MIPS is a brand name, like Hoover, that has become synonymous with rotational impact protection. It stands for "Multi-dir🐷ectional Impact Protection System", and, like other systems o💖f its kind, adds a liner with a small amount of movement inside the helmet shell that allows it to slide relative to the helmet and your head on impact. This, it is claimed, reduces the rotational impact on your head, as most impacts are not linear, and basically makes the helmet safer. It's a technology that's trickling down through helmet ranges and is rapidly becoming ubiquitous, even in the best-budget cycling helmets .

The v🌸isor is something fami🐻liar to the mountain bike crowd, but alien to roadies, so depending on your riding style this will help inform your decision. Mostly road or fast gravel? Then you probably don't need one. Gnarly trails and steep inclines, with very little smooth ridi🌃ng? Maybe a visor is the thing for you. Th♏e visor will provide an element of protection from the sun, as well as rogue tree branches in woodland settings, but in a♛ racy position, it'll likely obscure your vision. Gravel helmets with visors are also likely to be drawing from mountain biking designs, and will probably have better rear-side protection. Rest assured, if you do get a helmet🌌 with a peak, most are removable, so you can always 🐷take it off.

What about aero gravel helmets?

You can, if absolute speed is your goal, wear any of the best aero road helmets for your gravel riding. However, speeds off-road are generally slower than those on smooth tarmac, and aero hꦆelmets that can struggle with ventilation are going t෴o be even more sweaty at slower speeds on a hot day. As such we've not included any out-and-out aero helmets in this guide, although if you plan to try gravel bike racing , aerodynamics is as important at the pointy end as it is on the road. An aero helmet will also keep your head more comfortable in poor♎ conditions, due to its more enclosed design.

When should I replace my helmet?

For most gravel riders you'll probably be fine with your current gravel or mountain bike helmet, but at some point, all ꧙helmets need replacing, which is when you could always come b♕ack here. After a crash that's resulted in a bumped head, or any impact to the helmet (don't drop them!) you should replace it immediately. It's annoy🐠ingﷺ and an expensive addition of insult to injury, but not doing so could risk worse the next time you end up rubber-side up. General wear and ൲tear and UV exposure also degrade helmets over time. Manufacturer recommendations differ, but usually suggest a replacement after around five years.

Best gravel bike helmets: Off-road protection and comfort

A close up shot of a woman wearing a Specialized gravel helmet and sunglasses, completely covered in mud splatters after a cyclocross race

(Image credit: Specialized)

Jump to:

澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果: best gravel helmets
澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果: How to choose

Believe it or notꦐ, when it comes to choosing a new helmet, it's a good idea to consider what's been made specifically for your preferred cycling discipline. With so many options on the market, manufacturers are constantly innovating in an effort to come out on top, which generally means the options on the market are becoming more and more specialised.

When it comes to gravel, choosing one of the best gravel bike helmets will result in optimal off-road protection, in a lightweight, well-ventilated and aerodynamic package. You'll find many of the qualities of the 澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果:best road bike helmets, alongside some🦋 well-considered details to make the helmet you choose hardy enough to handle a wider range of conditions.

Fast gravel riding is a rising trend with the increasing popularity of 澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果:gravel racing, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果:best gravel bikes increasingly include models geared for speed. But a gravel bike helmet ܫalso needs to continue to provide good ventilation and comfort over long time periods at lower speeds and of♕ten in weather that's either very hot, very wet or very cold.

A front on view of a red and black helmet Fast comfort

1. Giro Aether Spherical

Best for speed-focused riders

+ Eyewear dock ports help keep glasses secure on bumpy roads
+ MIPS rotational impact technology without the need for a MIPS liner
+ Highly ventilated
- A little on the pricey side

By now most people should be fully aware of MIPS and the rotational impact protection that it provides. It's not the most comfortable, though, so MIPS, Giro, and Bell worked together to create a new system with the same end result, but without needing a separate liner. The result is Giro's Spherical Technology, a ball and socket design that splits the EPS foam liner into an inner and outer shell that fits one inside the other. Read our in-depth opinion in our 澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果:Giro Aether Spherical review.

2. Specialized Propero III

Best for additional safety

+ Compatible with ANGi sensor
+ Includes MIPS in a mid-priced package
+ Comfortable fit despite some extra weight
- A little heavy

If you're out in the wild and have a crash, a system to alert others could be a lifesaver. The Specialized Propero III lets you add the brand's ANGi crash sensor, although it's no longer included with the helmet. The Propero III is a comfortable helmet, despite a little extra weight, has good ventilation and its MIPS liner adds extra safety. You can read our full review of the 澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果:Specialized Propero III helmet for more.

澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果

Recommended reading

Best gravel bike helmets: Off-road protection and comfort

The best gravel bike helmets available today

How to choose the best gravel bike helmet

Do I need MIPS?

Do I need a visor?