be on the expensive end, but no matter the price point your helmet will have the protection you need. MIPS came to market because the brand believes that an impact at an angle has different requirements. You can read more details in our guide to MIPS but for the purpose of this article, it's worth understanding that there are different solutions to the same problem. Lazer has Kineticore, Bontrager and Trek have Wavecel, and even MIPS has a variety of different configurations. All the technologies do the same thing in different ways and there's no way to be sure that one is better. What does the Virginia Tech score mean? Any company that wants to make a highly ventilated helmet has to figure out how to get the material that keeps you safe out of the way. Giro uses transparent "bridges" in the Aries while Specialized takes a different approach by building an internal frame using woven aramid “cables.” The cables anchor into carbon fibre side panels and the whole system helps "distribute localised forces" in the event of an impact. The side effect is that the incredibly strong cables are thin and stay out of the way of airflow.

One way to approach the idea of budget is to look for a helmet that's highly versatile. If you commute by bike during the week and then go for longer rides on the weekend, it can be difficult to find the right helmet for both situations. A lot of people solve the problem by having more than one helmet. Bontrager has another idea though. Whether on the morning commute or a long weekend club ride, the Omne Air MIPS pushes you to go further. Optimal liner Unlike most of its rivals who deploy the popular MIPS technology, POC has created their very own protective system known as SPIN, a patent-pending rotational impact protection system that reduces the effects of an oblique fall by limiting the amount of force transmitted to the head and brain. Using an innovative and unique pad technology to keep you safe you’ll be protected from unexpected falls and install a new level of confidence as you ride. Easy Adjustment and Comfort It's easy to detach and reattach the helmet peak, giving you the flexibility to control helmet functionality. EPS Liner you choose to ride. Developed in line with POC's Whole Helmet Concept™, the Omne Air Resistance MIPS deliversThe other thing you get is an understated style that perfectly captures a smart commuter look. Pair it with something from our list of the best commuter bikes and you will feel right at home. What you don't get, unfortunately, is a score from Virginia Tech, and you will have to dig out one of your old micro USB cords if you need something longer than what comes in the box.

The only thing you'll want to keep in mind is that Wavecel does limit access through the helmet. It's a little less breezy, and you can't scratch your head without removing the helmet. The other piece to consider when it comes to MIPS is that it is so completely dominant in the industry. That leaves a brand to decide if a helmet coming to market should pay the license fee to MIPS and in return get a technology most other helmets have. For some brands the equation makes sense because consumers have come to understand that MIPS adds safety. Some people will not buy a helmet without MIPS and there may be good reasons to make that choice. The Omne Air Mips has a shallow fit but still wraps around the head to a decent degree. I chose a size medium, as my head measures 56cm circumference. The shallow fit gives the initial impression that the helmet is smaller than it is but when fully adjusted, this size was a good fit.While the POC Omne Air Resistance Spin helmet might not provide the same level of coverage you'll find from a dedicated trail/enduro lid, particularly when referencing rear head coverage, it still manages to strike a balance where it counts - offsetting attributes such as comfort, ventilation and safety quite impressively. From there, helmet companies look for other ways to differentiate and the sky's the limit. Aerodynamics, weight, sunglasses retention, the list goes on. Every kind of feature you might want is a potential advantage for a particular helmet. Think about what you might want in a helmet and there is likely some brand out there thinking the same thing as you and offering a product to fill that need. What are the best helmets for women?