2Rank 02 of 10 · Bike Helmets
Specialized Mode
A closed-shell city helmet with Mips that scores 8.80 and five stars at Virginia Tech and, according to Specialized, passes the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike standard. The maker publishes no weight; Folksam measured 422 g.
8.1BPR score
- €75Price
- 8.80 — 5 stars (Virginia Tech, rank 23 of 311)Virginia Tech STAR score and stars
- 2 of 10in Bike Helmets
- 8.1BPR score 0–10
Review
What this product is
Written after the analysis, from the same sources the score is built on: the manufacturer's documentation, available studies and verified owner feedback.
The Mode is the best-scoring urban helmet of the ten: Virginia Tech lists the Specialized Mode at 8.80 with five stars. Folksam tested the Mode MIPS in 2023 and gave grade 3, which the insurer describes as better than the average helmet and good protection, one step below its 'Bra val' label. Specialized states that the Mode passes NTA 8776, the voluntary Dutch standard written for speed pedelecs.
On the Irish Specialized site it cost €75 when we checked, far below the 120 dollars shown as the price at the time of the Virginia Tech test. It comes in three shell sizes and two headforms (Classic and Round Fit), with hidden vents, reflective decals and a mount for Specialized's Stix light, which is sold separately.
The gaps: no weight and no EN 1078 reference on the product page, and Folksam's 422 g sample makes it the second heaviest helmet here. The 42 owner reviews average 4.7 out of 5; several say it sits high and looks bulky, and the site itself warns that it runs small. A good choice for city and e-bike riders who accept the weight.
Technical data
Specification
Figures from the manufacturer's documentation, verified against available outside sources. Values we could not confirm are marked as declared.
- Virginia Tech STAR score
- 8.80
- Virginia Tech stars
- 5 of 5
- Virginia Tech rank
- 23 of 311
- Folksam grade
- 3 (2023, Mode MIPS)
- Rotational system
- Mips
- NTA 8776
- Passes, according to Specialized
- Weight (manufacturer)
- Not published
- Weight (Folksam sample)
- 422 g
- Sizes
- S, M, L; Classic and Round Fit headforms
- Ventilation
- Hidden vents; count not published
- Integrated light
- No (Stix light mount, light sold separately)
- Owner rating
- 4.7/5 (42 reviews, specialized.com)
Component scores
Where the score
comes from.
Four components, equal weight, each on a 0–10 scale and each resting on a named source. The overall score is their mean — the full procedure is in the methodology.
What we liked
- Virginia Tech STAR score 8.80, five stars
- Passes NTA 8776 according to Specialized
- Folksam grade 3 in the 2023 adult test
- €75 on specialized.com (Ireland)
- Two headforms: Classic and Round Fit
Worth knowing
- Weight not published by Specialized (Folksam measured 422 g)
- EN 1078 not stated on the product page
- Stix light is an extra purchase
- Owners describe a high, bulky fit; runs small
Comparison
How it compares
within the category
All values come from the same analysis and are comparable only within the category Bike Helmets.
| Product | Score | Virginia Tech STAR score and stars | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Align IITop score | 8.7 | 9.55 — 5 stars (Virginia Tech, rank 40 of 311) | €55 |
| ModeThis product | 8.1 | 8.80 — 5 stars (Virginia Tech, rank 23 of 311) | €75 |
| Category average10 products analysed | 7.5 | — | — |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the Specialized Mode suitable for a speed pedelec?
Specialized states on its product page that the Mode passes the Dutch NTA 8776 standard. Check the label inside the helmet you buy and your national rules for speed pedelecs.
What did Folksam say about the Mode?
Folksam tested the Specialized Mode MIPS in 2023 and gave it grade 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, with a measured weight of 422 g.
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