The safety gains of modern bike helmets are something that’s easy to overlook. While suspension performance, tire specs, and new drivetrain innovations continue to push the sport forward and grab most of the headlines, it’s the quiet evolution of the foam molded bike helmet that stands as one of the most dramatically improved pieces of mountain bike technology over the last ten years.
Case in point is the new Speedframe Pro RS from Fox. With very current design cues in the form of a large, adjustable (and ostensibly removable) visor, rear head coverage, and generous air vents it manages to look the part of a modern trail lid while featuring the latest in MIPS concussion-reducing technology. While itself not particularly interesting in a feature-forward way it does offer some significant benefits should this helmet touch the ground with your head in it.
If you’ve spent any serious time in action sports like skiing, snowboarding, or anything on two wheels then chances are you’ve racked up at least a concussion or two along the way. And marketing materials for helmets will tell you any number of cool-sounding features that are intended to protect you in the event of a crash, but verifying those in an objective way had been all but impossible until Virginia Tech started publishing their helmet rating system available for free on-line on their website.
As of spring 2025, the Fox Speedframe RS was the highest rated mountain bike helmet they had ever tested. It still places admirably, but has lost the top spot.
Fortunately it doesn’t need to take on distorted proportions or odd countermeasures to bring a high degree of protection. Out on the trail the fit and feel of the helmet is consistent in weight and perceived air flow with other top trail helmets like Specialized and Troy Lee Designs. The strap length is good for the size, the fit dial on the back is easy to adjust with gloves, and overall it stays put without any odd wobbling or creaking.
Over the past 12 months I’ve worn this helmet on every mountain bike and fat bike ride. Fortunately I can’t speak to its impact-absorbing performance first hand, but I am glad I have it just in case.
