If you are a road cyclist, you know how important it is to protect your head from potential injuries. But not all helmets are created equal.
Some helmets offer more protection than others, especially when it comes to reducing rotational forces in a crash. That’s why you should consider wearing a MIPS helmet for road cycling.
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, and it is a technology that allows the helmet to slide relative to the head, absorbing some of the impact energy.
In this blog post, we will explain how MIPS works, what are its benefits, and where you can find a road bike helmet for sale that features this innovative system.
What is MIPS and how does it work?
MIPS is a safety technology that was developed by a team of Swedish neurosurgeons and researchers who wanted to improve the protection of helmets against oblique impacts.
Oblique impacts are those that occur at an angle, which is very common in cycling accidents.
When you hit the ground or an object at an angle, your head can twist and rotate, causing your brain to move inside your skull. This can result in concussion, brain contusion, or even more severe brain injuries.
MIPS mimics the natural protection of your brain, which has a layer of cerebrospinal fluid that allows it to slide slightly inside your skull.
MIPS consists of a thin layer of material that is inserted between the EPS foam and the inner padding of the helmet.
This layer can move independently from the helmet shell, allowing for a small amount of relative motion between the helmet and your head in all directions.
This reduces the amount of rotational energy that is transferred to your brain in an oblique impact.
MIPS is not visible from the outside of the helmet, but you can recognize a MIPS helmet by the yellow dot on the back of the yellow label inside.
There are different types of MIPS systems, such as MIPS-C2, MIPS-E2, and MIPS-S2, which vary in shape, size, and attachment method. However, they all work on the same principle of reducing rotational motion.
Why should you wear a MIPS helmet for road cycling?
According to MIPS, studies show that rotational motion is responsible for most brain injuries in cycling accidents.
Therefore, wearing a helmet with MIPS can significantly reduce your risk of suffering a brain injury in a crash.
MIPS claims that its technology can reduce rotational motion by up to 50%, and the risk of brain injury by up to 34%.
MIPS helmets are not more expensive than regular helmets, and they do not compromise comfort, fit, ventilation, or weight.
If you are looking for a new road bike helmet, you should consider getting one with MIPS technology. It could make a big difference in protecting your brain from oblique impacts, which are very common in cycling accidents.
Remember, your brain is your most valuable asset, and it deserves the best protection possible.
