Specialized Tone MIPS helmet review - no unnecessary extras and an equally minimalist styling

An excellent urban helmet designed for people who want affordable comfort and safety during the morning commute

Male cyclist holding the Specialized Tone MIPS helmet
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

A minimalist helmet that may not be to everyone’s stylistic taste. However, as a pragmatic and functional piece of kit, the Specialized Tone represents superb value for money, top-rated safety levels and comfort for commuting to work, running errands, shopping or rendezvousing with friends.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Great fit

  • +

    Highest 5-Star Virginia Tech Helmet Rating

  • +

    MIPS protection

  • +

    Astonishing value

  • +

    Simple, unfussy design will appeal to those who like pared-down simplicity and practicality

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    ‘Marmite’ styling

  • -

    Lack of vents could be uncomfortable on very hot days

  • -

    Just three size options

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Specialized’s Tone helmet appears to be pitched directly at individuals who want to eschew more conventional-looking cycling helmets, whilst offering superb protection and rider comfort at an astonishingly good price (less than $60/£65).

We put it to the test in a range of conditions to determine how it stacks up against the best commuter helmets we've previously reviewed.

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