Top 5 Mountain Bike Helmets | Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

November 15, 2022

As we mentioned in a previous post, the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings are the leading unbiased source for helmet safety ratings. While all helmets must meet certain minimum requirements to be sold, it doesn’t mean that they do the same job of reducing yoour risk of a concussion. New technologies like MIPS and better materials like multi-density EPS foam have helped bicycle helmets become safer. Virginia Tech does a variety of tests to simulate real-world scenarios and measure the performance of each helmet. In 2022, they tested 52 mountain bike helmets from brands like Specialized, Giant, POC, and Smith. Here are the top 5!

#5 – Specialized Ambush 2 MIPS

Featuring MIPS, an integreated fit system, and weighing in at 360 grams, the Specialized Ambush 2 packs in a lot in at the $180 price point. It is definetly light weight and sleek looking but we do wish the visor was adjustable. One feature we do like are the hidden rubber channels that will keep your glasses locked in place and rattle free when you need them out of the way.

Shop Here

#4 – Bontrager Rally Mips

The Rally MIPS from Bontrager is fairly similar to the Ambush 2 in terms of features and weight. Coming in at 370g, it is just slightly heavier than the Ambush 2 but slightly cheaper as well at $150. Unfortunatley, the Rally MIPS has been discontinued but they are still available at select retailers!

#3 – Fox Dropframe Pro

The Fox Dropframe Pro is somewhere between a half shell and full face helmet. Coming down over the ears, the Dropframe Pro gives ample protection around the side of your head. At $209 it is the most expensive option on the top 5 list. If you want a traditional half shell consider the Speedframe Pro from Fox. It weighs and costs less than the Dropframe Pro and still gets 5 Stars from the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings.

#2 – Sweet Protection Trailblazer MIPS

The Sweet Protection Trailblazer MIPS is a fantastic mountain nike helmet. From this list it is the lightest optioin clocking in at 325 grams. It is extremely breathable with massive vents running along the top and backside of the helmet. We like the color options and adjustable visor as well.

#1 – Specialized Tactic MIPS

The Tactic took the top spot in the Virginia Tech Helmet Rating for the mountain bike category. It is the most affordable option at $120 and comes in 9 color options! In terms of weight, it is on par with most of the helmets in this list at 380 grams and features a fixed visor like the Dropframe Pro and Ambush 2. And for those of you with a bigger noggin, Specialized offers both classic and round fits.

Shop Here

Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Permalink
Posted by Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com

Top 5 Road Bike Helmets | Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

November 13, 2022

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings has been testing the safety of helmets since 2011 and has become the leading source of bicycle helmet impact testing. All helmets must pass minimum safety requirements, but not all are created equal which is where Virginia Tech comes in. According to their website, “the helmet ratings are the culmination of over 15 years of research on head impacts in sports and identify which helmets best reduce concussion risk. This work is done as part of Virginia Tech’s service mission and is 100% independent of any funding or influence from helmet manufacturers.” They developed this system to educate consumers about the best helmets available based on their ability to reduce the risk of concussions.

#5 – Lazer Century MIPS

The Century helmet is the result of 100 years of expertise. By integrating all knowledge and user requirements into one concept, the Century offers a new benchmark that requires no priorities for protection, comfort, aerodynamics, or visibility. The Century offers it all! Awarded a 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating.

#4 – Lazer Tonic MIPS

Awarded a 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating, the Tonic helmet from Lazer offers protection, style, and comfort for riders who are just getting into cycling.

#3 – Lazer G1 MIPS

So light you’ll forget you’re wearing it. So well ventilated your head will stay cool on the toughest of climbs. So versatile it can transform into an aero helmet in one easy step. Awarded a 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating™, this is the Lazer G1 MIPS.

#2 – Giant Rev Comp MIPS

Awarded a 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating™ and a top spot in the road category, the Rev Comp Mips is the perfect all-rounder, offering top-tier protection, comfort, and ventilation at a refreshingly competitive price.

#1 – Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 MIPS

The S-Works Prevail 3 received a 5-Star Virginia Tech® Helmet Rating™ and is perfect for riders who value the comfort and thermoregulation benefits that superior ventilation delivers. It is the ultimate all-around helmet that excels in hot conditions, strenuous climbs, and mountainous stages.

Leave a Comment » | Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop | Permalink
Posted by Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com