Cycling helmets for the city: 7 city helmets put to the test

Buy cheap, buy twice. As much truth as there is in this saying, even the first mistake with a bicycle helmet can have fatal consequences. If the helmet does not fulfil its intended function, slips off your head in a fall or even breaks. But is it actually true that cheap helmets are less protective than expensive ones?

In our current test, this question is a real issue, as the test winner is in the lower price range and also has no additional rotation protection. So what criteria should you use to choose a good bike helmet?

Magic word equipment

Every additional feature costs money, that much is clear. An adjustable headrest, adjustable Y-belts (which improve the fit below the ears), a fly net or reflective elements - and these are just the basics. Abus provides a magnetic belt lock from Fidlock for greater ease of use, while Uvex integrates a Hiplock cable binder lock for simple theft protection. Goggle garages, ear pads and plug-in lights rechargeable via USB or battery complete the equipment. Cratoni, by far the cheapest supplier, has an adjustment system without height adjustment in the neck. But as long as the helmet fits the head, the Velo-X also fits properly.

Not every helmet is an airhead

The features also determine the weight: here the Abus Urban-I is in first place. It weighs just 261 grams, which is over half less than the helmet from Decathlon's own BTWIN brand. The high weight of the City CBH 900 is particularly noticeable on longer distances. The Velo-X from Cratoni weighs only around 30 grams more than the Abus helmet. This model also does without MIPS equipment. The models from Alpina, Giro, KED and Uvex are in the midfield in terms of weight, but are also more extensively equipped.

In terms of ventilation, the Abus is also at the top together with Cratoni, Alpina and Uvex. Numerous large ventilation openings ensure a fresh breeze under the helmet. The more compact models from BTWIN, Giro and KED are less well ventilated. A look at the inside explains why: you won't find any elaborate ventilation channels or large air intakes here. The helmet shell sits close to the head, which prevents the wind from flowing through. In defence of the KED, however, it must be mentioned: The three large reflective elements in the helmet shell are removable. This increases ventilation but reduces passive safety.

We tested these 7 city helmets

• Abus Urban-I 3.0 Signal >> e.g. available here
• Alpina Paranus MIPS >> e.g. available here
• BTWIN City CBH 900 >> e.g. available here
• Cratoni Velo-X >> e.g. available here
• Giro Caden II MIPS >> e.g. available here
• KED Reach DT1 MIPS >> e.g. available here
• Uvex City Stride MIPS Hiplock >> e.g. available here

How MYBIKE tested

Security (50 per cent) Special safety technologies - MIPS & Co. - are designed to measurably reduce the risk of head injuries by reducing the rotational forces that occur in the event of an oblique impact. The existing test standard for helmets, EN 1078, cannot cover these scenarios.

In order to test the current generation of helmets in a realistic manner, we have developed a helmet test stand ourselves, orientating ourselves on the methods used in science and by research-based manufacturers.

For the test, the helmet is fitted to an aluminium test head weighing 4.9 kilograms. During the simulated fall, the helmet and head are guided on a sled and hit a steel surface inclined at an angle of 45 degrees at a speed of 21 kilometres per hour. Sandpaper with a grain size of 40 imitates the roughness of the surface - this is similar to the test facilities at Virginia Tech, Folksam and other research institutes.

The sled whizzes past the contact surface and releases the helmet, which bounces away after the impact. A six-axis sensor in the test head records acceleration and rotation rates around the three axes in space on impact and in the subsequent flight phase. On the first approach, the helmet hits head-on, on the second, sideways.

We analyse the acceleration according to the highest resulting value - the lower the better. The mean value from four measurements is given. We convert the head rotation into the BrIC criterion (Brain Injury Criterion), which indicates how damaging the movement is to the brain. This method is widely used in science and enables statements to be made about the probability of a concussion using the so-called AIS code.

Weight (15 per cent) The head reacts particularly sensitively to additional weight. 50 grams more or less makes a big difference here. Our test shows that more weight does not automatically mean better protection.

Adjustment (20 per cent) In terms of customisation, we assess the design and adjustability of the head ring as well as the course, fit and fastening of the harness system.

Ventilation (15 per cent) We test the ventilation of the helmets with a powerful fan that accelerates the airflow up to 30 km/h. The heated, helmeted head is exposed to the flow and we determine the cooling capacity.

Is MIPS mandatory?

The bright yellow MIPS layer revolutionised helmet safety in 2007. Today, the "rotation protection" can be found on almost every helmet manufacturer.

Scientific studies have shown that the human brain reacts particularly sensitively to rotational forces. The low-friction MIPS shell (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) was designed to reduce rotational energy in the event of an angled impact.

It is designed to allow the helmet to slide offset to the head. This converts rotational energy into translational energy. This mechanism is similar to the behaviour of the head when falling on ice, where the head can continue to move in the original direction.

Five different versions of the MIPS system are currently available: Essential Core, Evolve Core, Air Node, Integra Split and Integra Fuse.

In the MYBIKE test, Alpina, Giro, KED and Uvex rely on the Evolve Core. The more elaborate MIPS constructions are mainly found in sportier and very lightweight road and mountain bike helmets.

MIPS is still the subject of controversial debate. However, the range measured in the test is considerable in any case. For me, the effectiveness seems plausible.

>> Danger of concussion! What the neurologist advises

We left it up to the test participants to decide whether they wanted to send a model with or without MIPS. Alpina, Giro, KED and Uvex rely on the currently most frequently used MIPS Evolve Core, while the models from Abus, Cratoni and BTWIN do without the rotational protection. This results in a mixed test field and the exciting question: How does a MIPS helmet perform on the test bench compared to a model without rotation protection?

Two MIPS helmets came out on top in terms of acceleration values. In third place with an acceleration value of 120.4 g is the Velo-X without MIPS. The KED model with MIPS came last with 127.4 g, behind the two non-MIPS models from Abus and BTWIN. However, it is still well below the standard value of 250 g. However, the results for rotation protection are clear. Here the helmets with the MIPS system are ahead. This shows that additional rotation protection can significantly reduce the likelihood of a concussion.

Now that all cycle helmets sold in Germany comply with the EN 1078 test standard, but above all it is important that the helmet fits wellfits the intended use and is worn! For touring cyclists, weight and ventilation may be more important than for commuters, who may attach more importance to design, weather protection, safety and visibility.

Digital lifesavers

If you're travelling alone, you can't always hope for help. These gadgets call for help or make it easier to search for casualties.

>> Uvex helmets with crash sensors

Quin / Cratoni C-Safe / Aleck

Some manufacturers equip their helmets with optional crash sensors. Acceleration sensors constantly measure the forces acting on the body while riding and automatically recognise a fall. After a countdown, an emergency call is sent to emergency contacts stored in the app. Abus or Cratoni offer such sensors from around 60 euros. The O'Neal Trailfinder Evo + Quin is an MTB helmet with the Quin crash sensor.

NFC Medical Chip

NFC stands for Near Field Communication and refers to contactless data transmission over short distances, for example when paying with a mobile phone. The NFC Medical ID chip in the helmet does not register falls, but is designed to speed up initial treatment.

Allergies, intolerances, personal data and emergency contacts can be stored directly in the helmet chip via the app. If the casualty is unconscious, the emergency services scan the helmet and receive the most important data directly on their smartphone. High-end helmets from POC are currently equipped with the so-called NFC Medical ID.

Recco

Recco is a tracking system for outdoor activities. The reflectors are worn on the equipment and reflect a search signal emitted by the detectors. Rescue teams can use it to find missing persons quickly. The system is reliable and does not require a power supply. It can be retrofitted to any helmet and costs 25.95 euros.

Test summary

The test shows that a good bike helmet does not have to be expensive and does not necessarily have to include a rotation system. Because all helmets easily fulfil the EN 1078 test standard, what counts most in everyday city life and on tour is a good fit, high visibility and sufficient ventilation. - Stefan Frey, test editor