Liv Relay MIPS Helmet

Liv's Relay MIPS Helmet more than meets its aims of offering 'incredible value for road riders and bike commuters who also want great protection and style'. It goes well with technical and casual clothing, and offers a snug and secure fit. I'd say it's one of the best cycling helmets you can get for the money, and highly recommended.

The Relay's list of specifications is impressive for the price point and includes a durable in-mould construction (where liner and shell are fused together simultaneously), Mips technology, and a deeper-than-average rear profile, for additional protection at the back of the head. Inside you get moisture-wicking and anti-odour TransTextura padding, and 17 vents to stop you overheating.

There is also a docking point for a (Liv-specific) light, though you'll need to buy it separately, for £17.99, if you want one.

Shape and fit

It's not a profile I would normally go for in a helmet, certainly not for training rides anyway, and I was concious of the wide profile initially, though after a few wears it just felt normal.

> All you need to know about Mips

The fit is one of the things I like best about it: an easy-to-use dial lets you micro-adjust the 360-degree, full-surround basket. The basket depth is fixed, but it has a raised profile at the rear to accommodate a ponytail.

It's one of the better fitting helmets I've tested in recent years, with no pressure points to note, and I really sensed a snug, secure fit round the entirety of my head. I'd normally complain about a lack of vertical adjustment, but the S/M fitted me perfectly (I have a 54cm head circumference).

> How to set up your helmet – 10 easy steps to a perfect fit

The dial is the only part of the helmet that, I think, perhaps hints at its price point. It does exactly what it needs to, it's just not smooth or particularly subtle, and doesn't feel as refined as, for example, the dial on Specialized's Sierra.

The straps are quick and easy to adjust. The front and rear strap come together in a clamping slider. Once you've set them in a position to suit you, the clamp holds them securely in place. I much prefer this kind of adjustment to both a fixed setup, like you get on the Sierra, or a buckle without a clamp, which can be prone to slipping out of position.

Inside, the padding is generous and well placed. I felt like they offered more cushioning than those in Raleigh's Mission Evo. The pads also peel out easily if you like to wash them occasionally.

Colours, size & weight

The helmet is available in three colours – Gloss White, Gloss Panther Black and Gloss Metal – and two sizes, S/M and M/L.

It's not superlight – the S/M I'm testing tips our scales at 305g – though I didn't sense it as being weightier than my sub-300g, race-orientated lids.

In use

I've been testing the Relay in some pretty cold weather, frequently wearing it with a Buff (which fits under it just fine).

I can't comment on airflow in warm or even hot conditions, but using it in temperatures close to 10°C, I've noted a decent flow and never sensed heat building up under it.

With a decent head of hair, I do tend to get quite warm under a helmet, even in winter. I've certainly not got any hotter in the Relay than in any of my more performance-orientated, well-vented helmets. Without doubt, there's sufficient ventilation for urban-focused riding.

Value and conclusion

Mips technology is certainly trickling down to helmets falling into 'leisure riding' categories, and so the Liv isn't alone at including it for less then £50 – Specialized's Align II is a good example, with the same £45 rrp.

That said, you can still pay a premium for helmets with this technology: Abus's Urban I 3.0 is more than twice the price of the Liv at £109.99 – up £5 since Lara tested it last year – and Smith's Persist is £99.99.

Overall, if the shaping and fit suit you, the Relay is undoubtedly a good buy for the money, and will serve you well for a range of riding.

Verdict

If the profile appeals, this is an excellent buy – quality, considered features and Mips for less than £50