Bicycle Helmets: Four To ­Consider When Riding This Spring And ­Summer

by Mark Smiley

This publication has recently reviewed electric bicycles and it goes without saying how important a quality helmet is when rid­ing these or any bike. Bicycle helmets are crucial safety gear designed to protect cyclists from head injuries in the event of a crash or impact. Some helmets feature MIPS technology (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which is designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain during certain impacts.

With improvements in battery capacity and packaging, it isn’t surprising to see the rise in E-Bike popularity. Battery assisted bikes are now available in everything from high-performance carbon fiber bikes to urban cargo bikes. One challenge with E-Bikes is the fact that they typically have higher sus­tained speeds compared to standard bicycles.

The following four helmets are ones to consider when shopping for a helmet.

Lumos Ultra E-Bike Helmet

Lumos is known for its smart helmets de­signed for cyclists, featuring integrated lights and turn signals to enhance ­visibility and safety on the road. It also has an integrated eye shield which is a nice feature to protect you from debris on the road. The Lumos Ultra E-bike helmet retails for $199.95 and features additional impact ab­sorb­ing EPS material and is certified to NTA-8776 standards. This means that while it still looks like a bicycle helmet, it protects against higher impact speeds and covers a larger part of the head.

“After researching smart helmets, I was sold on this particular helmet based on the ease of functionality and high level of safety it provides me,” said Ralph Meder. “I like the weight for long rides and the adjustability for a proper, secure fit as well as the added bonus of the flip visor for night rides. I highly recommend this helmet.”

This helmet not only protects, which is most important, it also keeps you visible to others on the road. The Lumos Ultra has a front-facing white light and two rear red lights that provide extra visibility in all di­rec­tions. The lights are easily controlled us­ing a Bluetooth remote control and can even be controlled with hand gestures from a device such as an Apple watch.

The Lumos Ultra also offers an optional automatic brake light feature, available with the Lumos Remote. This feature alerts drivers behind you when you slow down or stop, adding an extra layer of safety to your rides.

With all of the bells and whistles, one might ask about comfort. All of the components are balanced in a way where it is a comfortable piece to wear. With 22 vents to keep your head cool and wicking pads to prevent sweat build-up, it is one of the most comfortable helmets on the market.

Lumos Ultra has customizable lights, sleek design, long battery life (for the lights), and innovative features, making it a solid hel­met for group rides, exercise rides, and night rides. For more information or to purchase, visit www.ridelumos.com/products/lumos-ultra-e-bike.

Sena R2X

Another helmet to consider

is the Sena R2X. Sena’s product range includes a variety of communication systems, Bluetooth intercoms, helmet accessories, and other related devices. The wheelhouse for this company is the commitment to innovation in the field of helmet communication technology.

This helmet features Alexa built in which is a unique concept. The integrated ­speakers and microphone allow users to use the R2X’s communication features and speak directly to Alexa. It also allows you to connect to your phone to listen to ­music and for phone calls. In addition, Sena’s Mesh Intercom allows riders to communicate hands-free with any other Mesh user (R2 EVO, R1 EVO, M1 EVO) within a half-mile range. Expect the battery to last eight to 12 hours. These electronics have a two year war­ranty.

The Sena R2X will also work with Google Assistant and Siri just like any other headset connected to your phone via Bluetooth. The Sena R2X has an aerodynamic design with 12 intake vents for cooling/airflow and three exhaust vents. The inside is well padded and the chinstrap has a pad that velcros over. A dial at the back of the helmet adjusts tightness and fit.

Speaking of the back of the helmet, this helmet also has an integrated rear light with three brightness settings.

For more on the Sena R2X, visit www.sena.com/product/r2x

Thousand Chapter

Thousand is a brand know

n for its ­stylish and safety-focused bike helmets, and MIPS. Thousand started in 2015 when they launched a Kickstarter campaign and have been shipping helmets ever since. The name came from a goal of helping to save 1,000 lives by making helmets people actually want to wear.

Chapter MIPS Helmet retails for $145 and, in our opinion, is worth the money. It includes a 30 lumen taillight that magnetically attaches to the helmet or multi-use adapter, premium visors to reduce glare and increase your field of vision, and one of the most unique features, a secret poplock.

The poplock has access to a hidden channel behind the logo mark. Simply thread your U-lock or chain lock through. If your helmet is ever stolen while locked to your bike, Thousand will replace it for free. Also, if you are involved in an accident and your helmet is damaged, Thousand will replace the helmet for free. In addition to added security, it has eight vents which we felt kept a cool and comfortable ride.

As commuter helmets go, the Chapter model checks all the boxes especially when it comes to safety. The light runtime is about what a standard commute would take. According to the company the taillight has a one-hour runtime on solid and two hours on flashing.

For more information, visit www.explore thousand.com/products/mips-helmet. Thou­sand offers a one-year limited warranty and accident replacement.

Lazer Urbanize MIPS

Lazer is a well-known brand that produces helmets for various activities, including cycling. One of the most stylish helmets we reviewed was the Lazer Urbanize MIPS helmet which retails for $169.99. It is an E-Bike rated helmet with eye-shielding panoramic lens.

The removable clear panoramic lens protects from debris on the road as well as wind chill. The lens attached using integrated magnets on the lens and the helmet itself, making it easy to remove or place in a flipped stowed position.

Additionally, a rechargeable LED taillight on the rear provides nighttime safety. Lazer has also made the rear taillight removable al­lowing the large vent hole where it mounts to be used to slide a lock through to secure the helmet. These features combined with the included winter kit that protects your ears from the cold, make the Urbanize a compelling helmet for commuters or E-Bike riders.

Lazer has also incorporated a MIPS ­liner inside the helmet which can reduce the chance of injury for certain impacts. The MIPS liner in the Urbanize is nearly a single uncut piece that wraps around the interior of the helmet.

The Urbanize includes a winter kit. With this kit you receive two ear covers and a foam vent blocker. Combined with the lens, the winter kit keeps you protected from cold wind chill while riding without the need for a beanie or additional headwear. For more information, visit www.lazersport.us/products/urbanizemips.