Uvex Rise Pro MIPS helmet review

The Uvex Rise Pro MIPS was launched at the 2023 Tour de France on the heads of Intermarché-Circus-Wanty riders, and its aero intentions are clear, with only 10 (admittedly sizeable) vents and a rear port.

Made in Germany, the Rise Pro MIPS features MIPS Air Node, which is fully integrated into the padding to create a lower profile that’s less obtrusive than the classic MIPS plate.

As an all-round race helmet, it works decently, but there are arguably more specialist helmets available that may appeal more.

Uvex Rise Pro MIPS details and specifications

There are only two sizes (52-56cm and 56-59cm) of the Rise Pro MIPS.

Anecdotally, that larger size still proved too small for some of my friends, so other riders with larger heads may suffer, too.

There’s no internal height-adjustment mechanism, with the helmet relying on the rear retention system to aid the back-of-head fitting process.

There’s quite a lot of movement with the plastic here, but I have concerns that it places stress on the internal strands – albeit none have shown signs of failing yet.

The ratchet dial has an enormous amount of left/right adjustment, though.

The finishing befits road bike helmets costing around £200, with the polycarbonate shell neatly covering much of the exposed EPS foam beneath it.

The eyewear port is appreciated too, with the grippy tabs sitting in what double as ventilation ports, holding the arms of cycling sunglasses securely.

Uvex Rise Pro MIPS performance

Compared to traditional road helmets, the aero focus of the Rise Pro MIPS is clear, with only 10 ventilation channels and a rear port.

Those ports are admittedly large, but this wouldn’t be my first choice for a hot day in the hills.

There’s something Star Wars Stormtrooper-esque (that I like) about this white matt and black colour combo, although it hasn’t stayed Empire-crisp for long and there are already oily finger marks and scuffs showing.

Happily, there are also matt black, a psychedelic black-galaxy matt, and Intermarché-Circus-Wanty team replica options available.

The construction feels as though it would be solid and confidence-boosting in the event of a crash (there’s no Virginia Tech rating as yet). Uvex also claims the helmet is suitable for cross-country use.

That highlights the Rise Pro’s versatility, but I’m struggling to locate a strong USP.

There are lighter and better-vented options out there for tackling the mid-summer mountains, while it doesn’t give the impression that it’s as slippery as more aero-optimised lids, such as the Specialized Evade.

Strong competition comes in the form of the Lazer Genesis (£180, 210g), the MET Manta MIPS (£230, 272g) and the Giro Eclipse Spherical (£240, 277g) at similar enough price points.

The 290g weight is also a touch high for the price of around £190 and the shape feels relatively bulky when riding.

Uvex Rise Pro MIPS bottom line

The versatile Uvex Rise Pro MIPS is well crafted and offers a confidence-boosting construction, while MIPS in its Air Node guise is integrated impressively.

Where it struggles is being a touch weighty for the price, while it’s difficult to discern on what type of course and conditions this helmet will truly excel.