The twist that matters

For decades, helmet safety focused on direct impacts. Research now shows the real danger is rotational movement, which twists the brain inside the skull and increases concussion risk.

Industry races to catch up

MIPS launched in two thousand seven to address rotation. Virginia Tech started its STAR rating system in two thousand eighteen, testing beyond legal minimums and measuring both linear and rotational impacts.

Competition drives improvement

Only four of the first thirty helmets earned five stars. By two thousand twenty-five, one hundred sixty-seven of two hundred seventy-two achieved five stars, forcing Virginia Tech to tighten its grading.

Pikio's breakthrough score

The Pikio Si Oblik road cycling helmet scored four point six one on Virginia Tech's test. That is two point two one points lower than the previous best Canyon Deflectr's six point eight two.

A massive performance gap

Pikio's score is about thirty-two percent lower than the previous leader. Most highest-rated helmets score only between seven and ten points, making this shift extraordinary.

Founder's long research journey

Daniel Abram, Pikio's founder, spent eighteen years researching impact protection and helmet design. He studied mechanical engineering, worked at Simon Fraser University developing BrainShield, and founded BiaGuard before MIPS acquired its patents.

How Oblik works differently

Oblik breaks foam into independently mounted sections that move separately or detach on serious impact. Combined with dual-density foam, this minimizes twisting force transmitted to the head.

“Rather than compressing material in one direction, the system is able to deform, deflect, and detach depending on the impact's intensity, location, and direction, helping manage both linear and rotational impact energy.”

Complexity drives the cost

The Pikio Si uses around eighty individual components compared to eight to ten in standard helmets. At three hundred seventy-nine dollars, it costs two hundred nineteen dollars more than the second-best Canyon Deflectr.

Real-world proof of concept

Four Pikio helmets have been returned and replaced after serious impacts. Abram says each proved invaluable because they did their job and kept riders safe. The company offers thirty percent discount on replacements.

“So far we've had four helmets returned and replaced. Each has proven invaluable, not least because they've done their job and kept riders safe.”

The path ahead for Pikio

Pikio faces the challenge of building trust as an unknown brand in a market dominated by established names.A second design is due early in the new year.