HELMET SAFETY TECH

We take it for granted that wearing a bike helmet will protect our noggins when we crash, but what do the different elements that make up a lid actually do?

Foam

The EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam in many bike helmets contains tiny pockets of air. Upon impact, the foam is crushed, which spreads and delays (by a matter of milliseconds) the crash energy heading towards the skull, reducing the risk of brain damage. Once the foam has taken an impact, it doesn’t return to its original form and the helmet needs replacing.

Straws

Koroyd (Smith, Endura) and WaveCel (Bontrager) are newer approaches to cellular protection in helmets. These systems still work by crumpling on impact, like foam, but the way these straw-like structures are formed means they concertina instead of crushing. This helps them dissipate energy from a variety of angles, giving protection from rotational forces as well as direct, linear impacts. These materials are less insulating than foam and therefore cooler, but can make helmet vents less effective.

Anti-rotation

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is the second line in crash-energy management. It comes in various forms, but effectively creates a slip-plane between your head and the helmet, designed to deflect and dissipate any rotational energy on impact, before it reaches the skull and brain. MIPS comes in various forms and is licensed by many brands, while others have their own take on it, such as Leatt with their 360 Turbine Technology.

Cradle

The plastic cradle within the helmet is designed to hold it securely to your head. It hooks under the occipital bone at the rear of the skull and usually has an adjustment dial or ratchet to ensure a snug fit. When correctly adjusted, your helmet should stay in place without the chin strap, even if you tip your head.