Who’d have thought {that a} helmet this low cost – the Specialised Align MIPS for simply £26.99 – is definitely one of many most secure in the marketplace?
Helmets are considerably of a humorous product within the biking world as a result of they’re of paramount significance with regards to security, but they’re typically marketed extra on aesthetics, aerodynamics, weight or air flow than on their major function.
Add to that the present EU and US helmet security requirements that are wildly old-fashioned, and it may be fairly difficult to know if you’re getting the most secure helmet attainable. Fortunately although, unbiased research reminiscent of these finished by Virginia Tech, and Hiper within the UK can assist you make an knowledgeable determination.
Hiper’s complete testing particularly, which was launched this 12 months, ranked the Specialised Align MIPS as its highest-performing street helmet – that is towards assessments that go far past what’s legally required within the UK and US.
Now, because of this Cyber Monday deal, you’ll be able to choose up an Align MIPS for lower than 30 quid!
To begin with, enable me to shed a bit of sunshine on the present security requirements. Requirements, like EN 1078 (1997) and SNELL (1998), are outdated and in lots of circumstances got here out over 20 years in the past, focusing primarily on uncommon linear impacts. Hiper’s research, funded by the Highway Security Belief, is addressing this with fashionable, real-world testing. Their protocol makes use of angled anvils to duplicate rotational forces, a key reason behind concussions, and superior headforms modeled from MRI and CT scans for real looking influence simulations.
This complete method measures each cranium fracture and mind damage dangers. By surpassing benchmarks like Virginia Tech’s scores, HEAD Lab’s analysis pushes for steady innovation, empowering customers to decide on helmets designed for contemporary accident situations.
Thus far, 30 helmets have been examined, throughout various value factors, with the Specialised Align MIPS at present popping out on prime with regards to street bike helmets.
Whereas it could lack the WorldTour attract of its dearer siblings such because the Specialised S-Works Prevail III or the Evade III, the Align MIPS gives glorious security options at a low value. Add to that high quality padding and a certain becoming buckle, and you have a helmet that’s difficult to beat at this value level!
