Giro Camden Mips Urban Cycling Helmet

Core

Bike helmets are constructed with an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core. EPS is a great material for absorbing impacts without being heavy, making it ideal for use in helmets.

Almost all helmets will mould the shell to the EPS core together (called ‘in-mould’) to improve impact forces being transferred to the foam core. In-mould helmets can be designed with more intricate shaping as well.

Look for helmets with dual or multi-density EPS foam liners as these will offer more impact protection in a collision than those with single density.

MIPS is the original slip-plane technology, designed to reduces the rotational forces that result from certain impacts, but there are other systems as well. All these systems are integrated into the fit system, of the helmet, usually between the padding and the EPS foam protective layer. MIPS safety systems are found on urban helmets at many different price points.

Fit & Straps

All urban helmets will feature adjustable fitting system that ensures your helmet stays securely attached to your head.

Often, helmets will have a dial adjuster at the rear of the helmet that pulls the inside liner webbing together to cradle your head. The best adjusters are easy to use with a single hand, so you don’t have to stop riding to modify fit.

Chin straps are the to keep your helmet in place, even if you have a fall. These are fully adjustable on urban helmets. Look for magnetic buckle fastening on the chin strap to make it even easier to secure your helmet.

Ventilation

Ventilation will be a big factor in how comfortable you are when cycling. The more expensive your helmet is, the more vents it will have (except for skate helmets that are quite minimalist anyway).

For the slower speeds of recreational cycling and commuting, having plenty of vents will help cooling air pass over your head. Skate helmets will use less vent channels for a stronger, more solid design – to withstand the knocks of the skate park.

Visibility

When cycling through town, anything you can do to enhance your visibility is a bonus. Some urban lids come with features to help with visibility such as bright colour schemes, reflective areas and integrated LED bike lights.

It is important to get a helmet that fits correctly. Simply measure the circumference of your head and match it to the helmet size. Do this by placing a tape measure on the centre of your forehead and wrap it around your head above the ears. See our clothing size guide for more details.

However, if you look after your helmet, for example by storing it in a padded bag instead of throwing it in the back of the car to bounce around with your shopping, then it will continue to offer good protection for longer. A bike helmets EPS core doesn’t automatically degrade over time, but you do need to look after it.

To avoid damage to your helmet it is best to store it in a cool dry place. Avoid solvents and extreme changes in temperature and don’t drop it or throw it around. Even very small amounts of damage can seriously affect the performance of a helmet. If you can see any damage at all on your helmet then you should replace it.

Fortunately, most helmet manufacturers offer a crash replacement policy so you can get a new helmet at a discount if you damage one in a crash. These policies vary from brand to brand, but most will give you a half-price helmet to replace one bought within the last couple of years. Check the specific brand's website for details on their policy.