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In my view, the Velocis MIPS helmet from Bontrager is a superior choice for road cyclists who prioritize safety, comfort, and convenience. Specifically designed for road cycling, it’s packed with features like MIPS for brain protection, Boa® closure system for easy adjustment, recessed airflow channels for ventilation, and a sunglass port. It caters to a wide range of head sizes, making it accessible for many. It might not be the best fit for off-roaders, visor fans, those on a budget, or individuals with very small heads. The color options could be a limitation for some. In essence, it’s a lightweight, versatile helmet that seems to offer something for everyone, but may not be the best fit for all. Remember, these are just my thoughts and it’s always crucial to consider your personal needs and preferences when selecting a helmet.
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Bontrager Velocis MIPS Road Bike Helmet Review: Who is it for?
In my humble opinion, the Velocis MIPS Road Bike Helmet from Bontrager is a perfect fit for a specific set of users. This helmet is built with some unique features that make it a top-notch choice for those into road cycling.
So, who is this helmet really for?
Let’s start with the road cyclists. The Velocis MIPS is designed for the road, so if cycling on asphalt highways and urban landscapes is your thing, this helmet has got you covered. The helmet’s road bike style is specifically tailored to offer comfort and protection while you’re navigating your two-wheeler through the city traffic or racing down a country road.
Now, let’s talk about safety. If you’re someone who values safety above all else, the Velocis MIPS is for you. The MIPS (which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System) feature is designed to reduce rotational motion to the brain during impact. This is achieved by incorporating a low-friction layer that can slide 10 to 15mm in all directions. Consequently, any individual who is cautious about potential brain injuries resulting from rotational motion would find this helmet to be a worthy investment.
For those looking for comfort and convenience, the Velocis MIPS won’t disappoint. The helmet comes equipped with the Boa® closure system that allows for easy adjustment – even with just one hand. This means that if you’re someone who prefers a quick and hassle-free fit, this helmet has got your back.
Moreover, if you’re a cyclist who often finds themselves working up a sweat on your rides, the internal, recessed channels of this helmet can help keep you cool and dry. These channels move airflow over your head, making it an excellent choice for anyone who values ventilation during their rides. Additionally, the 37.5® fit pads work to pull moisture away from your skin, maintaining optimal comfort even during the most strenuous cycling sessions.
For the folks who can’t part with their sunglasses on those sunny rides, the Velocis MIPS offers a convenient sunglass port. If you’re the kind of person who needs to have their shades within arm’s reach but doesn’t want to wear them all the time, this feature will surely appeal to you.
Finally, let’s consider size and weight. The Velocis MIPS comes in three different sizes which cater to a head circumference range of 20.1 inches to 24.8 inches. Therefore, whether you have a smaller or larger head size, the Velocis MIPS has a variant that should be a good fit. As for weight, even the largest size weighs just 10.6 ounces, making it a lightweight choice for both men and women.
I think it’s also worth mentioning that Bontrager provides a Crash Replacement Guarantee, offering a free helmet replacement if you’re involved in a crash within the first year of ownership. This is a fantastic perk for anyone, but particularly for those who often find themselves pushing their limits on the road.
So, in a nutshell, the Bontrager Velocis MIPS is a versatile road bike helmet that brings together safety, comfort, and convenience. It’s designed for road cyclists who value these attributes and comes in a range of sizes, making it a suitable choice for a wide variety of users. It’s a good pick no matter your gender, head size, or whether you’re a sunglasses aficionado or a safety-first cyclist. I believe it has something to offer for everyone.
Bontrager Velocis MIPS Road Bike Helmet Review: Who isn’t it for?
Now, let’s flip the coin and talk about who I believe the Velocis MIPS might not be the perfect match for.
Firstly, if you’re more of a mountain biker or off-roader, the Velocis MIPS may not be the best fit for you. While it’s a stellar helmet for road cycling, its design and features are tailored specifically for this purpose. So, if you’re tackling steep, rocky terrains or zooming down muddy trails, you may want to opt for a helmet that’s designed with those specific challenges in mind.
Secondly, the Velocis MIPS might not be the best pick for those who value a visor on their helmets. It doesn’t come with a visor, which could be a deal-breaker for some people. It does come with a removable NeoVisor for all the benefits of a cycling cap without extra bulk. However, if you’re someone who prefers a built-in visor for extra sun protection or to keep rain or debris out of your eyes, this might not be the helmet for you.
Also, if you’re on a tight budget, the Velocis MIPS may not be your first choice. With all its advanced features, it’s not the cheapest option out there. While I believe it offers excellent value for money given its top-notch safety features and comfort, it might not be suitable for those who are looking for a more budget-friendly helmet.
As for size and weight, while the Velocis MIPS does come in three different sizes and is pretty lightweight, it might not be the best choice for children or those with very small heads, as the smallest size caters to a head circumference of 20.1 inches. So if you’re buying for a child or someone with a smaller head size, you may need to look for a helmet specifically designed for smaller dimensions.
Another potential drawback could be the Crash Replacement Guarantee. While it’s a fantastic addition and shows Bontrager’s confidence in its product, it is valid only for the first year of ownership. If you’re a cautious cyclist who doesn’t usually encounter crashes, or you’ve owned the helmet for more than a year, this guarantee might not provide much value to you.
Lastly, if you’re someone who cares a lot about fashion and matching your cycling gear, the color options of the Velocis MIPS might be a limitation. It doesn’t come in a wide range of colors, so if you’re picky about color matching, you may need to compromise or look elsewhere.
In conclusion, I’d say the Velocis MIPS is probably not the best helmet for off-road cyclists, those who value a built-in visor, cyclists on a tight budget, those with very small heads, or style-conscious cyclists who want a wide range of color options. But again, I believe this helmet offers a great blend of safety, comfort, and convenience, making it a great choice for many road cyclists.
Bontrager Velocis MIPS Road Bike Helmet Review: Conclusion
In my view, the Velocis MIPS helmet from Bontrager is a superior choice for road cyclists who prioritize safety, comfort, and convenience. Specifically designed for road cycling, it’s packed with features like MIPS for brain protection, Boa® closure system for easy adjustment, recessed airflow channels for ventilation, and a sunglass port. It caters to a wide range of head sizes, making it accessible for many. It might not be the best fit for off-roaders, visor fans, those on a budget, or individuals with very small heads. The color options could be a limitation for some. In essence, it’s a lightweight, versatile helmet that seems to offer something for everyone, but may not be the best fit for all. Remember, these are just my thoughts and it’s always crucial to consider your personal needs and preferences when selecting a helmet.