Skip to main content

Scott Stego MIPS


SCOTT ARE ANOTHER brand getting into the enhanced protection world of MIPS. Crucially, they’ve done so without obviously compromising other performance aspects like breathability and ventilation, which has cemented the Stego’s winner status. Large holes in the yellow MIPS liner mean there’s no compromise in airflow through the big front, side and rear vents. The liner sits over broad internal channels too, so the wind whistles over your scalp when you get up to speed. Minimal padding means no lingering sogginess if you get sweaty on the way back up.

The shell shape is broad, which will trip some riders’ style alarms (the large size is particularly massive) but there’s enough adjustment in the free floating, dial tightened cradle for a secure and supportive fit. The small skull gripper segments have lasted better than on other helmets we’ve used and there’s no fabric to smell like rancid milk after a summer season. Edge strap anchoring means easy fitting and minimal strap slap and specs interference, and the snaplock fastener simply works. Full hardshell coverage makes it kit bag and accidental kickabout proof too.

The broad shovel of a peak provides masses of shelter whatever the weather, while the deep dish rear gives reassuring protection. If you tend to pedal rather than push or uplift then the extra ventilation is worth the extra 45$ over the similarly protective Giro Feature MIPS.

Price 180$

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.