Bikepacking bag maker Restrap debuts a new versatile Travel pack range with two size adjustable Rolltop Backpacks and a great little Utility Hip Pack that transitions nearly seamlessly from your waist to your handlebar. I’ve just got the hip pack and larger 22L backpack in, and have already put them to use on & off the bike. Take a closer look…

Restrap Travel Packs, a waterproof hip bag & two backpacks

Restrap adding a new Travel Range is their way of blurring the lines between what you carry on or off the bike, adapting lessons learned making bikepacking bags for use while not necessarily cycling. Both the new hip pack and backpacks are meant to be used off-the-bike, but Restrap certainly tweaked them for use while cycling, too.

Restrap Utility Hip Pack – 6L

Let’s start with the hip bag.

Depending on when you look at it, the new 6L Utility Hip Pack could be confused for a pretty common fanny pack or a mini roll-top handlebar bag. It’s the way it transitions back and forth so smoothly that makes it unique. Sure, I’ve seen ‘hacks’ of people strapping their hip bag to the bar. And I’ve seen bar bags attached to a regular belt to carry them off-the-bike. But this solution is so much cleaner and more satisfying.

The secret is that the rear mesh back pad that sits against your waist is actually hinged from the top and secured in place with a big velcro patch.

In bar bag mode, the proper padded waist belt gets folded securely out of the way. Then, you just tighten the two Restrap Fast Straps around your bar, and loop the bungee cord around your stem to keep it from bouncing.

In hip pack mode, the waist belt comes out, the little bungee gets tucked under the velcro, and away you go.

Tech details, Pricing

Material-wise, Restrap makes the hip pack from a heavy-duty durable TPU fabric, with taped seams for a fully waterproof construction, and bright orange lining. It gets a full-width top opening roll-top, with a plastic structure around the opening to help close it, and a magnetic Fidlock buckle closure. And reflective stitching in the straps boosts low-light visibility.

The boxy bag is 24x18x12cm overall for 6L of storage including the two outer mesh side pockets. Restrap claims a weight of just 361g, but my sample bag weighed a bit more at 403g including the two 17cm orange Fast Straps to secure it around the handlebar.

The new Restrap Utility Hip Pack is available today direct from Restrap for $143 / £95 / 114€ in either this white or an all-black version.

Restrap Rolltop Backpacks – 22L & 40L

Restrap calls these the “ultimate backpack for use both on and off the bike”, designed for bike commuter use or just any time you want to carry goodies on your back.

Available in two sizes, the Rolltop Backpacks are built to be waterproof, comfortable cycling or walking, and tough enough to stand up to everyday use & abuse. Then, external compression straps on each side let you cinch the backpacks down so they don’t flop around even when they aren’t stuffed full of gear.

The two sizes each include an internal padded 15″ laptop sleeve and an internal mesh side organizer pocket with a key lanyard, both with external zip access and Restrap’s small “safety retention loop to protect against theft”. The larger 40L pack also adds an extra internal side pocket and another outer side pocket for further organization.

Tech details, Pricing

Materials are essentially the same as the hip pack. Restrap makes the backpacks from the same heavy-duty TPU fabric, and tapes the seams for fully waterproof construction. Everything inside is lined with slippery orange nylon that makes it easy to find items inside and slip things in & out. The backpacks get full-width roll-top openings, closer with an adjustable strap & magnetic Fidlock buckle.

They also feature a fully padded flat airmesh back panel and shoulder straps, plus a removable waist belt, and 3-position adjustable sternum straps to provide stability. Then, there are also various extra D-rings and Molle system daisy chain attachments to mount other accessories, too. Again, some limited reflective stitching in some of the straps and the small paracord zipper plus improve night visibility.

The smaller max 22L bag is 45cm tall when closed, 26cm wide & 15cm deep, with a claimed weight of 770g. The larger max 40L bag is 50cm tall when closed, 30cm wide & 22cm deep, with a claimed weight of 980g. But, our sample 40L bag was again quite a bit heavier than anticipated at 1130g.

The new Restrap Travel range Rolltop Backpacks are available today from direct for $278 / £185 / 222€ for the smaller 22L or for $315 / £210 / 250€ for the larger 40L variant. Both come in either this white or an all-black version.

First Looks

Thinking about it I have to say, I’m a bit surprised that Restrap hadn’t really gotten into ‘on-body’ bags yet, after testing out a number of their ‘on-bike’ backpacking bags. I’ve been impressed with almost every Restrap bag I’ve tried. Generally, a bit on the heavier side – prioritizing craftsmanship & durability over ultra-lightweight or flimsy fasteners – they’ve all held up well to my sometimes rough abuse. And while they aren’t cheap, Restrap’s prices are competitive, and the bags are actually all handmade in the UK at a time when most gear is still made anonymously somewhere on the other side of the planet.

These bags seem to hit on all of that, in all the best ways. Sure, they aren’t cheap, but they feel really well-made and durable.

I get the sense that this backpack is going to become my new favorite for my regular travels. It has plenty of good pockets to keep me a bit organized, without going overkill. And the external access for both the laptop sleeve and the mesh internal side pocket feels great. Plus, it compresses down so neatly that I feel like it can go from carrying just 10 or 20L on a regular basis, then balloon up to the full 40L when needed. And it looks good both compressed and fully maxed out.

It even stays put and feels good on the bike.

As for the Utility Hip Pack, well that’s a more complicated story. But still a very good one.

I had lower expectations of this bag and a bit of skepticism to be honest. You know – a jack of all trades, master of none – kinda thing. But it has proven me wrong, ending up as versatile and functional in both on-bike and on-body modes. Anyone remember the expanded ‘original‘ version of that figure of speech? I’ve only really started to use the Utility Hip Pack and to test what I can carry comfortably and securely.

But already it warrants a more detailed review. I think I like it a lot, and will certainly keep playing with it.

Restrap Travel – Availability & a bonus

In the meantime, all three new Restrap Travel packs are available now directly from Restrap and their partner retailers.

Restrap also has one extra bonus gadget hidden in with this release – a new $11/ £6 / 9€ Light Mount. It’s really just a small plastic cylinder that can bolt onto any unused frame or fork rack, fender, or cage braze-on to give you somewhere else to attach any accessory meant to strap around a handlebar of seatpost.

Since Restrap specializes in making bikepacking bags, they know that when you strap bags on your bike oftentimes you lose good spots to mount forward- or rear-facing lights. So this little 15g plastic doodad creates a mounting spot you can add away from any bags in the way. It also includes teeth that will fit the plastic Shimano crank axle/BB pre-loader in case you ever need to tighten or remove a crankset on the go.

Restrap.co.uk

The post Restrap Utility Hip Pack & Rolltop Backpack, Versatile Travel Packs: First Look appeared first on Bikerumor.

The right pair of sunglasses can reduce eye strain in bright sunshine or rapidly changing light conditions. Even more important though, they can keep your eyes protected from the sun and trail debris.

I got a pair of Adidas SP0057 sunglasses with a rose photochromic lens and was pleased with their versatility and protection. Aside from a small issue with the arms being a bit wide for me, I was happy with the photochromic lens’ versatility, the lens’ coverage, and the secure fit the SP0057 provided.  

Adidas SP0057 Sunglasses – Construction:

The SP0057s come with several lens options, but my test pair was equipped with the rose photochromic lens, with a transmission range of 1-3. Adidas describes this range offering ‘limited protection’ to ‘high protection’ against sun glare.

A lightweight, flexible TR90 wrap frame offers a full-rim fit around the Adidas Shield lens. To prevent condensation, the frames feature ‘Dynamic Aeration Technology’, which is one hell of a way to say Adidas put nine vent holes across the top to keep condensation from building up.

The SP0057’s adjustable rubber nose pads provide a custom fit, and they’re designed not to leave marks on your nose even after several hours of use. The little stripes on the inside help channel sweat away, and there’s a small ventilation hole in each nose pad too.

The arms on the SP0057 include flexible temples with rubber insides for comfort and grip. Adidas’ Security Block arm hinges hold the arms in either open or closed positions. This ensures the temples don’t contact the lenses when the sunglasses are folded up, and Adidas says the hinge is much more durable than other designs.

The SP0057s are considered a unisex model, and they come in one size – Arm length is 140mm, and lens width is 131mm. Adidas offers the SP0057s with a wide selection of frame colors and lens combinations, so check out their website for all the options. MSRP is $175, and they are covered by a two-year warranty.

The SP0057s are listed at 32g, but weighed 31g on my scale! It’s not the 22g weight of the POC Elicit Ti 3D printed glasses, but they’re not $400 either.

Ride Impressions:

Out of the box, the SP0057s sat crooked, but the adjustable nose pads allowed them to sit straight. After a few minutes of fiddling, they aligned nicely and the nose pads stayed in place after my initial adjustment.

The SP0057’s frames are quite large but not invisible – I can easily see all sides of the frames if I try. But they’re big enough to offer a good field-of-view and not be distracting while you ride. 

I tested the fit of the SP0057s with four different open-faced helmets, and they fit well with two out of four. My ABUS MoDrop and Oakley DRT5 both easily accommodated the SP0057s. They almost fit my POC Kortal Race MIPS, but the arms are wide enough to slightly contact the helmet near my temples. I did not have success with my Endura MT500, as its shell sits very low on my head and leaves no room for the sunglasses’ arms. It’s worth noting the MT500 is the deepest fitting shell I have, as my head is on the small end of their size medium range.

The SP0057’s have a generous hook on the end of the arms. Depending on how your helmet fits you may have to put them on starting with the hook first.

The Lens

At first, I didn’t think I was seeing much action from the rose photochromic lens. While Adidas advertises their light range as 1-3, which is the same as a pair of Julbo sunglasses I was also testing, the SP0057 definitely did not provide as wide a transmission range as the Julbos. At this point I thought the SP0057’s would not be ideal for bright sunny days…

However, I soon got a perfect day to test them out, with conditions varying from cloudy to sunny. When I got home I was much happier with them than expected. They provide just enough shade that your eyes can relax in sunny conditions. When the clouds come in (or you duck into the deep woods) they keep things bright enough for unimpeded vision. The rose photochromic lens is a versatile option, as it can handle direct sun but is ideal for low-light.

Sunglasses for Whistler

On that note, I finally got to test the SP0057’s in dim, rainy conditions during Crankworx Whistler. The lens was a good choice for that ride, keeping things looking clear and bright in the deep forest.

It was a warm, humid day and lightly raining through half of the Crankworx ride. The SP0057s did get foggy whenever I stopped moving. But as soon as I got rolling they cleared up quickly.

The size and shape of the Shield lens provides a protective feel, keeping wind and mud splatters off my eyes. I think Adidas found a good shape that provides generous coverage without being excessively large.

The Fit

I did have one comfort issue with the SP0057s, but thankfully, not a serious one. The width of the arms is a bit excessive for my narrow head. As a result, I found the arms were pushing my ears outwards just a bit. On one fairly short ride, I came home with sore spots on my ears, but it wasn’t a consistent issue. I went for a longer ride another day and experienced no soreness or irritation at all. The bottom line is the issue is minor enough that I’ll still take these for a ride anytime.

Anyone with a wider head than me would not likely have this issue, but if you’ve got a narrow noggin it’s something to consider. Adidas lists the width of the SP0057s at 131mm, but that’s the lens: At the widest point (near the ears), the arms measure roughly 150mm in width.  

Aside from the somewhat wide arms, I have no real complaints about the SP0057’s. They are nice and lightweight, and they don’t move around at all while I ride. The rubber nose piece and temples do a great job of not slipping, even when you get sweaty. Last but not least I like the styling, which is simple and not too extreme for casual, everyday use.

adidaseyewear.com

The post Adidas SP0057 Sunglasses Review: Versatile, Protective Eye Coverage appeared first on Bikerumor.

Feedback has upgraded precision bike setup and repairs with a new all-metal Range Click torque wrench that’s both easy-to-use and more precise across a wider torque range. But while the Range Click is compact, it still is a workshop-level tool that you aren’t likely to carry on the bike. For that, there’s a new Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet kit that can go anywhere you go, for more confident trailside repairs and adjustments…

Feedback Sports new Range Click torque wrench

The new workshop-quality Feedback Sports Range Click torque wrench replaces the older The Range design with a more solid tool and a greater torque setting range. Gone are the fiddly plastic bits at the end, now replaced with a full steel and aluminum construction. Simply twist the handle to dial in the desired torque setting – between 2-14Nm – and lever on the ratcheting body until it clicks.

Feedback includes two separate windows on either side of the wrench to make it easier to see your setting – odd numbers on one side, even numbers on the other. Just dial the tension of the click spring (back to 0Nm) after each use to maintain accuracy over the life of the tool. Accuracy is said to be improved over the old Range tool, now quoted at +/- 4% for 4000 cycles. The Range Click features a magnetic tool holder, a 72-tooth ratchet head for working in tight spaces, and measures torque in either direction for standard & reverse threaded bolts.

Pricing is 20% higher than the outgoing Range (actually discounted more if you pick up some of The Range’s remaining stock before they are gone) at $120 / 135€ for the new Feedback Sports Range Click kit. With that, you get a roll-up TPU carrying case and 13 precision S2 tool steel bits to cover pretty much all regular bike work: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8mm standard short hexes (25mm long); T10, T25 & T30 short torx bits; plus 50mm long 4mm, 5mm & T25 5 extension bits – all totaling a claimed 263g for the kit, rolled up to 6.5″ long x 2.5″ wide x 1″ thick.

Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet kit for portable repairs

If you are looking for something a bit cheaper, simpler, and more compact for mid-ride repairs, check out the new Feedback Sports Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet kit. Officially the first “everyday carry” on-ride tool from Feedback Sports, and thus earning a new Reflex family name (what more everyday carry Reflex tools might Feedback make next?), this new tool is a mini modular ratchet wrench or T-wrench depending on how much leverage you need, and works with standard 1/4″ tool bits.

The 4″ (10cm) long Reflex wrench has a 60-point-of-engagement dual-direction ratchet head and weighs 208g for the complete kit, measuring 3.75″ x 3″ x 1″ when zipped closed.

For $70 / 85€ the compact Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet kit comes with a small zippered TPU clamshell carrying case with room to add some small extras, and includes 10 S2 steel bits: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 & 6mm hexes; T10, T25 & T30 torx bits & a small 3mm flat screwdriver. What gives it the Torque name is a small click-style 5Nm preset torque key extension that can be used with any of the normal bits, or added onto the end of the tool for extra leverage.

Feedback Sports new torque tools – First Impressions

Both the new Range Click Torque Wrench and Reflex Fixed Torque Ratchet have a solid well-built feeling in-hand, and both feel heavy for what they are. The Range Click definitely is a shop-level tool, but it packs up nicely enough that it is a great addition for a small toolbox you might carry when you want to travel with a proper set of tools – whether for a longer cycling trip or to the races.

Able to fit in a jersey pocket or dropped into a hip bag or small backpack, the Reflex Ratchet kit is certainly more portable. Still, it is undeniably heavy for the tools it offers – for comparison a basic PRO 9 multi-tool I use with effectively the same bits weighs just 81g, and my trusty old crankbrothers M17 tool with a chain breaker is still less at just 174g.

But for someone not needing a built-in chain tool or integrated puncture repair, it could serve as an on-bike multi-tool if you have hard-to-reach bolts or want the security of making torque-correct adjustments to lightweight carbon cockpit components. That solid heft gives me the sense that this tool will last me a long time – a welcome feeling compared to some super tiny bike repair mini ratchets – and it really is nice to use. It’s just probably not for weight weenies.

FeedbackSports.com

The post Feedback Range Click Torque Wrench Makes Bike Fixing Precise, Reflex Makes It Portable! appeared first on Bikerumor.

The Liv Rail MIPS helmet is, without a shadow of a doubt, the brand’s most premium off-road helmet to date, featuring the lightweight MIPS Air Node liner to help protect against rotation-induced concussions, with a three-part in-mould construction home to a dual-density EPS. Independent helmet safety testers, Virginia Tech, gave it a 5-Star rating, with a score of 11.08 (the lower the better). That puts it in 41st position, just shy of the 11.01 score awarded to the more expensive Troy Lee A3 MIPS.

At $189.99 USD, the Rail is a rightfully feature-packed, lightweight mountain bike helmet, with a full wrap of the EPS giving it a high-end aesthetic. It gets a quality height-adjustable cradle, a magnetic Fidlock buckle securing the highly-adjustable chin strap, and a vent-free top surface for the positioning of an action camera. On that latter point, riders should be aware that a lot of event organizers have banned the securing of action cameras to the helmet body, only allowing them to be placed on the peak.

There are no fewer than twenty ventilation ports. The flexible peak has three-positions, the top-most of which allows for the stowage of googles when not in use.

Liv Rail MIPS MTB Helmet | Review

The Liv Rail MIPS covers head circumferences from 51cm to 59cm with just two sizes; Small for 51-55cm and Medium for 55-59cm. With a head circumference of around 54cm, I was given the Small to test. It weighs in at 335 grams, just shy of the 350 gram claimed weight.

My first impression? I really like the look of this helmet. It has a quality, two-tone finish, glossed up on top with a matte trim. It’s classy, in my opinion.

The rear cradle offers four-position height adjustment to suit a variety of head shapes. The helmet is ponytail compatible if I run the cradle in its lowest position, but at least on my head that does pull the top of the helmet down firmly, creating a pressure point on the front of my skull, just aft of my hairline.

That’s not super comfortable for me, so I prefer to run the cradle in a higher position, forgoing the ability to pop my ponytail through the gap it creates. This makes for a much more comfortable fit, to the point where that pressure point is essentially eliminated.

The retention system can also be tightened at the rear of course, via an easy-to-use dial. It doesn’t cinch the plastic cradle down evenly through 360° as is the case with some other high-end helmets; it tightens from the rear, pulling the cradle forwards, with the front half of the cradle remaining fixed to the EPS. It certainly does the job, however.

In general, the helmet has a slightly wider fit than others I have tested recently; certainly wider than the ABUS Cliffhanger, with a broader shape that is more similar that offered across the range from MET helmets. Indeed, Liv say the Rail was created with use of a new, rounder head form to give an increased fit range.

For me at least, there is a little side-to-side wiggle room, but not so much to concern me. For those who often struggle to find a good fit as a result of having quite a broad temple region, it could be worth giving the Liv Rail a try. Of course, it is always best to try before you buy.

The Liv Rail provides reasonably deep coverage at the rear, but not quite as deep as that delivered by the Troy Lee A3 MIPS.

The Rail’s chin strap is very long, meaning it will adapt nicely to a wide range of wearers. For me, there was a lot of excess strap, but I was able to tuck it securely underneath the small rubber tab on the right side, where it was no trouble at all. It’s great to see the strap can be adjusted at the cam divider so that riders can dial in the perfect fit. It’s so important to get the correct ratio of strap length fore and aft of the ear in order to prevent the helmet being pushed away from your head during a crash. Of course, if you were to roll any distance while crashing hard, there’s a good chance you’ll hit your head more than once.

The MIPS Air Node liner is interesting, in that it is integrated into the comfort liner. It is one of MIPS’ lighter weight offerings, but still delivers 10-15mm of dissociation between the helmet’s main body and the liner that remains in close association with the wearer’s skull. This small amount of free movement is what allows the MIPS liner to reduce the forces involved in impacts where the rider’s head is forced to rotate violently.

The pads contacting the skull/hair are backed with a low-friction plastic liner that sees low-profile pockets of air distributed across its surface. The liner connects to the helmet’s main plastic liner via “nodes”, which are essentially velcro, indicated on the comfort liner by the raised circles and arrows. You can read more about MIPS Air Node, and how to care for it here.

I did manage to get some rogue strands of hair trapped in the liner. That happens with any MIPS equipped helmet I wear, and it doesn’t bother me particularly. If however, it is something that really puts you off, I’d recommend taking a look at Lazer’s range of helmets that use a liner-free technology for dealing with rotational impacts.

I’m happy to report I have not crashed while wearing this helmet, so a full report on its capacity to keep me safe cannot be provided. To conclude this review of the Liv Rail MIPS helmet, here are some Pros and Cons that any prospective purchaser should consider…

Pros

• Very secure, highly adjustable retention system
• Ponytail compatible
• Goggle compatible
• Lightweight
• Well-ventilated
• 5 Star Rating from Virginia Tech

Neutral Comments

• Wider fit for more rounded skulls that are broader in the temple region

Cons

• Nowhere to securely stow sunglasses
• There are a number of cheaper MIPS equipped helmets that have a better (safer) score from Virginia Tech – the Specialized Tactic 4 for example

Pricing & Availability

The Liv Rail MIPS off-road helmet has an SRP of $189.99 USD. Elsewhere, it is priced at $209.99 CAD // $3,390 MXN // 145 EUR in France // 149 EUR in Italy.

It is available as of today in S (51-55cm) and M (55cm-59cm), in Matte Black Diamond (below) and Matte Air Glow (tested).

liv-cycling.com

The post Liv Rail Helmet Boasts MIPS Air Node Liner for Lightweight Trail Protection | Review appeared first on Bikerumor.

Schwalbe’s new fastest road racing tire is the Pro One Aero, a front- & rear-specific pairing that is up to 22% faster in the wind tunnel than the old Pro One TT, while also boosting control, durability, and protection. Developed with different profile shaping, internal construction, and even tread thicknesses to address the different requirements of front and rear tires, the new Pro One Aero is both a faster pair of tires in the wind tunnel and out on the road…

Schwalbe Pro One Aero F&R-specific road racing tires

Schwalbe calls their new Pro One Aero the “next-generation” of competition road bike tires, thanks to front- & rear-specific aerodynamics developed together with Scott and Syncros. The front tire then focuses primarily on reduced aero drag through the clean airflow at the front of the bike and low rolling resistance. The rear prioritizes low rolling resistance, but then also improved reliability through increased puncture protection and longer wearing rubber.

By optimizing the shape of the new aero front tire on modern wide 23-25mm internal rims in the wind tunnel, Schwalbe claims to have achieved “22% less aero resistance” between the new Pro One Aero Front in comparison to the Pro One TT (measured at 45 km/h and on a 28mm wide tire). They say in fact, that the new 28mm Pro One Aero Front even has reduced aero drag when compared to the current 25mm wide Pro One TT – Schwalbe’s previous aerodynamic benchmark.

Out back, the Pro One Aero Rear sits a bit wider to better support the rider’s weight with an incremental bit of extra tire volume, and adds extra RaceGuard puncture protection & 50% thicker rubber for longer, flat-free riding.

Overall, the new Pro One Aero tire pairing does increase rolling resistance by 5% over the no-flat-protection Pro One TT, but with the added security of the anti-puncture layers inside making this more usable as an everyday race tire, not just something to pull out for the special time trial stages.

Tech details

Schwalbe’s focus on the front tire: “Best possible aerodynamics and less weight. 235g.” The 28mm front tire has reduced tread thickness – down to just 0.8mm thick rubber – in a bid to lower both weight and rolling resistance. Schwalbe claims actual widths of 27.5 to 28.5mm from the front tire.

Schwalbe’s focus on the rear tire: “Lowest rolling resistance with high puncture protection. 270g.” The 28mm rear tire bumps tread thickness up to 1.2mm for longer wearing. Yes, that still sounds incredibly thin, and we are putting in the kilometers to see how long they will really last. But it’s really the RaceGuard protection layer that is going to increase durability here. Schwalbe claims actual widths of 29.5 to 30.5mm from the rear tire.

Designed to be fit on modern wide tubeless road bike rims (23-25mm internal), the tires are TLE tubeless-ready and compatible with hookless rims. That also means they have reduced max allowable tire pressure on hookless setups of up to 5bar, which is in the realm of where you will get the most low rolling resistance benefits from road tubeless anyway. Of course, you can also still ride them on hooked rims with tubes at higher pressures too.

First Rides: Both 28mm, but actually narrower/taller up front & wider/shorter out back

We’ve been riding the new Schwalbe Pro One Aero tires both on a set of hookless disc brake Syncros Capital SL & hooked rim brake DT Swiss ARC wheels, both tubeless setups. While we’ve limited ourselves to riding actual roads, I have to admit that we’ve ended up on a touch of gravel roads in Switzerland, Czechia, and Slovakia already… and haven’t had any issues with flats or tire cuts yet.

On the new Syncros Capital SL 40mm wheels which have the same 25mm internal width front & back, at 4.5bar/65psi I measure the Pro One Aero Front at 29.4mm wide & 25.5mm tall above the top of the bead. At the same pressure, the Pro One Aero Rear measures slightly wider at 29.8mm & a bit shorter at 25.0mm.

On the 19mm internal DTs they measured 26.8mm at the rear and 27.5mm on the front.

The differences are quite small (maybe half of Schwalbe’s official claims), but do support Schwalbe’s claim that the F&R construction differences do change the overall tire profile. Interestingly, I’ve also measured up to 1mm width difference between 4 & 5 bar, suggesting that lower front tire pressures (because less weight on the front wheel) may also have an impact making the front tire profile narrower than the rear.

Schwalbe Pro One Aero – Pricing, Availability & Options

Here things get simple. No worrying about different sizes (at least for the time being). The new tubeless-ready Schwalbe Pro One Aero tires come in just one 28mm size that Schwalbe seems to think is the perfect balance of speed, grip & control. Don’t forget, they are actually a bit different width front to back, anyway. The dark gray sidewall front- and rear-specific Pro One Aeros sell for 80€ each, and will be available in shops from this coming October.

We’ve already been putting in hundreds of kilometers on a couple sets this summer and are pleased with how fast they roll, and maybe more importantly – their improved durability!

Schwalbe.com

Schwalbe.com

The post Schwalbe Pro One Aero Shapes Front- & Rear-Specific Road Bike Tires for 20% More Speed appeared first on Bikerumor.

While we mountain bikers are a tough bunch, comfort is always of key importance when you’re out on the trails. This spring I received Endura’s MT500 MIPS helmet, Singletrack Lite shorts, and Singletrack Core Tee II to test, and after a few months with these pieces, I’m still quite happy to toss any of them on for a ride.

I did have some small issues with the helmet’s fit (but nothing preventing me from wearing it), and found minor gripes with the shorts and jersey, but I would still say all three pieces are solid choices for MTB riders.

Endura MT500 MIPS Helmet:

For complete details on the MT500 MIPS check out my launch article from this spring, but here are some key specs: Its in-molded shell is built around lightweight and highly ventilated Koroyd protection. A MIPS liner pairs up with Endura’s dial-operated retention system, and the adjustable visor offers three positions.

Overall I find the MT500 MIPS pretty comfortable. The shape of the shell fits the top of my skull nicely, and the interior padding keeps anything rigid from touching my head. For this updated model Endura increased head coverage from the previous MT500 helmet, and on my shallow head it just clears my ears, sits low on my forehead, and covers the back of my skull entirely.

The Koroyd core provides excellent ventilation – and not just from the front, but from any angle. Even at low speeds air flows through the shell and the Koroyd easily, so the MT500 is good to go for hot summer rides. 

The MT500’s retention system offers four height positions, and since the shell fits quite deep on me I’ve kept mine in the second-highest setting. In this position, the rear dial sits low enough to provide a secure fit. The straps’ Y-shaped adjusters are easy to set up, and I am perfectly happy with the traditional chin buckle.

The MT500 MIPS is not the lightest open-faced helmet out there at 416g, but it’s not heavy enough to provoke any soreness in my neck. I’m all for lighter helmets but frankly, the MT500 MIPS fits me well enough to carry its weight comfortably. 

In my launch article, I mentioned how the helmet fit a bit large on me, due to my 56cm head lining up with the smaller end of the size medium’s 55-59cm range. After riding it, I’m pleased to say the retention system does keep the shell feeling more secure than I expected. Front-to-back the MT500 fits me OK, but there is more width in the shell than my narrow head needs. However, once I hit the trails with it I forgot all about the width; with the retention system clinched in, I didn’t notice the shell flopping side-to-side at all.

Because the MT500 MIPS’ shell fits so deep on me, compatibility with eyewear is a problem. I have several pairs of sunglasses on hand and none of them work with this helmet, as there’s not enough space on my forehead. I tried my smallest pair of goggles with the MT500 and they pushed the helmet upwards by more than an inch, so there’s no way I could ride this lid with goggles.

As mentioned in my launch article, the MT500’s visor only provides shade in its lowest of three positions. In that setting it’s already barely visible, so I never moved it upwards. The upper positions are likely there to carry goggles, but I never tested this because the deep shell couldn’t accommodate a pair on my shallow head anyways. The MT500 MIPS retails for $239.99, and sizes S/M, M/L, and L/XL are available. Color options are White, Olive Green, Black, Concrete Grey, and Blueberry.

Singletrack Lite Shorts:

The Singletrack Lite shorts are made from a blended Nylon/Elastane fabric that’s light, breathable, and durable. The fabric offers four-way stretch and is coated with a PFC-free water-repelling finish. Vent holes down the insides and outsides of the legs provide some airflow.

These shorts feature a zip fly with a two-button closure and fairly slim and small Velcro waist adjusters. The large Endura logo and stripes inside the waistline act as a gripper to ensure a solid fit. The Singletrack Lite shorts are Clickfast compatible with Endura’s chamois, so you can snap the two layers together to keep them lined up comfortably.

With a waist that’s a tad under a 32, I’m wearing size small shorts and they fit great. The waist and hip area are slim but not snug, and I’ve only had to cinch in the Velcro waist adjusters by a bit. That leaves hardly any bunching at the back of the waist, which goes totally unnoticed while riding. It seems the waist gripper is doing its job as the shorts stay in place very well. The cut of the shorts allows for full mobility, to the point that the fabric’s stretch rarely needs to come into play.

For this short Endura offers options for shorter or longer leg lengths, and I chose the longer option. The longer leg is generous but not overkill. At 5’10” the longer shorts just cover my knees, and the legs are not baggy but loose enough to hang freely over kneepads.

The Singletrack Lite shorts offer two zippered leg pockets and one zippered rear pocket, which I like – why worry about losing things while you ride? The front pockets don’t feel very deep, but they’re big enough to fit my smartphone. My only issue with the pockets is that they are pretty square in shape, so after some riding my phone winds up shifting around and sits diagonally or horizontally across my thigh instead of staying vertical. This doesn’t limit mobility or get uncomfortable, but perhaps a deeper, narrower pocket would keep a phone lined up with your leg better. I keep a decent-sized keychain in the other pocket and it’s never felt uncomfortable during rides, and for one ride I tossed my wallet in the rear pocket and totally forgot it was there! The pocket kept my wallet completely off my saddle.

In terms of coolness, the Singletrack Lite shorts are pretty average. Aside from the laser-cut vent holes and breathable fabric, there’s no mesh paneling, zip vents, or anything else to make these an ultra-cool option. I wouldn’t hesitate to ride these shorts on any summer ride, but I have cooler pairs in my closet. 

I haven’t had any spills in the Singletrack Lite shorts, but I have put a decent amount of mileage on them. There is definitely no damage or excess wear to report on my shorts.

The Singletrack Lite shorts sell for $119.99, in men’s sizes S-XXXL and women’s sizes XXS-XL. Endura offers five color options for women and nine colors for men.

Singletrack Core Tee II:

Keeping things light, the Singletrack Core Tee II is just a simple and thin T-shirt style top – No pockets, no goggle wipe, no zippers, just enough to keep you covered up. The thin grid-style body fabric allows for plenty of airflow and manages moisture well, so this jersey is a good choice for hot weather rides. The 80% recycled polyester fabric offers a slippy feel, and there are no nasty seams or anything else causing comfort issues.  I’m a fan of rounded collars and happy to have one on this jersey.

At a slim 5’10”, I’m wearing a size small tee. The jersey fits me well in the chest and shoulders. The body is just long enough to keep me fully covered in riding position; I’d take another inch or two in length but it is OK as is. I like the arm length, which nearly reaches my elbows providing good coverage and sun protection.

The Singletrack Core Tee II passes the base layer test, as it’s not too baggy in the body or sleeves to comfortably wear under other layers. It worked perfectly well under my snug-fitting Dainese AWA wind jacket.

Every jersey I review gets the pack test too, and unfortunately, the Singletrack Core Tee II isn’t proving to be particularly durable.  After just three rides with my camera pack, I noticed wear and tear on the fabric at my hips where the waist strap sits, plus some slight wear on the lower back. Endura did leave seams running across the jersey’s shoulders, but they’re small and don’t get uncomfortable under shoulder straps.

MSRP for the Singletrack Core Tee II is $54.99. Men’s sizes range from S-XXL, and they come in Aubergine (as tested), Black, Blueberry or Tangerine colors.

endurasport.com

The post Summer shredding with Endura MT500 MIPS helmet, Singletrack Core Tee II & Lite Shorts appeared first on Bikerumor.

Last year, Lazer introduced an all-new rotational impact protection technology for their range of on- and off-road helmets. The KinetiCore concept actually removes energy-absorbing EPS foam in strategic locations throughout the helmet body in order to create variable size and shape blocks. The result? The creation of “controlled crumple zones”, conceptually similar to the crumple zones seen on vehicles.

KinetiCore debuted on the Lazer Jackal KinetiCore half-shell mountain bike helmet, but has since been rolled out to the Coyote Trail Helmet, the Tonic Road Helmet and more. We tested the Jackal, and were seriously impressed with how airy the helmet felt thanks to the unusual layout of the EPS.

Most recently, the KinetiCore technology has found another home on an ASTM approved full face helmet; the Lazer Cage KinetiCore, reviewed here. Though it is certified for downhill, this one comes in under the 1 kg mark at 901 grams in a size small and is arguably more suited to trail and enduro riding.

A comparatively low weight, along with the presence of 12 vents on the main body and 7 vents on the chin guard, make the Lazer Cage KinetiCore an attractive option to those who want downhill levels of protection on the days where no shuttle is available, or wanted, even.

Another major selling point of the Lazer Cage KinetiCore is its 5 Star rating from independent helmet testers, Virginia Tech. It is currently only one of two full face helmets to have a published rating from Virginia Tech (brands are not obliged to have the results published); the other is the recently announced Bluegrass Vanguard Core. Without further ado, here are our impressions of the Lazer Cage KinetiCore full face helmet.

Review: Lazer Cage KinetiCore Full Face Helmet

Straight up: the Lazer Cage KinetiCore is a favorite of mine. It strikes an excellent balance of weight, ventilation and comfort. The more detailed review follows…

I have a head circumference of around 54cm, and was initially provided with the Small option recommended for head circumferences of 54-56 cm. My first impressions were very good. Instantly, I felt this was a very comfortable helmet, offering no particular pressure points about my skull. Rather, I feel that pressure from the helmet’s internal shape is evenly applied across my head.

The helmet does not have the retention system that some modern full face helmets offer, like the Specialized Gambit and Abus Airdrop. The chin strap relies only upon a magnetic closure from Fidlock, a lightweight alternative to the D-Loop closure that is commonly in use on motorcycle helmets. And, I like it. It’s a simple, effective design that makes putting on and taking off the helmet a more straight-forward affair, and I don’t feel it compromises on safety in any way.

Shaking my head vigorously, I will say it does feel like the helmet is ever so slightly on the roomy side, which is not altogether surprising given that my head is on the smaller end of the suggested range for this size. For this reason, I did ask Lazer to send me the XS (52-54cm) to try for good measure.

The XS and S helmets actually have the very same shell size, with a narrower fit provided only by some extra chunky cheek pads on the XS. Indeed, they were too chunky for me, squashing the back of my cheeks rather uncomfortably. Thus, I determined the Small gave the better fit of the two.

The cheek pads on the Cage KinetiCore are biased forward toward the chin guard. They don’t interfere with my ears at all, so I can hold a conversation with friends on social rides without struggling to hear what they’re saying. The cheek pads are removable though, so there’s always the option to stow them up under your goggles on long, hot climbs, something we see the professional enduro riders doing frequently. Obviously, it’s imperative that you remember to pop them back in before dropping into the trail.

A reasonable amount of force is required to remove the pads from the inside of the chin guard*. Popping them back in is a simple affair. The pads remain firmly attached to the chin guard when repeatedly putting the helmet on and taking it off, which is sadly not the case for the ultra lightweight Specialized Gambit.

The Lazer Cage KinetiCore worked nicely with my preferred Smith Squad goggles. At the interface between the top of the goggles and the forehead region of the helmet, there are two very subtle indentations in the EPS. Manufacturers often contour the EPS more aggressively here to increase ventilation at this region where sweat tends to build up. I can’t say I suffered for that, though, likely because the weather has been favorable and the Smith Squad goggles offer huge ventilation holes around the rim of the lens.

Elsewhere, the helmet performs extremely well on the ventilation front. What looks to be two separate vets is actually a massive single vent underneath the peak. It funnels airflow into the maze created by plethora EPS structures throughout the body of the helmet. With so much hair on my head, I am limited in my capacity to appreciate this feature, but folks with less hair (or none) will seriously benefit from the KinetiCore’s next-level airy design.

There are four more intake vents on the Cage KinetiCore, all of which funnel air into the internal maze of EPS in a similar fashion. At the back of the helmet are no fewer than seven exhaust vents that help the moisture-saturated air escape.

The chin guard has huge ventilation holes down the side, but these are limited in their ability to generate meaningful airflow due to the placement of the cheek pads. Regardless, I have experienced many a pleasant hill climb in warm, summer conditions while wearing the Lazer Cage KinetiCore, and I rate its comfort and ventilation highly therefore.

The Lazer Cage KinetiCore has a fixed peak so you cannot store goggles underneath it. The design focus here was to ensure the peak would break away from the helmet body easily upon impact, so as to prevent it transferring any more rotational forces to the wearer’s neck in a crash scenario. In a video that can be viewed on the product page, Lazer show how the fixed visor is a safer option over an adjustable visor with bolts.

*Lazer Cage KinetiCore Rolling Updates

Since the initial launch of the Cage KinetiCore just under a year ago, Lazer has updated a couple of the features to improve it overall. Helmets available on the market from July of this year will have a peak that is 5mm shorter, a change implemented to improve the field of view. Also, the little plastic mushrooms on the current cheek pads will be replaced by thicker flat pins that are said to improve ease of cheek pad removal and re-attachment.

What about the KinetiCore?

Thankfully, I haven’t been given the opportunity to test this helmet in the true sense, so I can’t comment on ability of the KinetiCore layout of EPS to absorb impact. For that, we must turn to the helmet’s safety certifications. Indeed, this lightweight full face helmet is ASTM approved with the following certifications: ASTM 1952 for DH, as well as NTA 8776, which is the Dutch helmet certification for speed bikes and e-bikes with a maximum speed of 40 km/h.

Interestingly, when I flex the helmet by applying force with my hands placed either side on the shell, the polycarbonate shell looks to move away from the EPS liner, indicating that the two are not in fact bonded to one another entirely.

We asked Peter Duynslaeger, Lazer’s Commercial Director, about this. He says, “Yes that is definitely intentional. Part of the reason why this helmet is currently the only¹ full face helmet on Virginia Tech helmet rating listed with 5 stars is because of KinetiCore. Not only on the inside of the EPS where you see the EPS crumple zones, but the outside of the EPS consists of cylindrical cones and only these cones are connected to the outer shell. This allows – in an impact – for movement between the outer shell and the EPS liner (where it’s not connected to the outer shell) and contributes in battling rotational forces”.

¹Editor’s Note: The Bluegrass Vanguard Core also has a 5 Star Rating from Virginia Tech.

Lazer Cage KinetiCore | Final Thoughts

The Lazer Cage KinetiCore is a really comfortable full face helmet that is the cream of the crop for ventilation. It is light enough for enduro racing; read – two back-to-back 6 hour days in the saddle, but not too light to the point where you feel vulnerable in it. I feel it toes the line well, and will satisfy a large proportion of riders out there – as ever, presuming they can get a good fit.

On balance, we think the £250 retail price for the Lazer Cage KinetiCore is fair. Without completing a comprehensive cost analysis, here are some reasons we’ve come to that conclusion.

It is a good £100 more expensive than the 602g Specialized Gambit, but in my opinion is by far the better quality helmet. For me, helmet weight shouldn’t be a race to the bottom.

Furthermore, the Lazer helmet is £10 cheaper than the, admittedly lighter, Abus Airdrop; while that helmet also strikes a good balance between weight and ventilation, it doesn’t beat the Lazer Cage Kineticore on comfort.

Other helmets that will set you back £249.99 (or around about that) include the Smith Mainline and the Giro Insurgent. While the former adds appeal with both Koroyd and MIPS protection, it does have an adjustable visor with pins that are, sadly, liable to falling out. The Giro offering is much heavier, and less well ventilated than the Lazer Cage KinetiCore.

Pricing & Availability

The Lazer Cage KinetiCore retails at £249.99 and is available now at retailers worldwide in XS (52-54cm), Small (54-56cm), Medium (56-58cm), Large (58-60cm) and XL (60-62cm). In addition to the White/Orange option pictured throughout, there is a Matte Black and a Matte Cobalt option (that isn’t Cobalt colored at all).

lazersport.com

The post Lazer Cage KinetiCore Full Face Helmet Strikes Good Balance | Review appeared first on Bikerumor.

I have a confession… I love me some Ronnie Romance (aka Turbo Romance, Ultra Romance, Papi, or Ultranicus). His ability to not take himself or cycling too seriously is refreshing to me. I like his whole deal, from his bike’s aesthetics to his actual philosophy on riding and cycling culture. His ability to take all of it and apply it to the unique products he’s been having made and selling through Ron’s Bikes and Ultradynamico has been fun to watch as it grows.

A while ago I wrote a piece on Ron’s new cycling shoe collaboration with Stomp Lox. The SPD-compatible bicycle shoe was called Slack. It was a cycling shoe that sported a nice alternative look when compared to a typical cycling shoe. Plus it looked like it had a nice, wide-toe box… I really dug the looks of it and wanted to try a pair.

Unfortunately, Ron wasn’t able to send over a pair of the brown top grain model for me to review but was able to introduce me to Mamyia at Stomp Lox Japan directly to get a pair of the olive suede style sent over to me to try out.

Note: The version of the Stomp Lox Slack that’s sold through Ron’s Bikes is made exclusively for them in Japan, and comes in sizes 8 through 13. Ron’s Bikes version has the LeRon Tulip label on the tongue and comes with brass hardware. The version of the Slack that I got directly from Stomp Lox is made in China, and doesn’t have brass hardware, or the tulip label, and only comes in black suede or olive suede.

Slack Out of the Box

When I received the Slack and opened the box, I found that the shoe looked much narrower than the photos. They were packaged well and arrived undamaged. I was surprised that the shoes didn’t come with a rubber “block” or cover for the cleat area, in case you didn’t want to use them to clip in.

The Slack is made of durable genius suede cow leather for the outside of the upper and uses a breathable, wear-resistant pigskin on the inside.

These shoes are compatible with any 2-bolt cleat system, come with cleat plates, and are pre-laced and ready to roll. The Vibram sole seems to be a nice touch and looks thick and durable. The suede is not waterproof and Stomp Lox suggests that they should be sprayed with waterproofing spray before use.

I received the Slacks way back in February and have finally gotten through some other reviews and was able to slip these on and take them for a first ride.

The Slack’s First Few Rides

One of the things that attracted me to these shoes, besides their looks, (I love the way they look like they just walked off the Dolomites circa 1966), was the wide-toe box and laces. I honestly hate the way most cycling shoes feel on my feet. It’s one of the reasons I had switched to flat pedals, after 25+ years of riding clipping in

The traditional cycling shoe is like everything else the bike industry offers in wearable goods, they seem to be made with only smaller individuals, who race, in mind.

The Slack has a medium stiff sole which has proven good for on or off-the-bike walking as well as the few hike-a-bike sections I have in my riding area.

I ordered the USA 11, and the fit seems pretty true to size. They hold my foot snugly without having to crank down on the laces to tighten them. On the first few rides, I noticed zero heel lift and no hot spots on my foot.

The Slack’s full leather upper and supple pigskin made them really comfy right out of the box. I would imagine that the shoes may stretch, making the shoes even more comfortable as they get worn in.

The Slack’s Vibram sole is part of Stomp Lox’s Power Ride Core System. This is a system that offers the “perfect balance of stability and flexibility”. Stomp Lox says the Vibram sole is also replaceable.

Upon my initial impression and the first few rides, the shoes checked all of the boxes for me.

They’re comfy right out of the box, they have a great non-traditional look to them, they’re made with quality material and they have laces, which I feel are infinitely more adjustable than other fastening systems for varying foot sizes and needs.

They’re really quite comfortable off of the bike. They seem to be made well, which is to be expected with the lofty price tag. Overall they seem to be a great pair of bicycle shoes. We’ll see how they continue to perform when we get into more detail in my full review in the next few months.

The Slack Sizing and Retail

Retail: $250 (Stomp Lox version direct)

Color: Olive suede or Black suede

The Slack comes in two shapes; “normal fit and Asian fit”

The sizing is as follows:

USA: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

UK: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11.5

EU: 40.5, 42, 43, 44.5, 46, 46.5

Japan: 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Stay tuned here at Bikerumor for my full, long-term review of the Stomp Lox Slack!

StompLox.com

The post Stomp Lox Slack, a Bicycle Shoe for the Rest of Us appeared first on Bikerumor.

ABUS will be 100 years old come 2024; the family-owned German company made its name in security, manufacturing locks for buildings first, followed by locks for securing motorcycles and bicycles. It’s only since 1994 that ABUS has been in the business of head protection, producing bicycle helmets first, followed more recently by the production of helmets for equestrian sports, too.

While not fully comprehensive, the brand does offer a good range of bicycle helmets across road, urban and mountain biking sectors, with helmets for children and toddlers in there, too. While some of ABUS’ high-end road helmets are made in Italy – like the AirBreaker and GameChanger – all of their off-road models including the lid reviewed herein are manufactured in Asia.

Here’s our take on the brand’s top-level offering for trail riders; the ABUS CliffHanger MIPS.

ABUS CliffHanger MIPS

In terms of its coverage, the CliffHanger is ABUS’ most comprehensive open-face helmet. It is aimed at trail and enduro riders who can’t bring themselves to wear a full face helmet, for whatever reason. It has a multi-shell in-mold construction; meaning, its three outer shells are bonded directly to the EPS liner, the latter being the shock absorbing element. Additional structural reinforcement can be seen bracing across the vents at the front.

Externally, the CliffHanger’s outer shell wraps the EPS entirely giving it a premium look and feel. Adding to that is a three-position peak, a retention cradle with plenty of vertical height adjustment, a magnetic Fidlock buckle, and the so-called TriVider webbing spreader; ABUS’ fancy name for the dividers that bring together the two arms of the chin strap just underneath the wearer’s ear lobe.

The CliffHanger conforms to EN1078:2012+A1:2012 requirements: the European standard set for bicycle helmet safety. It has not yet been submitted to Virginia Tech for independent testing, nor have any of the brand’s helmets, for that matter. There are two models to choose from: a standard model retails at £159.99, while the MIPS-equipped model retails at £179.99. We review the latter here.

A growing number of helmet manufacturers offer an integrated crash detection device that can be configured via an App to notify friends and family if the helmet suffers a blow while you’re out on a ride. ABUS is one such manufacturer, offering the QUIN Sensor for this purpose. Not only does it notify your chosen emergency contact of a potential crash, it also sends them your GPS coordinates, a cool feature which could prove to be life-saving.

The CliffHanger MIPS is sold at £179.99 without QUIN; a recess at the back of the shell can accommodate the sensor should you wish to part with a further £56.99 for the added peace of mind on solo rides. For a review of the QUIN Sensor’s functionality, check out Steve Fisher’s review of the QUIN-equipped MoDrop helmet.

Our Impressions of the ABUS CliffHanger MIPS

The ABUS CliffHanger MIPS is available in three sizes; S (51cm-55cm), M (54cm – 58cm) and L (57cm – 61cm). With a head circumference of 54cm, I opted for the size small. On my Park Tool scale, it weighs in at 333 grams – a lot lighter than the advertised 390 grams.

Putting the helmet on, it feels plenty deep enough to provide good coverage. My head being on the larger end of the spectrum for the size small, it does feel quite narrow, though not so much as to be uncomfortable. Those with a broader temple region may want to consider up-sizing. That said, if you can, it’s always best to try before you buy.

The CliffHanger’s chin strap can be adjusted both in terms of its length, and its lateral positioning. The TriVider allows the wearer to feed some of the strap through from either side to get it to sit exactly underneath the ear lobes, where it is intended to be. It’s a little tedious to adjust, but it gets the job done. This design, in my opinion, is better than those dividers that clamp the straps into position – in the past, I have found these to accidentally pop open while riding.

The peak has three indexed positions, and a decent amount of force is required to move it between them. So, the peak doesn’t shift positions under the g-force experienced while riding. Visibility is great no matter the peak position; the lower-most position isn’t so low that it occludes any view of the trail ahead, even on the steepest fall line trails.

In its top-most position, there is plenty of room to place googles or sunglasses underneath. A ridge at the rear of the helmet does a good job of preventing a goggle strap from wandering up. Recesses underneath the peak allow sunglasses to be stowed securely.

The CliffHanger helmet works really well with my Smith Squad goggles; vents at the forehead region encourage airflow in this area prone to sweat accumulation.

The retention system’s cradle cinches down nicely, tightening from the rear. Despite being near the top end of the size scale for this one, I do need to cinch the cradle down to its absolute tightest position in order to feel secure in it.

The cradle’s position can be adjusted vertically, too, over a 4.5 cm range. This is a ratchet-style adjustment, wherein a tab slides through a notched mechanism to determine the distance the cradle sits from the base of the helmet body.

I have to say, this style of vertical adjustment isn’t the best, in my opinion. While it often allows for a wider range of adjustment, and is quicker and easier to dial in fit, it isn’t as secure as more traditional mechanisms of vertical adjustment, such as that seen on the Fox Speedframe Pro, for example.

On the CliffHanger, I find the ratcheting-style mechanism offers up too little resistance. It is too easy to accidentally push it away from my preferred position, especially when fitting, adjusting or removing googles, or even just carrying the helmet about.

On more recent rides, I have actually noticed that it has clicked away from its original position over the course of a fast, rough descent – but only by one or two clicks, which I deduce equates to less than half a centimeter of change at the forehead – not enough for me to consider it a safety concern, as such. I simply find myself readjusting it before I drop into the next trail.

While riding, the ABUS CliffHanger is largely unnoticeable in that it provides plentiful comfort and great ventilation, with six vents at the front, two on each side, three on the top and four at the rear. Inside the helmet, I can see that the three front-most events actually extend all the way to the exhaust vents at the rear, allowing for a continuous flow of air from front to rear – something riders with a lot less hair than I will be best-placed to appreciate.

I will say, the MIPS liner is a little creaky so you can hear it rubbing against the EPS as it moves during riding. This is not unique to the ABUS CliffHanger; I have found most MIPS-equipped helmets exhibit this property.

Pros

• Good coverage
• Fantastically well-ventilated
• Retention system is ponytail-compatible
• Great compatibility with goggles and sunglasses
• Lightweight

Cons

• Over-priced
• Vertical adjustment of cradle could offer more secure indexed positions

The ABUS Cliffhanger MIPS is an impressively lightweight helmet given how good the coverage is. It is also well-ventilated offering plentiful comfort for long days in the saddle. Personally, I also think it has a pleasing aesthetic. However, it is a little let down by its retention system adjustment.

Overall, I feel it is a bit over-priced, especially when you consider the fact that comparable helmets such as the Fox Speedframe Pro, Bluegrass Rogue Core MIPS and Scott Stego Plus are all a fair bit cheaper.

abus.com

The post Review: The $200 ABUS CliffHanger MIPS MTB Helmet appeared first on Bikerumor.

KASK’s new aero road helmet has been hiding in plain sight for months. We’ve seen it protecting the heads of the INEOS Grenadiers on the road and, most recently, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot racing XC mountain bikes at the Nové Město na Moravě World Cup this past weekend.

One thing is for sure; this new helmet is an all-rounder that has already proven effective in many different cycling disciplines. Aero road isn’t just for on-road anymore.

KASK Elemento aero road bike helmet, but more…

This all-new KASK Elemento is a top-tier offering from the Italian helmet manufacturer. A design which aims to help make elite athletes faster competing in the world’s best road, cross-country, cyclocross, and gravel events. To phrase it simply — any cyclist who is driven by the quest for ultimate speed $ performance.

Elemento Development

KASK started the journey of the Elemento back in 2020, when they conducted an in-depth analysis of numerous scientific studies on how athletes’ performances varied as their body temperatures changed. The study illuminated that an athlete’s thermal comfort (helmet-wise) is as essential as a helmet’s weight and aerodynamics.

INEOS Grenadiers Testing and Design

KASK immediately began working with INEOS Grenadiers on the Elemento, across all racing disciplines.

The INEOS Grenadiers squad and the KASK design team looked to produce a helmet that was not only super aerodynamic but also offered high levels of safety and improved ventilation. A helmet that fits great and does everything well…easy, right?

Elemento Fluid Carbon 12 tech

Fluid Carbon 12 is a new KASK composite technopolymer capable of absorbing more energy from an impact than traditional materials. The material of the Fluid Carbon 12 shell absorbs the impact and then can distribute that force more evenly across the helmet.

With this new technology, the design team at KASK can increase the size of the Elementos internal channels without worrying about neglecting safety. Increasing the internal vents improves the helmet’s ventilation while simultaneously reducing the size of the ventilation holes, which also makes the helmet more slippery in the wind.

3D-Printed Multipod padding & safety technologies

Multipod is a new KASK-designed structure that is 3D-printed and used for the Elemento’s internal padding. Think of it as an elastomer-like material with more airflow and comfort – just like we’ve seen with 3D-printed saddle padding. These Multipods are a direct result of KASK’s own Rotational Impact WG11 Testing. The WG11 is the internally-developed test protocol performed at KASK to address non-linear impact forces on a rider in a crash. After many tests, KASK found their new Multipods enable the helmet to withstand linear and rotational impacts better. The Multipod structure also has isotropic properties, meaning it’s equally strong in all directions, the same thing that makes 3D-printed saddles so popular.

That characteristic property helped the new Elemento receive a five-star review from Virginia Tech’s highly authoritative test lap.

Octofit+ and No More Leather Strap

KASK’s new helmet fit and adjustment system is now dubbed OCTOFIT+, offering easy on-the-fly adjustments and sturdy attachment to the rider’s head.

The Elemento also uses the KASKs “Pro” chinstrap, the same ultra-lightweight chinstrap used by INEOS. Bidding arrivederci to the iconic leather strap, that has been a mainstay on KASK helmets for years.

KASK Elemento Details

• Sizes: SM (50 – 56), MED (52 – 58)*, LRG (59 – 62) *tested
• Weight: 260 grams (size M)
• Colors: Classic Black or White, New metallic finishes: Beetle Green, Oxford Blue (pictured), Red, and Silver.
• Price: USD $400, EUR 375€, GBP £335.

KASK Elemento — Initial Thoughts

We’ve had very little time in the KASK Elemento, but what we tell so far is that it is exceedingly comfortable. The helmet disappears on your head, especially when the wind cuts through it on the open road.

The styling and fit are what you would expect from KASK, and the updated metallic color is excellent. The shape is refined enough to keep it out of overly aero-offputting designs and into the good-looking all-around territory. Paired next to the matte Fluid Carbon 12, the shell has a powder-coated look with a deep rich color — very nice.

The helmet is straight-up breezy in the wind, with zero to no wind chatter or slight whistly noises that can accompany some aero helmets.

We look forward to more rides in the new KASK Elemento, especially as the summer heat starts. Stay tuned for a full review coming shortly.

KASK.com

The post All-New KASK Elemento Aero Helmet Could Be The One For All Disciplines appeared first on Bikerumor.

A quality helmet is the most important piece of gear you can wear during any type of cycling, and this is especially true when mountain biking. While we all try to avoid them, crashes happen, and a good helmet can help prevent injuries to your head and brain. 

We rounded up a diverse selection of the best mountain bike helmets available in 2023 and put them through their paces on a wide range of trail types, riding styles, and weather conditions. From desert XC loops, loamy forest laps, shuttle runs, and gravel rides, we spent ample time riding in each model while assessing key elements of their performance. 

While testing, we scrutinized important characteristics that matter on the trail like fit, comfort, coverage, visors, ventilation, and durability. We took detailed notes and narrowed down the field to our favorite models and those that excel for specific reasons compared to the rest. Though no single helmet will be perfect for every type of riding or rider, we’re confident you’ll find something to suit your needs and budget. 

We’ve listed our top recommendations below, and to compare the models we tested at a glance, check out our comparison chart. If you need help deciding what you need, be sure to check out our buying advice and FAQ for answers. And, if you spend more time riding on pavement than dirt, you may want to take a look at our comprehensive road bike helmet review.

The Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2023

• Best Overall Mountain Bike Helmet: Giro Manifest Spherical
• Best Budget Mountain Bike Helmet: Specialized Camber
• Runner-up Best Mountain Bike Helmet: POC Kortal Race MIPS
• Most Comfortable Mountain Bike Helmet: Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS
• Best Ventilated Mountain Bike Helmet: Specialized Ambush 2
• Best Overall XC Mountain Bike Helmet: Giro Aries Spherical
• Runner-Up XC Mountain Bike Helmet Helmet: POC Octal MIPS

Best Overall Mountain Bike Helmet

Giro Manifest Spherical

Specs

• MSRP $260
• Weight 362g (Medium)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS Spherical
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 19
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Comfortable
• Great Ventilation
• Good Coverage
• Eyewear integration

Cons

• Expensive

Jeremy Benson

Giro has been a leader in the mountain bike helmet industry for years and that continues with their flagship model, the Manifest Spherical. The well-rounded model quickly earned high regard among our testers and rose to the top of a stacked selection of helmets in this review. 

Boasting a 5-star rating in Virginia Tech’s independent helmet impact testing, the Manifest brings a high level of protection to the table. It employs MIPS Spherical for rotational impact protection and features dual shells connected with elastomers that function as a slip plane in the event of an impact. It has a relatively deep fit with extended coverage at the back of the head and temples and a snug fit enhanced by Giro’s Roc Loc Trail harness that pulls tension evenly around the head. 

Ventilation is among the best we tested with a whopping 19 vents and wide open channels that effectively allow air to pass over the scalp and out the back of the helmet. Comfort is enhanced with well-placed antibacterial Ionic+ padding and strap splitters that hold the straps flat around the ears. At 362g (size Medium), it’s also relatively lightweight considering its coverage and goes largely unnoticed out on the trail. 

Features like an adjustable visor allow you to position it effectively to keep the sun out of your eyes or to stash sunglasses or goggles under it when not in use. Integrated rubber grippers work with most (but not all) sunglasses and an additional patch of grippy rubber at the rear of the helmet helps keep your goggle strap in place. A Fidlock magnetic buckle secures the chinstrap and allows for easy one-handed operation.

The Giro Manifest Spherical comes in a wide range of colors to suit your taste or match your kit, and it is offered in three shell sizes, S, M, and L, to fit heads between 51cm and 63cm. It carries a high price tag, but we feel the cost is justified considering its well-rounded performance, protection, and features.

In addition to testing this helmet for this buyer’s guide, Bikerumor’s Zach Overholt gives a more detailed look at the Manifest just after its launch.

Check Price at Competitive CyclistCheck Price at EVO

Best Budget Mountain Bike Helmet

Specialized Camber

Specs

• MSRP $75
• Weight 400g (Large)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS
• Adjustable Visor No
• Number of Vents 13
• Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Very reasonably priced
• High-end look and feel
• Comes in 5 shell sizes
• Surprisingly comfortable
• 5-star Virginia Tech safety rating

Cons

• Non-adjustable visor isn't great at blocking the sun
• Basic strap design
• Moderate ventilation

Jeremy Benson

Specialized isn’t exactly known for making budget-friendly products, but they’ve chosen to make a helmet that everyone can afford with the Camber. This helmet is easily the best value we’ve ever seen with a look and feel that far exceeds the asking price. In fact, it looks nearly identical to its more expensive siblings, the Ambush 2 and the Tactic. Adding to its appeal is the 5-star rating in Virginia Tech’s independent impact testing, besting many models that cost significantly more. 

The Camber comes with a standard MIPS liner for rotational impact protection that sits inside the streamlined in-mold shell. It comes in a whopping 5 shell sizes to fit heads ranging from 49 to 63 cm, and our size Large test helmet fits true to size. The Headset SX fit system works well to dial in the fit to your unique head shape, the thin and minimal padding proved to be surprisingly comfortable, and the Y-shaped strap splitter yoke prevents any unwanted and annoying contact with the ears. Though not advertised as a feature, we found that some sunglasses could be stashed in the two lowest vents above the brow.

While the price-to-performance ratio of the Camber is very impressive, this helmet does have some quirks. The straps attach at three points inside the helmet at the back of the head and above the temples, and while that doesn’t seem to affect its impact protection, it feels less refined than higher-end helmets. The 13 vents do a decent job of keeping the head cool, but it feels a little stuffy compared to the best-vented helmets we tested. Finally, the non-adjustable visor that’s placed high on the helmet does very little to block low sun angles compared to other visor designs. 

Still, the Specialized Camber truly impressed us for the price and we feel it is a great option for anyone just getting into the sport, those operating on a tight budget, or anyone who appreciates a good value. Willing to spend just a little more? The Specialized Tactic 4 has a little more coverage, better ventilation, and a better strap design and retails for $120.

Check Price at Competitive CyclistCheck Price at Jenson USA

Runner-Up Best Mountain Bike Helmet

POC Kortal Race MIPS

Specs

• MSRP $250
• Weight 401g (M-L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS Integra
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 17
• Available Sizes XS-S, M-L, XL-XXL
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating Not tested

Pros

• Generous coverage
• Lots of safety features
• Great Ventilation
• Meets Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike standard
• Comes in multiple colors

Cons

• Extended coverage at temples can conflict with some sunglass arms
• Sizing runs a little big

Jeremy Benson

POC has been producing quality protective gear for years and the Kortal Race MIPS is their latest half shell model that puts an emphasis on protection. Designed for aggressive trail and enduro riders, the Kortal has a deep fit and loads of coverage over the occipital and temporal lobes. It comes packed with safety features integrated into the design including MIPS Integra, an evolution of their previous SPIN system. POC also makes a standard version of the Kortal that doesn’t come with MIPS and will save you a few bucks.

Overall, the Kortal Race MIPS is a comfortable helmet, though we found its sizing to run a little bigger than advertised and it is slightly narrower than most. One of our testers has a 59cm head and easily fits into the M-L which is listed as 55-58cm. Regardless, in the correct size, it has a snug fit with a 360° adjustment system that wraps around the whole head with soft and squishy MIPS Integra pads. Ventilation is also top notch with a total of 17 wide open vents that effectively draw air in, over, and away from the head, and the MIPS integrated padding doesn’t restrict any airflow. The strap splitter yoke holds the straps flat against the side of the face with no unwanted ear contact with a simple buckle to secure the chinstrap. 

The large visor is adjustable to accommodate stashing goggles beneath it and the rear vents have been designed to fit a goggle strap without blocking them. The rear vents also function as an “eye garage” to stash glasses when not in use. While the visor does adjust, we found that its lowest position is already pretty high, and mostly kept it down. The visor also has a highly effective breakaway feature to help reduce the chance of a neck injury in a crash and it easily snaps back into place if/when it comes off. It has an EPS foam lining surrounded by a unibody shell that is reinforced with aramid bridges for additional structural support as well as a RECCO Reflector and a twICEme NFC Medical ID chip. 

The Kortal Race MIPS was designed to work seamlessly with POC’s Devour sunglasses, but we found that the extended temporal coverage could conflict with the arms of some other sunglasses. It’s not the lightest helmet around, but it’s pretty reasonable given its protective qualities and features. It carries all the standard safety certifications as well as the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike standard. It’s not cheap, but we feel the Kortal Race MIPS is among the best and most protective half shell models on the market. Bikerumor staff contributor Steve Fisher shares his experience using the Kortal Race MIPS in this review.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Competitive Cyclist

Most Comfortable Mountain Bike Helmet

Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS

Specs

• MSRP $250
• Weight 412g (MD/LG)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS (B-Series)
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 16
• Available Sizes XS/SM, MD/LG, XL/2XL
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Super comfortable
• Extended coverage
• Sweat management system
• Adjustable visor
• 5-star Virginia Tech rating

Cons

• Slightly heavier than some helmets
• Expensive

Jeremy Benson

Not content to rest on their laurels and the success of their popular models the A1 and A2, Troy Lee Designs introduced their latest half-shell, the A3 MIPS. Though it maintains the signature styling of those older models, the A3 is an improvement in virtually every way. Not only does it feature more coverage at the back of the head and the temples, but it also earned a 5-star safety rating from the independent test lab at Virginia Tech.

The A3 has more coverage than previous TLD helmets, extending further over the occipital and temporal lobes. It also comes with a B-Series MIPS liner intended to help dissipate rotational forces in a crash. They’ve also employed dual-density foam with co-molded EPP and EPS intended to better handle the forces of both high and low-speed impacts.

What really stood out to our testers was the high level of comfort, as noted by Jessie-May Morgan in her full review of the A3 MIPS. TLD describes it as “so comfortable you’ll never want to take it off”, and while that might be a stretch, it’s definitely one of the most comfortable helmets we’ve tested. This has a lot to do with the agreeable shape of the helmet, the way the fit system wraps around the head, and the generous padding inside. The X-static antimicrobial pads are also trimmable to dial them exactly how you like, plus it comes with an extra set.

The ventilation of the A3 MIPS is quite good as well, not the best we’ve ever tested, but not far off either. When things get sweaty, the TLD Sweat Glide System (an EVA foam pad at the brow), actually helps to direct sweat off to the sides of your face instead of into your eyes. The 3-position Magnajust visor allows you to leave it low to block the sun or up out of sight or to stash goggles. A FidLock chinstrap buckle, a set of extra visor screws, and a helmet bag round out the features of the Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS. For more info, read our full review of the A3 MIPS.

Check Price at Competitive CyclistCheck Price at EVO

Best Ventilated Mountain Bike Helmet

Specialized Ambush 2

Specs

• MSRP $180
• Weight 375g (Large)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS SL
• Adjustable Visor No
• Number of Vents 15
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Excellent coverage, especially at the back of the head
• Outstanding ventilation
• Effective eyewear integration
• Less expensive than many other top of the line helmets
• Competitively lightweight

Cons

• Non-adjustable visor – doesn’t block sun effectively
• Styling may not be for everyone

Jeremy Benson

When Specialized redesigned their trail riding helmets, the Ambush 2 got a complete overhaul to the point that it doesn’t even resemble its predecessor. This helmet checks all of the boxes, feels light on the head, and virtually disappears while riding. It also manages to come in at a price that’s a little lower than many other brands’ flagship models. 

Specialized upped the ante of protection with the Ambush 2, and this is evidenced by its 5-star rating in Virginia Tech independent testing. The coverage is impressive with a deep fit that extends way down the back of the head over the occipital lobe. The MIPS SL system is integrated into the pads with little rubber elastomers that allow them to shift to reduce rotational forces in the event of a crash, and dual-density EPS foam has also been strategically placed inside the shell.

Comfort levels are high with well-placed padding and an adjustment system that pulls tension very even around the whole head and a low profile dial that’s integrated into the shell. The padding also manages to effectively wick moisture and help keep sweat out of the eyes and it doesn’t block airflow whatsoever. On that note, the Ambush 2 has some of the best ventilation of any helmet we’ve ever used. The vents at the front of the helmet bring air in and the large internal channels draw it over the head and out to the back. This ventilation is noticeable at any speed and was nearly too effective when riding on cool days. 

The Tri-Fix strap splitters keep the straps comfortably away from the ears. Goggles play well with the Ambush 2 and there is ample room to stash them below the visor when not in use. The two outer/lower vents at the front of the helmet also feature sunglass storage with rubber flaps that hold sunglass arms very securely when stored. Additionally, a Specialized ANGi crash detection sensor (sold separately) can be added to the helmet if you choose. 

Our biggest complaint about the Ambush 2 is the high position of the non-adjustable visor which we found to do little to block the sun at low angles. We found you’ve really got to tip your head to keep the sun out of your eyes at certain times of day, which is not ideal. It also has somewhat bold, storm trooper-esque styling (especially in the white color we tested) which may suit everyone’s tastes. Otherwise, the Specialized Ambush 2 is a protective and very well-ventilated helmet that we’d highly recommend. 

Check Price at Competitive CyclistCheck Price at Jenson USA

Best XC Mountain Bike Helmet

Giro Aries Spherical

Specs

• MSRP $300
• Weight 270g (Medium)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS Spherical
• Adjustable Visor N/A
• Number of Vents 24
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Excellent ventilation
• Highest ranked model in Virginia Tech’s impact testing
• Comfortable

Cons

• Expensive
• Less coverage than dedicated trail riding helmets

Jeremy Benson

While it is technically a road cycling model, the Giro Aries Spherical is a great cross-country mountain bike helmet. Chosen by some of the top pros in gravel and XC mountain bike racing, the Aries is a super lightweight and well-ventilated helmet that doesn’t skimp on protection. In fact, it has a 5-star Virginia Tech rating with the lowest score (lower score = better protection) of the 190 models they have tested.

The Aries is very lightweight at just 270g in the size Medium we tested. It’s so light that it barely feels like you’re wearing a helmet at all, with an excellent fit with minimal but well-placed padding, and an adjustable harness that wraps tension evenly around the whole head. The Drycore padding above the brow wicks seat effectively and features Ionic+ antimicrobial treatment. It is also one of the best-ventilated helmets we’ve ever used with 24 total vents and massive channels that keep air flowing and your head cool. 

The Aries uses the same MIPS Spherical design as the trail-oriented Manifest Spherical. This design is comprised of outer and inner shells connected with rubber elastomers that allow them to move independently to help dissipate rotational forces in the event of a crash. Given the Aries’ Virginia Tech rating and score, it seems like it must be pretty effective. 

Compared to trail or enduro-oriented half-shells, it doesn’t have as much head coverage, but it is comparable to other XC and road helmets. Like other XC helmets, it gives up a visor in favor of aerodynamics and weight savings. It’s also one of the most expensive helmets we’ve tested. That said, if you’re looking for a featherlight and extremely well-ventilated lid for XC racing or cross-country riding, the Aries Spherical is an excellent choice that works just as well on the road or gravel bike.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Competitive Cyclist

Runner-Up XC Mountain Bike Helmet

POC Octal MIPS

Specs

• MSRP $200
• Weight 278g (Medium)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS
• Adjustable Visor N/A
• Number of Vents 21
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating Not tested (previous version with SPIN: 5-star)

Pros

• Very lightweight
• Excellent Ventilation
• Secure eyewear storage
• Moderate price point

Cons

• Less coverage than trail-oriented helmets
• Sizing runs a little small

Jeremy Benson

The Octal MIPS has been a mainstay in POC’s helmet lineup for years. This versatile model is used by XC mountain bikers, road, and gravel riders, and it delivers with a super light, 278-gram weight (size medium) and excellent ventilation. Previous versions used SPIN for rotational impact protection, but POC has recently switched to a more standard MIPS liner. 

Coming in at a feathery 278 grams, the Octal MIPS is so light that it barely feels like it’s on your head. The fit harness is highly adjustable to properly cradle the occipital lobe, plus it wraps the whole head for a snug, secure, and comfortable fit. Factor in the impressive cooling properties of the recognizable ventilation design with 21 vents and deep airflow channels, and it’s easy to stay cool on hot days and during hard efforts. The strap splitter also does a great job of keeping the straps flat and away from the ears and the chinstrap is secured with a standard buckle.

POC designed the Octal to be lightweight and airy, but they still prioritize protection. A fully wrapped unibody shell protects the EPS foam lining and gives it structural support, and the EPS has been optimized to handle impacts with added thickness in important zones. The MIPS liner is relatively standard and intends to help dissipate rotational forces in the event of a crash. 

Much like other XC-style helmets, the Octal leaves more of the head exposed compared to modern trail-riding helmets. It comes in three shell sizes to fit heads between 50 and 61cm. Our size medium claims to fit heads between 54-60cm. Our tester with a size 59cm head is near the upper end of that range and found the fit to be manageable, but tighter than expected. This is in contrast to the Kortal Race MIPS, which we found tends to run a little larger than advertised.

The POC Octal MIPS sells for $200 and costs a fair bit less than the Giro Aries, yet it only weighs a paltry 8 grams more. We think this helmet is an excellent choice for XC-style riders looking for a lightweight and breathable lid for riding or racing.

Check Price at Competitive CyclistCheck Price at EVO

Best of the Rest

ABUS Cliffhanger MIPS

Specs

• MSRP $200
• Weight 423g (L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 14
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating Not Tested

Pros

• Lots of Coverage
• Good Ventilation
• Highly adjustable harness system
• Quality Construction
• ActiCage reinforced EPS

Cons

• Light pressure points at top/back of head
• Hard to stash sunglasses in front vents

Jeremy Benson

The ABUS CliffHanger MIPS is one of the German brand’s latest models and sits at the top of their line of trail and all-mountain half-shells. Designed with the modern trail and enduro rider in mind, this helmet has a deep fit with loads of head coverage and a robust, quality feel. It also happens to look pretty darn good, and it retails for less than many other brands’ flagship models. It comes in three shell sizes to fit heads between 51 and 61cm, and multiple colorways to suit your tastes.

ABUS didn’t skimp when it came to coverage, and the CliffHanger certainly covers a lot of your head. The shell sits fairly low over the brow, temples, and ears, and the rear extends way down over the occipital lobe and behind the ears. They incorporated ActiCage into the EPS foam, a system that is intended to provide structural reinforcement and strength while allowing them to limit the amount of material and weight. On the topic of weight, our large test helmet tipped our scales at 423g, fairly standard for its size and level of coverage. Inside there is a relatively standard MIPS liner for rotational impact protection. It’s also compatible with QUIN, a crash-detection sensor, that can be purchased separately and added to the helmet.

ABUS’s Zoom Ace adjustment system is incorporated into the MIPS liner and pulls even tension around the whole head, plus it can be moved up or down to find the perfect placement at the back of the skull. The fixed strap splitter yoke holds them flat and away from the ears and the magnetic chinstrap buckle makes for one-handed buckling convenience. The large, 3-position adjustable visor works very effectively for keeping the sun out of your eyes, and it flips up plenty high to stash goggles when not in use. Ventilation is pretty good, but not amazing, with a total of 14 vents and deep channels that allow air to pass from front to back.

We found the overall comfort of the CliffHanger to be quite good, although our lead tester found that he could feel the shell pressing slightly against the top/back of the crown of his head. Fit and comfort will be different for everyone, however, so we don’t expect this to be an issue for all users Unlike many helmets that have dedicated sunglass storage, we found it somewhat difficult to stash sunglasses securely in the front vents. You can make it work, but it isn’t ideal. Otherwise, we think the ABUS CliffHanger MIPS is a great new option for aggressive trail and enduro riders seeking a well-made half-shell with loads of head coverage.

Check Price at Amazon

Bell Super Air Spherical

Specs

• MSRP $235
• Weight 478g (L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS Spherical
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 21
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating Not Tested

Pros

• Robust, protective feel
• Good coverage
• Comfortable fit
• Sweat Guide Pad actually works to manage sweat
• Comes with camera/light mount
• Can add chin bar to make it a convertible

Cons

• Comparatively heavier weight
• Not the best ventilation

Jeremy Benson

Bell has been in the mountain bike helmet game since the beginning and the Super Air Spherical is their current top-of-the-line half-shell model. This beefy helmet is also the basis of the convertible Super Air R Spherical, just without the removable chin bar. It has great coverage, a robust, protective feel, and features like MIPS Spherical, a camera mount, and an effective sweat management system that makes it stand out from the crowd. It comes in three sizes for heads between 52 and 62cm and is offered in a whopping 11 different color options.

Bell and Giro are two brands that incorporate MIPS Spherical into their designs for rotational impact protection. For the Super Air, this involves two distinct shells, inner and outer, that are connected with small elastomers that allow them to shift independently of each other. This adds a little bulk and weight, but it does seem to work quite effectively (at least in hand and when moving it atop the head). The deep fit surrounds the head with great coverage, particularly at the back of the head. It also just feels beefy and well-made, adding to the sense of protection it provides.

We found it to be quite comfortable with generous padding throughout that has a soft, pillowy feel. Bell’s Float fit system does a fine job of fine-tuning the tension around the head to achieve a snug fit. Bell has also managed to create a sweat management system that actually works with their Sweat Guide Pad. The padding extends slightly forward on the inner shell where it draws moisture out and away from the face, making it less likely to drip directly onto your sunglass lenses. The Super Air has a large 3-position visor, and it works well with goggles and even has a small rubber patch at the rear of the helmet to keep your goggle strap in place. The front vents easily accommodate sunglass arms, but they don’t feature grippers or anything to add extra security.

The Super Air Spherical has decent ventilation, but the dual-shell design hinders airflow a little compared to other models. At 478g, it’s also the heaviest half-shell model we tested by a significant margin, and the weight is somewhat noticeable on the head. That said, it is designed to pair with a removable chin bar to work as a convertible full face, so the added heft makes sense. Regardless, if you’re an aggressive rider seeking a fully featured half-shell and don’t mind a little extra weight, the Bell Super Air Spherical is a solid option to consider.

Check Price at Competitive CyclistCheck Price at EVO

Bontrager Rally WaveCel

Specs

• MSRP $160
• Weight 420g (L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System WaveCel
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 13
• Available Sizes S, M, L, XL
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Moderate price point
• Comfortable fit
• Boa adjustment system
• Scores better in Virginia Tech testing than the more expensive Bontrager Blaze

Cons

• Straps could be improved
• WaveCel adds bulk
• Doesn’t have the best ventilation

Jeremy Benson

Bontrager made waves (pun intended) a few years ago when they introduced a new rotational impact protection system called WaveCel. They incorporated it into a number of their cycling helmets including the half-shell mountain bike helmet, the Rally WaveCel. The brand makes some pretty big claims about the effectiveness of this system, and given its 5-star rating in Virginia Tech’s impact testing, it seems like it must be relatively effective. Otherwise, this mid-priced model has a relatively traditional style and it comes in 4 shell sizes. The XL size is claimed to fit heads all the way up to 66cm, which is significantly larger than 62 or 63cm where most other models max out.

WaveCel is the primary thing that sets the Rally apart from the other helmets we’ve tested. This cellular structure resembles a bunch of tightly packed waves and it comprises the majority of the inside of the helmet, surrounded by a thinner outer shell of EPS foam. According to Bontrager, WaveCel is designed to function in three steps, flex, crumple, and glide. So, it is intended to absorb impact force like a more traditional foam lining while also functioning as a slip-plane for the reduction of rotational forces. At the same time, it allows air to pass through, so it remains breathable despite the full head coverage.

We found the Rally to have a very comfortable fit that seems like it should work well for most head shapes. The Boa adjustment system works well to snug it up around the head, and the thin Boa wires don’t conflict with sunglass arms as much as some other systems. The adjustable visor has three positions, one of which is very low, and we kept ours in the middle or all the way up while testing. The highest visor position doesn’t allow enough space for stashing goggles, but we were able to wedge our sunglass arms into the front vents under the visor.

While WaveCel is certainly an interesting feature, it does add a little weight and bulk to the Rally and it is generally just a bit larger overall than most of the other models we tested. The cellular structure does allow air to pass through, but it does inhibit the flow of air somewhat. It is similar to the Smith Forefront 2 in this regard, where the airflow is okay, but far from the best. We also found the strap design to be a little quirky, as the single attachment point at the back of the head required a little extra care to be taken when donning the helmet so they didn’t hang up on the adjustment harness.

Beyond that, we feel the Bontrager Rally WaveCel is a quality helmet for everyday trail riding that brings a unique approach to head protection with the WaveCel system.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Trek Bicycles

Smith Forefront 2 MIPS

Specs

• MSRP $250
• Weight 414g (L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 20
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating Not tested

Pros

• Unique styling
• Better ventilation than original Forefront
• MIPS and Koroyd
• Adjustable visor
• Sunglass storage

Cons

• Still not the best ventilation
• MIPS liner can be a little noisy
• Fairly expensive

Jeremy Benson

Smith has been making the Forefront helmet for many years, and the Forefront 2 is the latest version of this popular trail riding model. It has some of the most recognizable styling of any helmet on the market with unique looks and visible Koroyd in its construction. Beyond its futuristic appearance, Smith set out to make a highly protective helmet, and their use of Koroyd sets them apart from most other brands on the market. The Forefront 2 is offered in 14 different colors and three shell sizes for heads ranging from 51cm to 62 cm.

Smith’s use of Koroyd is the main thing that differentiates the Forefront 2 from other helmets on the market. This honeycomb-like material is designed to crumple on impact while remaining air-permeable, therefore providing protection and allowing heat and moisture to escape from the head. The majority of the helmet has a layer of Koroyd that is bordered by and then covered with a thin layer of EPS foam and the helmet’s outer shell. Inside, there is a relatively standard MIPS liner for rotational impact protection. The level of coverage is quite good, although slightly less than some other models in this review.

Unlike the original Forefront, the Forefront 2 has a couple of wide-open vents on top of the head that improve its ventilation slightly. The minimal but well-placed padding combines with the adjustable Vaporfit harness system for a snug and comfortable fit. The three-position adjustable visor works well for blocking the sun, and it shifts high enough to fit goggles when not in use. Smith also designed the helmet to hold sunglasses securely on top with the Koroyd providing the grip on the sunglass arms.

While the ventilation of the Forefront 2 is better than its predecessor, it still can’t compete with the airiest helmets on the market. The Koroyd simply doesn’t allow for air to move that freely from front to back. The MIPS liner can also be a little squeaky at times, which can be a little annoying. Regardless, the Smith Forefront 2 is a great trail-riding helmet that will suit many riders’ needs perfectly. While it may not be for everybody, we love the unique style. Our lead tester has been riding in the same one for the past two years, and it’s still going strong.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Competitive Cyclist

Fox Speedframe Pro

Specs

• MSRP $190
• Weight 408g (L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 21
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Feature packed design
• Comfortable
• Good looking
• 5-star Virginia Tech rating
• Good coverage

Cons

• Some noise from MIPS liner

Jeremy Benson

Fox Racing is one of only a few brands that can outfit riders from head to toe with everything they could possibly need for mountain biking. They’ve been making helmets for years, but it wasn’t until they launched the Speedframe Pro a few years ago that they had a contender for the best half-shell model on the market. This uniquely styled helmet is not only good looking, but it checks all the boxes and comes with all the features you’d expect in a modern trail riding helmet. It comes in numerous colorways so you can be sure to find one that suits your taste, and they also sell the Speedframe without a MIPS liner for $140.

The Speedframe Pro comes packed with protective features in an effort to keep your head safe, and it earned a 5-star rating in Virgina Tech’s impact testing. It has extended coverage over the temples and down around the back of the head, with a MIPS liner for rotational impact protection. The outer shell completely wraps around the edges of the Varizorb dual-density EPS foam, which is intended to better manage the forces from high and low-speed impacts than single-density foam.

We found it to fit comfortably, and the 360-degree adjustment system snugged it up securely all the way around the head and we didn’t encounter any pressure points of any kind. The straps are well executed with a Y-shaped yoke around the ears that hold them nice and flat and away from the lobes. The Fidlock SNAP buckle makes the chinstrap a “snap” to open and close, even one-handed. The 3-position adjustable visor is great, and it flips up high enough to store goggles on the climbs. The 21 vents and internal air channels work well to keep air moving and the head cool, with 3 well-positioned brow vents that go straight to the forehead.

Overall, the Fox Speedframe Pro is a well-executed trail riding helmet that is lightweight and well-designed without any serious drawbacks. And, at $190, it also sells for a bit less than some other brands’ top-tier models. For more information, read our full review of the Fox Speedframe Pro.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Competitive Cyclist

100% Altis

Specs

• MSRP $125
• Weight 383g (L-XL)
• Rotational Impact Protection System SmartShock
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 14
• Available Sizes XS/S, S/M, L/XL
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 3-star

Pros

• Reasonable Price
• Looks good
• Decent Ventilation
• Adjustable Visor
• Comes with extra set of pads

Cons

• SmartShock Elastomer caused minor pressure point in forehead
• 3-star Virginia Tech rating
• Slightly less coverage than similar helmets

Jeremy Benson

100% may be better known for their full-face helmets, but they make a couple of half-shell models with the Altis and Altis Gravel. This affordable helmet comes in at the lower end of the price range of the models we tested, with a retail price of just $125. We think the Altis looks great, and it has some interesting features like 100%’s proprietary impact protection system called SmartShock. It comes in three sizes for heads ranging between 50 to 63cm, and several color options. The Altis Gravel is essentially the same helmet, just without the visor.

The Altis has pretty good head coverage, though just slightly less than some of the other models in this regard. The EPS foam is in-molded to the polycarbonate outer shell with the lower edges fully wrapped for durability. Inside, 100% has developed the SmartShock system to help mitigate rotational impact forces. This consists of 11 blue rubber elastomers that protrude out from small depressions in the EPS foam and through holes in the liner pads. They essentially suspend the helmet around your head and serve the purpose of absorbing some direct impact while having the ability to shift slightly in any direction. How well this works compared to MIPS isn’t exactly clear, but when you shift them around with your fingers or wiggle the helmet around on your head, they seem like they work as intended.

The adjustment harness works well enough to snug the helmet around your head, though it lacks any vertical adjustability. The fixed, Y-shaped strap splitters work well to keep them away from your ears, and the chinstrap has adequate adjustability and a standard buckle. While we found the Altis to be generally comfortable, we did note one distinct pressure point where one of the SmartShock elastomers pressed into our tester’s forehead. He does have a particularly prominent forehead, however, so this may not be an issue for all users. With 14 vents, the ventilation is relatively good, but the general lack of internal channels doesn’t allow air to move quite as well as the breeziest models out there.

100% wanted to make sure the Altis worked with goggles, and the visor flips way up and out of the way in its highest position to accommodate them. We did not, however, find a good way to store glasses on the head, other than keeping them on your face. At 383g, our size large test helmet is relatively lightweight in its class. We also happen to like the way this helmet looks, especially when paired with some big ol’ 100% riding glasses. If you dig the style and don’t want to spend a lot on a quality trail-riding helmet, we think the 100% Altis is worthy of consideration.

Check Price at Competitive Cyclist

Scott Stego Plus MIPS

Specs

• MSRP $200
• Weight 420g (L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 17
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Comfortable fit
• Comes with 2 visors (one with integrated GoPro mount)
• Good ventilation
• Comfortable
• Offered in numerous colors

Cons

• High visor placement doesn’t block sun as well as it could
• Slightly less coverage than some other models

Jeremy Benson

Much like Specialized, Scott is one of the few brands that can outfit you head to toe and sell you a mountain, gravel, or road bike too. The Scott Stego Plus MIPS is their top-of-the-line half-shell helmet that is “designed for enduro riders”. It has good coverage and comes packed with all the features you’d expect for the price. Like many of the other helmets in this review, it also earned a 5-star Virgina Tech impact rating.

Scott designed the Stego Plus to provide a good level of head coverage with a shell that extends down slightly over the temples and down over the occipital lobe. The in-mold EPS foam and polycarbonate shell protect from direct impacts and inside they’ve equipped it with a relatively standard MIPS liner to help with rotational forces. Scott also added some small PU pads that are hidden slightly under the visor that they claim are intended to help protect in low to mid-energy impacts.

Our tester found the fit of the Stego Plus MIPS to be excellent. Perfect, actually. Fit and comfort are subjective, of course, but she really enjoyed the way this helmet fit. The Halo 360 fit system offers a huge adjustment range to secure it on the head and it pulls tension all the way around. 16 vents also do well to keep you comfy providing good ventilation. That includes a couple of brow vents that blow air straight on the forehead and help minimize fogging of eyewear. The straps are easily adjustable, and the magnetic buckle makes securing the chinstrap quick and easy.

The adjustable visor has been designed with eyewear and mind and it flips up nice and high to accommodate goggle stowage. The rear of the helmet also has a rubber strip to help keep the strap from slipping off. The Stego Plus MIPS comes with 2 visors, one standard affair and one with an integrated camera mount. This is great for those who love to capture all their exploits on camera, and it can be mounted on the underside of the visor for the optimal POV filming angle. You do need to unscrew the visor screws to swap them out, but we feel this is a nice included feature.

You can learn more about the Scott Stego Plus MIPS in our full review.

Check Price at EVO

Lazer Jackal KinetiCore

Specs

• MSRP $220
• Weight 345g (L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System KinetiCore
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 19
• Available Sizes S, M, L
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating 5-star

Pros

• Lightweight
• Well-ventilated
• Good coverage
• Comes with camera mount
• Works with removable rear light (sold separately)

Cons

• Experienced some pressure points on the head

Jeremy Benson

Lazer is one of several brands that’s making an effort to reinvent rotational impact protection through new designs with KinetiCore. They’ve implemented this design across many of their mountain and road helmets, including their flagship mountain bike half-shell, the Lazer Jackal KinetiCore. Though it looks identical to the previous version with MIPS, it’s a bit lighter weight, and what’s going on inside the helmet is actually quite a bit different.

The easiest thing for most brands to do is just stick a MIPS liner in their helmets, so we applaud Lazer for stepping outside the box and developing their own new safety technology. KinetiCore is intended to work in a similar way to other rotational impact protection systems, though the design is completely different. Instead of a liner or elastomers, they have essentially incorporated it into the shell itself with controlled crumple zones built into the EPS foam. These small, isolated blocks of foam are intended to crush and crumple both vertically and laterally in the event of an impact. Our tester even crushed some of them with her hand to see how it in action. New technology is great if it works, and it seems like it does based on the Jackal KinetiCore’s 5-star Virginia Tech rating.

Beyond KinetiCore, the Jackal has a modern shape with ample coverage. It has great ventilation with 19 well-placed vents, and the air is able to pass through the empty space between the KinetiCore blocks. The one-piece interior padding is comfortable and treated with Polygiene Biostatic, and the Advanced TurnSys adjustment system provides a secure fit. The straps are highly adjustable and the magnetic buckle makes for easy one-handed operation. It also comes with a camera mount that attaches to the top of the helmet with a velcro strap, and Lazer’s Universal LED light can be mounted to the back of the helmet for enhanced visibility.

The Lazer Jackal KinetiCore has an adjustable visor that is designed to stow goggles when not in use and it has no problem accommodating them when flipped up in its highest position. At the back of the helmet, a rubber goggle grip pad keeps your strap securely in place. By the temples, they’ve specifically shaped the shell with recesses to prevent sunglass arms from making contact. Our only real gripe with the Jackal KinetiCore is that our tester had some pressure points from the adjustment system. The preproduction sample she tested also had an issue that has since been resolved. You can find out more in our full review of the Lazer Jackal KinetiCore.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Competitive Cyclist

Smith Engage 2

Specs

• MSRP $120
• Weight 405g (L)
• Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS Evolve Core
• Adjustable Visor Yes
• Number of Vents 21
• Available Sizes S, M, L, XL
• Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating Not tested

Pros

• Reasonable price
• Reasonable weight
• Good ventilation
• Sunglass storage

Cons

• Strap splitter could be better
• Sunglass storage doesn’t work with all sunglasses

Jeremy Benson

Smith makes a full range of cycling helmets with the Engage 2 falling at the lower end of the price spectrum in their line of mountain bike half-shells. Unlike the futuristic Forefront 2, the Engage 2 has a more traditional look with significantly less Koroyd in its design, and it costs less than half the price. Still, it has everything we look for in a modern half-shell helmet with a look and feel that exceeds the asking price. It comes in 4 shell sizes to fit heads between 51 and 65cm, and six color options including the Matte Slate/Fools Gold we tested.

The shell has a fairly deep fit with good coverage at the sides and back of the head. The polycarbonate shell wraps all the way around the EPS foam, and there are two strips of Koroyd strategically placed on the sides of the helmet. Smith incorporated a MIPS Evolve Core liner for rotational impact protection, and the Vaporfit harness connects to it for a nice 360-degree adjustment system. It has a well-made feel and the judicious use of Koroyd isn’t a negative, in our opinion.

Less Koroyd in the construction means that more of the vents are wide-open, and the Engage 2’s ventilation is quite good. The 21 vents allow plenty of air to pass through with the 4 at the front providing a nice breeze at the top of the forehead. It has an agreeable shape that should work for most heads and we never experienced any pressure points or quirks in the fit. The padding is minimal but well-placed, adding to the comfort.

The visor is adjustable with three positions to suit your needs. The highest position makes it possible to fit goggles when not in use or stash some sunglasses. You can squeeze some sunglass arms into the outermost front vents as well, although we found this didn’t work with all the sunglasses we tried. The straps offer plenty of adjustability at the ears and the chin, but we found it difficult to get the splitter to make the straps sit completely flat by the ears.

Regardless, we feel the Smith Engage 2 is a great helmet that will suit most riders’ needs that sells for a budget-friendly price of just $120.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Competitive Cyclist

Comparison Chart

Why Should You Trust Bikerumor?

At Bikerumor, we take cycling very seriously, and no matter what type of riding we’re doing, our safety is of the utmost importance. For that reason, a quality helmet is the most important piece of gear we put on before every mountain bike ride. We’re always seeking the most protective, comfortable, and best-looking mountain bike helmets we can find so we can have fun on the trails with the peace of mind a good helmet provides.

Our editorial staff has been testing the latest and greatest mountain bike helmets for over a decade. Sure, we’ve all got our favorites, but the market is ever-changing with new and updated models coming out all the time. Fortunately, we get to try them all out, often before they are even available to the public. This experience has given us unique insight as to what makes a great helmet, along with the ability to discern the differences in performance and functionality between the different models we test.

Review author, Jeremy Benson, has been professionally testing and reviewing mountain bikes and accessories for 6+ years. In that time, he has tried over 30 different helmets. Whether for XC rides, shuttle laps, or adventurous backcountry loops, he has honed in on the specific performance attributes that make a great helmet. For the purposes of this review, he tested 10 models side by side to directly compare things like fit, comfort, ventilation, coverage, and visors. Those findings, combined with models our editors have recently tested, are presented here to help inform your important mountain bike helmet purchase decision. If you’re a roadie, out team has also thoroughly tested and reviewed the best road bike helmets. Need a quality rack to keep your bikes safe during transport? Check out our review of the best hitch bike racks.

Mountain Bike Helmet Buyer’s Guide

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new mountain bike helmet. Here we break down some important factors that may help with finding the right model to suit your needs.

Different Types of Mountain Bike Helmets

As there are several styles of mountain biking, there are just as many helmets to meet the needs of different riders. As the sport has evolved, so too has the protective equipment we use, and these days, helmets are safer than ever. In general, mountain bike helmets fall into three different categories and we explain the differences below.

Trail, All-Mountain, and Enduro Half-Shells

Half-shells for trail, all-mountain, and enduro riding are the most common type of helmets we see out on the trails. These “open-face” models cover the top of the head with modern shell designs offering extended coverage on the back and side of the head to better protect the occipital and temporal lobes. These helmets almost always have a visor (peak), and many are designed to work with both sunglasses and goggles. The added materials involved with extended coverage, visors, and other features typically result in helmets that are slightly heavier than their XC-oriented counterparts. Examples of modern trail riding helmets include the POC Kortal Race MIPS, the Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS, and the Specialized Ambush 2.

XC Helmets

Cross-country riders and racers often prioritize lightweight and aerodynamics, so XC helmets are somewhat different than their trail-oriented counterparts. In fact, most professional XC racers are using what are technically considered road bike helmets. This style of helmet is typically sleek, low-profile, and well-ventilated, and they provide a bit less coverage of the head than the extended coverage models. They also generally do not come with a visor, although some riders will wear a cycling cap underneath to act as a visor in certain conditions. Examples include the Giro Aries and the POC Octal MIPS.

Full Face and Convertible Helmets

Full face helmets provide the most head protection with shells that extend over the ears and large chin bars that provide protection for the front of the face. Convertible helmets are those that have a removable chin bar, allowing the user to choose when they want half-shell or full-face coverage. This style of helmet has traditionally been worn by those in gravity-oriented disciplines like downhill and enduro racing, although a new breed of lightweight and well-ventilated models has expanded their appeal to a broader range of users. Full face models now come in a range of designs, styles, materials, and weights, with models geared toward virtually every type of rider or protective needs.

Getting the Right Fit

A properly fitting helmet is critical for it to not only be comfortable but to work properly in the event of a crash. If it is too loose or too tight, its protective qualities may be compromised or its protective features may not function properly. Additionally, a properly fitting helmet is more comfortable, allowing you to focus your attention on the trail ahead. It is important to note that fit and comfort are subjective, and not every individual’s head shape will work with every helmet. If your head is very round, very narrow, or your forehead very pronounced, you will probably want to try a helmet on before buying it to ensure that it fits your specific head shape.

Sizing

Just like people’s heads, most helmets come in multiple sizes. Helmet manufacturers almost always have a size guide on their website for reference. Each helmet size typically fits a small range of head sizes, and these are usually shown as head circumference in centimeter measurements. As a general rule, the best way to determine if a helmet fits is to try it on before you buy. This will ensure you get the proper fit the first time.

If you are unsure of your head’s size, all you need to do is measure it. A flexible measuring tape is the best tool to do this, otherwise, a length of string and a ruler will also do the trick. Measure the circumference of your head in a circle above the eyebrows, ears, and across the occipital lobe (back of the skull). Record this measurement in centimeters, and you should be able to identify the appropriate size helmet. Most adult helmets come in several sizes to cover heads ranging from 51-63cm in circumference (give or take), with each shell size covering a smaller range. For example, the Giro Manifest Spherical comes in three shell sizes: S: 51-55cm, M: 55-59cm, and L: 59-63cm. Most people will fall within one of these sizes. If you are on the cusp between sizes, it is typically better to size up than squeeze into the smaller shell size, in our experience.

If you get a helmet that is too tight or too loose, try and exchange it for the correct size before you wear it and get it sweaty or dirty.

Fit Adjustments

Most quality helmets have fit adjustment systems to help you dial them in to your exact head shape to keep them stable, secure, and comfortable when in use. An adjustable harness is one such feature that is used to snug the helmet up against the occipital lobe/back of the skull. These harnesses usually have a small dial that you can turn to tighten or loosen it, and most have a vertical adjustment inside the helmet so you can be sure to position the harness properly under the occipital lobe as well. When tightened properly, the harness should feel snug but not uncomfortable and it should keep your helmet from bouncing around as you ride over rough terrain.

Likewise, the chin strap is another important adjustment that helps to keep your helmet on your head in the event of a crash. Too tight and it can be uncomfortable. Too loose and your helmet can come off your head. Most chin straps can be tightened or loosened to fit your specific needs, and this adjustment is quick and easy to make. A general rule of thumb is to be able to fit a finger or two between the strap and your neck for it to be tight enough while still avoiding irritation. The straps should also split around the ears, and we prefer them not to touch our ears at all, if possible. Many strap splitters allow for some adjustment, so you can fit them to your ears for comfort.

Wear it Correctly

Even if you get a helmet that is the right size, it is important to wear it properly for it to work as intended. Modern helmets are designed to be worn level on the head and snug enough so that they don’t move around. Most of your forehead and the crown of your head should be inside the helmet, as opposed to the helmet sitting up too high or off the back.

How Mountain Bike Helmets Work

Mountain bike helmets protect the head by providing a barrier from direct impact and dissipating the forces from impact. At the most basic level, mountain bike helmets are comprised of two parts, an inner foam layer (usually EPS foam) and an outer polycarbonate shell. Combined, these layers provide a protective layer that takes the brunt of an impact. The firmer outer shell performs the important task of protecting the softer foam underneath, and when impacted, helps to spread the force of the impact over a greater area. The softer EPS foam compresses and absorbs those forces and it often crushes, cracks, or deforms in the process.

Always Replace Your Helmet After a Crash

Due to the fact that helmets are designed to partially destruct when absorbing the forces of an impact, they are meant to be replaced after a crash. Often, cracks or other signs of damage will be obvious, but not always. Even low-speed impacts can result in damage that can compromise the integrity and protective qualities of a mountain bike helmet. For your safety, it is recommended that you always replace your helmet after a crash. Thankfully, many brands offer discounts for crash-replacement helmets.

Rotational Impact Protection

Since the introduction of MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) several years ago, rotational impact protection has become commonplace in mountain bike helmets. MIPS was the originator and is still the most common, although it has developed over the years into numerous iterations, such as MIPS SL, MIPS Evolve, MIPS Spherical, and MIPS Integra, to name a few. The basic idea, however, remains the same. MIPS and similar technologies strive to enhance head protection by reducing the rotational forces that reach the brain during certain impacts. They do this by creating a slip-plane that allows the helmet to shift around the head and absorb some of those forces before they reach the brain.

Many other brands have also developed their own rotational impact protection systems that are intended to work much the same as MIPS. 100%’s SmartShock system, used in the 100% Altis, relies on small rubber elastomers built into the shell that are intended to absorb both rotational and direct impact, and Leatt’s Turbine 360 works similarly. Bontrager’s WaveCel design features a zig-zag honeycomb-like structure that is intended to crumple and shear on impact and KinetiCore was developed by Lazer to work in much the same way, with isolated columns of EPS foam.

Which one of these technologies works the best is hard to say, but we’re glad that helmet manufacturers are trying to improve helmet safety. At Bikerumor, we don’t have our own impact testing equipment, so we refer to Virginia Tech’s Bicycle Helmet Ratings for more insight. For years, Virginia Tech has been a leader in helmet impact testing, and they do it independently and provide their findings free to the public. They test each helmet for its ability to reduce linear acceleration and rotational velocity with 24 different tests. Of course, they haven’t tested every model on the market, but they do have 190 models of cycling helmets currently tested and rated on their site.

Coverage

As mountain bike helmets have evolved over time, the amount of head coverage has increased. For half-shell models like those reviewed here, this is most noticeable on the sides and back of the head where the shells drop down further to better protect the sensitive temporal and occipital lobes. This is particularly apparent in trail, all-mountain, and enduro-oriented models that are often referred to as “extended coverage” half-shell helmets. Unlike old-school helmets that sat high atop the head, modern helmets now surround much more of the skull. Models like the Abus Cliffhanger, POC Kortal Race MIPS, and the Specialized Ambush 2 are great examples of this trend. In general, we typically equate more head coverage with better head protection, and we feel this is a welcome advancement.

Ventilation

Depending on the climate where you live and ride and how much you sweat, ventilation may or may not be a high priority. For those that live in warm climates, ride at the heat of the day, or simply perspire a lot, how well a helmet allows air to pass through to cool the head may be of the utmost importance. Not only does good ventilation reduce the amount of sweat running down your face or dripping onto your lenses, but it helps to keep you from overheating. Fortunately, most helmet manufacturers do their best to make their helmets well-ventilated, though they are not created equal.

While important, the number of vents is not the only factor when it comes to ventilation. Instead, a well-executed design that involves adequate air intake vents at the front of the head, internal channels that move air over the head, and exhaust vents at the back of the head for air to escape is generally the most effective.

Visors

Visors, sometimes referred to as “peaks”, are a common feature on most mountain bike helmets and they serve several purposes. Many visors are adjustable, allowing the rider to position them at various angles. This makes it possible to drop them down low to help keep the sun out of the eyes at low sun angles or move them up and out of the field of view at high sun angles. They also serve to deflect trailside branches and can help keep light rain from reaching the eyes while riding. Adjustable visors and those positioned higher on the helmet typically also accommodate a pair of goggles or sunglasses stashed beneath them when not in use. Some visors are also designed to break away in the event of a crash to reduce the chance of injury.

Eyewear Compatibility

Many helmet manufacturers are designing and marketing their helmets with integrated sunglass storage and goggle compatibility. It has long been the case that you could wear goggles with many helmets and stash sunglasses in the front vents, but now, these features are often a part of the design. The spacing of the front vents is pretty critical for stowing sunglasses, and some manufacturers have taken to adding rubber grips or other materials to better hold sunglass arms. At the rear of the helmet, many now feature a rubber strip or pad of some kind to add grip for a goggle strap. As mentioned above, visor adjustability or placement is also a factor when stowing either sunglasses or goggles when not in use.

Additional Safety Features

The whole point of making helmets for cyclists is to help prevent injury, and manufacturers are seeking additional ways to protect the people who buy their products. They do this in a variety of ways, including the implementation of new technologies. Brands like Specialized and ABUS make small crash detection sensors, called ANGi and QUIN, respectively, that can be attached to the helmet. These small units can sense the forces associated with a crash and send a notification to your contacts in an emergency situation. POC includes a twICEme NFC medical id chip in certain helmets, which can be read by first responders to find out important personal, medical, and contact information if the individual is unresponsive or unable to communicate effectively.

As mentioned in the visors section above, some models have visors that are designed to break away in the event of a crash which may help reduce the chance of injury. Other brands use structural reinforcement in their designs with things like aramid bridges or ActiCage integrated into the EPS foam to add strength. The foam itself can be varied with some companies using dual-density foams like EPS and EPP which absorb the energy from high and low-speed impacts differently. Koroyd is another interesting material used by brands like Smith and Endura. This honeycomb-like structure is intended to crush and crumple on impact while remaining porous and allowing air to pass through and heat and moisture to escape.

Durability

Unless you crash often or are careless with your gear, helmets tend to have a pretty good lifespan. Quality helmets have in-mold constructions with the inner foam well bonded to the outer shell, and most now have full shell coverage over the lower edge of the foam. Exposed foam is more susceptible to damage, so the more it is covered, the better. The durability of the outer shells of helmets can vary, however, with some being quite resilient and others being more prone to denting if struck by a branch or dropped in a truck bed with too much force, for example. Remember, your helmet may prevent serious injury or even save your life, so treat it with care.

If you don’t ride that often, most helmets will last for several years without issue. If you ride every day, you’ll probably want to replace your helmet more frequently, every couple of seasons or so. Always remember, if you crash and impact the helmet, it should be replaced.

Value

Mountain bike helmets vary wildly in terms of price with the models we tested ranging between $75 and $300. Sure, many of the more expensive models feature the latest and greatest technology, lighter weights, and flashier designs. The reality is, any of these helmets will protect you better than none at all, and even the least expensive model we tested, the Specialized Camber, beats many of the costlier models in Virginia Tech’s impact testing and looks pretty darn good doing it. So, you don’t have to spend a lot for quality head protection, but it’s your head and brain we’re talking about here, so you make the call.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Bike Helmets

Related Content

The Best Hitch Bike Racks of 2023

Read more…

The Best Road Bike Helmets of 2023

Read more…

The post The Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2023 appeared first on Bikerumor.

In the midst of winter, I got the offer to try out Velocio’s Ultralight Rain jacket and Alpha Long Sleeve jersey. With their slim, lightweight construction, effective weather resistance, and great thermoregulation, these pieces quickly became a new favourite combo for cool weather rides. The jacket and jersey kept me warm, dry and happy in anything from freezing point temperatures to balmy spring days, and they’re clearly cut to work perfectly with each other.

Construction and Features – Ultralight Rain Jacket:

Velocio’s Ultralight Rain Jacket is a thin but fully waterproof shell made from eVent DV Storm fabric. This fabric is lightweight, yet completely blocks wind and rain while offering breathability as well. The jacket features taped seams, and a dropped rear hem with a silicone gripper. This shell has no hood, but does have a high soft-lined collar to keep the elements at bay.

Simple and lean stretch panels at the cuffs keep the sleeves in place as you ride, and a zippered inside chest pocket with a media port offers storage for credit cards, MP3 players or even smartphones. The main zipper has pull tabs for easy use with gloved hands, and a zipper hood up top to keep your chin and neck comfortable. The jacket is finished with reflective logos and details.

Two large vents on the back encourage heat to escape, and allow you to access your jersey’s back pockets without taking off the jacket (the vents line up very nicely with the pockets on the Alpha Long Sleeve).

The Ultralight Rain Jacket retails for $349 USD. Color options are Navy or Citron (yellow), and men’s sizes range from XS-4XL. Women’s models are also available, in the same color options with sizes from XXS-3XL.

Alpha Long Sleeve Jersey:

Made with 63% recycled material, the Alpha Long Sleeve is an ideal layer under a shell for colder, wetter rides, but can also be worn on its own or over a jersey in nicer weather. The front faces of the jersey are made from a grid-style Polartec Alpha Direct insulation while the sides, back, and lower sleeves are Velocio’s Merino 210 fabric. This fabric combination traps warm air in the front faces while allowing excellent breathability and moisture management; the polyester-faced Merino 210 back panel offers a soft touch and resists abrasions.

A half-length front zipper keeps thing light and trim, and the long, thin hems on the sleeves do a great job of keeping wind out of your jacket while fitting easily under or over other layers. The Alpha Long Sleeve’s collar sits fairly high, and a fabric hood keeps the zipper covered. The slightly dropped rear hem includes a silicone gripper, and the jersey has three large pockets across the lower back.

The Alpha Long Sleeve jersey sells for $199. Men’s models are available in Fire Red or Navy, in sizes XS-4XL. Women’s models are sold in the same colors, with sizes ranging from XXS-3XL.

Ride Impressions:

Before we talk about performance, let’s address how the Velocio garments fit. I’m 5’10” tall with a slim build, and I’m wearing the Alpha Long Sleeve and Ultralight Rain Jacket in size medium. Both pieces provide a slim fit but covered my body and arms well. The belly is cut fairly high on the rain shell, but on the bike, it’s just long enough for me. The Alpha LS is a bit longer in the body than the jacket (particularly in the front), so its grippy hem holds onto your pants or shorts quite well.

I’ve found no comfort issues with the collars on the jacket and Alpha LS: The jersey’s collar sits just against my neck at a perfect height, and the jacket matches it to a tee.  Arm length was perfect for both garments, and the jacket’s cuffs were snug enough to stay put over my gloves.

Despite the Ultralight Rain Jacket having a very lean cut around the body, I had no issues with mobility on my gravel bike rides. The jacket’s shoulders offer a little extra room, so I never found any limits to my range of motion while riding drop bars. That said, this jacket was clearly cut for riding position… off the bike, if I spread my arms wide, the jacket’s chest tightens up.

While the Alpha LS and Ultralight Rain Jacket are clearly best suited for road or gravel riding, I did ride them on my enduro MTB to see how they felt. Due to an injury I didn’t get the chance to go for any real trail rides, but I pedaled around town and had no issues spreading my arms wide enough for my 800mm handlebar. I expect the jacket’s mobility would be fine for MTB rides, I could only see the tight chest area becoming an issue if you took a tumble and your arm(s) got pulled back harshly. With no limits to mobility the Alpha LS could easily work well for MTB rides, as long as you don’t mind the road-biased styling.  

My first test ride with the jacket and jersey was a cool winter day of 2-3° Celsius (35-37ºF). With bibs and a long sleeve jersey underneath, the Alpha LS and Ultralight Rain Shell kept me happy and warm throughout the ride! Both are thin and lightweight garments, but the Alpha LS held in my body heat very well and the jacket did a great job of blocking the wind. 

Even on rides where my ears started off a bit chilly my body was warm enough with the jacket, Alpha LS and a long-sleeved jersey right out the door. I didn’t have to pedal hard to get warmed up, and I stayed warm throughout the rides without overheating. If you do get hot in this combo, simply opening the jacket will cool you down quickly as the Alpha LS allows wind to cut through fairly easily. 

Finally, when spring came temperatures were high enough to drop the jacket. My first ride with the Alpha LS as an outer layer was about 9-10° (48-50ºF), in sunny conditions with light wind. With a long sleeve jersey underneath I was easily warm enough on this casual Sunday ride. The Alpha LS is definitely not windproof, so you’ll feel air flowing through it as you ride. Despite that it still traps a bubble of body heat around you so it’ll take a chilly wind before you need to toss a jacket over top.

I got a chance to ride the jacket in light rain for over an hour, and everything beneath it came home bone dry – My arms stayed dry right to the hems, the high collar kept my neck fully protected, and only two or three inches of my pants between my saddle and the lower hem got wet. I noticed water beaded up nicely on the shell and shook off easily after the ride, so I’m confident this jacket could handle a lot more rain than I subjected it to. An over-helmet hood would be nice for really rainy rides, but I accept its absence in the name of keeping the jacket lean and light.

I love the long, soft hems on the Alpha LS’s sleeves. They’re comfortable, thin and easy to slip into jacket sleeves (or over/under gloves), and they keep the wind out. The waist hem is snug but comfortable so it does a great job of keeping wind away from your torso.  

The Ultralight Rain Jacket offers a zippered inner chest pocket, which has a port for headphone wires, so I threw my older iPod Nano in there. The slim pocket doesn’t leave much room for movement, and I couldn’t even feel the iPod as I rode. This pocket is large enough to carry a smartphone; it might feel a bit heavy in there but it’s nice to have the option.

The Ultralight Rain Jacket does pack up pretty small. You probably couldn’t squeeze it into your down tube, but most jersey pockets should work, and any backpack or decent-sized cargo bag could carry it easily.  

One final note – I like it when your comfy riding clothes can be worn casually as well, but the Velocio gear is clearly made for riding. Both garments have a slim, lean cut and look like performance cycling clothes, so they’d seem a bit extreme off the bike… they are great for their intended purpose though!

velocio.cc

The post Velocio Ultralight Rain Jacket & Alpha Long Sleeve Jersey Team Up for Cooler Rides appeared first on Bikerumor.

Shoemaker Quoc teamed up with bikepacking gear maker Restrap to make the perfect post-ride adventure sandals. Effectively an upgraded version of their recent Lala Slides made in the UK, the new Quoc x Restrap Sandals are lightweight, comfortable, and designed to strap right to your bikepacking bags – a great camp shoe solution after a long gravel adventure day riding in cycling shoes.

Quoc x Restrap bikepacker’s Sandals

On top of Quoc’s recent Lalashan Collection of new cycling shoes and their first ever non-cycling shoes – the Lala Slides – comes another pair of sandals that you aren’t supposed to wear while riding – the Quoc x Restrap Sandal.

These new sandals share much of the same simple construction, but get upgraded with adjustable velcro straps to dial in your ideal fit, a heel strap for proper retention, and one clip-on strap to make them easy to lash onto the outside of your bikepacking bags.

Tech Details

From a technical standpoint, these sandals are the epitome of a Quoc & Restrap collaboration – taking advantage of what each company does best.

The new sandals share the exact same grippy molded foam sole as the Lala Slides, and the same Gran Tourer durable microfiber for the side of the straps (both produced in Vietnam). Then, those get sent over to Quoc in the UK where they add Restrap signature Hypalon tabs on pivoting hardware, adjustable velcro straps, and Restrap’s own unique locking clip repurposed from their bag straps to make these easy to attach to your adventure setup.

The result is a comfortable & adjustable sandal that’s still lightweight – my size 43 Quoc x Restrap sandals weigh just 402g for the pair – 1/3 less than a pair of Keen slides or 1/2 the weight of a pair of Chaco sandals that I would sometimes carry for summer bikepacking trips.

Post-Rides Review

Like the Lala Slides, these Quoc x Restrap bikepacker’s Sandals aren’t actually for riding, so my review is more just how nice they are to lounge in. Simply, they are a nice pair of light and adjustable sandals. Loosen the straps a bit and I was wearing them around the house with socks, first after riding, then pretty much everyday.

When the weather warmed up a bit and the sun came out, the socks went away immediately after the ride and I could tighten the straps down for a more secure fit making the sandals suitable for something that leaned more towards light hiking.

And now with the rear strap pivoted up (like in the Tech video above), I can wear them as slides, too.

The sole felt thin at first when I put them on, mostly because they really just feel a lot lighter than other sandals that I regularly wear. But I quickly settled into them and now appreciate the textured (but generally flat) footbed, a little bit of shock absorption walking over rough surfaces, and the simple but grippy outer tread.

The only real bikepacking-specific feature is the clip-on mid-foot strap, which is certainly nice, but a bit tricky to use. With two hands you can pop open the buckle, then clip the two sandals together, and if you adjust the velcro you can wrap the linked shoes around your saddle pack.

As for myself, the sandals are light enough that I will probably just put them on top of the pack most of the time, with the pack bungee cord looped through the sandal straps for security, then I can keep the velcro set where I like it.

All-in-all, I’m happy with the comfort, lightweight & versatility of the Quoc x Restrap bikepacking sandals, and I’m regularly wearing them not just around bikes. Now, I just have to wait for Quoc & Restrap to collab on a clipless version to ride in…

Quoc x Restrap Sandals – Pricing, Options & Availability

The new Quoc x Restrap bikepacker’s Sandals sell fog $130 / 100€ in whole EU sizes from 38-47. The come in all black, or the sand color that I’ve been testing with a black footbed & straps.

You can buy them now direct from either Quoc or Restrap’s webshops, or through either of their select retailers around the globe.

Quoc.cc & Restrap.com

The post Quoc + Restrap = Post-Ride Bikepacking Sandals: Review appeared first on Bikerumor.

Pas Normal Studios takes their road clothing line to new levels of performance with the new tech-heavy Mechanism Pro family of road race-ready cycling kit. Incredibly light, aerodynamically optimized, and compressive in just the right places, this new Mechanism Pro was created to feel like a second skin. For now, Mechanism Pro is limited to a pair of lightweight bib shorts, a lightweight jersey, a superlight zip-less mesh jersey, and a mesh baselayer, but we expect this pro-line to expand over time.

Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pro road race cycling kit

In their new PNS headquarters in a renovated weapons factory in Copenhagen, we got a sneak peek at an all-new Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pro line of pro race-ready cycling kit that the Danish clothing brand sees as their stepping stone to move up into the professional road peloton.

Founded with an international cycling club ethos as an alternative to what they saw as uninspiring cycling clothing on the market just over 8 years ago, the brand is growing by leaps and bounds. And it looks like the kit is evolving just as fast.

What started out as a single private event jersey outsourced to Giordana, now culminates with custom-developed materials from an all-new aero stretch-woven fabric, race-tuned compression, and structured mesh to optimize fit and performance at the absolute peak level of cycling, and all made in-house by Pas Normal.

So what’s actually new?

All-New Fabrics

The core of Pas Normal’s new Mechanism Pro line is all-new proprietary fabrics. And that’s what actually makes it both unique and interesting. Instead of just taking existing performance fabrics and adapting them to tailored cuts, Pas Normal worked with their fabric mills in northern Italy to create all-new lightweight 4-way stretch woven synthetic materials. In fact, it’s quite similar to what Rapha did with their Shadow fabric a few years back, but the Pas Normal Mechanism Pro solution takes it a step further – creating something a lot lighter, more breathable, and with a woven texture for improved aerodynamics.

The result is a comfortable compressive fit that hugs your body on the bike, wicks well & dries incredibly fast, and is said to be abrasion resistant. The fabric also integrates grippers for a feel that simply stays in place and raw laser-cut edges that transition smoothly to your skin.

Mechanism Pro Jersey

The regular Mechanism Pro jersey is the highlight of the new second-skin line-up, and one of the lightest aero jerseys available. The race fit is based on Pas Normal’s standard Mechanism kit, but with a more aggressive cut for a forward position on the bike. It gets wind-tripping textured aero ridges around your arms, the sides of your hips, across the shoulders & lower back to reduce drag, while optimizing seam placement for compressive support and a fit that follows the body as you move. Made in Portugal from 3 different polyamide/elastane stretch-woven fabrics, the ultralight jersey features a classic 3-pocket layout, a YKK zipper, laser-cut sleeves without gripper & laser cut hem with integrated woven-in silicone-free rear gripper.

All-in all, the minimalist $245 / 220€ Mechanism Pro jersey looks very simple in classic black or almost translucent white (for either men or women), but the unique fabric details pop out in the men’s Mahogany red with orange) or the men’s & women’s Earth two-tone green.

Mechanism Pro Bib Shorts

The $325 / 300€ Mechanism Pro Bib Shorts are equally techy sharing similar ultralight 4-way stretch woven fabrics and more supportive ‘zoned’ compression. Pas Normal calls the compression an evolution of that found in their standard Mechanism bibs to enhance blood flow & muscle support, but these shorts are in fact compressive while feeling less tight & less restrictive than their predecessors, a testament to the upgraded “structurally-mapped” stretch-woven fabric and more advanced 7-panel main body cut.

The bibs get new white mesh & elastic bib straps with an offset rea radio pocket, silicone-free woven-in grippers at the raw cut leg openings, carry over the stretchy 4-layer light chamois pad of the standard Mechanism & Escapism bibs, and are also made in Portugal in black or Earth khaki in men or women-specific cuts.

Mechanism Pro Baselayer & Zipless Jersey

The Pas Normal Mechanism Pro Baselayer & Zipless Jersey are effectively the same thing – a structured knit polyamide/lycra mesh baselayer developed to regulate your temperature by pulling sweat away from your skin and allowing passing air to evaporate it for a cooling effect. The Pas Normal solution uses alternating bands of smaller & larger openings in the mesh to give it structure and make it conform to your body.

The $80 / 75€ Mechanism Pro Baselayer is a simple sleeveless affair with a men’s cut only, made in Lithuania in black or white.

The $220 / 200€ Pas Normal Mechanism Pro Zipless Jersey is effectively the same mesh fabric transformed into a ridable jersey on its own. It adds sleeves, a hem gripper, and a traditional 3 rear pocket layout in an ultralight jersey that you can pull over your head, made in Portugal. The men’s-only jersey is incredibly light for riding on the hottest summer days, comes in Celeste or Earth greens for a bit of modesty since they are still just mesh, and does NOT offer UV protection so requires wearing sunscreen if you don’t want to get a weird sunburn.

First Rides Review

So far, I’ve had a chance to ride the new Pas Normal Mechanism Pro kit racing around the warm dry air of the indoor velodrome of Denmark’s oldest cycling club, causally riding sunny spring roads in the Czech mountains, and an all-day cool-weather gravel ride in southern Poland. All three have highlighted some of the new kit’s best features, and together hint at its race-ready versatility.

The kit is also incredibly lightweight. My size Large (I’m 185cm & 82kg) Mechanism Pro Jersey truly weighs just 68g, L bib shorts at only 152g, L baselayer at 58g, and L zipless jersey at only 87g.

In the warm and dry air of the velodrome, I was amazed at how quickly the lightweight jersey wicked sweat away from my body and instantly dried. I sweat a lot and continuously. And after about an hour of chasing each other in steep-banked wooden circles around the 250m Ballerup Super Arena track, the pads of my helmet were soaked, my jersey & shorts were bone dry with just a hint of sweat on the chamois.

Outside on home roads & gravel trails, I quickly was reminded of how thin the jersey fabric was on a cool morning descent (paired with the classic Mechanism bibs shorts and insulated leg warmers in these few photos.) A lot of air flowing over those textured side panels does a good job of cooling. But once muscles warmed up, I was comfortable all day even in low double-digit °C weather.

Of note: The Mechanism Pro kit does not say PNS on it anywhere, thankfully!

Wearing the mesh Pro baselayer under the Mechanism Pro jersey in more humid riding conditions at 16-20°C, as I would sweat I could feel some moisture held against my lower back doing a good job of evaporative cooling. I never felt sweaty, and finished a 5-hour ride with dry shorts and a mostly dry jersey & baselayer, just slightly damp in the lower back under my full pockets.

Overall, I’d rate the Mechanism Pro wicking & drying in the top-5 of any kit I’ve ridden in the last decade. And I look forward to proper hot weather to see how the jersey, and just the mesh zipless jersey fares in intense heat. Plus, while a lot of “pro-level” kit feels overly compressive, this Mechanism Pro kit is more gently compressive. It’s simply comfortable to wear and ride in.

PasNormalStudios.com

The post Pas Normal Studios Dials Up Mechanism Pro Race-Ready Cycling Kit – Review appeared first on Bikerumor.

As riding season is ramping up in the Northern Hemisphere, you might find yourself looking for a new helmet. There are countless models out there for a wide range of prices, but the new Lazer Coyote Kineticore just might be the sweet spot.

The name gives it away, but the latest Coyote from Lazer is one of their Kineticore models. Instead of using a rotational impact mitigation system like MIPS, the Kineticore helmets feature “Controlled Crumple Zones” to help absorb the impact forces of both direct and rotational hits. The fact that the helmet crumples on impact by design means you certainly need to replace your helmet after a crash – but you should be doing that anyway. And if you are unlucky enough to crash and damage your helmet, Lazer offers a Crash Replacement Program that is good for 50% off a replacement helmet within 3 years.

Not only is the Lazer Coyote Kineticore 3% lighter than the Lazer Coyote MIPS, but it also gained a 5-star score from Virginia Tech whereas the MIPS version was rated 4-star.

For a $110 helmet, the Lazer Kineticore also offers a lot of premium features. The adjustable visor has three preset retention spots, and offers enough room for goggles underneath – there’s also a goggle strap recess out back. If you prefer sunglasses to goggles, there are recesses on the inside of the shell to make sure you have room for the earpieces underneath. A magnetic buckle makes operation easy with gloves or one hand, and the Lazer TurnSys dial system is easy to cinch down and offers multiple vertical adjustment positions. Even the padding feels more premium than the price tag would suggest.

Not included with the helmet are additional compatible accessories including a universal LED light for the back of the helmet, and even a Winter Kit that adds a soft fleece liner to keep your head and ears warm.

First Impressions

Since it was early in the season, most of my first rides with the Coyote were in cold weather at the pump track, or on the road. I wanted to wait until I got some warm weather testing before writing any kind of review, and fortunately, I got that while down in Texas. It was in the mid-80s, which isn’t Texas-hot, but it was hot for the conditions I am used to in early March.

I was quite pleased with the ventilation, with the 21 vents and internal channeling doing its job without complaints – and doing a better job than some more expensive helmets. Overall, the helmet is quite comfortable and seems to offer above-average sweat management to keep it from running into your eyes.

The frontal profile of the helmet around the visor looks a little bulky, but that’s about the only criticism I can come up with. The Coyote Kineticore is definitely one of the best $100-110 helmets I’ve tried.

Pricing & Availability

Offered in S, M, and L sizes, the Coyote Kineticore comes in six different colors. The helmet is available now from Lazer or Lazer dealers for $109.99.

lazersport.us

The post Lazer Coyote Kineticore Helmet Review: Impressive Performance for the Price appeared first on Bikerumor.

Shoemaker Quoc has a new Lalashan Collection that expands on their popular Gran Tourers with a new more performance-oriented XC adaptation, plus a pair of more affordable Escape shoes for riding on or off-road. And rounding it all up is a new pair of Lala slides, light & simple slip-on sandals for post-ride lounging…

Quoc Lalashan Collection of riding & post-ride shoes

Calling the new collection inspired by hunting forest mushrooms in northern Taiwan’s Lalashan mountains, Quoc pretty much doubles their shoe line-up across an even wider spectrum – now from road rides to XC racing to off-the-bike recovery. At one extreme there is the most high-performance off-road race shoe yet from Quoc. At the other, it’s as chill as you can get near a bike. And in the middle are a couple of simple but modern shoes for any ride in between.

It’s a pretty broad scope to drop into a single release, but Quoc unifies it a bit with a color palette of subdued pink, an earthy amber yellow, and sandy beige.

Quoc Gran Tourer XC mountain bike or gravel race shoes

Quoc’s Gran Tourer was their introduction to modern cycling shoes, targeted at adventurous gravel riders. In its original weather-resistant lace-up guise, it became popular for all sorts of off-road riders, and with a recent upgrade to modern dial retention more performance-focused riders took notice. Now taking inspiration from their stiffer, 2-dial road shoes, Quoc has given the Gran Tourer an XC upgrade.

Calling it the “ultimate, off-road adventure shoe”, the new Gran Tourer XC adds a stiffer carbon-reinforced sole and that second dial for improved fit adjustability, all while keeping the tough upper & popular Gran Tourer looks – perfect for gravel, cyclocross, cross-country, or marathon mountain bike racing.

GT XC tech details

The new shoes are now built on a much stiffer carbon composite outsole, covered with durable TPU ‘AL_Terrain’ MTB tread for good grip, but also adding thread-in toe spike for even more traction in especially bad conditions. A bit of a change from the other Gran Tourers’ GravelGrip lugged soles. Improvement in retention comes from two of Quoc’s own dials for more fine adjustment across the forefoot, separated from the main midfoot closure.

The upper is still made from tough “abrasion-resistant microfibre” with perforations throughout for ventilation, and gets the signature rubberized wrap-around scuff and weather protection of the Gran Tourer family, plus an extra TPU toe bumper. Inside the GT XCs add three different height arch supports to the insoles to further fine-tune your fit.

The Gran Tourer XC shoes sell for $310 / £240 / 275€, and are available now in Dusty Pink (sand+pink), Charcoal (grey+black), or all Black. The shoes come in whole EU sizes 38-47, with a claimed weight of 342g per shoe (size 43).

GT XC First Impressions

Unpredictable and unseasonably cold spring weather has limited our pre-launch testing time with the new Gran Tourer XC shoes mostly to gravel riding. But outside of summer XC race season, gravel feels like a great fit for these shoes. They are noticeably stiffer than either of the previous generations of Gran Tourers, making them feel even more efficient while pedaling the paved sections of our gravel rides.

In fact, combining the still pretty stiff upper with a much stiffer sole and improved fit adjustability, they have made a pretty efficient option for winter all-road training while keeping walkability. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that our small size 38 shoes are a lot lighter than claimed at 564g for the pair (282g per shoe). With better weather on the horizon, we’ll be putting a lot more kilometers in on these shoes off-road, but I think the all-road versatility will see them rack up even bigger mixed-surface distances, too.

Quoc Escape Off-Road gravel & MTB shoes

While the GT XCs take off-road stiffness & fit to a new race-ready height and higher pricepoint, the all-new Escape pairing simplifies the Gran Tourer family to the core essentials in order to create more affordable, yet still modern performance shoes.

The Escape Off-Road is of course the walkable MTB SPD clipless version targeted at mountain bikers and gravel riders, but still with plenty of efficient pedaling stiffness.

Quoc Escape Road shoes

The Escape Road is pretty much a carbon-copy of the Off-Road version, which is a good thing for endurance roadies. The upper is the same – just with simplified scuff bumpers – and it gets a stiffer road-friendly carbon composite sole.

Escape tech details

Both Off-Road & Road variants share the same simple synthetic upper with plenty of randomly dispersed perforations for venting, zig-zagging webbing guides sewn onto the shoe, and a single Quoc dial closure that with 3-lace points makes for very fine tension adjustment, even if there is only 1 dial – just like on the recently updated Gran Tourer 2.

The Off-Road shoes get a walkable glass fiber-reinforced nylon sole, with the same ‘al_terrain’ lugged TPU sole that wraps up into a toe bumper, just like on the new Grand Tourer XC. They also get the same replaceable toe spikes, and get rubberized scuff protection just around the toe & heel.

The Road shoes step up the stiffness with a carbon-reinforced nylon composite sole, add a small toe tread pad that curves up into a tiny rubber toe bumper, and get a replaceable heel pad for some walking stability.

The Escape Off-Road shoes sell for just $200 / £150 / 185€, and are available now in Sand, Amber, or classic all Black. The shoes come in whole EU sizes 38-47, with a light claimed weight of 311g per shoe (size 43) thanks to their simplified construction.

(Our 43s were a tad heavier at 315g a shoe.)

The Escape Road version also sell for the same $200 / £150 / 185€, in White, Amber, or Black. They are available in the same EU 38-47 size range, and weigh just 262g per shoe (size 43).

Quoc Lala Slide post-ride slip-on sandals

Lastly, the Lala Slides are Quoc’s first non-cycling shoes. They call them ‘athlesiure’. Developed for either hard-charging cyclists who need to let their feet relax after a long ride, or just as a lightweight slip-on for adventure bikepacking riders to pop on for post-ride camp life, the Lalas get their name directly from the Lalashan mountains.

Lala tech details

The Lala slides are pretty simple, but still pack in some good tech – and an outdoor-ready grippy outsole. Quoc designed the anatomic cushioned foam footbed to offer support and a secure fit, with space for air to move around and under your toes, whether still in socks or barefoot. Then, they bonded on soft, thick microfiber straps – the same durable Gran Tourer fabric – for durable but comfy hold around your foot.

The Lala slides come in four colors that actually create very different looks – from the all black that kind of disappear, the Sand tan straps with a black footbed for a bit of almost monochrome contrast, or the gray footbed with either Amber or Dusty Pink straps to stand out a bit more. The slip-on sandals sell for $50 / £39 / 45€ now in the same size range, with a weight of just 150g per shoe (size 43).

Lala First Impressions

Just because the snowy, cold & wet weather kept us out of the XC shoes didn’t mean we stopped riding. So tired feet needed lots of recovery time. To be honest, we wondered if we really needed a pair of cycling-specific slippers, but oh how we’ve changed our tune. The Quoc Lala slides are simple and kinda perfect.

Again, our little size 38 ones are quite a bit lighter than the average at 246g (123g per shoe).

Around the house after a ride they were super comfortable to slip on, and quickly became a daily favorite – whether there were bikes to ride or not. Justifying the price for a pair of slip-ons will always be a tough call, and a personal one. But these slides look great, feel great, and have probably been worn for more hours in the past month than any other single pair of shoes in the house. That’s our hot take.

All four new Lalashan Collection shoes are available now direct from Quoc, and from their retailer network.
Quoc.cc

The post Quoc Gran Tourer Shoes go XC, Escape Road & Off-Road at Lower Price, plus Lala Slides appeared first on Bikerumor.

There are a lot of race-focused helmets out there, but the helmets from Thousand take a much different approach. Designed to be stylish yet functional, the original Thousand Heritage helmet stood out from a sea of aggressively styled helmets.

Like any product though, improvements can be made. One of the biggest improvements that Thousand wanted to make to the helmet was making it fit more riders in an effort to be more inclusive to all. That meant introducing what they’re calling a “unique hybrid head form that is designed with both the Asian (round) and European (oval) head shapes.” Thousand points out that most helmet companies fit the latter headform, so the new Thousand headform should comfortably fit more riders globally.

In terms of sizing, the Heritage 2.0 is offered in three sizes, Small (54-57cm), Medium (57-59cm), and Large (59-62cm). The fit is certainly different from a lot of helmets that I’ve tried – at 56cm, I’m typically on the small side of a medium. The size guide for Thousand puts me in a small, which just fits but it’s a little tight at the temples. However, my wife whose head measures 55cm (and is more oval shaped) fits perfectly in the small.

I would say that the sizing is generally a bit bigger than other helmets out there, though I think I would still prefer the medium for my head. Adjustments are made with the dial fit system and internal cradle that offers three vertical positions. The vegan leather straps don’t have any ear cradle adjustment, but they’re well-positioned and fasten with a magnetic Fidlock buckle.

Improved Ventilation

Outside of the change in fit profile, the outer shell has been updated as well. Increased ventilation at the top of the helmet should make it a bit more comfortable in hot weather. While the front of the helmet lacks any visible venting, the inner brow of the helmet has internally molded channels that allow air to flow from the front of the helmet, and out the top and back. All together, Thousand claims this is responsible for a whopping 70% increase in ventilation from the original Heritgage helmet.

PopLock Still Popping

Unlike many of the helmets on the market, the Heritage 2.0 is not an in-molded design meaning there is a hard plastic outer shell with an inner EPS layer. That makes it more durable for daily use including locking it up to the bike – which is a perfect time to use their patented PopLock.

The magnetic PopLock cover is tethered to the helmet, so you can easily pop it out, thread your lock through it, and lock it to the bike.

Increased Visibility

The Heritage 2.0 gets another magnetic party trick as well with the addition of a new magnetic tail light. When available this summer, the light will be sold separately for $25 and will simply pop onto the back of the helmet. Then you can easily remove it when locking up the helmet or to recharge it.

Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet Actual Weight

A non-in-molded helmet will typically be heavier, and that’s the case with the Heritage 2.0. At 455g, the helmet is on the heavier side, but it’s both CPSC certified for bikes and ASTM F1492-15 certified for skateboarding and roller skating.

Pricing, Colors, & Availability

Offered in eight standard colors with additional seasonal colors coming soon, the Heritage 2.0 is available now for $99 with the option to add a monogram for $17-19. You also get their free accident replacement program where if you have an accident and your helmet is damaged, they’ll replace it for free. Also, each helmet ships in an environmentally friendly bamboo fiber bag, and Thousand has been a Climate Positive business since 2020 by offsetting 110% of their carbon emissions.

explorethousand.com

The post The New Thousand Heritage 2.0 Helmet is More Ventilated, Visible, & Fits More Diverse Riders appeared first on Bikerumor.

When I first saw that Fierce Hazel was releasing their first line of on-the-bike bags, I looked up the company to learn more. It turns out that Frankie Holt, the founder of Fierce Hazel, has a real passion for everything she does whether it’s her art, sculpting, or cycling. Her passion extends to the environment and sustainability, which is one of the reasons, her new True Grit bike bags are sustainably made with repurposed fabric.

After reading her amazing story, and also finding out that she really dislikes kale, I was inspired. I also really liked the aesthetics of the Olefin fabric she was using, but more on that a little later.

The Fierce Hazel HQ Tour

Fierce Hazel is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. That’s only about a 40-minute drive for me, so I thought I’d pop over there and pay her a visit and get the scoop on how she operates. Up on the eighth floor of an old, early 1920s building on an eclectic block in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’s Garment District is where I met Frankie. She informed me that she had just moved (early in March) to this new space. It was neat and organized.

The artsy, loft-style space is surrounded by windows, looking kinda familiar, like something you’d see in a movie.

Upon walking in, the space she shares with her photographer husband feels instantly welcoming while having a very palpable feeling of creativity to it.

Frankie seemed at home in a space like this, being an artist herself. Fierce Hazel runs its day-to-day operations out of this HQ, but it’s also the space where she designs and creates all of the Fierce Hazel pieces.

Frankie started Fierce Hazel by making the “lightest, most functional cycling wallet possible”, which then evolved into different pouches, specialty wallets, and bags of all types.

The bags were clever in their design and sustainable in their construction.

The Urban Explorer Bag is my favorite of the “off-the-bike” type bags that she makes. You know I’m a big fan of versatility, and this bag is just that, as it can be worn as a backpack, sling, across-the-body, flight sack, or a “relaxed backpack”. Check it out if you get a chance.

The Urban Explorer Bag uses the same Olefin fabric as the True Grit Bike bag line. She tells me that, after taking a long time looking for an overseas manufacturer for the True Grit line, she decided on a shop in Vietnam that only deals in remnants (including the Olefin), or scraps that are left over from other manufacturers/brands.

Vietnam is easier for her to visit and do quality control check-ups, so she chose them to manufacture her True Grit line.

So, on to the True Grit bike bags.

As I mentioned earlier, I had already received the Saddlebag and Handlebar bag and had been testing the Handle Bar bag for a few weeks. So I will be giving some insight on that bag. I can’t touch on long-term durability, but will touch on all of the features in my review below.

But first, let me tell you a bit about the True Grit Saddle Bag.

Fierce Hazel True Grit Saddle Bag

The Fierce Hazel Saddle Bag is a good-sized, albeit compact saddle bag that tucks in nicely under your saddle. I didn’t get a chance to actually review this bag, although I did mount it up to see how it looked.

I mounted it on my Brooks B17 and on my wife’s ol’ WTB saddle for comparison. Fierce Hazel says it’s big enough to hold up to two tubes, as well as tools, and some snacks. In my wife’s case, it holds one 26″x 2.25″ tube, a Co2 cartridge, an inflator, tire levers, and an old (big) Topeak Alien Tool, still leaving room for a Gu packet or two…plus the space in the flap pocket.

It has a handy key clip and a pocket on the convenient, downward-opening flap that could hold an ID and/or some credit cards. On the inside of the saddle bag, on the side wall, there is a well-thought-out elastic strap to hold a tube, tire levers, or tools up out of the way, while keeping them from getting buried in the saddle bag causing a near-full unload to get to something you need.

The Saddle Bag is made from eco-friendly Olefin. Olefin is an extremely durable synthetic fiber, and it’s stain resistant. The True Grit Bike Bag collection is a very handsome and unique set of bags… classy looking.

Features

• Rugged, weatherproof construction
• Visibility features for added safety
• Upcycled Olefin shell, with a waterproof nylon interior
• Internal key fob, elastic strap, and pocket
• Sustainably produced

Size: 7″ x 4.5″ x 4″

Weight: 3.8oz

Volume: 0.9 liters

Retail: $79

Fierce Hazel True Grit Handlebar Bag Review

I’ve been using the Fierce Hazel True Grit handlebar bag for a few weeks, grabbing rides between the rain that we’ve been getting here. I’ve had it long enough to get an idea of the quality and whether it’s for me or not. Right off the bat, I will tell you that the bag is extremely well-made. It’s a high-quality bag, with a top-notch fit and finish around the edges and seams.

At first, the bag seemed a little on the small-ish size, but after mounting it up, I found it tucked into the handlebars nicely.

Out of curiosity, thinking that my Roadrunner Burrito Supreme Bag was a lot bigger, I put the two side by side and the True Grit bag was the same width but only a little bit smaller in diameter, a difference of .6 liters in volume. That was surprising because the Burrito Bag looks so much bulkier.

It has a handy, although very tight outside, mesh pocket that seems hard to put much in except for maybe a Gu pack or two. Also on the outside of the True Grit bike bags are external light mounts and a large reflective strip across the bag, which is a nice touch.

When mounting the bag to the bars, I noticed some little protective pads that are permanently sewn underneath the buckles. These served two purposes in my experience with the bag, 1) as a sort of grip to keep the bag from slipping, in case you don’t want to use the additional velcro headtube attachment, or 2) they’re simply there as a protection pad for your bars.

Speaking of the velcro attachment strap, the “fuzzy” part of the velcro stops a few inches away from where it starts. This means that if you have it tightened as much as I did (like in the above photo) it leaves an untidy amount of strap danglin’. But, I feel that this was purely user error, as I didn’t need to tighten it as much as I did. If you don’t tighten it as I did, you are left with a clean application of that strap. Plus, it’s removable, so you don’t need to use it if you don’t want to.

The handy key fob tether came in well, handy. A quick pull of the tether (that is conveniently sewn right at the opening of the bag) makes for a quick grab of your car or house key when the bag is stuffed full.

The handlebar bag was able to hold quite a bit when I started loading it up for a ride. I loaded the bag with a banana, my bandana, my keys, and Wolf Tooth multitool (it goes everywhere with me), my driver’s license, and bank card (tucked into the Fierce Hazel Super Uselful Card Holder), sunglasses, my Paul bottle opener (for beer), and my favorite fig bar.

Not shown in the picture are the Giro D&D gloves that I ended up taking off during my ride and shoving in there… leaving plenty of room to spare.

Features

• Rugged, weatherproof construction
• Visibility features for added safety
• Upcycled Olefin shell, with a waterproof nylon interior
• Internal key fob, elastic strap, and pocket
• Sustainably produced

Size: 8″ x 4.5″

Weight: 6.4oz

Volume: 2 liters

Retail: $89

In Conclusion

As I mentioned earlier, I can’t attest to the long-term durability yet, but I can’t see any glaring issues that would lead me to believe that the bag wouldn’t last a very long time.

The True Grit Handlebar bag did, however, live up to its handsome exterior and performed as well as it looks. It mounts quickly and easily, making it easy to remove from the bike. This makes it nice for someone (like me) that does a lot of shorter rides during the week where a handlebar bag isn’t really needed. That being said, it looks small and tidy and would be a bag that I could easily leave on the bike 24/7.

Fierce Hazel is a female-owned, small operation, that runs ethically, and eco-consciously. Their products are all designed in California and are well thought out, clever products that fit many needs throughout the whole line.

The True Grit on-the-bike bag line is a welcome addition to the choices we have for these types of bags. They are very reasonably priced for the quality of the bag you are receiving. I would recommend them.

Check out all of the Fierce Hazel Goodies by hitting the link below.

FierceHazel.com

The post HQ Tour: Fierce Hazel is Designing New True Grit Bike Bags in LA appeared first on Bikerumor.

Restrap adds its smallest bag to date in the new Tool Pouch – a classic compact saddlebag, packing just enough space for your regular ride spares & tools. A tool, a tube, a CO2 inflator, some tire levers, and still a bit of room for a snack, the new 0.6L Restrap Tool Pouch is a just no-nonsense saddlebag. But it still retains the built-for-anything details you’d expect from bikepacking bag maker Restrap, and it’s entirely made in the UK at a pretty reasonable price.

We stuff it full to see how it stands up…

Restrap Tool Pouch 0.6L everyday saddlebag

What do you really need out of an everyday saddle bag? Room for everyday tools & spares. Secure, but easy attachment under your saddle rails. Durable construction that will protect the things you carry, and stand up to the abuse of riding in foul weather. The new Restrap Tool Pouch does all of that, and it’s made in the UK from tough synthetic materials, and doesn’t cost an arm & a leg.

Restrap says their Tool Pouch is designed “for storing essential tools for on-the-go access, from short weekend rides to long lightweight trips with additional kit”.

Tech details

Really it’s just a well-made saddlebag – a bit larger than usual – that can be an everyday bag for road, gravel, or mountain biking – with just enough adjustability that you can stuff something like an ultra-compact mini-pump inside too.

The Tool Pouch is made of rough & tough 1000D nylon, with a smoother slippery orange liner (in all color versions), and a single mesh internal organizer pocket. It also gets a thin layer of internal foam padding where the bag rests up against the back of your seatpost, plus around the bottom & sides to help protect whatever you pack inside.

A simple sewn-on velcro strap secures it under your saddle, with small reflective stitching for a tiny bit of extra visibility.

Review First Impressions

My first takeaway when loading this little bag up was just how much you could stuff inside. I packed mine up for gravel with the biggest Unior Euro 17 multi-tool in my toolbox, a pair of Unior tire levers, a Restrap Tire Boot Kit, a big Challenge latex tube, a CO2 & PRO inflator, and still had plenty of space for a salty Pizza bar care of Chimpanzee. It was mostly full, and still closed completely. You could pack less and cinch the main velcro flap down more, or stuff it even more.

Fully loaded it’s about 10cm wide x 7cm tall x 13cm long when fully closed (with a 5×8.5cm opening). But its 3D tapered shape can easily be extended by about 3cm, meaning you can easily fit in a tiny pump like the 14cm long Lezyne Pocket Drive road or HV mountain series. Either way, the simple velcro strap looping around the saddle rails means you can always get it secure.

The bag itself weighs just 75g, but feels pretty heavy-duty. I’ve not yet had much foul weather beyond riding through some stick mud and a few puddles so far, where it was almost entirely protected by my Ass Savers Win Wing fender (so much for abusive bag testing, sorry). It seems likely to keep its contents pretty well protected as the flap is wider than its opening, but it is obviously not an overly waterproofed design. So I wouldn’t pack anything likely to be damaged by water, and will empty the bag out to dry after especially wet rides.

All-in, the bright orange liner, small mesh pocket & big adjustable storage have made the Restrap Tool Pouch a solid saddle bag for off-road rides.

Restrap Tool Pouch – Pricing, options & availability

The new Tool Pouch is Restrap’s smallest bike bag, but it is still entirely handmade in the UK and backed by a lifetime warranty. The 0.6L saddlebag sells for $50 / £33 / 40€ and comes in three colors – black, olive green, or bright orange, all with an orange liner to help find small items inside.

Get yours today direct from Restrap or through a global network of retailer shops.

Restrap.com

The post Restrap Tool Pouch Carries All Your Spares in Heavy-Duty Mini Saddlebag – First Rides appeared first on Bikerumor.

With three sizes from small to huge and two closure styles from classic zip to an almost automatic flap, Tailfin’s new Top Tube Packs offer a way to carry more at your fingertips, even for those riders reluctant to attach bags to their bikes. As more cyclists keep strapping bags on their bikes, even beyond bikepacking adventures, Tailfin’s new secure Top Tube Pack range offers easy access and easy-to-add rackless storage options for riders looking to carry everything from a simple snack or smartphone, all the way up to an extra jacket and trailside repair tools.

Tailfin Top Tube Packs: Small Rackless Bikepacking Bag Storage

For a company that has built a brand around a lightweight bikepacking setup with a unique rack, it’s interesting to see Tailfin going deeper with bags in the on-bike bag game too. From a technical perspective, a few things make the Tailfin Top Tube Packs unique.

First, three sizes. A 0.8L bag is pretty small, mostly fitting a phone, mini-tool, and some snacks. The 1.1 L still feels compact while offering more usable storage, including a compact shell vest or jacket. And the 1.5 L seems pretty huge when it sits just behind your relatively tiny stem, easily fitting pretty much any packable jacket along with plenty of other small items. You can probably equate it to what you would comfortably carry in one, two, or three jersey pockets without feeling bogged down.

Next, are two closure types, which really make for two different experiences that will appeal to different users. The zip-opening is pretty classic, simple, and hard to argue with. The new Flip Lid version offers a much wider opening that will help get more bulky items inside like a camera or even my DJI Mini drone — something you can really do through the slit you get with a zipper. The Flip Lid models feature a magnet that automatically grabs the top once it falls closed, plus a secondary loop you can then hook in place for super secure closure.

The last big new thing is Tailfin’s V-Mount attachment that uses a molded rubberized bracket to hook on your frame — actually adapted tech from Tailfin’s other rackless on-bike bags, its Downtube Packs. This one bracket allows you to push a bolt through for bolt-on bikes, or loop its own Voile-style TPU rubber strap for a secure install on frames without top tube bag bolts. Tailfin designed it to work with classic small diameter round metal frame tubes or modern flat carbon bikes, to completely eliminate the small movement that rubs away your paint finish, and without the need for any stabilizing strap around the stem thanks to lightweight internal HDPE support structure.

A few more details include fully waterproof welded 210D Hypalon/Diamond ripstop nylon construction, a full-length internal mesh pocket that helps keep things organized (and keeps your expensive phone separated from whatever else you stuff inside), a cable port flap in the front so you could push through a wire to power a light or navigation device from a battery inside protected from the elements, and the zip versions come with its standard blue zipper pull AND a black one if you can’t stand so much color on your bike.

And Now on to the Tailfin Top Tube Pack Reviews

Zach’s Take

After testing a bunch of different top tube packs in the past, I had come to the conclusion that they really just weren’t for me. I found that almost all of them suffered from one of many flaws — they either rubbed on my legs when pedaling, wouldn’t stay put, fit the bike poorly, or they simply didn’t offer enough storage to be practical.

James from Tailfin told us that its new packs would be different. Sure, we’ve heard that before, but this was coming from Tailfin, the masters of the uniquely technical bike bag.

I wanted something that would absolutely not rub on my legs, so James suggested I try out the 0.8L zip-opening top tube pack. This is the smallest of the range, but it is still big enough to offer useful storage. The bag is tall enough that it will fit some phones, waffles, and other taller items, but it’s short enough that even on smaller frames you can still straddle the top tube without it getting in the way.

My favorite use for top tube bags is to provide easy access to snacks without having to stop. The Tailfin Top Tube pack performed that duty perfectly with an effortless zipper that is easily opened and closed with one hand. The opening of the bag is also crafted in a way that is easy to reach inside, but it resists the contents just bouncing out if you’re trying to grab the contents over rough terrain.

The only comment I have about the zipper is that if you don’t close it all the way, the zipper pull can be a bit noisy. The solution is easy though — just push it all the way into the zipper garage, and it’s silent.

More importantly, the tapered design of the pack means it’s extremely difficult to get it to rub on your legs while pedaling. I’ve used other bags that have managed this feat, but not with this much storage. When looking down from the top of the bag, the Restrap frame bag I was running underneath was wider than the top tube bag. The narrow profile matched with the semi-rigid design of the Tailfin pack means that it’s the perfect shape for unobtrusive storage.

It’s also the most stable top tube pack that I’ve used. It seems like all bolt-on frame packs should be equally as stable, but the Tailfin pack doesn’t budge thanks to the V-Mount hardware, which is attached to the rigid internal structure of the bag. The rigid connection also means a front strap around the steerer isn’t needed.

On top of the internal structure is a sort of foam insole that cushions anything inside the bag (like your phone) and keeps the hardware from damaging it.

As usual, Tailfin has absolutely obsessed over every detail and created a class-leading product. Given that this bag is able to fit almost any frame out of the box without having to buy any accessories or adapters makes it an easy recommendation.

Cory’s Take

My perspective covers more of the bigger bags, and more specifically the flap-top closure. While many riders deal with their knees hitting top tube bags, I am usually not bothered. My concern is more the ability to easily get in and out of the bag one-handed while riding for snack storage or a place to keep my phone or camera protected from rain on bad weather days and my own sweaty back (or hip pocket) on sunny days.

So, honestly already being a fan of another flap-top bag, I was looking forward to more storage options.

Lightweight is great, and it’s nice that my 1.1L Flip Lid pack was exactly as advertised at 189 g with the two included straps I would need to fit the bag to my old-school lugged steel adventure bike.

But really, the stability offered by those V-Mount brackets might be what sold me on the packs.

This old metal cyclocross-style travel bike has had tons of iterations from mechanical canti rim brakes and mechanical shifting to modern hydraulic disc brakes and wireless shifting. It still has external routing on the top of the top tube, so good luck getting a bag there without compromise. And yet …

The Tailfin V-Mount clamps securely on top of my cable guide and allows the rear brake line to pass next to the mount (see two photos above for the side profile). And I can still unstrap and transfer it to a more modern bike in literal seconds.

I love the flip-top style for easy access, and this 1.1L Flip Lid bag offers plenty of space for a ShakeDry shell, a full-sized multitool, and a few snacks — all things that meant less in my pockets.

Really I can overstuff this little bag and it still closes easily with a little magnetic grab. Then, the stretchy loop offers plenty of extra length for me to clasp it over the plastic hook for a visible secure closure. And there’s even extra room for me to overstuff it a bit more.

As for knee rub, this mid-size bag still gets a tapered shape like the very thin 0.8L bag Zach tested, but this one isn’t quite so thin. I didn’t have a problem with my knees touching the bag most of the time, but it is certainly wider than the steel tubes on this bike, and off-road out-of-the-saddle efforts could involve me brushing the bag’s sides, especially when it was overstuffed.

The flap-style closure also does make the bag both wider and more prone to catch on your knee. So riders who are afraid of rub should stick to the smaller zippered bags. But I am sticking with this one.

We also tried out the bigger zippered bag for some snowy fat biking, and we came away happy but unsurprised how a bigger bag than the mid-size is pretty much only for mountain bikes with long reach and wider top tubes.

Tailfin’s own suggestion is that the really big 1.5L versions are only for MTB and only for people who have no concerns about knee rub. That seems fair, and those bags do offer a ton of storage for those riders really looking to carry more.

Tailfin Top Tube Packs: Pricing, Options, and Availability

While there are three sizes and two styles, only the zip bag comes in the smallest as the flip-top requires a bigger overall footprint. The Tailfin Top Tube Pack Zip comes in the $65/60€ 0.8L (138 g), $70/65€ 1.1L (154 g), and $75/70€ 1.5L (178 g) sizes.

The Tailfin Top Tube Pack Flip Lid comes in the $75/70€ 1.1L (167 g) and $80/75€ 1.5L (187 g) sizes. All weights here are claimed for bolt-on setups; strap setups add an extra 12 g.

All are available now, direct from Tailfin with a five-year warranty, the ability to replace the straps and V-Mount brackets if ever needed, and a discounted crash-replacement program for as long as you use the bags.

Tailfin.cc

The post Tailfin Top Tube Packs Offer Extra Bikepacking Storage for All Sizes & Preferences: Review appeared first on Bikerumor.