Liv has introduced two new helmets, the Liv Relay MIPS for road riders and commuters, and the Liv Path MIPS for mountain bikers. Both offer extended rear coverage, MIPS rotational impact protection system, and have been awarded the top-level 5 STAR safety ranking from independent helmet testers, Virgina Tech. All features of a high-end helmet without the high-end price tag; definitely worthy of consideration for ladies in the market for a new lid.
Liv Relay MIPS and Liv Path MIPS
The new Liv Relay MIPS and Liv Path MIPS present some serious value for money. These new lids bring top-end MIPS rotational impact protection technology to the very budget-friendly price points of $50 and $55, respectively. This kind of product launch brings good authenticity to Liv’s claim that they are a company “dedicated to getting more women on bikes”.
What is MIPS? It’s kind of like a floating liner, to which the padding is attached, that sits within the helmet’s outer shell. Tightening the fitment dial at the rear of the helmet cinches the MIPS liner snugly onto the wearer’s head. From here, it allows for 10-15mm of movement in all directions, independent to the helmet’s outer shell.
This means that, when a rider’s head is forced to rotate during an impact, the MIPS liner moves with the rider’s head to actually reduce the amount of rotational force experienced by the head. It’s proven to enhance the safety of a helmet by at least 10%, so it’s great to see the technology on more affordable women’s road and mountain bike helmets. Well done, Liv.
Beyond MIPS, the Liv Relay and Path helmets get decent rear coverage designed to shield more of the back of the head. It’s fantastic to see these budget-friendly women’s helmets secure a 5-STAR rating from independent helmet testers, Virginia Tech. That rating means they offer the best available* protection.
*There is a sliding scale within that 5-STAR rating though. Following the test, helmets are awarded a score; the lower the score the safer the helmet. Both the Liv Relay MIPS road helmet and Liv Path MIPS MTB helmets scored 12.5. That compares to the $273 Liv Rev Pro MIPS which was awarded a score of 10.2.
Liv Relay MIPS Women’s Road Helmet
- Direct Flow Cooling Channels
- 360° fit system
- Taillight docking station
- Ponytail Compatible
- Adjustable Cam Divider
- Anti-odor inner padding
Liv Path MIPS Women’s MTB Helmet
- Extended Visor
- Direct Flow Cooling Channels
- 360° fit system
- Taillight docking station
- Ponytail Compatible
- Adjustable Cam Divider
- Anti-odor inner padding
Pricing & Availability
The Liv Relay MIPS women’s road cycling and commuter helmet retails at $50 USD and is available in Gloss Panther Black, Gloss White and Gloss Grey colorways. The Liv Path MIPS women’s MTB helmet is priced at $55 USD and is available in Matte Milky Way, Matte Fig and Matte Grey colorways. Both helmets are available in sizes S/M and M/L. Contact your local Liv store to find out what head circumference those sizes correspond to.
