Latest news with #bikehelmet
WIRED
2 days ago
- Automotive
- WIRED
How to Buy a Bike Helmet
One of the best parts of owning a bicycle is shopping for all the gear and accessories that you need to go along with it, from bike lights to stay visible on the streets to bike locks to keep it safe when you're at the shop. But no piece of equipment is more important than a bike helmet. But does buying a more expensive helmet mean you get more protection? What features do you need for what you intend to do, and how often do you have to replace it? And what the heck does MIPS mean? Let me walk you through the jargon and help you make sure your brain stays safe in your skull. What Type of Helmet Do I Need? Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani That depends on the kind of riding you do. If you just ride 1 to 5 miles on city streets to work, a commuter or everyday helmet is fine. Some have more or less ventilation or look more or less cool. Others, like the Thousand Chapter MIPS ($145), have commuter-friendly features, like a punch-out hole that lets you lock up your helmet with your bike. If you're a road cyclist, you need a road helmet like the Kask Utopia Y ($300), which takes aerodynamics, ventilation, and weight into account. A road helmet has to help you go against the wind, keep sweat from dripping into your eyes, and be comfortable for long hours of riding. Mountain biking helmets like the Smith Forefront 2 ($270) cover the back of the skull and often have a visor, and sometimes even include clips to fasten eye protection or googles. How to Fit Your Helmet The best way to buy a helmet is also the best way to buy a bike: Try it on. Most helmets today come with a dial system at the rear of the helmet, allowing the rider to adjust their helmets for a more precise fit than ever before. The adage goes 'low, level, snug': Your helmet should sit level on your head and cover almost all of your forehead. A good rule of thumb is that your index finger should fit in the space between your eyebrows and your helmet. Anything more and the helmet isn't sitting on your head properly. The strap should be snug enough beneath your chin that you shouldn't be able to easily fit a finger between your jaw and the strap. You should also not be able to move the helmet more than an inch or so in any direction. What Is Mips? If you've bought a new bike helmet any time in the last few years, you've no doubt noticed a tiny yellow logo with the word 'Mips' printed on it somewhere on the helmet's shell. Mips is an acronym that stands for 'Multi-directional Impact Protection System.' It's an in-helmet system that reduces the rotational impact that is common during most crashes. An inner webbing—what the brand calls its 'low-friction layer'—fits snug to your head. This webbing is connected to the helmet's outer shell with a series of fasteners. The low-friction layer and the helmet's outer shell are able to move independently of one another. If you crash while wearing a Mips helmet, the mobility of the low-friction layer works to redirect the rotational forces of impact away from the head. Mips was developed in the mid-1990s, when Swedish brain surgeon Hans von Holst realized that contemporary helmets weren't doing enough to protect against brain damage. Von Holst noticed that helmets were designed and tested for impacts at straight angles. However, cyclists very rarely have head-on impacts from a crash. Von Holst and his team began to test impacts from a variety of angles to develop a system that could rotate within the helmet, thereby diffusing the force of impact from the head.
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Headfirst Launches Stylish Bike Helmet and Achieves First Crowdfunding Milestone
Dutch innovative helmet combines perfect fit, smart brake light and multi-impact protection for the modern rider. Too big, uncomfortable and unattractive – the traditional bike helmet doesn't appeal to the modern cyclist. With the rise of e-bikes and a new generation of urban cyclists, there's a growing need for a helmet that does more than just protect. Dutch brand headfirst offers this solution by reinventing the bike helmet with their Echo Pro: a stylish accessory that offers better protection and matches the style of today's urban cyclist. The company's Kickstarter campaign reached its first funding goal within a week of launch, demonstrating strong market demand for innovative cycling safety solutions. Patented SafeFit technology revolutionizes helmet design Nearly 35% of adults and 95% of children wear poorly fitting bike helmets, reducing protection effectiveness by up to 50% (Source PMC). headfirst addresses this critical safety gap with breakthrough technology that ensures optimal fit while delivering the style and comfort modern cyclists demand. The innovative system makes adjusting the helmet's fit as simple as styling hair - simply push the helmet onto the head to secure it and press both thumb buttons to release. The helmet is suitable for any head type, fits immediately and stays firmly in place – a common pain point with existing helmets. This innovative approach adapts to different head shapes and sizes, allowing the helmet to grow with children from age 4 through their teenage years. Initial testing demonstrates that the SafeFit technology provides twice the protection effectiveness at the back of the head compared to conventional helmet designs, addressing a critical vulnerability in traditional cycling safety equipment. "Traditional helmets are often too large, uncomfortable, and visually unappealing," explains Daan Zoetmulder, founder of headfirst helmets. "With the Echo Pro, we wanted to create a helmet that looks as good as it protects. We believe that the safest helmet is the one people actually want to wear." Multi-impact meets smart technology Designed for the modern and commuter lifestyle, the Echo Pro serves as a comprehensive safety solution for cycling, skating, and scooting. The helmet incorporates advanced multi-impact EPP materials instead of traditional EPS foam, allowing it to withstand multiple light impacts. As safety remains the primary concern, the helmet requires replacement after serious impacts or when visible damage occurs to the outer shell. The integrated smart brake light system represents another technological breakthrough. Motion sensors automatically activate a bright rear signal when the rider brakes, enhancing visibility in dense urban traffic during both day and night conditions. The system operates autonomously, requiring no user intervention while significantly improving cyclist safety. Sustainability innovation drive material choices Environmental responsibility influences headfirst's manufacturing processes. The Echo Pro incorporates recycled materials, including chin straps made from repurposed fabrics. The modular design enables easy component replacement and end-of-life recycling, reducing waste while extending product lifespan. Dutch design excellence through strategic partnerships headfirst developed the Echo Pro through collaboration with award-winning APE Design Studio and manufacturing partnership with Strategic Sports, the world's largest helmet manufacturer. This combination ensures production quality and global distribution capabilities while maintaining innovative design vision. The Amsterdam-based approach reflects Dutch cycling culture's emphasis on practical elegance, creating a product that seamlessly integrates safety functionality with contemporary urban aesthetics. The helmet's clean lines and sophisticated color options appeal to style-conscious cyclists who previously avoided traditional helmet designs. The Kickstarter campaign's rapid success validates strong consumer demand for innovative cycling safety solutions. Early backers receive significant discounts, with retail availability planned for November 2025 at $169. About headfirst headfirst creates innovative cycling safety equipment combining superior protection with contemporary design and sustainable materials. Based in Amsterdam, the company develops products for modern urban cyclists who demand both safety and style. Campaign Information Press kit: images and videos Media Contact Company Name: Headfirst Contact Person: Daan Zoetmulder (founder, headfirst helmets) Email: Send Email Country: Netherlands Website:
