Updated September 30, 2026
What is Independent rating?
In short
An independent rating is a safety score from a testing body that has no connection to the brand selling the helmet or lock.
An independent rating is a score given by a separate testing organisation, so it says more about the product than a brand's own description. Scores are easier to compare when they come from the same body and the same scale.
Helmet ratings in this group come from Virginia Tech, which places helmets in order. Bern holds 5 star Virginia Tech safety rating, Specialized holds 5-Star Virginia Tech Helmet Rating and Performance Bicycle's listing for a Specialized helmet shows 5-Star Virginia Tech Helmet Rating. P2R Sports has Virginia Tech 5-star, Top 10, score 8.14.
For locks, Kryptonite lists Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond. Different schemes, so read the label rather than compare numbers across categories.
Sources
- bernunlimited.com, checked September 30, 2026
- p2rsports.com, checked September 30, 2026
- kryptonitelock.com, checked September 30, 2026
- performancebike.com, checked September 30, 2026
- specialized.com, checked September 30, 2026