First spotted at Volto Ao Algarve earlier this year, Sweet Protection's new time trial helmet was officially launched this week. dubbed Redeemer 2Vi® Mips, the helmet was developed with the Uno X Pro Cycling Team and It was developed in cooperation with Formula 1 aerodynamics experts and features the MIPS Air Node system.

The helmet has already been spotted in the wild this year, and when this radical new lid was first spotted at Volta ao Algarve, tongues were wagging. Last year's Tour de France also saw a string of unusual time trial helmets. Uno-X Pro Cycling will use this helmet at this year's Tour de France.

The Redeemer 2Vi® Mips helmet was developed in collaboration with the Uno X Pro cycling team and, in particular, 2022 U23 ITT world champion Søren Wærenskjold. Ladies Hour record holder Jos Roden also participated in the development and testing of the helmet. According to Norwegian brand Sweet Protection, the new helmet is probably the most advanced time trial helmet on the planet.

Sweet Protection and Uno X Pro Cycling also collaborated with Swedish company MIPS and Formula 1 aerodynamicist Kyle Forster on the design of the new helmet. Following a 3D scan of the rider, Computational Fluid Dynamics design (CFD) was used to model the helmet design, and the helmet was taken to a wind tunnel to be tested.

Sweet Protection stated that considering both rider and bike as one system presented several aerodynamic challenges, and the development of the Redeemer 2Vi®Mips attempted to find solutions to these challenges.

Casper von Forsack, performance coach for the Uno-X professional cycling team and rider for Danish Team Pursuit, also participated in the development of the helmet, saying:

"Aerodynamic drag is a factor that the rider pushes to do is where most of the wattage is overcome. The helmet is very important to the overall aerodynamics of the racing cyclist. That's why we've worked so hard to optimize this helmet. We are proud to be able to offer the fastest solution together with Sweet Protection."

A key feature of the new helmet is what Sweet Protection calls a bypass duct in the front of the helmet. Air is split here, accelerated through the air duct, and exits the rear edge of the helmet at a faster rate than the air on the outside, flowing around the rider's shoulders and reducing overall drag.

The helmet minimizes aerodynamic drag due to the low stack height achieved by using a variable density shell and a tight fit that ideally aligns the rider's shoulders and back.

Sweet Protection wanted the Redeemer 2Vi® Mips to be competitive with a variety of rider body shapes, especially shoulder width, which affects aerodynamic drag. The helmet is available in two sizes, with customizable fit pads to best fit the individual rider's body shape.

A snug-fitting optional flush visor with two bypass ducts is intended to improve aerodynamics and prevent fogging.

The helmet will retail for 450 euros, depending on accessories, and will be available starting fall 2023. Global pricing has not yet been determined.