Giro Women's Source Mips Helmet in Matte Black Ice Dye - Size: Medium

You don't have a full race calendar or a spot on the local cycling team, so gear should be more about function than style. Open, empty roads and long sojourns on Sunday afternoons are where you find your joy in cycling, and gear that helps you stay out longer always ends up being what you reach for first. The Giro Cinder MIPS Helmet fits that description aptly, so if your old lid has seen better days, protect your grey matter and stick to your principles by upgrading. Inspired by the competition-minded Synthe, the Cinder shares more than just a similar sounding name with its pricier sibling. Giro anchors the Cinder with a streamlined, aerodynamic shell much like the Synthe's, and ensures it maintains ample airflow out on the roads by carving 26 vents into its shell. Its light, unfussy design succeeds just as well in weekend fondos as it does on weeknight group rides, while inside the helmet, a MIPS liner adds subtle, but important protection. MIPS, or Multi Directional Impact Protection System, refers to the Swedish technology that appears in the form of a thin inner basket, which rotates upon impact to absorb brain-damaging rotational energy generated in certain crashes. The fifth version of Giro's tried-and-true Roc Loc 5 fit system makes lateral and vertical fit adjustments easy to do with one hand, while Air-Fix padding and a ponytail-compatible design give the Cinder an adaptable, versatile fit.

Built on the same platform as Bell's legendary Full-9 Carbon, the Full-9 Fusion offers the same advanced protection and comfortable fit, but uses a premium fiberglass shell rather than carbon in order to hit a more wallet-friendly price. Offering a wide field of view, airy ventilation, a plush interior, and MIPS technology, this helmet delivers no-nonsense performance whether we're racing the clock or launching gaps at the bike park.

Style never quits. Giro knows that, and that's why they made the Bexley MIPS Helmet. It reaches the height of technology and aesthetics with the result being a top-tier urban cycling helmet with an integrated rear light for added visibility. And, did we mention the retractable eyeshield? That bad boy will keep the sun out of our eyes and the wind off our faces so we can ride in comfort.

We aim to give it our all out on the trail. For a confidence boost that helps us get there, we wear the Merit Spherical Helmet from Giro. Mips protection, an in-mold polycarbonate shell, and EPS liner all enhance safety in case of a crash, and a comfortable fit system helps us find our ideal fit.

From epic trail rides to enduro race day, the Bell 4Forty Air MIPS mountain bike helmet has the coverage we need to ride with confidence. Equipped with pro-level technology at a privateer pricepoint, we really enjoy the well-thought-out features of this helmet.

When 5 o'clock hits, we're quick to break out of the office and head for our favorite stretch of tree-lined singletrack to shed the stress of the day and breathe some fresh air. Whether the plans include hitting the bike park with our ride crew followed by a few cold ones, or fast, rowdy trail riding chasing PR's, we wear Giro's Montaro MIPS Helmet to stay cool and comfortable. With an adjustable visor and Giro's Roc Loc fit system, the Montaro makes sure we're ready and protected for the trail.

Mountain biking takes a lot out of us as riders, physically, mentally, and then there's the issue of our pocket books. While we don't want to compromise on the safety of our noggins, we want to watch the budget where we can. Fortunately Bell understands that we don't want to take short cuts or make compromises when it comes to wallet-friendly cranium protection, which is why its designers created the 4Forty MIPS Helmet. Priced just below three-digits, the 4Forty provides the support you want for vigorous trail riding, with a full hardshell exterior to take the brunt of big blows, while MIPS technology reduces rotational forces to protect your brain. The Bell 4Forty has 15 generous vents to keep you cool on long climbs, and is styled similarly to the Bell Sixer Mips helmet, but skips some of the bells and whistles to better fit into a conservative budget. It does still come equipped with built-in sweat guide, to keep drips out of your eyes, extended rear coverage for protecting the sensitive spots on the back of your head from tree branches and hits, and an adjustable fit with a rubberized, overmolded dial for locking into the perfect fit.

On the outside, the new Giro Quarter Helmet may look relatively similar to other low-profile, skate-style helmets out there, but it's actually a cutting-edge lid that makes a fine home for your dome. The Quarter is Giro's entry-level helmet into the gravity-chasing, dirt-jumping, pavement-pounding arena of riding, aimed at riders who aren't riding at high cardio thresholds or for lengthy stretches of time. Rather, it's meant for big impacts. This tradeoff means it's not as heavily ventilated or as light as some cycling helmets, but the tradeoff is superb protection that's as thorough as you can get without putting on a full-face. Again, it's not as light as a road helmet, for example, but the Quarter is actually the lightest helmet Giro's ever made with an ABS (high impact) shell. The exterior is comprised of a polyurethane bumper that encases the EPS foam liner, altogether forming a triple shield of protection. Giro's Super Fit shape and Fit Kit replaceable pad system ensure that you can dial in the perfect feel for your Quarter.

For everything E-bike rides in the neighborhood to snaking singletrack sessions, the Troy Lee Designs Flowline MIPS Helmet adds a healthy dose of safety along the way. A whopping 14 vents help keep our heads cool, while dual-density EPS foam helps manage both small and large impacts. A MIPS liner adds even more impact protection with its proven ability to decrease the amount of rotational forces transmitted to our brains in a crash.

For everything E-bike rides in the neighborhood to snaking singletrack sessions, the Troy Lee Designs Flowline MIPS Helmet adds a healthy dose of safety along the way. A whopping 14 vents help keep our heads cool, while dual-density EPS foam helps manage both small and large impacts. A MIPS liner adds even more impact protection with its proven ability to decrease the amount of rotational forces transmitted to our brains in a crash.

The Scott Stego Plus Helmet doesn't care where your adventures take you, it only wishes to come along for the ride. Featuring a durable polycarbonate shell and confidence-inspiring MIPS technology, Scott's latest offering adds extended coverage around the head for superior protection on the trail. The helmet's micro-adjustment dial delivers a refined fit, and the adjustable visor shields your face from glare and debris. Secure your go-to action camera to the visor's mounting bracket and capture every adrenaline-inducing moment on the trail.

The Scott Stego Plus Helmet doesn't care where your adventures take you, it only wishes to come along for the ride. Featuring a durable polycarbonate shell and confidence-inspiring MIPS technology, Scott's latest offering adds extended coverage around the head for superior protection on the trail. The helmet's micro-adjustment dial delivers a refined fit, and the adjustable visor shields your face from glare and debris. Secure your go-to action camera to the visor's mounting bracket and capture every adrenaline-inducing moment on the trail.

Finding the right aero helmet can be a challenge. There are a number of boxes that can be tricky to check, firstly, aerodynamics, then breathability, comfort, fit, and style. The first few may be easy to tick, but many aero helmets are a bit lacking when it comes to the aesthetic department, and result in you resembling a bobblehead or cartoon character. In spite of the challenge in the design department, Smith has pushed beyond the com1petition to deliver a helmet that offers protection, aerodynamics, ventilation, and it looks damn good too, with the Ignite MIPS Helmet. The Ignite is built with Smith's signature Aerocore in-mold construction, combing a hard polycarbonate shell with EPS foam, and Koroyd material that keeps ventilation a priority, while adding something to the protection game with a honeycomb structure.

For casual cruising in-town or daily commutes, there may not be a need to broadcast your elite-racing mentality with a feathery-light, 20+ vent helmet, and the latest aerodynamic shaping. Going for a more utilitarian vibe yet still leaning towards sport aesthetic, the Giro Caden Helmet strikes a balanced tone that is ideal for the elite cyclist’s slower rolls. With about half the vent ports of modern road helmets, the Caden not only allows less disruption to groomed, office-ready hair but also keeps out more bees and rain. Attached to the EPS liner is a removable cycling-cap brim that shields a bit of sun, but mostly adds some classics styling to the ride. And as an extra safety feature, the Caden is able to pair with the helmet-mounted Caden Vent Light for added visibility on low-light rides.

Style meets ventilation for total comfort in all-mountain applications in the new Smith Session MIPS Helmet. This all-new cranium coverage keeps your noggin on lockdown with a combination of Smiths Koroyd technology and MIPS, shielding you from impacts both direct and oblique, so you can charge through rowdy rock gardens while staying ventilated as you weave your way through technical switchbacks to the top for round two. And Smith doesn't hold back on the good looks either, with a modern and sleek style that falls neatly between the previously loved Rover and Forefront, giving just a little more coverage than its cross-country cousin, but with less bulk than the enduro-ready Forefront.

Mountain biking protective gear is constantly being re-engineered to be lighter, stronger, and sleeker, seeing demanding trail and all-mountain riders want more comfortable helmets without sacrificing good looks. Following this evolution in design, the Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Helmet builds on the success of the original with increased aerodynamics, heightened protection, and airy-cool ventilation in a sleek, attractive lid for trail and all-mountain disciplines. Smith's proprietary Aerocore In-Mold construction pairs traditional EPS foam with Koroyd tubular structures for better ventilation and a lighter overall weight, but without sacrificing impact dispersion and structural integrity. For the Forefront 2 Helmet, Smith fully encompasses the backside of the helmet with Koroyd structures for an even lighter, more airy feel than before. 20 optimized vents work with Koroyd tubular structures, allowing built-up heat to readily escape in all directions, so you're not susceptible to overheating and excessive sweating.

Smith's road helmet lineup has never been one to disappoint, and this year is no different, with the bar being moved a little higher once again with a new helmet in the mix — the Trace MIPS Helmet. This pinnacle helmet in the road collection features all of the tech you would expect from Smith, like its Koroud protection that fully surrounds the helmet to provide next-level protection, while teaming up with internal air channels so intake as much air, and keep your scalp feeling cool when you're challenging yourself up new climbs, and soaring down canyon roads. The Trace features 18 large vents that are strategically placed to create an intake and exhaust system, pulling cool air in, and giving it a quick escape in the back. And because those long rides also mean varying lighting conditions, Smith builds the Trace with an AirEvac system that works to keep your shades fog-free while riding, and vents that neatly secure your glasses when you need to take them off after dusk falls.

The 100% Altis Gravel Helmet offers more coverage than a road helmet while remaining lightweight and breathable thanks to 14 large ventilation ports. Ideal for gravel and cross-country riding, the Altis features the Smartshock Rotational Protection System that mitigates the force from low-speed oblique impacts—one of the most common types of bicycle crashes.

The 100% Altis Gravel Helmet offers more coverage than a road helmet while remaining lightweight and breathable thanks to 14 large ventilation ports. Ideal for gravel and cross-country riding, the Altis features the Smartshock Rotational Protection System that mitigates the force from low-speed oblique impacts—one of the most common types of bicycle crashes.

On the outside, the new Giro Quarter Helmet may look relatively similar to other low-profile, skate-style helmets out there, but it's actually a cutting-edge lid that makes a fine home for your dome. The Quarter is Giro's entry-level helmet into the gravity-chasing, dirt-jumping, pavement-pounding arena of riding, aimed at riders who aren't riding at high cardio thresholds or for lengthy stretches of time. Rather, it's meant for big impacts. This tradeoff means it's not as heavily ventilated or as light as some cycling helmets, but the tradeoff is superb protection that's as thorough as you can get without putting on a full-face. Again, it's not as light as a road helmet, for example, but the Quarter is actually the lightest helmet Giro's ever made with an ABS (high impact) shell. The exterior is comprised of a polyurethane bumper that encases the EPS foam liner, altogether forming a triple shield of protection. Giro's Super Fit shape and Fit Kit replaceable pad system ensure that you can dial in the perfect feel for your Quarter.