PIKIO LABS has confirmed the launch of the PIKIO Si, a new road cycling helmet featuring its proprietary OBLIK impact-management technology. According to the company, its new helmet has been designed to reduce both linear and rotational forces during an impact.
In independent testing conducted by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, the PIKIO Si achieved a score of 4.61. This result reportedly ranks it as the top-performing helmet across all five cycling categories in the laboratory’s database. In the Virginia Tech STAR evaluation system, a lower score indicates better performance; the PIKIO Si score represents an improvement over previous top-rated helmets which recorded scores such as 6.82 and 6.93.
According to PIKIO LABS, the OBLIK technology departs from conventional single-foam liners. It divides the shock-absorbing liner into a base and independently moving modules connected via a deflection-sensitive nodal system. This allows the structure to respond more adaptively to oblique impacts.
Dr Daniel Abram, CEO and Founder at PIKIO LABS, said “Conventional helmets generally rely on a single foam liner designed to crush under load. Some designs incorporate a low-friction slip layer intended to help reduce rotational forces.
“While these approaches are effective to a degree, they are inherently constrained by the internal geometry of the helmet, which can limit how linear and rotational forces are managed during oblique impacts. We developed OBLIK to allow the helmet structure itself to respond more adaptively to oblique impacts.”
The PIKIO Si includes several technical features aimed at balancing safety with performance:
- Modular impact architecture with discrete modules attached to a base liner
- A nodal system allowing independent module movement based on impact intensity and direction
- Bone-inspired internal macro-cavities in the foam to enhance energy absorption
- Dual-density foams for both low- and high-energy impacts
- Polycarbonate reinforcement within the modules to maintain structural strength at a low weight
- Integrated eyewear dock for sunglasses storage
The helmet’s aerodynamic performance was tested at the University of British Columbia’s Aerolab, with results reportedly comparable to leading premium road helmets.
PIKIO LABS is based in Canada and focuses on research-driven engineering and biomimicry. Company founder Dr Daniel Abram has spent over 17 years developing head protection technologies and holds a PhD in Design Optimization.
The PIKIO Si is certified to the US CPSC Bicycle Helmet Standard. It is available for online purchase, with a suggested retail price of US$379. (The company will also be exhibiting the new helmet at the Sea Otter Classic 2026 in Monterey, CA, at booth M107.)
