Guide to cycling helmets - types, manufacturers, MIPS technology

Bicycle helmets emerged in the USA in the 1970s, inspired by motorcycle helmets. Initially, a bicycle helmet was simply a hard plastic shell with polystyrene foam inside. When falling and hitting the head on a hard surface, this accessory slightly cushioned the impact. Today, bicycle helmets are much more complex and provide far better head protection, with the best helmets using a special impact-protection system called MIPS.

Linear and Rotational Impacts – What’s the Difference?

When an accident occurs and the body hits a hard surface, two types of impacts are typical: linear and rotational.

A linear, direct impact happens when the head hits the surface or a heavy object falls on the head. A rotational impact causes the head to twist – it is typical in situations where a side impact is experienced or the head hits a hard surface while moving at high speed. This rotational impact is the most dangerous for the human brain. Such injuries are common in boxing, where the most dangerous blows are from the side or from below, causing the head to twist.

A strong rotational force causes the brain to move inside the skull. The movement of the skull is stopped by a physical barrier (a person falls and hits the ground) or simply by the anatomical structure of the body (the head twists as far as the neck muscles allow), but the brain absorbs the impact force and continues to move inside the skull, causing varying degrees of concussion.

For a long time, only the effects of linear impacts on the human brain were measured, and helmets only protected against direct impacts. However, if you fall while cycling, almost all cases involve both linear and rotational impacts. Therefore, a modern helmet is especially important for safe travel.

What is MIPS – a System that Imitates Brain Structure?

The effects of rotational impacts began to be studied at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden when, in 1996, neurosurgeon Hans von Holst and his student Peter Halldin set out to find ways to protect the human brain from severe concussions.

Hans von Holst noted the structure of the human brain. Here, the cerebrospinal fluid between the brain and the skull protects the brain – for example, when experiencing a side impact, part of the impact force is absorbed by this fluid. This inspired Peter Halldin to create a system that imitates the natural self-defense mechanism of the brain.

This led to the creation of MIPS – the Multidirectional Impact Protection System. Its foundation is a liner inside the helmet, attached with elastomers. The MIPS liner can move within a small 10-15 mm amplitude. Each MIPS helmet is two-layered, and these layers can move and rotate independently of each other. If you fall off your bike and hit a surface, the helmet absorbs part of the rotational impact within the critical 2 milliseconds – first, the outer part of the helmet rotates 10-15 mm, and then the impact reaches the inner liner and, finally, the head.

This creates a sliding effect and softens the impact. Without this effect, when the helmet and head hit the ground and stop, the brain would absorb the impact force and continue to move inside the skull. This would cause a concussion of varying severity.

The first helmets with MIPS technology appeared on the market in 2007. Since then, more than 9 million units have been sold.

Types of Bicycle Helmets

With the spread of MIPS technology, you can now buy a helmet equipped with it for almost any type of activity. In the VELONOVA store, you will find MTB, city bike, road, and other helmets whose quality and protection levels have been tested in the most modern laboratories. These categories are recommendations only, as the design and aerodynamic properties of the helmets differ, but the safety remains the same.

Mountain Bike (MTB) Helmets

Mountain biking enthusiasts are often seen with somewhat unusual-shaped helmets. MTB helmets have a visor at the front, designed to protect the head and face from foreign objects – branches, stones, and other obstacles encountered on forest paths. Some mountain bike helmets also have face protection, resembling a motorcyclist’s or rally racer’s helmet. When choosing an MTB helmet, it is important to consider its weight and ensure it is designed for effective ventilation.

City Bike Helmets

City cyclists prioritize style over speed, so city bike helmets are often less aerodynamic – they are rounder in shape and have fewer holes, which usually help to make a lighter helmet. City bike and leisure helmets are also suitable for other sports, such as rollerblading or skateboarding. We invite you to choose a helmet according to the desired color, shape, or to match your vehicle – there are many options available.

Road Bike Helmets

Road cycling training and competitions are characterized by high speeds, so it is important that the helmet for this sport is both aerodynamic and fits perfectly – to ensure the head is maximally protected. Road cyclists aim for helmets, like other accessories, to weigh as little as possible, so manufacturers constantly offer innovations in this field, producing extremely light but particularly strong road helmets.

Children's Helmets

Head injuries are very dangerous for children, so helmet manufacturers pay special attention to children's helmets. Children’s helmets are designed to cover as much of the head surface as possible – including the back of the head. However, understanding that appearance can determine how willingly children wear a helmet, manufacturers have taken care not only of safety. In our online store, you will find colorful and playful helmets to suit every child's taste.

Scooter Helmets

Head injuries are as common for scooter riders as they are for cyclists, so it is important to remember a helmet when riding a scooter. In our range, you will find helmets for both young scooter riders and options for adult enthusiasts of these vehicles. However, if you do not find a helmet in the scooter category, we invite you to choose from bicycle helmets – their properties are similar.

Bicycle Helmet Manufacturers

If there is one item worth choosing based on the manufacturer, it is the helmet. Only helmets made in the factories of proven manufacturers can guarantee the promised protection. It is important that the helmet is not only properly manufactured but also transported, as micro-cracks can reduce protection. Therefore, at VELONOVA, we offer helmets only from selected manufacturers whose operations and manufacturing processes we trust. Among them are Specialized, 7iDp, and Micro.

Specialized Bicycle Helmets

You have certainly seen Specialized bicycles on the street. Specialized cycling accessories are equally high-quality. In collaboration with MIPS, Specialized creates modern-design helmets tailored to various needs. Our bestsellers are the versatile Specialized Search helmets, the most aerodynamic Specialized Evade, and the mountain biking favorite Specialized Gambit.

7iDP Bicycle Helmets

7iDP mainly produces helmets for extreme sports enthusiasts. All models from this manufacturer meet CE, CPSC, and AS standards and are designed to ensure maximum comfort. 7iDP M3 helmets are suitable for city bikes, but due to their ventilation properties and safety, they are often seen in skate parks on ramps and elsewhere where trick-performing athletes gather. M1 and ABS helmets with face protection are a popular choice among MTB cyclists.

Micro Scooter Helmets

Swiss Micro scooter helmets are easily adjustable, padded, and extremely comfortable. In our online store and physical store at J. Baltrušaičio g. 1, Vilnius, you will find Micro helmets in different sizes, suitable for both the youngest and adults. These helmets leave no one indifferent – all of them are cleverly colored, and some are decorated with external elements.