Lazer has introduced perhaps the most trick helmet buckle we’ve ever seen on their new Oasiz mountain bike helmet. Called the Magic Bucklet, it uses strong magnets to pull the clasp together and lock it into place, making one-handed, on-the-bike closure easy, and it also makes removal a super quick affair:
Check out the full specs and photos for the Oasiz and updated versions of their Tardiz triathlon/aero helmet and the all-new Cityzen commuter/urban helmet, along with some very cool, er, warm winter riding helmet accessories. All that and close up photos of the Magic Buckle right after the break…
The Magic Buckle is a magnetically guided closure mechanism. The magnets aren’t what hold it securely to your head, they just help it close quickly and easily. The slotted end has two small clasps that grab the “male” piece and keep it from sliding out. I’ve been wearing one on several mountain bike rides and it works great. The straps themselves are a little slippery and require occasional readjustment at the clasp, but the buckle itself stays put and won’t pull open on it’s own.
The Magic Buckle in closed position.
The Oasiz helmet is Lazer’s new-for-2011 mountain bike helmet for the All Mountain crowd.
Rear coverage is pretty substantial, and it has their Rigidity Brace System (RBS), a hard nylon brace that runs through the EPS foam shell). It comes with the visor shown in the top image, and it’s removable.
It uses In-Mold construction to fuse the outer shell with the foam. The Oasiz has 19 vents that seem to work pretty well during my test rides.
Like all of Lazer’s performance helmets, it uses their Rollsys SL retention adjustment, which is that knob at the rear on the top. It pulls the rear retention assembly snugly against the back of your head. It’ll be available in two sizes: XXS-M and L-XL.
The minimal padding on the inside has X-Static fibers to keep funk at bay. One nice feature is the continuous padding around the entire front half of your forehead, from ear to ear. The Oasiz will be available in November 2010. The Brian Lopes edition shown here also comes in black/green and gray/orange color schemes for $135, or you can get standard versions (ie. w/o Lopes’ name and graphics) for $125 in white/red, matte black, white, white/silver or pink/silver. All will come with the Magic Buckle.
For roadies and winter riders, Lazer will offer the Nirvana, a mountain bike helmet shown here, as a road helmet without the visor and call it the Sphere. Weight is 315g to 335g and MSRP is $130. It shares the RBS and In-Mold construction. Straps will match the colors of the helmet.
The winter padding shown on the Nirvana is optional:
It’s designed to cover the forehead and ears and reduce airflow through the helmet. They’re custom fit for each helmet design and size, and they’re available for a variety of Lazer’s helmets.
For triathletes and time trialers, the Tardiz gets a few updates and new features. A new integrated visor option will be available in both mirrored (shown) and clear and be sold separately. For 2011, the Tardiz will also get the Magic Buckle, which should shave a few seconds off T1.
The 2011 model gets new ear covers with slots to accommodate sunglasses. They also get the lighter weight Rollsys SL retention mech.
If you’re not familiar with the Tardiz, one cool feature is the removeable top panel to allow you to pour water over your head during a ride to cool off.
Inside, the padding and molded channels help distribute the water evenly over your noggin. MSRP for the 2011 Tardiz is $195.
If you’re more concerned with appearance than function, Lazer has a limited edition run of Kona inspired 2010 Tardiz helmets. They don’t have all the fancy new features of the 2011 models, but they look all islandy.
For Brit-o-philes, there’s a new Union Jack design in the Krux urban helmet.
Last but not least, Lazer has a new commuter helmet called the Cityzen. Made to look like fashionable caps, the integrated visor and cool plaid makes them more of a commuter helmet in our opinion, especially with the optional winter kit as shown.
Also available in blue, the leathery straps really dial up the style.
The cover and limited vents probably make the Cityzen a better choice for cooler climes and winter seasons. MSRP is TBD.
