thechemist

So, what's the current super light awesome looking helmet of the year? Will aero still be the rage?

Uvex? Metz?giro,lazer,
specialized,kask? Anyone stumbled across some stellar helmets?

chaadster

EventServices

Not sexy or aero, but far and away the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn: the Maraka by Kali.

Chi_Z

Uvex race 5

kleng

Giro Air Attack Shield

https://www.giro.com/eu_en/air-attack-shield.html/

Specialized Evade

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr...s/sworks-evade

Kask Infinity

https://www.kask.it/product.php?cat=1&product=127#

Parson

Louis Garneau course deserves a look too.

Garfield Cat

Some comments: the shapes of everyone's heads; sweat removal; active systems.

Do any of these "high tech" helmets address the above? By active systems, I mean it looks like they're all passive systems. No way to measure the temperatures of the head. No way to get rid of sweat. No way to really address the head shapes other than some sort of adjustable straps.

The bicycle industry has a long ways to go. They have to start thinking about the rider first, not the bike and its connected parts.

chaadster

Interesting ideas overall, but I wonder why would a helmet need to actively adapt to your head shape, which does not change? And why measure the temperature of your head if there's nothing you can do about it (and really, you know when you feel hot anyway)? As for getting rid of sweat, all helmets have pads to absorb it, and high quality helmets direct airflow across the head to manage temp and sweating, but actually getting rid of sweat altogether-- either by preventing it or transporting it, presumably away from the eyes-- is a feature I've not seen, but would be interesting to see developed into a functional element. I guess it gets to the idea of active temp management, like an integrated cooling system, like those found in auto racing suits.

Of course, cost/weight/benefit analyses kinda make that stuff look impractical, don't they?

UnfilteredDregs

To address a problem passively is typically the better solution in terms of technology. You don't need to measure temperature to provide adequate flow and ventilation with which to provide evaporation...that's akin to monitoring the performance of a chimney. You design the function into the passive system, it always works. That is elegance in design.

rekmeyata

Any aero advantage by any helmet is snake oil being preached to reel in the suckers who believe that suddenly they're going to gain 3 mph on their average speed, when in reality it will be far closer to 0 mph gain! Don't buy a helmet for being more aero over another. The best technology currently being offered in helmets is the MIPS protection system, in America Scott offers that as an option on a few of their models, the Stego, Torus, Lin, and Taal. Otherwise if looks is more important than protection just buy whatever looks good to you they will all have the same federal safety requirement except the MIPS design takes it further.

This is quite lengthy but it goes through the current safety rating and test and the MIPS testing; https://www.bicycling.com/senseless/index.html

thechemist

Yup, heard great things about the course and add that to the aero helmets and the casco.

Sub 200gram class we have what? Limar ultralight, POC barely but hideous, Louis garneau x-lite.


I've heard comfort goes to kask. I forgot about Kali, I should look into them and have also heard lazer is pretty comfy albeit head type plays a role

chaadster

At 215gm for the 52-56, the Uvex Boss Race should be tempting; it's a great helmet in my experience, and my go-to helmet for fast, hot, rides where cooling and lightness are important.

I also have a Dux Helm (which I love, esp. for spring/fall) and an old Limar F107 which was a good all 'rounder (now backup commuter/utility use).

thechemist

Good stuff, thanks and I will put it on my short list!~

StanSeven

I've never tried Kask but I haven't heard anyone that owns one saying they don't like them.

I have last years model S-Works and it's very cool. So cool in the winter I use a liner from an old Giro to keep my hear warm. I don't know how the new ones are but I assume Specialized is concerned with air flow and cooling based on my experience with the older one.

HAMMER MAN

True that.
Pocs is another MIPS style helmet. After my last crash I am more interested in a safer helmet/MIPs than I am with style aero and ventilation

thechemist

So POCs is MIP rated? It's too bad that the Scott upper end road helmets aren't MIPS rated yet.

I am however one of those guys that prefers weight and aero to safety. It is a nice touch if it's MIPS rated but I won't go out of my way to get one.

thechemist

Yes, no doubt kask owners are REAL happy with the comfort of their lids. I hear the same thing from lazer owners. I just don't get the comfort thing, I mean every lid I own has been reasonable. Sure, some are a bit more adjustable but it has never been a big deal for me. Some helmets can be a pain to adjust with a heavy wool hat on for winter but meh. I prefer weight and aero to comfort and really any high end helmet is moderately comfy.

RoadTire 

rekmeyata - thank you for posting the link. I hadn't seen that article. If the industry does start introducing new helmets I guess I'll be watching and budgeting when they arrive on the shelves. For now, MIPS doesn't seem to be hugely significant (though I'm going to take another look at it) but within a couple of years improved MIPS and shock-absorption might just be available to us.

bconneraz

I know the POC road helmet is a bit different looking, but I cant wait to try one on, and if the fit is good, buy one. I kind of dig it. Reminds me a bit of a hairnet.

RoadTire 

Scott Stego with MIPS:

zvez

yeah but they look pretty cool!

Motolegs

Bell Gage. Dunno how late and great it is, but team BMC uses it, and it can be had for a hundred bucks on sale. Nice style, lightweight, great helmet

thechemist

yup, that scott sure is ugly, won't be getting that bad boy. So Aero does look pro and there is a bit of an advantage albeit minimal assuming it keeps your cool. I prefer lightweight but I have heavily considered specialized aero lid

thechemist

right! I have looked at the bell gage and its fits all the qualities I am looking for to a certain degree. I mean not the best at anything but man that price is killer!

Motolegs

It's a lot of helmet for the money. Got one in matte black, there are other cool colors that were sold out at a favorite online retailer. Great quality stuff, highly recommended!