New Bicycle Helmet Study Shows Price Does Not Mean Better Protection

In an era where cycling has surged in popularity, ensuring rider safety is more critical than ever. The new helmet rating initiative by Hiper (helmet impact protection effectiveness rating) aims to simplify the decision-making process for cyclists by providing scientifically-backed, real-world tested data on helmet impact protection.

This initiative evaluates helmets based on their ability to protect against both linear and rotational forces, ensuring cyclists can make informed choices when purchasing protective gear.

“Until now, there has been limited information about how well cyclists can expect their helmet to protect them during head impact,” said Dr Claire Baker, from Imperial College and lead author of the study.

“This is because current safety standards are simply pass/fail and only test direct impact sustained during straight-on head impact. However, evidence from previous studies shows that lasting brain damage occurs in more serious impacts or when the head undergoes rapid rotations during an impact.” 

Real-World Crash Data Driving Research

One of the standout features of Hiper’s testing process is its use of real-world crash data to determine the most frequent impact zones on helmets. By analyzing over 1,200 impacts from published studies, Hiper researchers can replicate the most common accident scenarios and focus on the areas that matter most in protecting a cyclist’s head.

The initiative’s goal is to provide clear, reliable information about a helmet’s ability to reduce the risk of brain injury, primarily through their advanced testing techniques.

Advanced Testing at Imperial College

At the heart of Hiper’s rigorous methodology is a cutting-edge test rig developed at Imperial College London. This apparatus simulates helmet impacts under real-world conditions, with particular attention paid to oblique impacts—those that cause rotational motion of the head, a major contributor to traumatic brain injuries in cycling accidents.

Unlike traditional testing methods that focus primarily on direct, linear impacts, Hiper’s approach captures the often-overlooked but crucial rotational forces, using state-of-the-art headforms to provide highly accurate and reliable data.

Breaking Down Helmet Performance

Hiper’s helmet testing produces key metrics: the risk of brain injuries from linear forces (direct impact) and from rotational motion (twisting or angled impacts). These metrics help to establish a comprehensive risk score for each helmet, balancing both factors to give a total risk assessment.

For example, helmets such as the Specialized Tactic MIPS, which is rated at 4.84/5, show excellent protection across the board. In contrast, others like the Bontrager Velocis MIPS, with a rating of 3.74/5, fall lower in the rankings due to higher risks of rotational impacts.

Helmet Ratings at a Glance

Hiper’s easy-to-read rating system allows cyclists to quickly gauge how helmets perform, with each helmet receiving an overall score based on its performance under the test scenarios. Some standout models include:

• Specialized Tactic MIPS (4.84/5) – A top-rated helmet offering exceptional protection, priced affordably at £50.
• Specialized Align MIPS (4.76/5) – Another high scorer, providing excellent value at £34.
• Lazer Tonic MIPS (3.82/5) – While offering solid protection, it is not as effective under rotational impacts.

These ratings are based on real-world conditions, ensuring riders know how a helmet is likely to perform in actual crash scenarios.

Specialized Align is one of the top rated in the bicycle helmets study

The Rest of the Top 10 Based on Hiper Bicycle Helmet Rating

Hiper’s bicycle helmet rating initiative has evaluated a wide array of helmets, providing a detailed assessment of their protection capabilities. Below is a list of the top 10 helmets based on their overall ratings, focusing on impact protection against both linear and rotational forces.

4. Lazer Tonic MIPS

• Rating: 3.82/5
• Provides good protection, though not quite as effective in reducing rotational forces.

5. Bontrager Velocis MIPS

• Rating: 3.74/5
• A premium-priced helmet that offers decent protection, particularly for linear impacts.

6. Giro Agilis MIPS

• Rating: 3.34/5
• A well-balanced helmet with solid impact protection for both linear and rotational forces.

7. Giro Synthe MIPS

• Rating: 3.04/5
• A higher-end helmet that performs moderately well under both types of impacts.

8. Lazer Compact DLX MIPS

• Rating: 3.02/5
• Provides reliable protection for cyclists seeking a MIPS-equipped helmet at a reasonable price.

9. Bell Formula LED MIPS

• Rating: 2.92/5
• A helmet with integrated LED lights, offering good safety features but moderate impact protection.

10. Mavic Aksium Elite

• Rating: 2.90/5
• An entry-level helmet that provides decent protection for the price but lacks the advanced features of higher-rated models.

These helmets are rated based on a combination of safety features, price, and performance in impact protection, helping cyclists make informed decisions to stay safe on the road.

The Value of Hiper’s Ratings

Hiper’s bicycle helmet rating represent a significant leap forward in cycling safety standards, offering transparency and actionable information for cyclists at all levels. With data-driven results, this initiative helps consumers choose the most protective helmets for their needs, reducing the risk of serious injuries.