There are a variety of reasons that a good helmet might not have MIPS. For one thing, as already mentioned, not every company agrees with the need for a slip-plane system for safety. There are also other companies that do agree with the need but would rather develop a unique system of their own. Some of the technologies that replace MIPS are WaveCel from Bontrager, Kineticore from Lazer, and Koroyd which Smith uses. MIPS stands for multi-impact protection system and it's a brand name. At this point, it's become synonymous with helmet safety because MIPS was early to identify the need for a slip plane system to reduce head trauma. The brand is the most well-known because of its excellent marketing and smart technology. That doesn't mean though that a helmet has to have MIPS to be safe. If you want to dive deep, Virginia Tech goes into great detail covering the science behind the number. To keep it simple though, the lower the number the better, and right now the top ranked helmet, out of 188 tested, has a score of 8.4. If you also see a star ranking, that is the same testing displayed in a different way. Any helmet with a score below 14.00 will have a five star ranking. Should you consider a bike helmet without a Virginia Tech rating? It's easy to detach and reattach the helmet peak, giving you the flexibility to control helmet functionality. EPS Liner There are two parts to consider when it comes to a helmet. The first is the technical side. Said simply, you need a helmet that is safe. This might sound obvious but it's worth consideration because there is a lot of confusion surrounding what that might mean. You'll find lots of claims but remember, every single helmet on the market will have gone through testing as mandated by the location you are buying it in.

The Omne Air also features the MIPS Integra system. This brings together POC’s ‘whole-helmet’ safety and design ethos with the fully integrated brain-protecting technology of MIPS. This holistic approach sees every detail of the helmet engineered to work in harmony with each other, giving you new levels of seamless safety, comfort, ventilation, fit and function. Because the Ventral Air is the base helmet, the two designs are very similar. One of the things that means is that there still is no Virginia Tech testing to report. There is at least one new challenge that comes up with the Tempus version though and that is versatility. This is a very specialised helmet and it costs a lot. If you need it, you'll be thankful, but there is a price to pay. In this review I have leaned into the idea of fashion quite a lot, but it's important to remember that it really doesn't matter, there is no fashion police and you can wear anything you want to wear. The only thing I'd suggest is that it makes you feel comfortable and that it fits. The other thing you'll find inside all of the POC Omne family helmets is the 'Adjustable 360-degree fit' system. With most helmets, the rear cradle connects centrally in the rear of the helmet plus one spot on either side of the helmet just ahead of the ears. For this system, POC still attaches the cradle centrally to the rear. In this case it's adjustable and it attaches a bit farther forward compared to other helmets plus it uses two small points instead of one larger central mount. Those details aren't that important though, the 360 part is that it never attaches to those spots ahead of the ears.

POC Helmets and Gear at bikester.co.uk

The other thing you get is an understated style that perfectly captures a smart commuter look. Pair it with something from our list of the best commuter bikes and you will feel right at home. What you don't get, unfortunately, is a score from Virginia Tech, and you will have to dig out one of your old micro USB cords if you need something longer than what comes in the box. The real star though is the rear cradle. The design is the same as products like the Giro Eclipse aero helmet and that means it's compatible with the Roc Loc 5 LED light. It is an added cost but it's the most integrated rear light I know of on a road bike helmet. The Agilis also adds reflective paint that's effective even without a light. Rapha’s treatment adds some really nice two-tone colourways, which I think alone make this version tempting (for no extra over the standard version). Rapha also offers a wide fitment in two more sizes, opening up POC’s helmet to a bigger audience of those who don’t have a conventional head shape.

The vertical adjustment requires an internal plastic ratchet to be rotated 90° and slid along a channel to change, which can’t be done while wearing the helmet. Even after several attempts, I found this function difficult to use as the plastic pieces are so small. It’s not an ideal system but this isn’t an adjustment you’re going to be making frequently.Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN,