Specialized Align II

£45 Unbeatable value for impressive protection

THE HEADLINE OF the Align II is that it has a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS)-assisted lid at a £45 price point. It’s a major upgrade on the previous Align (£32.50) and is something that no other brand comes close to matching at the price – the Abus Macator MIPS at £69.99 is the closest competition (Giant’s £45 Relay MIPS is incoming).

While the effectiveness of MIPS still isn’t unequivocal, helmets with MIPS have scored very highly in the influential and independent Virginia Tech’s recent helmet safety tests, in which the Align II was awarded an impressive five-star rating and top-10 position. However, what MIPS also does is add weight to a helmet, usually in the region of 25-45g. The Align II’s overall total is a chunky 374g for our M/L, some 82g heavier than our usual Giro Agilis MIPS (292g, £90) and something that seemed noticeable during long days on the bike and when struggling on climbs. Riders who haven’t become accustomed to lightweight lids might not be so conscious of that extra bulk but, in a similar vein to Specialized’s Echelon II (338g, £80), I prefer my road helmets to sit below the 300g mark.

While the weight is high, so is the quality for a £45 helmet. The split straps ensure that finding the right fit is easy, the rear retention system is swift to secure on the move, and the internal padding is plump and comfy. Ventilation is also satisfactory due to the 16 channels, while there are colour options to suit everyone (White; Black; Metallic Blue and Hi-Viz Yellow). The outer shell could be merged a little cleaner with the exposed EPS foam, but that’s nitpicking on a helmet that provides top-class usability and safety potential for the relatively meagre outlay.

Rivals... Bell Formula MIPS £79.99 Specialized Echelon II MIPS £80 Giro Agilis MIPS £89.99