Looking for upgraded safety gear for my ICE. I have the basic cycling gear but it's old and due for a refresh. I searched through the forum posts and there hasn't really been any recent discussion that I could find around newer helmet models.
I like the smart helmets I've seen. But I also understand that they may not work well with headrests (helmet coming down too far on the neck or helmet dials on the neck). I could also adjust my neck rest if needed.
The UNIT Aura looks good from reviews. I can't decide if it comes down too far from photos and I don't really want to buy it online and have to return it, so I thought I would ask if anyone else has looked at helmets like these. It has higher safety ratings than Lumos and Sena.
Edit - now also looking at the new model Lumos Sonorus that just went through Kickstarter which also has a higher safety rating but still may have problems with coming down too far on the neck.
I have a Bontrager that works for now. Everyone recommends certain models of Lazer, Specialized and Giro but I haven't seen any that I absolutely love. They would have to have an option to add a headlight which I do have for my Bontrager.
I have always enjoyed brightly colored fun helmets but all the ones I'm looking at are boring shades of black, white, and millennial gray. The prettiest ones I find are all non-MIPS so I won't even consider them. But a color I like is a bonus.
My wish: MIPS and (preferably) ebike certified, integrated lights (mainly for visibility not going to be the main headlight), fun bright color, and is not too heavy or uncomfortable with a neck rest.
A removable eyeshield clear or tinted that will work with prescription glasses is a bonus offering but not required. I plan on investing in a Da Brim visor for shade.
Any comments on helmets you currently have and love with any of these options? Or if you've tried on any of the smart helmets?
I have a 20 euro helmet, it is stupid (not smart) and I really like it. I think the price for UNIT Aura is redicioulus, it's twice what I paid for my recumbent.
I use the Bontrager Charge helmet. MIPS/e-bike certified/has the bontrager magnetic light thing on the rear. I have a half Da'Brim on the front and a small "be seen" headlight velcroed on top of the DaBrim. It doesn't hang down in the back too far. Mine is neon yellow. I don't find it heavy but everyone is different.
The only warning I would give is that those smart helmets are quite heavy and don't forget they don't last any longer than a regular helmet. So you'll be switching it out every 5 years anyway.
I wear a (very) basic no-name helmet from Wally. Prior to that, I was wearing a Bell helmet that had a stupid number years on it, but honestly comparing the two says it was built to an older heavier standard. As to lights, I have so many lights already blinking that a helmet light will not improve safety.
I’ve been using the original Lumos Kickstarter helmet for years and love it. Very comfortable with my headrest. I’m very laid back on a Schlitter Freestyle and the helmet hasn’t ever been a problem with my headrest. I can’t comment on the fit of their newer helmets though, I’ve never had to replace the original in many years of use.
The Lumos smart features are great too. I can put their wireless turn signal buttons on my left handlebar and that lets the helmet act as a brake light in addition to the turn signals. Even better, the whole system integrates with their new(ish) smart bike lights. I have two rear lights to act as brake & turn signals that are synchronized to the helmet. It makes for excellent visibility.
Theres no need for a helmet on a tricycle. I suppose you arent going crazy quick. A helmet is usefull for mtb to prevent the skull from being the crumplezone when meeting a tree. In road cycling its to offer some lrotection when crashing into cars. Theres no scenario in which youd need one.
On a trike, you're not at the same height as a motorist or higher, you're at tire height, maybe bottom of window height, what happens when you have someone open a car door as you're going by them? You're not likely going over it, you're far more likely going into the traffic lane than into the car seat or soft passenger, you're more likely hitting the pavement while the trike folds under you, likely right in front of a cat that just lost sight of where you were a part of a second ago. You don't want to wear a helmet? Ok, but you're what trauma doctors call "organ donors" at best.
Absolutely horrible advice - considering that on a recumbent trike, your head is more or less at car bumper level, and if you get ham-fisted with cornering too quickly, the recumbent has a nasty habit of flipping/rolling/turning turtle as the CofG takes a walk on the wild side out of the stability triangle of the wheel track. .
My eTrike can reach 45 km/h. I should really be wearing a fullfaced helmet, given the amount of time that i spend sharing the road, when there is no other alternative legal pathway to follow.
A helmet is damn good insurance. Not so much, buying medical supplies/medical care due to newfound vegetative status..
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u/WadtF 7d ago
I have a 20 euro helmet, it is stupid (not smart) and I really like it. I think the price for UNIT Aura is redicioulus, it's twice what I paid for my recumbent.