Road bike helmet

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) reduces the rotational forces on the brain during an oblique impact, which are responsible for the majority of serious concussions. During a typical cycling fall (45° impact), the head undergoes a violent rotation that EPS foam alone cannot absorb. MIPS is a thin, slippery layer integrated into the helmet that moves 10 to 15 mm relative to the shell to dissipate these forces. By 2025, MIPS will be available on models starting from €100–120. Independent rankings by Virginia Tech (helmet.beam.vt.edu) show that MIPS helmets consistently achieve better protection scores. The additional cost of €20–40 compared to an equivalent model without MIPS is well justified.

Measure the circumference of your head with a flexible tape measure 1 cm above your eyebrows, going around the widest part of your skull. The measurement is given in centimetres and corresponds to the helmet size (S: 51–55 cm, M: 55–59 cm, L: 59–63 cm, depending on the brand). These ranges vary by manufacturer: always check the size guide specific to each brand. A properly fitted helmet should not move more than one centimetre in any direction when you shake your head. The adjustment dial fine-tunes the fit; the straps should form a V shape under the ears, and you should be able to fit just one finger under the chin strap.

Every 3 to 5 years under normal use, and immediately after any significant fall. The shock-absorbing EPS foam gradually deteriorates due to UV exposure, sweat and the passage of time, even without any visible impact. A helmet that has been involved in a crash must be replaced even if the outer shell shows no cracks: the foam may be compressed in ways that are not visible, yet have lost 30 to 50% of its shock-absorbing capacity. The manufacturers’ rule is universal: a helmet that has been in a serious crash is a helmet that needs replacing. Some brands (Kask, POC) offer a replacement service following a fall at a reduced rate.

In-mould technology fuses the outer shell and the EPS foam in a single manufacturing process, producing lighter and better-integrated helmets. The result is a helmet that is more resistant to shell deformation and cracks, with cleaner cut-outs and a better finish. The microshell (shell bonded to the foam) is cheaper to manufacture, which is why it is found on entry-level models. The weight difference is 20 to 50 g. For a cyclist who rides regularly, the In-mould offers a better balance of durability and lightness. The microshell remains perfectly suited for leisure use.

Yes, in terms of safety, the CE EN1078 standard is the same for both. A MTB helmet often even offers better coverage of the nape of the neck and temples. However, it is generally heavier (350–450 g compared to 200–280 g for a road helmet), less ventilated on flat terrain, and less aerodynamic. For occasional rides or in wet conditions where a visor is useful, using a mountain bike helmet on the road is perfectly acceptable. For cyclists covering several thousand kilometres a year in hot weather, a ventilated road helmet significantly improves comfort.

The European standard CE EN1078 is the mandatory certification for the sale of bicycle helmets in France and throughout the European Union. It guarantees that the helmet has undergone impact absorption tests on flat and angled surfaces, as well as tests for chin strap slippage resistance and penetration resistance. This standard is the legal minimum: beyond this, systems such as MIPS, Spherical, KinetiCore or SPIN provide additional protection against rotational impacts not covered by EN1078. Virginia Tech (helmet.beam.vt.edu) publishes an annual ranking of helmets based on their actual performance, which usefully complements the simple CE marking.

Between €100 and €200 offers the best value for money in terms of quality, safety and comfort for the majority of cyclists. Below €80, helmets comply with the EN1078 standard but often lack MIPS, precise adjustment systems and optimised ventilation. Between €100 and €200, you get MIPS, millimetre-precise adjustment dials and serious ventilation (POC Omne Air MIPS at €189, Giro Agilis MIPS). Above €200, you’re paying for extreme lightness, high-performance aerodynamics and the latest anti-rotation technologies (Kask Protone Icon, Giro Aether MIPS). The right helmet isn’t necessarily the most expensive one: it’s the one that fits you perfectly.

Not necessarily, and in some respects they may actually be less so. Competition helmets are optimised for weight (<200 g), aerodynamics and ventilation, sometimes at the expense of skull coverage. An €180 amateur cycling helmet with MIPS, good side coverage and a large EPS foam zone can achieve a better Virginia Tech score than a €400 professional peloton helmet. The EN1078 standards are the same for all. The Virginia Tech ranking, based on real-world independent impact tests, remains the most reliable benchmark for comparing actual levels of protection.

Rinsing with warm soapy water after every ride where you’ve worked up a heavy sweat will extend the life of the foam and straps. The removable inner foam pads should be washed separately in cold water and left to air dry. Never use solvents, alcohol or abrasive cleaners, as these degrade the EPS foam and weaken the shell. The straps should be cleaned with a damp, lightly soapy cloth. Store the helmet away from direct UV light and heat sources (not in the boot of a car in summer). High-quality foam lasts 3 to 5 years with regular maintenance.