The Carrera Folding helmet is modern as it is retro. Inspired by the old leather “hairnets,” the design fuses modern helmet technology with a flexible core allowing the helmet to “fold.” While it doesn’t really fold, it does compress to about 80% of the full size allowing it to fit more easily in bags, lockers, etc.
In addition to adding new colors for the coming year, Carrera has teamed up with Brooks to offer two special collaboration projects – the J.B. Special and the J.B. Classic. Built on the Carrera folding platform but with classic Brooks touches, the helmets will certainly appeal to anyone perched on the rivets of a leather saddle…
Offered in two Brooks versions named after the bounder of the company John Boultbee, the J.B. Special would be considered the premium version with special weather-proof textiles on one of the lobes. All of the helmets include a Brooks leather carrying strap that keeps the helmet collapsed when not in use and doubles as a strap for your pant leg while riding.
The J.B. Special is available in 4 colors and 2 sizes (Medium 55 – 58 cm and Large 58 – 61 cm) for 170 Euros.
The J.B. Classic Edition is a simpler version with solid shell colors but still offering the leather accents worthy of the Brooks name. The Classic is available in 3 colors and in the M and L sizes for 150 Euro. Both helmets weigh in at a claimed 330g and include EN 1078 and CPSC certifications which does not include Australia.
On the Carrera side, the company is still offering 7 standard colors as well as 3 premium colors, but they introduced a new camouflage line at Eurobike. We’re not sure camouflage is the best thing to be seen while cycling on the streets, but that’s why they also offer the hi-viz Lime. At least the white/camo version is pretty visible.