Can We Chill About MIPS?

by Melissa Davies on Oct 29, 2025 0 comments

If you’ve ever mentioned you ride a bike, especially online, someone has probably told you that you really, really should get a helmet with MIPS. Maybe it’s your most safety-conscious friend, or maybe it’s a stranger in the comments section. Either way, they’re passionate. And let’s be honest, sometimes a little intense.

They mean well! But if you’ve found yourself on the receiving end of a “MIPS or bust” lecture, you’re not alone.

Straw Hat Bike Helmet with MIPS graphic that reads ‘You can finally tell them you did.’

What Even Is MIPS?

MIPS stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. It’s a thin, low-friction layer inside some helmets designed to reduce rotational forces during angled impacts. The idea is simple: it lets the helmet move slightly on your head during a crash, redirecting motion that could otherwise affect your brain.

Pretty clever, right? There’s solid science behind it, but also a lot of marketing. Helmet safety isn’t binary, and MIPS isn’t magic. It’s one of many innovations that make bicycle helmets better over time.

Inside view of the Straw Hat Bike Helmet showing yellow MIPS liner and how it reduces rotational forces on impact.

Why People Get So Fired Up About It

The internet is full of people who are passionate about helmets, and that’s not a bad thing! They care about safety, they want to help, and they’ve probably seen one too many crash videos. But sometimes that passion comes across as a little… strong.

You know the tone:

“If you don’t have a MIPS helmet, get one immediately.”

“Wear your helmet. Or be a donor.”

These comments come from a good place, but they can make cycling feel like a dance through a minefield instead of a joyride. For most of us, the goal is to get outside, move our bodies, and look cute doing it, not to debate the latest lab test results.

Cyclist wearing the Straw Hat Bike Helmet with MIPS while riding through the city.

So, Should You Get a MIPS Helmet?

If you want one, great! It’s a smart, well-engineered system that may provide extra protection in certain types of crashes. But if you already have a well-fitting, certified helmet in good condition, you’re not suddenly unsafe without it.

The most important helmet is the one you’ll actually wear. (Bonus points if it goes with your outfit.)

My Take at Bike Pretty

I’m thrilled to offer the Straw Hat Bike Helmet with MIPS because some riders just feel better knowing they’ve checked that box. It’s the same chic style you know, with a bit of extra engineering under the brim.

But I also believe biking should feel joyful, not judgmental. Whether your helmet has MIPS or plain old EPS, I’m here to make sure you love how it looks, fits, and feels.

Close-up lifestyle photo of the Straw Hat Bike Helmet with MIPS showing its chic design and protective structure.

Ride Happy

So yes, MIPS is cool. Science is cool.

Wear what makes you feel safe and confident!

But if you need a helmet that protects you from well-meaning scolds who insist on MIPS, this is your cue to grab one before they fire off another message.

Looking for a helmet that blends safety and style? Check out the Classic Straw Hat Bike Helmet with MIPS or the Shibori Blue MIPS Helmet at bikepretty.com.

Cyclist smiling while wearing the Straw Hat Bike Helmet with MIPS—style and safety combined.