TestedHelmetsGiant/Liv Novo MIPS
5/5 stars
- STAR score
- 9.018Lower is safer
- Tested
- 2025
- Price when tested
- $150Not today's price
Giant/Liv Novo MIPS vs Specialized Mode
The Specialized Mode scored better than the Giant/Liv Novo MIPS in Virginia Tech's urban lab tests: STAR 8.803 versus 9.018.
Both are urban helmets in Virginia Tech's ratings, so their scores compare fairly. Here is how they did in the lab and what each cost when tested.
Better lab score
Specialized Mode
5/5 stars
- STAR score
- 8.803Lower is safer
- Tested
- 2021
- Price when tested
- $120Not today's price
The verdict
The Specialized Mode scored 8.803 and the Giant/Liv Novo MIPS scored 9.018. That gives the Specialized Mode about a 2% better score in Virginia Tech's lab tests.
Both earned 5 stars.
At testing, the Specialized Mode cost $30 less ($120 against $150).
Virginia Tech tested these in 2021 and 2025. Check that the one you buy is the version that was tested.
Is the better lab score worth it?
A slight edge to the Specialized Mode. It scored a little better and cost less, but the scores are close, so pick whichever fits you better.
Prices are what each helmet cost when Virginia Tech tested it. Check today's price, the exact model and the fit before you buy. Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab bicycle helmet ratings.
Compare more urban helmets
- HEXR Miden RLS vs Specialized ModeThe HEXR Miden RLS scored about 21% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $30 more at testing.
- HEXR Miden RLS vs Giant/Liv Novo MIPSThe HEXR Miden RLS scored about 23% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost the same at testing.
- UNIT 1 AURA vs UNIT 1 NEONThe UNIT 1 AURA scored about 5% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost $50 more at testing.
- ABUS Pedelec 2.0 MIPS vs Lazer Anverz NTA MIPSThe Lazer Anverz NTA MIPS scored about 1% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost the same at testing.
- ABUS Pedelec 2.0 MIPS vs UNIT 1 NEONThe UNIT 1 NEON scored about 14% better in Virginia Tech's lab tests and cost the same at testing.