The best cycling gear reviewed by road.cc and curated for you.

Specialized Align II helmet
£45.00

The Align II is a sleeker, sportier, more modern-looking helmet than its predecessor and, although a little more expensive, you now get Mips (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) included.

Mips can help protect against rotational forces caused by angled impacts, and the Align II has earned a 5-Star Virginia Tech Helmet Rating from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. This is one of the cheaper Mips-equipped helmets out there.

Adjusting on the move via Specialized’s Headset SX dial is easy and effective. Equally, the chin strap is simple and works really well, and an elastic piece keeps any excess strap neatly out of the way.

The Tri-Fix web splitter section under each ear connects the helmet straps to the chin strap without the need to adjust anything.

The Align II does feel a little larger on your head than some sportier models, but it’s nothing that bothers you once you get riding, while what Specialized calls its 4th Dimension Cooling System offers plentiful ventilation to keep your head sweat-free.

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The Align II is designed for more relaxed rides although it looks sporty enough to be used for anything. The only disadvantage that might present itself on longer rides is the 369g weight. You might find that a little heavy after a while.

Despite the weight, this is a great value lid for all kinds of riding.