Align II

I was wearing this Helene when I went over the handle bars of my Levo at about 20 mph onto payment. According to witnesses I landed on my helmet first and then hit my left elbow. Based on the fact that the second thing that hit was my elbow that was shattered and required a plate and 8 screws I think this helmet did its job. The plastic is not cracked but molded into the shape of the pebbles in the asphalt, there is only slight compression of the internal foam but some of the softer sticky foam moved around a bit. I received no head injuries or concussion and only a small road rash (dime sized) on my forehead. I’m recovered from the crash now (well mostly, elbow doesn’t fully extend or flex) but I’ll be stopping by my local Specialized store to pick up a new helmet before I get back on the bike. If I wasn’t wearing this helmet I can assure you I might not be able to type this review, always where a helmet, even in the parking lot after a trail ride.

I've been trying to buy replacement padding for a year. Even ordered the Align 1 version by mistake. They still sell the Align 2 but won't sell me the padding. What gives?

The straps are not adjustable and don’t fit right. The front section is super tight, and the rear is way too long. Helmet is useless as is, I can see why they are marked down so much but wish I hadn’t wasted any money on this one.

I'd give it 5 stars, except you can't stick glasses in it. Major shortcoming for no good reason.

I am at 25 inches for a hat and have really thick locs for hair, like rasta locs. I have a whole lot of hair and a nice sized head. I was afraid this helmet wouldn't fit, but was willing to take a $25 (on sale) risk. The helmet fits very well. I am shy to share a photo. But, trust me, if you have a huge dome or a whole lot of hair this helmet will 99 percent work for you. The adjustable straps are okay for me as well.

This helmet saved my life. I bought this helmet on a Sunday after dragging my feet on buying a replacement for a helmet I had broken the straps on. On Tuesday I went out for my first ride with this helmet and as I was going 21 mph when someone flew through a red light and hit me. Sending me skidding across the street and slamming my head onto pavement. Broken bike and ego, but got up without any brain injury to a cracked helmet that considering the speed and impact likely saved my life. I couldn’t recommend this helmet more.

I’m glad that about six months ago I had watched a documentary where Virginia Tech was testing helmets recently, and I saw the align II had excellent reviews from them. I ordered those helmets for my whole family(6) . Like most, thought I would never test it. I was riding my bike a few days ago, went around a curve a little quicker than I meant to & crashed pretty hard into the pavement (where there’s a dip and I smacked the pavement very hard with my head when I was thrown off my bike. I broke my arm however, my head is perfectly fine. It didn’t even hurt when it hit the pavement. I heard the helmet smacked the ground very hard & expected it to be in pretty bad shape when I got home, but the helmet looks brand new. This helmet is amazing. I didn’t even feel any discomfort when I hit the pavement on my head because my helmet performed so well. I will be a customer for life. And probably thanks to this helmet I have a lot longer to live. Thank you for designing such an amazing helmet.

I went for specialized specifically having had 2 previous specialized helmets before. I had the Echleon II MIPS road bike helmet (large) for several years now and it has been amazing although I was finding it hard to get the exact same helmet! So I stuck with specialized and just got the Align II MIPS which seems comfortable and feels fairly good although maybe not quite as good as the Echleon (I loved that helmet) but very good value at £45! Once I adjusted straps which took me a few minutes to figure out I got them to sit just below my ears and tighten easily under my chin. I went for 59-62 cm which they call XL although my Echleon is 59-63 cm and is called large. Anyway overall very good value, very light-weight, nice snug fit, adjustable back and straps. Fairly pleased but be nice to see the Echleon helmet back!

Hands down the best bang for your buck MIPS helmet at or around $50 USD. Excellent crash protection, very lightweight, comfy, looks good. Unsure why some of the reviews state the trifix/ear straps aren't adjustable. Instructions are in the manual and the adjustment dials are fairly obvious on the helmet.

Contrary to what Claudia is stating, the helmet I bought unfortunately does not have an adjustable trifix, since the loops are sewn at a fixed length - the same as in promotional photos on this site. So make sure it fits before buying, otherwise it can be uncomfortable for you and not also a safety concern.

I just received this helmet today and you absolutely can adjust the ear straps. The instructions are in the manual, but the manual makes it sound like you can easily pull the slack through from one side to another. You can't -- I used a knitting needle to pull the slack through each pass-through slot to get it adjusted but the straps now sit perfectly under my ears. This is a very well-made MIPS helmet for the price.

The strap makes a triangle around your ear, but the back strap is far too long and isn't adjustable. The chinstrap slides forward out from under my chin as a result, even when tightened as much as I can. It's wild that my cheap Walmart helmet let's you adjust this setting and this helmet doesn't.

Fits well on my head, cooling vents not as large as they could be. The Trifix couplers fit flat against my face, a plus compared to other helmets, but the straps aren't adjustable. To get a proper fit, the couplers should lay under my ears, but the rear strap was way too loose. I fixed it by using a zip tie where the strap passes through the anchor at the rear of the helmet to take up some slack. It would be a simple thing for Specialized to make thi fitting adjustable, but they chose not to. Why? Spec helmets fit on my Eurasian head, long and narrow.

After purchasing my Como SL ebike, I needed a helmet and after comparing several models, I chose the Align II. This helmet is comfortable, well-ventilated and is a fraction of the price of other models, yet doesn't sacrifice any safety.

I just picked up a couple of these for my wife and I. They are extremely comfortable and you can't beat the price. They look great on (as good as a helmet can look at least)

This helmet saved me in a slow speed, hard impact face plant on the asphalt last weekend. No concussion or other head injury. I just bought a new Align II to replace the old one..

I was hit by a car earlier this week, and thanks to this helmet I am sore, but still able to live my normal life and not having to re-learn how to walk or speak. Honestly, this was the difference between mild concussion and severe brain damage for me. I cannot recommend it enough.

Good price

I'm 5'5 and the M/L size fits perfectly on my head after adjusting.

Does not provide round fit

Using it for almost 3 years. Been on 40 kph head-on accident since January. The helmet didn't get any damages but it stays snug and didn't move on my head after the impact.

I got T-boned by a car that ran a red and was going at 40mph a few days after buying this helmet. I flew 20 feet and my bike flew 50 feet. The helmet has massive cracks from both the inside and outside, but in terms of head injuries, I only had a minor concussion - compared to my other injuries, this was so minimal - especially since my head definitely hit the road and pavement several times. I'm so thankful and would definitely recommend. It was comfortable, looks cool, and saved my life.

I have a BIG head. XL of the Align II actually fits unlike many other helmets I've tried. Also, this is the #13 'safest' helmet in the 2023 helmet buyers guide and was only about $60 USD. Compared to most of the top 20, and basically all of the top 10 that were $150+ (or much more). Great value for the money. Also the black matte, gloss red paint job is a phenom!

I've no idea why Specialized raves about the straps. They're awful. There's only one way to adjust them, but the two straps above the Trifix bolt are the wrong length, so it's either fine on one and too tight on the other, or fine on one and too loose on the other. Really peculiar and unhelpful system.

Good

The bicycle does everything well that it is supposed to do. However, I do have two issues: 1. The non-EQ did not come with a computer, but my dealer supplied one. For almost $4000 this should have been standard equipment; 2. There were none available in my size (S) at first, but five throughout the country did pop up on the Specialized website so my dealer grabbed one for me. I also was interested in the next model up but it, too, was unavailable. That said, I am very happy with the bicycle.

Confortable, light and beautiful

Fits well, comfortable, and cute

I would recommend this helmet at this price 100% since it provides MIPS which is important for safety. In terms of fit, I went with a XL for my 24in head which fit perfect. The helmet is moderately breathable, but I could see this being on the warm side during the summer. One issue I have that prevents it from being a 5/5 is that the chin strap does not have something to tuck the extra material once you tighten it. This makes it flop around while riding and after hitting some bumps it did hit my ear a few times. It's not a major issue, but definitely would have liked something to tuck the extra material away.

Great fit, great price

One of the best helmets that I own. So comfortable and the padding is really nice! I would recommend this helmet for sure!

You cannot find better and safer helmet for this price tag. It not for racing as its little bit on the heavier side, but if you just want to commute to work or go for short ride, its perfect.

Good, sturdy, inexpensive helmet with MIPS. I like the fit and the two-tone red/black color.

The Align II helmet is a perfect fit. It is well ventilated and really absorbs forehead sweat keeping it out of your eyes.

On my fifth ride with this helmet, I had a horrific accident. My head hit the pavement. The helmet cracked, my head didn’t. I probably owe my life to the helmet. After two months, I’m back on my bike and back in a brand new helmet. Same brand, same model, same color. That’s the hard way to gain a loyal customer.

Fit fine, arrived on time and was close out cheap. What’s wrong with that? Nothing

Recently purchased one of these helmets. Now granted you certainly CAN spend more $$$ - but for a very reasonably priced helmet (with the MIPS feature ) this helmet does a very nice job ! Comfortable - Light - and is a great fit (for my head anyway :-) ONE reuest - could you include a new color ? Hi-Viz Orange (aka Deer Hunters Orange) as we do alot of our riding here in MICH in Oct - Nov - Dec (Mt Biking & Gravel riding) on dirt - 2 track - seasonal roads and Deer Hunting season runs from Oct 1 - Dec 31. And hunters are conditioned to looking for that ORANGE color.

For the price, this is a great helmet. Don't just take my word. Virginia Tech tested almost 200 helmets, and this helmet was in the top eight. This helmet is so good I own two to match the colors of my bikes.

safe helmet

Well fitting, certified MIPS, V Tech approved, reasonable cost cycling helmet. Protect your brain!

My head is large and I got a Large. This helmet fits very snug width-wise (from ear to ear) but the length (forehead to back of head) is a bit long

This is a safe and comfortable helmet for bike riding. Because I have arthritis in my thumbs, I was unable to open the clasp for the chin strap so I had to return it.

Bought for my Wife. Well made, good finish, good fit

This is a lightweight, comfortable, stylish helmet. none of that matters though: what matters is this helmet cost $30 and held up on a 30mph head first downhill road impact. i never even lost consciousness. i ordered a new one while i was sitting in the ER. If youre on a slim budget, this is the *only* helmet worth considering.

I love it. So light that riding it without the motor is just like my specialised hybrid bike. Easy to use and helpful on hills. No going back for me. Plus it looks great and has been much admired

Bought this for my 10 yo daughter. Fit perfect.

I am normally used to a kask helmet so I use a medium so when i looked at the diameters of this helmet, it showed similar size to a m/l for the align but when I got it was too thin to fit securely around my head so i had to get an xl and put the headset all the way to its lowest setting and it doesn't feel as secure as a helmet should fit.

Perfect fit and matches my bike. Also got it on sale for 35$! Amazing helmet

Nice helmet, great color

Nice fit. Comfortable to wear. Good style.

I was in a serious bike accident on July 25th. The cyclist behind me told the EMIs that my front wheel got caught in a submerged streetcar track. I have no memory of the accident. I suffered 3 cracked ribs, bruised left lung and a concussion. I live in Toronto Canada. As I write this, I am still a patient at the Brain Injury floor of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. I am told that I'm doing very well and might get out next week. Sounds ominous, I know. I am a 61 year old woman who is here to say that the Align II helmut saved me. I could be eating food through a tube if it hadn't been for my new helmut. The hemut suffered a scratch above my left ear and it appears slightly pushed in but it's really hard to see. Virginia Tech rates it #14 overall out of 200. I will be replaing this helmut with another HighVis/sm-med Align II helmut.

Perfect fit, excellent quality.

Nice helmet for the price. Very comfortable. Would definitely recommend.

For the price it's a nice helmet. I really appreciate it coming in a size large enough for my head.

I purchased this helmet after trying it as part of a bike rental package on a vacation. I find it very comfortable and stylish. It has good ventilation and fits my head very well.

Great quality and fit I have 2 and bought one for my wife

Love, love, love my new Specialized helmet!

Love this helmet

I’ve been riding a bit over a year (after a hiatus for many years) I was in a terrible bike accident in February- sustained a compound fracture to my elbow. I hit hard. My face was banged up but this helmet saved my head. My head hit the concrete, road rash on the helmet and it cracked BUT my head was ok! Ego…. Not so much. Thank you for making a quality product!

Awesome helmet at a great price!

Light helmet very easy to adjust. Well-made.

Looks great and keeps me protected while also not being too hot. Great price too

Nice helmet fits great.

My process for choosing this helmet was simple. Virginia Tech publishes a safety ranking list, and this particular helmet is the safest one at a comfortable consumer price point. It also happens to be a good fit, with easy adjustments and a comfortable foam that feels both protective and non-abrasive. The white color way is bold, easy to clean, and easily seen by other riders and nearby vehicles.

Comfortable, solid, good looking, available in cheap colors. Best helmet I had. Luckily cannot attest on the actual protection offered.

I have 5 specialized helmets. I have no issues with them.

Great quality

Great helmet. Fits well.

Excellent helmet , a good value and price. Well ventilated.

This is a great helmet. I like the design, material, look, color, and fit. The fact that it's highly rated is a strong favorable point, too. I'd highly recommend it. I appreciate the fact that it is adjustable to keep a secure fit throughout a long ride.

Very nice helmet but the rear straps that end at a three-way "TriFix" connector under the ear seem a little long. There is no adjustment possible.

Perfect

Just compared this one with older Giro that cost x4 than this one. Same safe technologies, better fit, softer inside. Overall except size and design I see no difference and no reasons to pay more for more expensive helmets. Happy with purchase

Great buy.

Amazing product 100%

Love this helmet fit

Lightweight helmet that fits well, durable and won’t break the bank!

I just got this helmet, but I have about 6 or 7 helmets, so I know what is and is not comfortable. Sometimes the back dial has something that rubs on the back of my head. Not this one. Sometimes a helmet is either too loose or too tight. Not this one. It fits perfectly and the padding at the front really feels nice on my forehead. The helmet is very lightweight, as well, and the way the straps fit down below my ears are just perfect. I just wanted a helmet to match my new bike. It matches, but I'm going to wear it all the time because it's almost like wearing nothing at all. Also, I saw the recommendation to size down. I'm glad I did not. I got the XL because my head measured near the top of the Large. It fits PERFECTLY.

My second Align II. Had to get one to color match my Allez. Good fit, comfortable and lightweight. Price is within reach for a weekend rider.

Have always had Giro helmets before, tried this and was a really nice fit. Also the design of the chin straps is more comfortable then alternate models. Some complain about the weight though I find it quite light compared to the Giro, Bell and Hardnutz helmets I've previously owned. Would be nice to have a visor as an option.

Love this helmet,, they’re light weight, stylish, and comfortable. Feels like you’re wearing nothing.

It fits perfectly fine and very comfortable to wear. Definitely I recommend this product.

Beautiful fit! Would definetly recommend it, especially if your in a budget but don't want to sacrifice style and safety. Perfect helmet!

It fits. Great design. Light weight.

perfect fit

Light weight and very comfortable. Looks and fits great

The inside is very padded and feels secure. I got the matte/glossy red black gradient and the color looks amazing in person!!

Hello! I have purchased my first bike and helmet from your website a few months ago as a Christmas present for me. Now, when it’s getting warmer I started to use them. Unfortunately, after second attempt to wear my helmet I noticed it’s broken in front of it. Exactly where the logo it is, a little bit down. Now, I’m very disappointed how fragile this thing is, without even falling off. My helmet was new, I kept it in my garage in its original box and I was really careful about it. I don’t know how that even happened.

Great value! Comfortable fit. Good ventilation.

The quality bicycle helmet has the protection that is needed on the road as well as having pleasant aesthetics on the commute.

great

Been riding with one since June 2022. The fit is comfortable. I can't speak on how it performs in a competitive setting as I ride for fitness at around 16-17mph. Best bang for the buck in terms of comfort and protection. I picked up a second one when Specialized had a sale on them.

From the second I put it on I could tell it was a solid and safe helmet at an absolute amazing price. I paid double for helmets that weren't as nearly as good. The only "con" was that it doesn't have a visor and I really like having a visor but not a deal breaker.

Very good value for money, the quality of the help is fantastic and finished to a great standard, it is slightly heavier than my replaced helmet, however it is much more comfortable to the point where the weight difference is not noticeable. Great value for a MIPs helmet, highly recommended.

For the price and design with the MIPS, this is probably the best for the buck. It weighs very light and the neck strap and the adjustments are fine. Color and look are pretty good. The reason i gave it a 3/5 because of the fit. I ordered M/L for a 58cm head. After adjusting it, the helmet falls short by pressuring my b/l side of the temporal. It is just not comfortable to wear so i returned it. So if your measurement is on the high end of the size they listed, size up!

Very ventilated, light enough, great style, protective but minimal. The mips incorporated is great for the price

I bought this and returned it. It seemed like a great value for a Specialized MIPS helmet, I just didn't like how wide it looked compared to my Echelon II helmet.

Very happy with the purchase. The helmet is light and fits well.

Perfect thank you.

Helmet looks fantastic. Love how it fads from red to black. Fits like a glove and getting a helmet with Mips at this price is amazing. Specialized has done it again!