Catlike Mixino

by MARK · 05/08/2014

The 4 point system incorporates ‘Ergonomic Adjustment’, which adjusts the helmet around the temples using the supplied pads; height adjustment; rear adjustment which enables the movement of the two supports around the cervical vertebrae; and finally, the micro-adjust wheel system. These are all very simple to use and once you have the three points – temples, height and rear – adjusted to fit your head, the wheel system is the one you will use most often when putting the helmet on or removing it again.

Mixino micro-adjust wheel

For me the fit is such that the helmet feels almost natural to wear. Once on your head and adjusted to the shape and size of your head there is no movement and the helmet is very secure.

Mixino Aero VD 2.0 Shell

In search of the added speed that comes from making the helmet more aero, Catlike have produced a clip-on shell. In standard form the helmet boasts 39 air vents that allows air to flow from the front of the helmet, over the head and through the rear exhaust ports. It’s an effective cooling system but with that in mind it seems counter intuitive to then cover these vents up with a shell, though ventilation is apparently maintained thanks to front ports and rear exhaust ports. In all honesty very little air passes through the few open vents that I have noticed but perhaps not noticing is the point as there is certainly enough ventilation during a standard UK 2/3 cat road race not to worry about that too much. If you’re in the UK, even on the hottest of days in July, you’ll hardly overheat in this.

The fast looking Mixino Aero VD 2.0 Shell

On the flip side, the Aero Shell VD 2.0 is supposed to give protection against cold, wind and rain, though I haven’t really tried it in any of those conditions just yet so it is difficult for me to comment. There is a discernible difference between the helmet ‘unsheathed’ vs the helmet with the shell attached. Catlike call it “wind canalization” which basically means modifying the airflow around the helmet in a more fluid way, rather than forcing the flow between the air vents, over your head and back out through the rear, which has a dragging effect.

Rear view with the exhaust ports clearly shown

The shell attaches to the helmet by fitting it over from the rear of the helmet to the front, locking into place merely by virtue of its snug fit, moulding to the shape of the Mixino helmet. Remarkably this is enough to secure the shell to the helmet without fear of it being blown off and landing in the road.

Side view of the shell

The Mixino Helmet with the Aero Shell VD 2.0 is an attractive package and in my view the helmet with the shell attached looks very sleek. It’s a unique looking helmet anyway. With its light weight, comfort and excellent fit, it barely feels like you are wearing a helmet at all, and with additional assurance from the protection it offers, this helmet is great value for money.